Questions & Answers
Trucking insurance is a set of commercial auto policies required to legally operate a trucking business. It covers liability (damage you cause), cargo (freight you haul), equipment (your truck/trailer), and business operations.
Federal law requires minimum liability coverage ($750K-$1M) for all for-hire interstate carriers. Even if you're not federally regulated, the right coverage protects your business from financial ruin—one accident can cost $50K-$500K+.
Cost varies widely based on:
Typical ranges (2026): New authority $10.5K-$14K/year; established OTR $7.5K-$10K/year; fleets $6.5K-$9K per truck/year.
Call us for a personalized quote based on your specific operation.
We deliver most quotes within 24 hours. Once approved, we bind your policy and deliver your ACORD 25 certificate the same day. FMCSA filings (BMC-91/MCS-90) are typically active within 24 hours of binding.
The timeline depends on how quickly you provide underwriting documents: current MVR for drivers, CDL copy, vehicle list with VINs, and prior declarations page if renewing.
Brokers like Iron Guard shop multiple carriers in one application. You get apples-to-apples quotes and the best rate. Direct carriers (Progressive, GEICO) give you only their rate with no comparison.
For trucking—especially new authority, specialty risks, or prior cancellations—the difference between carriers can be $3K-$8K per truck per year. Brokers also handle all your filings and provide ongoing support.
Bodily injury and property damage caused to others by your truck. If your driver hits another vehicle, injures someone, or damages property, this covers:
Federal minimum: $750K (general freight), $1M (standard), $5M (hazmat). Most shippers require $1M+.
Protection for freight in your care. Covers loss, theft, damage, or destruction of cargo during transit.
Typical limits: $100K minimum; $250K-$500K+ for most shippers. Higher limits for high-value freight (electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals).
Not federally required, but yes, required by lenders if your truck or trailer is financed. It covers comprehensive and collision damage to your equipment.
Even without a lender, physical damage protects your business from major losses. One accident repair can cost $15K-$50K+.
Typical deductibles: $1K-$5K. Coverage includes tractor, trailers, and spare equipment.
Coverage for leased owner-operators when driving for personal use. If you're leased to a carrier and the truck is yours, bobtail covers you when you're not under a load or dispatch.
Why it matters: Most carriers require it as a condition of the lease. Without it, you're uninsured during off-duty miles.
Not federally required, but yes, required by most shipper contracts. General liability covers incidents outside your truck:
Typical requirement: $1M general liability on top of $1M auto liability. Many large brokers require both.
For-hire interstate carriers require:
Additionally:
Iron Guard handles all filings at binding. No separate fee. Filings are active within 24 hours of binding.
The MCS-90 is a specific liability endorsement required by federal law (49 CFR 387.9) for all for-hire interstate motor carriers. It's attached to your liability policy and proves to FMCSA that you carry minimum coverage.
Key point: The MCS-90 is NOT the same as your liability policy. It's a separate endorsement that must be included in every policy renewal.
We include it automatically. No exceptions, no delays.
Federal filings (BMC-91 and MCS-90) are typically active within 24 hours of binding. You'll receive an ACORD 25 certificate of insurance immediately, and the FMCSA filing confirmation within 24 hours.
State Form E/H filings take 1-5 business days depending on the state. We coordinate directly with carriers and state regulators.
For for-hire carriers, you need an active USDOT and MC number before binding. Insurance carriers will not bind without proof of authority.
Timeline for new authority:
Iron Guard specializes in new authority startups. We can bind you immediately once your authority is granted.
Yes. We specialize in new authorities. Most carriers we work with actively want new business and will bind you quickly at fair rates.
What we need:
We handle all filings so you can focus on getting operational. Many new authorities bind on the same day authority is granted.
Your carrier's policy covers you while under load. You need separate coverage for:
Typical cost: $200-$400/month for bobtail + physical damage. Required by most carriers as a lease condition.
Yes. We insure fleets starting at 2 trucks and scale up to 500+. No minimum fleet size.
Fleet program benefits:
Call us to discuss fleet programs tailored to your operation size and growth plans.
Maybe. We work with carriers that specialize in higher-risk accounts. The key is transparency.
Provide complete loss history and we'll shop carriers that still want your business. Rates may be higher, but you'll be back on the road instead of uninsured.
Rebuilding your record: staying claims-free for 3-5 years typically qualifies you for standard rates again.
Contact us immediately after an incident.
We'll connect you with the carrier's claims team and guide you through the process. You'll need:
Call: (888) 568-7526 or visit our claims page for more details.
The insurance company handles claim settlement. We act as your advocate—we coordinate with the carrier, answer your questions, and make sure the process goes smoothly.
We also provide guidance on deductibles, coverage details, and what to expect during the process.
Yes. We deliver ACORD 25 certificates same-day after binding. Most shippers and brokers accept it immediately.
If you need the certificate before binding, we can often provide a "binder" certificate for interim protection.
Easy. Call us and we'll update your fleet list with the carrier. Changes are usually processed within 1-2 business days. New COIs are issued immediately.
No long waits, no paperwork nightmare. That's the advantage of working with a broker.
We shop your renewal 30-60 days before expiration. If your current carrier offers a competitive rate, we may renew with them. If we find better rates elsewhere, we present options.
The goal: get you the best coverage at the best price every renewal. No surprises, no auto-renew at higher rates.
Our team is ready to answer any question about your coverage. Call us or start a quote—no pressure, no sales pitch.