- For-hire interstate trucks of 10,001 pounds or more hauling ordinary freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage (49 CFR §387.9).
- Oil and most hazardous materials require $1,000,000. The most dangerous hazmat loads require $5,000,000.
- These are minimums. Many carriers buy more, including excess or umbrella policies.
Federal minimum liability limits for property carriers
| Carrier and cargo | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|
| For-hire, interstate or foreign commerce, vehicles 10,001+ lbs, non-hazardous property | $750,000 |
| For-hire and private, vehicles 10,001+ lbs: oil, hazardous waste, and hazardous materials not in the $5 million group | $1,000,000 |
| For-hire and private: certain hazardous substances in bulk tanks over 3,500 water gallons; bulk Division 1.1–1.3 explosives; Division 2.3 Hazard Zone A or Division 6.1 Packing Group I Hazard Zone A materials; highway-route-controlled quantities of radioactive material | $5,000,000 |
| For-hire and private, vehicles under 10,001 lbs: any quantity of Division 1.1–1.3 explosives, Division 2.3 Hazard Zone A or Division 6.1 PG I Hazard Zone A materials, or highway-route-controlled radioactive material | $5,000,000 |
Summary of 49 CFR §387.9. Passenger carriers have separate minimums under §387.33.
The MCS-90 endorsement
Interstate carriers' policies must carry the MCS-90 endorsement. It guarantees that the insurer will pay a final judgment for public liability up to the federal minimum, even if the policy otherwise wouldn't cover the loss, for example because the truck wasn't listed on the policy. The insurer can then seek repayment from the carrier. The endorsement protects the injured public, not the carrier.
Texas intrastate carriers
Carriers that need Texas intrastate operating authority must file proof of insurance with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and keep it in force. TxDMV sets the minimum amounts by type of operation and cargo. See Texas intrastate operating authority.
How to see a carrier's insurance
For interstate carriers, FMCSA's licensing and insurance records show the liability coverage the carrier has on file, the insurer and the policy dates. The trucking company safety lookup links to the carrier's official record. After a crash, the insurer is usually also listed on the Texas crash report. Read how to find a trucking company's insurance.
Why limits matter after a serious crash
Catastrophic injuries can cost far more than $750,000. When damages may exceed coverage, other policies (excess, umbrella, a broker's or shipper's coverage) and other responsible parties become important. See who can be liable and dealing with trucking insurers.