Primary auto liability insurance
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people while driving your truck.
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What it pays for
- Medical bills for people hurt in a crash you caused
- Repairs to other vehicles, buildings, and property you hit
- Legal defense if you are sued after an accident
What it leaves out
- Repairs to your own truck or trailer (that is physical damage)
- The freight you are hauling (that is cargo)
- Your own injuries
Who needs it
Every motor carrier with its own authority. Without it, your MC number cannot go active.
Requirements
Federal minimum for for-hire carriers of general freight in trucks over 10,001 lbs is $750,000 (49 CFR 387.9). Most brokers and shippers ask for $1,000,000. Your insurer files proof with the FMCSA on a BMC-91 or BMC-91X.
Common questions
Is $750,000 enough?
It meets the federal minimum for general freight, but most brokers will not load you below $1,000,000. Hazardous materials carry higher minimums: $1,000,000 for oil and $5,000,000 for many hazmat classes.
I'm leased to a carrier. Do I need my own primary liability?
Usually not. The motor carrier you are leased to covers you while you are under their dispatch. You still need cover for the times you are not, which is bobtail or non-trucking liability.