Commercial Truck Insurance

Primary Auto Liability
Coverage Guide

The required foundation of every commercial truck policy

✅ Federally Required — FMCSA (federal) — all interstate commercial carriers

What Does Primary Auto Liability Cover?

Primary auto liability covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to other parties in an accident while operating your commercial vehicle. It pays for the other driver's medical bills, vehicle repairs, legal fees if you're sued, and settlements or judgments against you. It does not cover your own vehicle or your own injuries — those require separate coverages.

Who Needs Primary Auto Liability?

Every commercial trucker who operates in interstate commerce must carry primary auto liability. FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 for general freight carriers, $1,000,000 for oil and petroleum carriers, and $5,000,000 for hazardous materials carriers. Intrastate carriers are governed by state minimums, but all states require at least some level of commercial liability.

Cost & Coverage Limits

Annual Cost Range

$5,800 – $14,000

per truck, per year (estimates vary)

Minimum Limit

$750,000 (general freight, interstate)

statutory or lender minimum

Typical Coverage

$1,000,000

industry standard limit

Key Facts About Primary Auto Liability

Federally required for all FMCSA-registered interstate carriers
Minimum $750,000 for general freight — $1M is considered industry standard
Hazmat carriers must carry $5,000,000 minimum
Does NOT cover your own vehicle damage or your own medical costs
Forms MCS-90 and BMC-91X are the FMCSA filing forms for liability insurance

Common Questions About Primary Auto Liability

What is the minimum liability insurance for a commercial truck?

FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in primary auto liability for most interstate carriers hauling general freight. Carriers hauling oil, petroleum, or hazardous materials face higher minimums — $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 respectively. Most shippers and brokers require $1,000,000 regardless of the federal minimum.

What is an MCS-90 endorsement?

An MCS-90 is a mandatory endorsement added to your commercial auto liability policy that certifies to the FMCSA that you carry minimum required insurance. It makes your insurer a guarantor of any judgment against you (up to policy limits) even if coverage would otherwise be excluded. Brokers and shippers will ask for your Certificate of Insurance showing the MCS-90 before dispatching loads.

Does primary liability cover cargo?

No. Primary auto liability only covers damage to third parties — other vehicles, people, and property. Your own cargo requires Motor Truck Cargo insurance, and your own truck requires Physical Damage coverage. Many carriers make the mistake of thinking liability coverage is all they need, only to discover a cargo claim is denied.

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Other Commercial Truck Coverage Types

Also see: Full Coverage Checklist · Coverage by Truck Type · FMCSA Requirements Guide