Meeting Pennsylvania Trucking Insurance Requirements just got easier now that GEICO’s stepped in to compete for new Motor Carriers.
Pennsylvania Trucking Insurance Requirements follow the minimum insurance guidelines set by FMCSA.
If you’re a new trucker in Pennsylvania driving across state lines, here’s a quick rundown of how it all works:
- After you register with FMCSA as a new Motor Carrier you will receive your DOT number.
- You buy your insurance and the company electronically sends your proof of insurance to FMCSA-referencing that DOT #.
- This Federal proof of insurance is called your BMC-91X filing.
- The MCS-90 you hear referenced is simply your insurance company promising FMCSA you have coverage in place.*
- Your insurance company also sends your proof of insurance to PennDot and PAPUC.
- During this time you’ll get companies calling you to process your BOC-3 Form…this is simple so no worries.
- Within a month, FMCSA then issues your actual MC number which is your Motor Carrier interstate operating authority.
*The MCS-90 acts like a bond, with your insurance company promising a protection to the public with your BMC-91X.
It’s also why you can’t immediately cancel this type of insurance, there is a 35 day lag time to ensure all parties are aware when coverage is no longer in place.
If you have a professional Transportation Insurance Specialist …she’ll take good care of you:)
Know your Trucking Acronyms
FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration–They oversee the DOT – Department of Transportation.
PennDot is the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and offers an 196 page Commercial Driver’s Manual.
PAPUC is the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
All Commercial vehicles must file a new Motor Carrier application with PAPUC.
Don’t apply for your DOT number just yet!
Before you dive into getting a new DOT, make sure the insurance costs fit your budget.
There’s a lot for you to think about.
Reach out to us first to find out what your trucking insurance will look like once you’re up and running.
It’s a good idea to understand your insurance expenses before starting any new venture, especially in trucking.
So many newbies jump the gun by getting that new number not understanding timelines for compliance and cost.
We’ll provide a straightforward premium estimate before things get too complex and ensure you buy the insurance at the right TIME.
You might even discover better opportunities hauling for someone else until your DOT is sorted out.
We’re here to help you with the pros and cons of a new Motor Carrier authority.
Then once you have your ducks in a row and have considered your expenses, we’ll help you get started with Simple Steps to Get Your Motor Carrier Authority.
Why is Trucking Insurance in Pennsylvania so expensive?
Insurance rates for new trucking ventures in Pennsylvania are pretty standard, but they can still be costly.
It’s good to know this ahead of time, which is why we do the shopping for you!
The main problem is that commercial trucking insurance has faced losses for years due to accidents and lawsuits.
This has resulted in fewer insurance companies getting into the commercial trucking market, which drives rates up because of limited competition.
But here’s the exciting part: some great news for Keystone State Truckers is here:
The Gecko Comes for Pennsylvania Truckers:)
Yes—GEICO is now in the Motor Carrier Insurance game!
This is awesome because they’re offering some really competitive premiums for both new truckers and established motor carriers.
We’re excited to partner with GEICO and bring more options to you!
You can learn more at Pennsylvania GEICO Commercial Truck Insurance or get a ballpark now:
What Insurance Limits does Pennsylvania Require for Truckers?
Pennsylvania follows FMCSA rules for interstate truckers when it comes to Commercial Auto Liability:
- Cargo Van and Sprinter Insurance = minimum $300,000 CSL Commercial Auto Liability
- Hot Shot Trucking Insurance and Larger Trucks = minimum $750,000 CSL Commercial Auto Liability
CSL means Combined Single Limit
Brokers and customers usually want at least $1,000,000 CSL, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving.
It’s fine to start with the minimum limits, but keep that $1,000,000 Commercial Auto Liability in mind so you don’t limit your freight options down the road.
Quickly understand what Commercial Auto Liability IS:
Commercial Auto Liability covers two important things: Bodily Injury and Property Damage to others.
Bodily Injury Liability helps if you’re at fault for an accident that injures or even kills someone. It can cover medical bills, rehab, long-term care, funeral expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Property Damage Liability comes into play if you damage someone else’s property—like their car, a building, or even a pet! It helps cover repairs or replacements.
For commercial trucking, these are usually bundled together under “CSL” (Combined Single Limits).
Just remember, your policy will only cover up to the CSL limit you choose.
Is General Liability the same as Commercial Auto Liability?
Nope, Commercial Auto Liability is what you need to legally drive your truck—it’s required by PennDOT and FMCSA.
General Liability? That’s a whole different ballgame. It’s there to cover you for things that happen off the road, like loading accidents or delivery screw-ups.
It’s super affordable and worth considering—your Brokers and Customers definitely will!
Want the full scoop? Check this out: Commercial Truck General Liability Explained.
What other Trucking Insurance will you need?
If you’re hauling freight for someone else, then you will surely need Motor Truck Cargo Insurance.
It’s not required by FMCSA or PennDOT, but trust us—your brokers and customers will expect you to have it.
So, what does it do? Basically, it protects the freight you’re hauling, but there’s a bit more to it.
You can dive into the details here: What Does Motor Truck Cargo Cover?
Most carriers go with a $100,000 coverage limit, but your Trucker Pro Agent can help you figure out exactly what you need and when to add it.
What kind of insurance covers your truck? Let’s break it down.
Physical Damage Coverage is what protects your truck itself. Here’s how it works:
Collision Coverage: Got into an accident? Whether you hit another car, an object, or your truck rolls over, collision coverage helps pay for repairs or even a replacement.
Comprehensive Coverage: This is for non-collision stuff—like if your truck gets stolen, a tree falls on it, or it’s damaged by weather (hail, wind, you name it). Even hitting an animal is covered. If it’s not a collision, this coverage has your back.
Your Physical Damage insurance is based on either your truck’s Actual Cash Value (ACV) or the Stated Amount.
Remember to include any permanently attached equipment when calculating your truck’s value.
What counts as Permanently Attached Equipment?
- Custom paint, decals, or signage
- Bolted or mounted electronics
- Coupling devices like 5th wheel receivers
- Vacuuming equipment and accessories
- Mounted toolboxes, shelving, or ladder racks
- Tarps, chains, and binders
Make sure you’ve got the right coverage to keep your truck (and everything on it) protected!
Here’s some Pennsylvania Trucking Insurance extras:
Uninsured or Underinsured (UM/UIM)
Ever worry about getting hit by someone with little or no insurance? That’s where UM/UIM coverage comes in. It’s got your back for things like medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering if you or your passengers get hurt in an accident. Just keep in mind, it only kicks in if the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
MedPay is there to help cover medical bills—or even funeral costs—if you or your passengers get injured in a truck accident.
Both UM/UIM and MedPay are affordable add-ons that are totally worth including in your insurance plan.
So…thinking about becoming a Motor Carrier but not sure where to start?
You’re in the right place!
Take a look at our CIS Trucking Insurance Blog—it’s packed with answers to questions you didn’t even know you had:)
When you’re ready to chat, just give us a call at CIS (330) 864-1511.
We love helping newbies get everything lined up so they can hit the road the right way!
We are CIS, and We Make Your Truck Insurance Easy!
