Protect your brokerage from liability, policy gaps, and costly contract disputes.
Freight brokers face unique risks—from carrier policy failures to administrative errors that can derail deals. GIA Group, LLC helps freight brokers find coverage that meets FMCSA requirements, satisfies shipper contracts, and protects their bottom line.
Explanation
Freight broker insurance is a set of coverages that protects a brokerage's own financial exposure—separate from the BMC-84 surety bond required by the FMCSA.
The bond satisfies the federal licensing requirement but covers carriers and shippers, not the brokerage itself.
When a cargo claim arises, a liability dispute names the brokerage, or a motor carrier's insurance fails to respond, it is the insurance program that protects the business.
The right combination of coverages depends on the freight being moved, the shipper contracts in place, and the volume of loads being arranged.
Coverage
Coverage
What it covers
Contingent Cargo Insurance
Cargo that is lost or damaged in transit when the motor carrier's own insurance does not pay the claim. Many shipper contracts hold the broker responsible if the carrier's coverage falls short—this is what steps in when that happens.
Contingent Auto Liability
Legal costs and damages if the brokerage is named in a lawsuit following an accident involving a motor carrier it hired. May respond when the motor carrier's own liability insurance does not fully cover the claim. Common limits are $1 million per occurrence.
Errors & Omissions (E&O)
Losses caused by a professional mistake: a wrong delivery address, incorrect cargo details, or a missed pickup. E&O covers the legal fees and settlements that follow an operational error, not physical cargo damage.
Freight Broker Bond (BMC-84)
The $75,000 surety bond required by the FMCSA for every licensed freight broker and freight forwarder in the U.S. Protects motor carriers and shippers, not the brokerage. Required to obtain and maintain operating authority.
General Liability
Covers incidents at the brokerage's physical location unrelated to transportation. Not required by the FMCSA, but typically required by office landlords and some shipper contracts.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
Required in most states for brokerages with employees. Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for staff injured in the course of their work—dispatchers, operations teams, and office personnel included. State rules on thresholds and exemptions vary.
Cyber Liability (Optional)
Financial losses from a data breach, ransomware attack, or unauthorized access to the brokerage's systems. Increasingly included in broker programs as motor carrier identity fraud and freight-related cybercrime continue to grow.
Quote
Gather the following details to get started:
MC number and business structure
Annual freight volume and revenue
Types of freight handled
History of claims or disputes (if any)
Bonding details (if applicable)
Success Stories
Please note
Every trucking operation is different, and so are insurance premiums. At GIA Group, we work hard to find the best possible rates and coverage for each client. These stories highlight results we’re proud of, though individual outcomes may vary.
Ohio
April 2026
Box Truck - Auto Liability, Motor Truck Cargo, Physical Damage
Price per truck
$2,700
Maryland
April 2026
Flatbed, Oversize/OverWeight Loads - Auto Liability, Motor Truck Cargo, Physical Damage
Price per truck
$17,455
Pennsylvania
April 2026
Auto Hauler - Auto Liability, Motor Truck Cargo, Physical Damage
Price per truck
$15,795
Cost explanation
On average, freight broker insurance costs between $4,000 and $9,000 per year, with higher pricing for complex loads, reefer freight, or high-volume contracts.
What influences the final price:
freight volume and annual revenue,
the types of cargo being arranged (pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables carry more exposure than standard dry freight),
the brokerage's claims history,
the liability terms in key shipper contracts.
Brokerages arranging reefer loads, high-value commodities, or large multi-state volumes tend toward the higher end of the range. New brokerages without an established track record are priced accordingly until one develops.
These figures are general market estimates. Actual pricing depends on a review of the specific operation. Fill out our quick contact form to get started.
Our advantages
Specialized liability coverage
protects against claims tied to brokered loads, including contingent cargo
Contract-ready policies
meet the requirements of shippers, carriers, and logistics partners without delays
Trusted carriers
work with insurance partners trusted across the transportation industry
Broker-focused expertise
policies designed specifically for freight brokerage operations, not one-size-fits-all coverage
FAQ
1. Do I need insurance if I already have a freight broker bond?
2. What does contingent cargo insurance cover?
3. How much does freight broker insurance cost?
4. Is freight broker insurance required by law?
5. Does freight broker insurance cover every state?
Blog
Insights for every truck in your fleet
Explore the GIA Group, LLC blog for real-world tips on insuring semis, box trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, and more. See how coverage and safety practices translate into better protection for every vehicle you run.
