FMCSA Required
Primary Auto Liability Insurance
If you operate under your own MC authority, primary liability insurance isn't optional — it's a federal requirement. We handle the FMCSA filing the same day you bind, so your authority activates on schedule.
What Primary Liability Covers
Bodily injury to other parties in an accident you cause
Property damage to third-party vehicles and property
Legal defense costs if you're sued
Medical payments for injured parties
Minimum $750,000 limit (FMCSA requirement)
Same-day BMC-91 FMCSA filing included
Covers all 48 contiguous states plus Canada
FMCSA Minimum Requirements
Most freight (property)$750,000
Hazardous materials (certain)$1,000,000
Hazardous waste$5,000,000
Passenger vehicles$1,500,000+
Typical Annual Cost
$4,000 – $10,000
Varies by operating radius, cargo type, driving record, and years in business. New authorities typically pay at the higher end.
Common Questions
What is the minimum primary liability required by the FMCSA?
For most general freight hauled in interstate commerce, the FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in primary liability. Hazardous materials may require $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the commodity. Some specialty or exempt commodity haulers have lower thresholds.
How is primary liability different from NTL?
Primary liability covers you while you're actively hauling freight under your own MC authority. Non-trucking liability covers personal/off-dispatch use. If you have your own authority, you need primary liability — not NTL.
How does the FMCSA filing work?
Your insurance carrier files Form BMC-91 (or BMC-91X) electronically with the FMCSA, which creates a public record of your coverage. Your MC authority won't activate until this filing is on record. We file same-day when you bind coverage.
Can I get primary liability as a new authority?
Yes — we work with new authorities regularly. Rates are higher for new operators (under 2 years) because there's no established loss history, but coverage is available. Expect $5,000–$10,000/year for the first year or two.
Get Your Primary Liability in Place
We file your BMC-91 the same day you bind. Your authority activates on schedule.
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