The short answer
Primary auto liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others while operating your truck. It's required by law for for-hire carriers (federal minimum $750,000 for general freight) and most brokers require $1,000,000. It doesn't cover your own truck, your cargo or your own injuries.
Primary auto liability is the foundation of every commercial truck insurance program. It's the coverage FMCSA requires, the one brokers check first and usually the largest line on your premium. This page explains what it covers, how much you need and how to buy it well.
What primary liability covers
- Bodily injury to other people: medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
- Property damage to other vehicles, buildings, guardrails and property
- Legal defense costs if you're sued after an accident, typically in addition to the limit (check your policy)
- Environmental restoration required under federal rules, when applicable
What it doesn't cover
| Not covered | Coverage that responds |
|---|---|
| Your own truck and trailer | Physical damage |
| The freight you haul | Motor truck cargo |
| Your own injuries (independent contractor) | Occupational accident |
| Non-driving business liability | General liability |
| Driving off dispatch while leased on | Non-trucking liability |
How much liability do you need?
Federal minimum liability for for-hire carriers
Interstate carriers of property, vehicles of 10,001 lbs GVWR or more
Federal minimums under 49 CFR 387.9 are legal floors. Most brokers and shippers require $1,000,000:
Limits brokers and shippers commonly ask for
Typical contract requirements. Your broker agreements decide the real numbers.
Many carriers buy $1,000,000 combined single limit. Some add umbrella or excess coverage for larger contracts.
How it's filed with FMCSA
If you have your own authority, your insurer files a BMC-91 or BMC-91X with FMCSA, and your policy includes the MCS-90 endorsement. Without that filing, your authority can't go active.
Scheduled autos and listed drivers
Most truck liability policies cover specific scheduled vehicles and listed drivers. Adding a truck or driver without telling your insurer can create a coverage dispute and, under the MCS-90, a reimbursement obligation. Report every change before the truck rolls.
What affects the price
Driving records, years of authority, radius, states, commodities, claims history and safety scores. See how much is truck insurance for each factor.
Primary liability for leased-on drivers
When you're leased on, the motor carrier's primary liability usually covers you under dispatch. You need non-trucking liability for when you're not. See leased-on vs. own authority insurance.
Before you buy
- Confirm the limit matches your broker contracts
- Check scheduled vehicles and drivers
- Ask about radius and territory restrictions
- Confirm the insurer will file the BMC-91X on binding
- Compare total cost including fees and financing
Questions truckers ask
Is primary liability required for truckers?
Yes. For-hire interstate carriers must carry at least the federal minimum, $750,000 for general freight.
How much primary liability do brokers require?
Most require $1,000,000 combined single limit.
Does primary liability cover my truck?
No. Physical damage coverage protects your own truck and trailer.
Does primary liability cover me when I'm not under dispatch?
If you're leased on, usually not. Non-trucking liability fills that gap.
Written by the FairlyCover Editorial Team. This guide explains how coverage generally works. It isn't legal or insurance advice, and your policy wording always decides what's covered. How we write and review content.
