Texas Motor Carriers must meet FMCSA’s minimum Commercial Auto Liability Requirements
Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements for Motor Carriers are based first on Federal Requirements set by FMCSA.
FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration which oversees the Department of Transportation.
In order to drive legally, commercial trucks hauling freight for hire across state lines must first register with FMCSA.
FMCSA then assigns you a DOT number.
That’s when FMCSA will ask for your proof of minimum Commercial Auto Liability Insurance.
Your insurance company, usually Progressive or GEICO, sends that proof directly and electronically to FMCSA with your BMC-91X Filing.
An MCS-90 is just the endorsement to your policy which guarantees the insurance.
That’s also when your insurance company will send proof of insurance to your State as required.
Is there a simple How to Get a DOT Motor Carrier Authority Guide?
Yes, the whole process can definitely feel like a “chicken and egg” situation, but you can do this yourself!
We’ve put together a handy cheat sheet How to Get Your Motor Carrier Authority with the specific steps to follow, courtesy of CIS.
It also explains who needs a DOT Motor Carrier Authority.
Why is Texas Insurance so Expensive for New Motor Carriers?
Commercial truck insurance for new startups tends to come with a hefty price tag due to the limited number of insurance providers.
It’s crucial to run estimates on your insurance premiums with a Transportation Insurance Expert BEFORE registering for your DOT.
Truck insurance expenses are likely to be one of your biggest costs.
Does Texas Have Any New Choices for Trucking Insurance?
Yes, GEICO is the new Texas trucking insurance option everyone is talking about these past few months.
They have a brand new program with very affordable premiums and very flexible payment options for Motor Carriers and Owner Operators.
CIS is excited to be one of the few dedicated Commercial Truck Insurance Independent Agents appointed with GEICO, and so far they’re giving the competition a real run for their money!
You can read more at Texas GEICO Commercial Truck Insurance.
What are Texas Requirements for Across State Lines–Interstate?
$750,000 minimum for Commercial Trucks hauling general freight
$300,000 minimum for Commercial Trucks hauling household goods
$300,000 minimum for Commercial Van and Sprinter Insurance
How is Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Different?
Texas Commercial Truck Insurance additional coverage options include:
Uninsured or Underinsured (UM/UIM) Protection covers you and passengers for injuries and damages if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you.
UM/UIM reminburses you for medical bills, lost wages and also pain and suffering resulting from bodily injuries from an accident.
This coverage only applies if the other driver is At Fault and has insufficent or no liability coverage of their own.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage provides payments for appropriate benefits if you or anyone else covered under your policy are injured in an accident.
PIP has 3 components
- Medical Benefits for the cost of medical treatment from hospitals and doctors.
- Disability Benefits reimburse you for expenses like lost wages or obtaining services while disabled
- Funeral Benefits if you die as a result of bodily injury sustained in a truck accident.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Protection covers your medical and funeral expenses if you or your passengers are injured in a truck accident.
You will need to choose between PIP OR Med Pay, not both in Texas.
What Does Physical Damage Insure?
Physical Damage Insurance offers you Collision and Comprehensive (Comp) coverage for your truck.
Collision coverage protects your truck if it’s damaged in an accident.
It also pays to repair or replace the vehicle if it collides with another object, overturns, or rolls.
Comprehensive coverage protects your truck if it’s damaged by something other than a collision with a vehicle or object.
Examples of Comp include theft, damage from falling trees, wind, hail and animal hits.
Physical Damage insurance is based on either the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the truck or the Stated Amount of your truck.
A Stated Amount valuation should include all permanently attached equipment in your truck.
This can include aftermarket parts, mounted equipment and other permanent modifications.
Remember to include all accessories that work as a part of permanent devices or load securing equipment.
Here’s some examples of permanently attached equipment to consider:
- Custom paint, decals and signage
- Electronics that have been bolted or mounted to your truck
- Coupling devices like 5th wheel receivers
- Equipment and accessories for vacuuming
- Mounted tool boxes, shelving and ladder racking
- Tarps, chains and binders
What other Coverage does a Texas Motor Carrier Need?
If you’re hauling freight for hire, you’re going to need Motor Truck Cargo Insurance.
Your CIS Trucker Pro agent will chat with you about what you’ll be hauling and help you decide how much Commercial Cargo Insurance you’ll need.
Most policies protect your freight for Theft, Fire, Collisions, or Striking of Load, and include debris removal, pollution cleanup, earned freight, sue & labor coverage, and protection for your equipment.
Reefer coverage can also be added to protect any temperature sensitive freight.
How Do You Know Whether Your Truck IS a Commercial Vehicle?
The Texas Administrative Code includes commercial vehicle designation to vehicles or combination of vehicle and trailer at GVW 26,001 lbs or more.
That includes 1 ton Duallys with Trailers commonly used for Hot Shot trucking when the combination of both exceeds 26,001 lbs.
Hot Shot Truck insurance usually falls under the $750,000 limit requirement.
[Related Story – What is the Definition of a Commercial Vehicle]
Why Choose CIS for Your Texas Trucking Insurance?
Since 2002, CIS has been helping family-owned trucking businesses all across the country—and we’re proud to support the folks who truly Make America Move!
We work with multiple insurance companies to find the best and most affordable trucking insurance for you.
But we’re not just insurance reps—we’re Transportation Insurance Experts who actually care about your success. That’s why we share so much free advice and make sure we’re here whenever you need us.
When you work with us, we’ll know you by name. Whether you’re adding a driver, need help with a Cert request, or just want to say “Hi,” we’re only a call away.
Don’t just take our word for it—check out our 5-Star Reviews to see why so many new Motor Carriers choose CIS and stick with us for the long haul.
Ready to get started on your CIS Texas Commercial Truck Insurance Online Quote?
Just fill out what you can, and we’ll follow up to help with the rest.
Prefer to chat? Give us a call at (330) 864-1511—we’d love to hear from you!
We are CIS, and We Make Your Truck Insurance Easy!
