Understanding FMCSA Insurance Requirements

The FMCSA requires all motor carrier companies to carry insurance per the agency’s regulations. What do the FMCSA insurance requirements involve? Regulations often depend on the type of carrier and the goods its fleet transports. 

Since the new entrant audit involves your insurance filings, FMCA Filings provided a summary of navigating applicable insurance requirements. Below, you’ll discover the minimum requirements, how to update your information, and other pertinent information. 

Minimum FMCSA Insurance Requirements

The FMCSA works within the DOT as an agency that regulates safety within the trucking industry. As such, it requires that all carriers meet their minimum insurance requirements. These requirements depend on the cargo most often transported, whether the cargo contains hazardous materials, and the weight of the truck and cargo.

You’ll find some examples of basic insurance requirements listed below. 

• Non-trucking liability protects your fleet when not in use. 
• Commercial auto insurance provides coverage for trailers, trucks, and other vehicular assets your carrier company uses. 
• Cargo insurance protects any cargo your fleet transports. 
• Physical damage insurance covers vehicular damage caused by storms, vandalism, and other events outside of traffic accidents. 
• Liability insurance covers your company in the event of incidents for which your company is held liable.  

If you want further coverage, you can also apply for supplemental coverage. Supplemental coverage can protect your non-vehicular assets or circumstances unrelated to carrier work. 

Pertinent Insurance Forms

The forms you may need include the following:

• MCS-90 for permission to carry hazardous materials. Attach this form to your auto liability insurance policy.
• BMC-91 or BMC-91X delves into public liability insurance for forwarders and carriers. It details issues with property damage, environmental impact, and physical injuries. The minimum limits range from $750,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the amount of freight or number of passengers. 
• BMC-34 or BMC-83 is for cargo insurance and ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Carriers that transport household goods need this form.
• BMC-84 or BMC-85 is necessary for brokers and forwarders. This demographic must carry policies worth at least $75,000. 
• BOC-3 only pertains to agents who complete forms on a carrier’s behalf. If you engage in intrastate commerce, you should complete this form. 

Updating Insurance Information

FMCSA insurance requirements state that you can update any information regarding your insurance policies in the following ways:

• Send your signed and completed forms to the address below.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Office of Registration and Safety Information (MC-RS)

Applications Production Team, 6th Floor

1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.

Washington, DC 20590

• Fax your updated insurance information to the following numbers: (202) 366-3477 or (606) 330-3802.
• Conveniently update your information using the FMSCA’s webform.

Only provide updated documents rather than outdated ones to ensure the FMSCA accepts your updates. 

FMCA Filings Keeps You Updated on Changing Filing Processes

FMCA Filings stays updated on pertinent trucking topics to ensure you stay informed. If you paid for insurance, but it still isn’t active, check your BOC-3 status. Otherwise, ensure your forms and insurance coverage meets the minimum FMCSA insurance requirements for your fleet. 

Check your compliance with us today.