Best Trucking Insurance Companies

The right trucking insurance will give you peace of mind over the long haul.

byEric Rosenberg|
Insurance photo
Depositphotos

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

BYEric Rosenberg/ August 17, 2022

This article may include references to products or services where The Drive has an affiliate relationship with the providing company. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more.

What do ice cream truck, dump truck, and owner-operator long haul truck drivers have in common? Besides driving really cool vehicles, they’re also required to have commercial trucking insurance to protect themselves and others on the road. 

Minimum insurance requirements vary depending on the type of truck you drive. So whether you’re delivering icy cold treats to kids at the local park or moving heavy cargo to a client seven states away, it’s important to find a company that offers the customizable coverage you need at an affordable cost for your business. 

If you’re shopping around for trucking insurance, here are some companies worth considering. Check out what they have to offer.

Best Trucking Insurance Companies

Trucking Insurance Companies We Recommend

OOIDA

Pros

  • Customizable coverage options
  • Offers truck insurance, plus life, health, and dental coverage
  • Familiar with the insurance needs of truckers

Cons

  • Insurance available for members only
  • Not rated by AM Best

Takeaway

  • The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is a trade association specializing in trucking and advocating for truckers. It offers customized insurance coverage for members. 

OOIDA knows the ins and outs of the trucking industry. This association has supported independent truck drivers since it was established in 1973. It offers customizable truck insurance for its members, including primary liability, general liability, unladen liability, passenger accident, and physical damage coverage. 

In addition to truck insurance, the OOIDA also offers health and life insurance coverage for truckers and fleets. To become a member, you’ll need to pay a $45 membership fee, but it could be worth it to get coverage from an association advocating for truckers for nearly 50 years. 

Three by Berkshire Hathaway

Pros

  • Easy-to-understand coverage
  • Established company
  • Small business advisors available to chat about insurance

Cons

  • Not as many coverage options as other insurers

Takeaway

  • If you’re seeking straightforward coverage from a large, stable company, Three by Berkshire Hathaway could be worth a look. 

Three by Berkshire Hathaway bills itself as simple, jargon-free insurance, and that’s exactly what it offers. Unlike many insurers that offer a wide array of specialized coverages you need to request, Three gives policyholders broad coverage that suits the needs of many small business owners. 

For truckers specifically, Three offers liability, collision, hired and non-owned, comprehensive, and cargo coverage. It also had small business advisors available to answer questions. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway has an A++ (Superior) AM Best rating, signaling its financial soundness. Three is worth considering if you’re a small business owner seeking comprehensive coverage for an owner-operator truck or a small fleet. 

Sentry

Pros

  • Widely available coverage
  • Familiarity with the trucking industry
  • Lots of coverage options

Cons

  • No option to get coverage online

Takeaway

  • As an allied member of the American Trucker Associations, Sentry understands the needs of the industry and offers several coverage plans to help meet those needs.

Sentry offers several coverage options for truckers through its extensive network of local agents. Whether you’re an owner-operator seeking insurance or you want coverage for a small fleet, Sentry’s array of products can help keep you safe on the road. It offers commercial liability, general liability, non-trucking liability, physical damage, and cargo coverage. And if you need to file a claim, you can do so online or over the phone 24/7. 

Sentry has an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating, indicating it’s on firm financial footing. Those seeking flexible coverage options and personalized service from an established insurer may want to put Sentry on their shortlist for trucking insurance. 

State Farm

Pros

  • High customer satisfaction ratings
  • Several coverage options
  • Established company

Cons

  • No option to get coverage online
  • Limited policy information available on its website

Takeaway

  • With consistently high customer satisfaction ratings and flexible coverage options, State Farm is worth a look if you need trucking insurance.

While State Farm offers insurance for small trucking businesses, it doesn’t insure large trucks or long-haul carriers. Still, if you need to insure a commercial pickup truck or van, this insurer may have the coverage you need at a relatively affordable price. It offers liability, medical payments, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. You can also file claims online instead of spending a ton of time on the phone with an agent after an accident.

With an AM Best rating of A++ (Superior) and high marks on J.D. Power’s most recent U.S. Auto Insurance Study, State Farm’s policyholders benefit from its financial stability and excellent customer service. Businesses looking to insure a small truck or van may want to consider this insurer. 

Progressive

Pros

  • Multiple discounts available
  • Offers customizable coverage
  • Insures several types of trucks

Cons

  • Relatively low customer satisfaction ratings

Takeaway

  • Progressive offers coverage options for several types of commercial trucks and policyholders can take advantage of multiple discounts.

Whether you’re looking to insure a dump truck, ice cream truck, flatbed, or street sweeper, Progressive has got you covered. Its customizable policies allow you to pick and choose the coverage you need based on the truck you’re insuring. And if you’re not 100 percent sure which coverage options make sense, you can speak to one of Progressive’s commercial truck insurance experts. 

Progressive also offers several discounts, including options to get lower premiums by paying in full for the year and providing access to your electronic logging device (ELD) data. While its varied coverage options and discounts may be attractive, Progressive received lower-than-average customer satisfaction ratings on the 2021 JD Power Auto Insurance Study. However, it has an AM Best score of A+, indicating the company is financially sound.

National Independent Truckers Insurance Company (NITIC)

Pros

  • Convenient online quote process
  • Specializes in commercial truck insurance
  • Offers several sample quotes, signaling price transparency

Cons

  • Lower AM Best rating than some competitors

Takeaway

  • If you’re seeking an insurer that offers transparent pricing and specializes in coverage for commercial trucks, consider putting NITIC on your shortlist. 

Wondering how much a coverage plan might cost for a 52-year-old male with 20 years of CDL experience and a clean driving record? NITIC has you covered with its helpful sample price quotes. Plus, it lets you get a quote for coverage online — you won’t need to wait on the phone with an agent. In addition to price transparency and quick quotes, NITIC offers commercial truck coverage exclusively, so it’s familiar with the unique insurance needs of truckers.

Despite its positives, NITIC has a lower AM Best rating than many competitors. The agency gave it a B++ (Good) rating, which is far from poor but still something to consider as you’re shopping for coverage.

Evolution Insurance Brokers (EIB Direct)

Pros

  • Can apply for coverage online
  • Insures single trucks to large fleets
  • Convenient claims filing via mobile app

Cons

  • Not rated by J.D. Power

Takeaway

  • Whether you want to insure a commercial pickup or an 18-wheeler, EIB Direct likely offers the coverage you need.

EIB Direct offers commercial trucking insurance issued by its holding company, Prime Holdings Insurance Services, Inc. Drivers seeking customizable policies for both smaller trucks and larger fleets can find coverage through this insurer. It offers liability, physical damage, cargo, hired and non-hired auto coverage, and more. Plus, you can file claims easily via the EIB Direct mobile app. 

Unlike some competitors, EIB Direct is not among J.D. Power’s top-rated insurers for customer satisfaction. However, AM Best recently upped its rating from an A- to an A, and EIB has a lot to offer, no matter the size of your fleet.

Average Cost of Trucking Insurance

While trucking insurance coverage will vary depending on the type of truck you drive and your coverage needs, a recent Progressive study offered some helpful insights into how much premiums might cost. The average monthly cost of premiums is around $640 for truckers in a specialty niche, like street sweeping or garbage hauling. Truckers moving heavy-duty freight can expect to pay a higher premium, averaging around $982 per month. 

These estimates were based on drivers with a clean record seeking minimum coverage only. Your rates will vary depending on several factors discussed below. 

How to Save on Trucking Insurance

Trucking insurance isn’t cheap, but it’s necessary. Fortunately, you can do a few things to save on coverage, and certain providers might offer special discounts you can take advantage of. 

  • Maintain clean driving records: Whether you’re a single owner-operator or you have employees, maintaining clean driving records can help keep your premiums relatively low.
  • Hire experienced drivers: Typically, insurance costs are lower for drivers with more experience. 
  • Pay for the year: If you pay your policy in full for the year rather than monthly, certain insurers may be willing to give you a discount on your coverage. 
  • Opt for a newer truck: Newer trucks with modern safety equipment may be less expensive to insure than older trucks with fewer safety features.
  • Carefully consider your routes: Mapping out your routes carefully could work in your favor as you shop for insurance. Insurers consider where you travel as they’re calculating the cost of your premiums. If possible, try to avoid major cities and areas known for terrible weather.

Essential Cost Variables for Insurance

Similar to your personal auto policy, several factors will impact the cost of your commercial trucking insurance, and you’ll likely get different quotes as you compare policies. Here are some things insurers typically look at to determine coverage costs. 

Experience

When it comes to commercial truck insurance, your years of experience will impact your insurance costs. Those with more years on the road will likely pay lower premiums than those with fewer years of driving experience.

Gender

In general, insurance companies consider males to be higher-risk drivers than females. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety data shows that men are more than twice as likely to be involved in a serious accident than women, so you may pay more for coverage if you’re a man.

Credit Score

Your insurer may look at your business credit score when you apply for coverage. Higher scores will likely result in lower premiums, as a high credit score indicates that you typically meet your financial obligations.

Location

Your location and driving routes can also factor into the cost of your premiums. For instance, drivers located in a major metropolitan area may pay higher premiums. Those who often travel through major cities may also pay a higher cost for coverage.

Vehicle/Model

The type of truck you drive will impact the cost of your insurance. While it probably goes without saying, those who drive larger, older-model 18-wheelers will have more expensive coverage than drivers looking to insure a commercial pickup. 

Type of Coverage

While you must have certain coverages such as liability, other insurance coverages are optional. The type and amount of coverage you need for your truck will affect your premium costs. 

FAQs

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

Q. What are the major types of insurance a trucking company needs?

A. While proof of liability (property damage and bodily injury) and cargo coverage is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), other coverages can offer valuable protection. For instance, you may also benefit from physical damage or bobtail coverage.

Q. Which companies offer the best trucking insurance?

A. Some of the best trucking insurance companies offer several coverage options and valuable discounts that can help keep costs down. If you’re shopping for coverage, consider comparing policies from the following providers: 

OOIDA
Three by Berkshire Hathaway
Sentry
State Farm
Progressive
NITIC
EIB Direct

Q. Is insurance required for trucking companies?

A. Yes. The FMCSA — the U.S. government agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry — requires new operators to prove they have both liability coverage and cargo coverage. Minimum coverage amounts will vary based on whether you’re operating a freight or passenger vehicle.

Q. What is bobtail insurance coverage?

A. Despite its funny name, bobtail coverage offers serious protection. It’s a type of liability insurance designed to cover drivers who’ve already delivered their cargo and are heading home. So technically, it protects you when you’ve completed a job and you’re off-duty.

Our Methodology

To choose the best companies and products for this list, the team at The Drive looked at a large number of financial products from various providers. We focused on cost, product features and options, ease of use, customer service, and past customer ratings as the most important factors in our ratings.

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

Learn more
stripe