Best Trucking Insurance Companies 2026
We compared 15+ trucking insurance providers to find the 7 best options for owner operators and small fleets. Real coverage details, actual rate ranges, and honest pros and cons.
O TruckingBest Trucking Insurance Companies 2026
Editorial Note: Our rankings are based on independent research. We do not receive compensation from companies listed on this page. Our recommendations are based on publicly available data, user feedback, and industry expertise.
Best Overall
Progressive Commercial
Largest truck insurer | Full coverage
Best for New Authorities
Canal Insurance
Accepts new MCs | Small fleet specialty
Strongest Financial Rating
National Indemnity
A++ rated | Berkshire Hathaway backed
FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements
These are federally mandated minimums. Most brokers and shippers require higher limits. Failing to maintain required coverage can result in your MC authority being revoked.
General Freight (For-Hire)
$750,000
Liability minimum
Household Goods
$1,000,000
Liability minimum
Hazmat Carriers
$5,000,000
Liability minimum
How We Evaluated Insurance Companies
We analyzed each insurer based on six critical factors. Insurance is one of your biggest expenses as an owner operator — picking the wrong company costs you thousands. Understanding what coverage you need is step one.
Financial Strength
A.M. Best rating and ability to pay claims
Why it matters: Ensures your insurer can pay when you need them
Typical range: A- to A++ (A.M. Best)
Premium Rates
Annual cost per truck for equivalent coverage
Why it matters: Directly impacts your bottom line
Typical range: $8,000 - $18,000/yr per truck
Claims Handling
Speed, fairness, and expertise in resolving claims
Why it matters: Determines how quickly you get back on the road
Typical range: 24-72 hours initial response
New Authority Acceptance
Willingness to insure carriers under 2 years old
Why it matters: Critical for new owner operators
Typical range: 6 months - 2 years minimum experience
Coverage Options
Range of available policies and endorsements
Why it matters: One-stop shopping saves time and may save money
Typical range: 4-8 coverage types available
Industry Specialization
Focus on trucking vs. general commercial insurance
Why it matters: Trucking specialists understand your unique risks
Typical range: Trucking-only to multi-line insurers
Types of Trucking Insurance Coverage
Understanding what each coverage does — and whether it's legally required — helps you build the right policy without overpaying. Here's what you need to know about each type.
Primary Liability (Auto Liability)
RequiredCovers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Required by FMCSA for all for-hire carriers.
Minimum: $750,000 for general freight | $1,000,000 for household goods | $5,000,000 for hazmat
Cargo Insurance
RequiredCovers the freight you're hauling if it's damaged, lost, or stolen in transit.
Minimum: $5,000 per vehicle / $10,000 per occurrence (FMCSA minimum, but brokers often require $100,000+)
Physical Damage
Covers repair or replacement of your truck and trailer from collisions, theft, fire, or weather.
Minimum: Not federally required, but lenders require it if you have a loan or lease
Bobtail / Non-Trucking Liability
Covers your truck when you're not under dispatch — driving to the shop, going home, personal use.
Minimum: Not federally required, but most lease agreements require it
Occupational Accident Insurance
Covers medical bills and lost income if you're injured on the job. Essential since owner operators are not covered by workers' comp.
Minimum: Not required, but strongly recommended — medical bills can bankrupt an uninsured operator
General Liability
Covers non-driving business liability — slip and fall at your office, advertising injury, etc.
Minimum: Not federally required, but some brokers and shippers require it
Learn more about specific coverage types: Bobtail Insurance | Non-Trucking Liability | Bobtail vs NTL Guide
Top 7 Trucking Insurance Companies Ranked
Progressive Commercial
Est. 1937 | Mayfield Village, OH
Est. Annual Rate
$8,000 - $14,000/yr per truck
Financial Rating
A+ (A.M. Best)
Min Fleet Size
1 truck (owner operators welcome)
Specialties
Largest commercial truck insurer in the US
Coverage Types
6+ types
Pros
- Largest commercial truck insurer — massive experience
- Accepts new authorities (6+ months preferred)
- Online quoting and policy management
- Broad network of repair shops
- Competitive rates for clean driving records
- Wide range of coverage options and endorsements
Cons
- Rates can spike significantly after claims
- Customer service can feel corporate on complex claims
- May require higher down payments for new authorities
Best for:
Owner operators wanting a well-known, financially stable insurer with online tools
National Indemnity (Berkshire Hathaway)
Est. 1940 | Omaha, NE
Est. Annual Rate
$7,500 - $13,000/yr per truck
Financial Rating
A++ (A.M. Best)
Min Fleet Size
1 truck
Specialties
Backed by Berkshire Hathaway — exceptional financial stability
Coverage Types
4+ types
Pros
- A++ financial strength — strongest in the industry
- Lower rates for experienced drivers with clean records
- Berkshire Hathaway backing means they pay claims
- Strong commercial auto expertise
- Stable pricing — less likely to spike rates after market shifts
Cons
- Limited direct-to-consumer access — typically through agents
- Less flexible for new authorities under 2 years
- Fewer add-on services compared to trucking specialists
Best for:
Experienced operators with clean records wanting rock-solid financial backing
Sentry Insurance
Est. 1904 | Stevens Point, WI
Est. Annual Rate
$8,500 - $15,000/yr per truck
Financial Rating
A+ (A.M. Best)
Min Fleet Size
1 truck
Specialties
Strong customer service reputation, dedicated trucking division
Coverage Types
5+ types
Pros
- Dedicated trucking insurance division — they understand the industry
- Excellent customer service and claims handling
- Comprehensive coverage packages
- Good safety and loss prevention resources
- Experienced with various trucking operations
Cons
- Higher premiums than some competitors
- Regional availability may be limited in some states
- Quoting process can be slower — prefers agent channel
Best for:
Operators who value top-tier claims service and dedicated trucking expertise
Great West Casualty
Est. 1956 | South Sioux City, NE
Est. Annual Rate
$9,000 - $16,000/yr per truck
Financial Rating
A (A.M. Best)
Min Fleet Size
1 truck (trucking-only focus)
Specialties
100% trucking-focused — no other lines of business
Coverage Types
6+ types
Pros
- Trucking is their entire business — deep industry expertise
- Excellent risk management and safety programs
- Free online safety training for drivers
- Dedicated claims adjusters who know trucking
- Strong agent network in major trucking corridors
Cons
- Premiums tend to be higher than generalist insurers
- Can be selective about who they insure
- Less competitive for very small operations
Best for:
Safety-conscious fleets wanting a trucking-only insurer with risk management support
Canal Insurance
Est. 1939 | Greenville, SC
Est. Annual Rate
$10,000 - $18,000/yr per truck
Financial Rating
A (A.M. Best)
Min Fleet Size
1 truck
Specialties
Specializes in small fleets and new authorities — one of the few that will
Coverage Types
5+ types
Pros
- Will insure new authorities — a rarity in the industry
- Experienced with small fleets (1-10 trucks)
- Understands the challenges new carriers face
- Comprehensive coverage options for startups
- Long history in trucking insurance
Cons
- Higher rates for new authorities (but they accept them)
- Less competitive for established fleets with clean records
- Claims process can be slower than larger carriers
Best for:
New authorities and small fleets that struggle to find coverage elsewhere
CoverWallet (Aon)
Est. 2015 | New York, NY
Est. Annual Rate
$8,000 - $14,000/yr per truck
Financial Rating
Backed by Aon (varies by carrier)
Min Fleet Size
1 truck
Specialties
Online platform backed by Aon — fast digital quoting
Coverage Types
5+ types
Pros
- Fast online quoting — get quotes in minutes
- Compares multiple carriers automatically
- Digital policy management and certificates of insurance
- Backed by Aon, one of the world's largest brokers
- Good for tech-savvy operators who want self-service
Cons
- Less personal service than traditional agents
- May not have access to all trucking-specialist carriers
- Limited hands-on claims advocacy compared to independent agents
Best for:
Tech-savvy operators wanting fast online quotes and digital policy management
Reliance Partners
Est. 2009 | Chattanooga, TN
Est. Annual Rate
Varies — broker compares multiple carriers
Financial Rating
Broker (carriers vary)
Min Fleet Size
1 truck
Specialties
Independent insurance broker — shops multiple carriers for best rates
Coverage Types
5+ types
Pros
- Shops multiple carriers — finds the best rate for your situation
- Deep trucking industry specialization
- Can often find coverage when others can't
- Handles complex operations (hazmat, oversize, new authority)
- Ongoing advocacy if you have claims issues
- Free risk assessments
Cons
- Not a direct carrier — acts as middleman
- Service quality depends on your assigned agent
- May push carriers that pay higher commissions
Best for:
Operators wanting an expert broker to shop rates and handle complex insurance needs
Disclaimer: Rate estimates are based on industry averages for a single-truck owner operator with 2+ years experience and a clean driving record. Actual premiums vary significantly based on your specific driving history, operating radius, cargo type, vehicle age, and state. Always get multiple quotes for your specific situation. Rates current as of early 2026 and subject to change.
Quick Comparison Table
| Company | Est. Rate/Yr | A.M. Best | Min Fleet | New Authority? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Commercial | $8,000 - $14,000/yr per truck | A+ (A.M. Best) | 1 truck (owner operators welcome) | 6+ months preferred | Owner operators wanting a well-known, financially... |
| National Indemnity (Berkshire Hathaway) | $7,500 - $13,000/yr per truck | A++ (A.M. Best) | 1 truck | 6+ months preferred | Experienced operators with clean records wanting... |
| Sentry Insurance | $8,500 - $15,000/yr per truck | A+ (A.M. Best) | 1 truck | Varies | Operators who value top-tier claims service... |
| Great West Casualty | $9,000 - $16,000/yr per truck | A (A.M. Best) | 1 truck (trucking-only focus) | Varies | Safety-conscious fleets wanting a trucking-only insurer... |
| Canal Insurance | $10,000 - $18,000/yr per truck | A (A.M. Best) | 1 truck | Yes - specialty | New authorities and small fleets that... |
| CoverWallet (Aon) | $8,000 - $14,000/yr per truck | Backed by Aon (varies by carrier) | 1 truck | Varies | Tech-savvy operators wanting fast online quotes... |
| Reliance Partners | Varies — broker compares multiple carriers | Broker (carriers vary) | 1 truck | Yes - broker finds options | Operators wanting an expert broker to... |
How to Choose the Right Insurance Company
New Owner Operators (Under 2 Years)
- Start with Canal Insurance or use Reliance Partners broker
- Expect to pay 20-40% more in year one — budget accordingly
- Get your new authority insurance filed before applying for MC
- Shop again at 12 months — rates drop significantly after year one
Experienced Operators (2+ Years)
- Progressive or National Indemnity for competitive rates
- Great West Casualty for best-in-class risk management
- Consider higher deductibles to lower premiums
- Bundle all coverages with one insurer for multi-policy discounts
Small Fleets (3-15 Trucks)
- Great West or Sentry for fleet-level expertise
- Use Reliance Partners to compare across multiple carriers
- Negotiate fleet discounts — volume matters at this level
- Implement safety programs — insurers reward proactive fleets
Specialty Operations (Hazmat, Oversize)
- Reliance Partners — they handle complex insurance situations
- Ensure $5M liability for hazmat operations
- Get cargo coverage that matches your freight value
- Consider excess liability for high-value or high-risk loads
Common Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes cost owner operators thousands every year. Don't learn them the hard way:
- Buying minimum coverage to save money (one lawsuit can bankrupt you)
- Not understanding bobtail vs NTL differences
- Skipping occupational accident coverage
- Not shopping rates annually — loyalty rarely gets rewarded
- Ignoring your CSA score — it directly affects premiums
- Choosing the cheapest insurer without checking claims reputation
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does trucking insurance cost for owner operators?
Trucking insurance for owner operators typically costs $8,000 to $18,000 per year per truck. The biggest factors affecting your rate are driving experience, operating radius, cargo type, vehicle age, and claims history. New authorities (under 2 years) pay significantly more — often $12,000-$20,000+ in their first year. Rates typically drop 15-25% after your first clean year.
What insurance do I need to start a trucking company?
At minimum, you need primary liability insurance ($750,000 for general freight) and cargo insurance. Most operations also need physical damage (required by lenders), bobtail or non-trucking liability, and occupational accident coverage. Your MC authority filing requires proof of insurance before it goes active.
Which insurance company is best for new trucking authorities?
Canal Insurance is one of the few companies that specializes in insuring new authorities. They understand that new carriers need coverage and don't automatically reject applications with limited operating history. Reliance Partners is also an excellent option — as a broker, they can shop multiple carriers to find whoever will write your policy at the best rate. Read our new authority insurance guide for more details.
What is the FMCSA minimum insurance requirement?
FMCSA requires $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight carriers, $1,000,000 for household goods movers, and $5,000,000 for hazmat carriers. Cargo insurance minimums are $5,000 per vehicle / $10,000 per occurrence — but most brokers require $100,000+ in cargo coverage before they'll book you a load.
What is the difference between bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability?
Bobtail insurance covers your truck when driving without a trailer, regardless of dispatch status. Non-trucking liability (NTL) only covers personal use when you're NOT under dispatch. The key difference: if you're deadheading to pick up a load (under dispatch but no trailer), bobtail covers you but NTL typically does not. Read our full bobtail vs NTL comparison.
Can I lower my trucking insurance premiums?
Yes. The most effective ways to lower premiums: maintain a clean CSA score, install dashcams and safety technology, complete insurer safety training programs (Great West Casualty offers free ones), increase your deductibles, bundle all coverages with one insurer, and build experience — rates drop significantly after 2 years of clean operation. Shopping your policy annually is also critical since loyalty rarely gets rewarded with better rates.
Related Resources
Insurance Requirements Guide
Complete breakdown of what coverage you legally need
Read guideWhat is Bobtail Insurance?
Coverage when driving without a trailer
Learn moreBobtail vs Non-Trucking Liability
Which coverage do you actually need?
Read comparisonNew Authority Insurance
How to get insured as a brand-new carrier
Read guideOwner Operator Insurance Guide
Complete insurance breakdown for independent operators
Read guideCSA Score & Insurance Rates
How your safety score affects your premiums
Read guideNeed Help Finding the Right Insurance?
Insurance is confusing and expensive — we get it. Our dispatch team works with carriers every day and can point you in the right direction based on your specific situation.