Primary Auto Liability Insurance for Commercial Trucking
The first—and legally required—layer of protection
Primary auto liability is the coverage every interstate motor carrier must carry before a truck ever turns a wheel. It covers injuries to other people and damage to their property if the insured vehicle is involved—the basic insurance every interstate carrier must have. Without it, a transportation company cannot obtain or keep an active USDOT/MC authority, pick up loads, or pull onto a public highway.
Coverage
Covered event | How the Policy responds |
|---|---|
Bodily Injury to others | Medical expenses, lost wages, and legal judgments for third-party injuries. |
Property Damage | Repair or replacement of vehicles, buildings, guardrails, and other property damaged in an accident involving your truck. |
Defense Costs | Attorney fees and court costs—even if a claim is groundless. |
Important: Primary Auto Liability protects other people and property. It does not pay to repair your own tractor or freight. For that, you need Physical Damage and Cargo coverage.
Who needs it
Who needs it?
Owner-operators running under their own authority.
Small and mid-size fleets (1–50 power units).
Intrastate carriers in states that mirror federal rules.
New entrants applying for an MC number (proof of liability must be on file before authority is granted).
Leased-on owner-operators generally fall under the motor carrier’s liability policy, but still need Bobtail/Non-Trucking Liability when off dispatch.
Limits & costs
*Combined single limit
Cost explanation
What drives the cost?
Radius of operation (local vs. long-haul).
Cargo type & value (reefer produce vs. hazmat).
Driver MVRs & PSP scores.
Equipment class & vehicle year.
Loss history and safety controls (ELD, dash cams).
Typical premiums range from $5,000 to $12,000 per power unit, but credits are available for clean safety records and bundled coverages.
