Best State to start up new Trucking Insurance now
New Owner Operators frequently call to ask about The Best State for Commercial Truck Insurance.
Believe it or not, the answer can fluctuate from year to year based on insurance companies competing for your business.
For years Progressive Insurance cornered the market for new venture startup Owner Operators and small Motor Carriers in virtually all states.
Well a familiar GREEN financial giant has just stepped into the trucking insurance arena in several pilot states.
What are the 5 Hot New Battleground States for Commercial Trucking Insurance
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Florida
- Texas
[South Carolina, Arizona and Colorado are next to rollout.]
These pilot states are where the battle begins between the BLUE and the GREEN.
More competition usually leads to lower premiums for Owner Operators and small Motor Carriers.
Before anyone outside of these states gets any creative ideas it’s important to know you can’t just pick whatever state you want to start your trucking insurance:)
All insurance providers use sophisticated algorithms to confirm you live where you say you do.
To establish yourself for trucking insurance in any state:
- You’ll need a physical address where you actually live in that state, along with proof.
- Your vehicle(s) also need to be registered and garaged in that state, along with proof.
- Your driver’s license needs to be in that state, and in most cases all other drivers as well.
Here are each state’s Trucking Insurance Requirements:
Ohio Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Indiana Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Illinois Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Florida Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
South Carolina Commercial Trucking Insurance Requirements
Arizona Commercial Trucking Insurance Requirements
Colorado Commercial Trucking Insurance Requirements
What if you don’t live in the Hot Battleground States for Trucking Insurance
Recent average trucking insurance rates for all states have not been published.
Please be aware that the comparison of trucking insurance below reflects the information that was shared with agents some time ago.
Although the listed premiums may not reflect the current inflation rates and hard market, they still underscore the ongoing disparities among states.
State | With DOT | Without DOT |
Alabama | $14,216 | $10,284 |
Alaska | $9,326 | $6,915 |
Arizona | $11,797 | $6,102 |
Arkansas | $14,922 | $10,973 |
California | $14,041 | $11,834 |
Colorado | $12,110 | $7,294 |
Connecticut | $17,004 | $16,946 |
Delaware | $19,670 | $17,351 |
Florida | $19,480 | $12,872 |
Georgia | $20,641 | $15,200 |
Idaho | $9,008 | $6,887 |
Illinois | $13,781 | $7,704 |
Indiana | $11,141 | $8,430 |
Iowa | $8,866 | $5,615 |
Kansas | $10,160 | $6,645 |
Kentucky | $15,500 | $11,555 |
Louisiana | $23,453 | $19,736 |
Maine | $13,763 | $9,535 |
Maryland | $16,056 | $11,112 |
Massachusetts | $17,017 | $5,447 |
Michigan | $13,793 | $8,910 |
Minnesota | $12,820 | $9,669 |
Mississippi | $4,664 | $3,552 |
Missouri | $11,757 | $7,646 |
Montana | $9,492 | $6,501 |
Nebraska | $8,664 | $6,259 |
Nevada | $16,912 | $10,681 |
New Hamp | $11,390 | $6,817 |
New Jersey | $20,255 | $20,763 |
New Mexico | $9,738 | $7,298 |
New York | $16,949 | $17,585 |
North Carolina | $10,630 | $7,450 |
North Dakota | $9,206 | $6,456 |
Ohio | $9,933 | $7,094 |
Oklahoma | $13,383 | $9,376 |
Oregon | $11,272 | $8,484 |
Pennsylvania | $12,470 | $7,536 |
Rhode Island | $17,220 | $14,046 |
South Carolina | $13,376 | $9,390 |
South Dakota | $9,013 | $6,689 |
Tennessee | $13,773 | $9,592 |
Texas | $14,497 | $10,533 |
Utah | $11,110 | $9,121 |
Vermont | $9,643 | $6,937 |
Virginia | $13,119 | $9,957 |
Washington | $12,706 | $8,484 |
West Virgina | $14,638 | $11,687 |
Wisconsin | $9,231 | $6,714 |
Wyoming | $7,149 | $4,927 |
These rates were based on a 40 year old driver with a clean MVR and median insurance credit score, an 8 year old $40K tractor and $22K trailer with $1 Million Primary Liability and $1,000 Deductibles for Comp & Collision.
[Related Story – Save Money on your New Motor Carrier Truck Insurance]
What’s next in the competition for Trucking Insurance
As the BLUE and GREEN contenders now battle it out in these hot states, the GREEN nationwide rollout is on it’s way.
So stay put wherever you are!
Insurance underwriters like stable insureds with good track records that help predict safe future risk exposure.
When insurance companies receive multiple quote requests from the same entity with different states their “gamer radar” goes off.
This is not to your advantage:)
Be sure to choose a Professional Truck Insurance Broker who is easy to understand and partners with the latest insurance competitors.
She knows the ropes and will guide you to the best trucking insurance coverage and premium year after year.
Wherever you live just give us a call to chat at CIS 330-864-1511.
We’re here to help you navigate the always changing marketplace and hit the road with affordable trucking insurance.
15 Minutes can Save you BIG $$$ on your Trucking Insurance!

Authors
Shelly Benisch, CIC, TRS started Commercial Insurance Solutions, Inc. (CIS) in 2002 and brings over 30 years of experience in Commercial Truck Insurance. As one of the top 25 Progressive Truck Insurance Agency Leaders in 2024, she helps small Motor Carriers and Owner Operators across the country find affordable truck insurance quotes with GEICO, Progressive and more. Shelly also writes a free Commercial Truck Insurance Blog packed with tips for all kinds of Small Truckers. Her team of Truck Insurance Experts have earned CIS consistent 5-star Google reviews and Progressive's Top 25 Truck Elite Status. For expert Commercial Truck Insurance advice, give Shelly a call at (330) 864-1511 #CISDoesThat Commercial Truck Insurance for owner operators and small motor carriers.
CEOChristina Cummings, TRS certified, leads Commercial Insurance Solutions, Inc. (CIS) as Executive Director and true experienced advice on Commercial Truck Insurance. She secures the most affordable GEICO quotes and Progressive quotes...and more for small Motor Carriers and Owner Operators nationwide. She is your "go to" person at CIS for advice with underwriting questions, tips and networking opportunities for Small Truckers. Under her leadership CIS earned Progressive's Top 25 Truck Elite status in 2024 and consistent 5-Star Google reviews. She also co-authors the free CIS Commercial Truck Insurance Blog for small Motor Carriers and Owner Operators, sharing her bottom line tips on how to find more affordable Commercial Truck Insurance. Looking for expert trucking insurance advice–Christina is your go to leader at (330) 864-1511 #CISDoesThat