Commercial truck insurance for owner-operators & fleets · Se habla español

Commercial truck insurance

Motor Truck Cargo insurance for truckers

Motor truck cargo insurance protects the freight you are hauling for someone else. Brokers and shippers almost always require it before they will give you a load, and the right policy depends a lot on what you haul.

Fleet driver standing beside a blue semi truck

What motor truck cargo covers

  • Loss or damage to freight from collision or overturn
  • Theft of the load
  • Fire, flood and other covered perils
  • Reefer breakdown / spoilage (optional endorsement)
  • Debris removal and loading/unloading (varies by policy)

Who needs it

Any carrier hauling freight that belongs to customers. Commodity matters: electronics, alcohol, tobacco, seafood and other high-theft or high-value loads may need special terms.

Common requirements

  • $100,000 is the most common broker requirement
  • Some loads require $250,000 or more
  • Watch for exclusions such as unattended vehicles
  • Certain household goods movers need a cargo filing

Requirements change by state, cargo and contract. This page is general information — your agent will confirm what applies to your operation.

FAQ

Motor Truck Cargo questions

Quick answers from our trucking insurance team.

Still have questions?

(301) 591-6550

Does cargo insurance cover reefer breakdown?

Only if your policy includes a reefer breakdown endorsement. If you haul refrigerated freight, we make sure it is included and explain any deductibles.

How much cargo coverage do brokers require?

Most brokers ask for $100,000. Higher-value freight can require $250,000 or more — we can adjust limits as your lanes change.

What commodities are hard to insure?

High-theft and high-value goods like electronics, alcohol and pharmaceuticals. We work with carriers that specialize in these loads.

Talk to a trucking insurance specialist today

Call, email or visit our office in Frederick, Maryland. We work with trucking companies across the United States — hablamos español.