The short answer
The short version
- Auto liability is the dominant cost — most of the premium follows the driver record, the commodity and the operating radius.
- Brokered freight usually requires $100,000 cargo and $1M auto liability. That is the entry ticket, not a recommendation.
- New authorities pay the most. A clean two-year history is the single biggest discount available.
Typical 2026 premium ranges
These are the broad ranges KTL sees for small trucking companies. Your actual price turns on driver history, what you haul, how far you run and your loss record — so treat them as a benchmark, not a quote.
| Coverage | Owner-operator (1 truck) | Fleet of 10–20 trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Auto liability ($1M) | $8,000–$18,000 | $7,000–$14,000 per truck |
| Motor truck cargo ($100,000) | $1,000–$3,000 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| General liability ($1M/$2M) | $500–$1,500 | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Physical damage | $2,500–$7,000 | Follows tractor and trailer values |
| Workers' compensation | Often exempt for a sole owner | $12,000–$40,000 for a small fleet |
| Contingent cargo / pollution | $750–$2,500 | $1,500–$4,000 |
What moves a trucking premium
Driver records and telematics sit at the top of the list, followed by commodity (flatbed, refrigerated, hazmat and heavy haul all price differently), operating radius, night garaging and trailer count. A new authority with no history is underwritten on the owner's record alone, which is why the first two years cost the most. One preventable rear-end loss can reset the whole program.
What brokers and shippers actually require
Most broker agreements and shipper contracts require $1M auto liability, $100,000 motor truck cargo, and often $1M general liability, plus a certificate naming them as an interested party before the first load. Federal minimum responsibility filings (BMC-90 or the surety equivalent) have to be on file with the FMCSA before you run under your own authority. Send us the requirements document and we will confirm your program matches it exactly — carriers decline to issue when the wording is off.
How to lower trucking insurance cost
Install telematics and forward-facing cameras and ask carriers for the credit. Run driver scorecards and act on them. Raise deductibles where cash flow allows. Once you have two clean years, re-market the account — prices for the identical fleet can differ sharply between markets, and KTL quotes 20+ A-rated carriers at once.
Frequently asked questions
Is insurance required to get operating authority?
Yes. Before the FMCSA grants authority you need proof of public liability coverage at the minimum responsibility level, filed through a surety bond or endorsement, plus cargo coverage where applicable.
How much is trucking insurance for a new authority?
New authorities typically pay the highest rates in the market because there is no loss history to underwrite. A single owner-operator with a clean record generally lands in the $8,000–$18,000 range for auto liability, more for hazmat or heavy haul.
Do owner-operators need workers' comp?
A sole owner-operator is often exempt, but the moment you hire drivers most states require it, and many brokers and shippers require proof of it regardless of state law.
What is an MCS-90 endorsement?
It is the federal endorsement on a motor carrier liability policy that guarantees payment of judgments up to the minimum responsibility level, even if the policy itself would not cover the loss. Brokers and the FMCSA look for it.