PRIMARY
LIABILITY COVERAGE
FMCSA-Compliant Protection for Truckers
Get the primary auto liability you need to stay on the road, protect your authority, and satisfy broker and shipper requirements. Most trucking operations qualify for limits from $750,000 to $5,000,000.
Fast quotes · No obligation · Trucking insurance specialists
Some of the insurance markets we work with
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Carrier availability varies by state, operation type, fleet size, and underwriting requirements.
The Foundation of Your Policy
Why Primary Liability Matters
Primary liability does more than check a compliance box — it protects your business, your reputation, and your future. Without it, you cannot legally operate, and one serious accident could put your entire business at risk.
- Meets FMCSA and state filing requirements to keep your authority active
- Covers legal defense costs — even if the claim turns out to be invalid
- Protects against lawsuits and large out-of-pocket settlements
- Required by most brokers and shippers before they'll use your trucks
- Shields your personal assets when your business is sued
Real-world example: If your driver causes a multi-vehicle accident on the highway, primary liability covers injuries to other parties, vehicle damage, legal costs, and settlements — up to your policy limits. Without it, those costs come out of your pocket.
What Is Primary Auto Liability?
Primary Auto Liability is the legally required foundation of any commercial trucking policy. It protects your business when your truck causes bodily injury or property damage to others, and keeps your authority active with FMCSA compliance.
Operating Without It Has Consequences
- Immediate shutdown of your authority
- Heavy FMCSA fines and penalties
- Personal liability exposure for the business owner
What Primary Liability Covers
Bodily Injury
Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal damages for injured parties
Property Damage
Repairs or replacement of vehicles, buildings, and infrastructure damaged by your truck
Legal Defense
Attorney fees, court costs, and settlements if you're sued — even for invalid claims
Settlements & Judgments
Payment of claims up to your policy limits so your business assets stay protected
Environmental Cleanup
Fuel or cargo spill cleanup costs when applicable to your policy
Medical Payments (Add-On)
Immediate medical costs for involved parties regardless of who is at fault
Know Your Requirement
FMCSA Minimum Liability Limits
Your required minimum depends on what you haul and how you operate. We verify the right limit based on your DOT/MC number and cargo type.
| Operation Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| General freight (over 10,001 lbs) | $750,000 |
| Oil transport / higher-risk operations | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous materials (explosives, chemicals) | $5,000,000 |
* Actual required limits depend on your operation, vehicle weight, and cargo. We confirm what you need based on your DOT/MC details.
Coverage Limits & Options
We help you structure the right limit based on your operation, contracts, and routes.
Best For
General freight carriers, local and regional operations, new authority
Coverage Limits
Best For
Hazmat haulers, oil field services, household goods movers, specialized freight
Coverage Limits
Description
A single pool covering both bodily injury and property damage per occurrence — more flexible than split limits
Coverage Limits
Who Qualifies
Who Needs Primary Liability?
If you operate any commercial vehicle for business, this coverage is required. That includes:
Not sure if you qualify? Send us your info and we'll confirm your requirement in minutes.
Equipment We Insure
Trucks & Operations Covered
Vehicle Types
- Semi trucks / tractors
- Box trucks and straight trucks
- Cargo vans (commercial use)
- Flatbeds, reefers, dry vans
- Dump trucks and tow trucks
- Car haulers and hotshots
- Intermodal / port equipment
Industries We Serve
- General freight hauling
- Intermodal / drayage
- Construction hauling
- Reefer and food-grade transport
- Auto transport
- Hazmat and specialized freight
- Long-haul and regional OTR
Common Questions
Primary Liability FAQs
Still have questions? Call 1-888-254-0089 or request your quote above.
Get a competitive primary liability quote in minutes. Our team specializes in commercial trucking insurance and FMCSA filings.
We file everything needed to keep you compliant.
Related Coverages
Ready to Protect Your Authority and Your Business?
Tell us about your operation and we'll get to work on your primary liability quote. Fast, competitive, and FMCSA-compliant.