Insurance for new trucking authorities
Applying for your own interstate operating authority? Required coverage has to be in place and on file before FMCSA activates your authority. We show you what’s required and help you start early.
What’s required, and what brokers ask for
What FMCSA requires
For interstate operating authority.
- Primary auto liability at or above the federal minimum (see the limits)
- A BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing with FMCSA, made once your policy is in place
- The MCS-90 endorsement on your liability policy (generally for-hire interstate trucks of 10,001 lbs GVWR or more, plus hazmat operations that need the higher limits; more on the MCS-90)
What brokers and lenders often ask for
- Auto liability limits above the federal minimum
- Motor truck cargo
- Physical damage (lenders usually require it)
- General liability (often in contracts)
Requirements depend on your trucks, what you haul and where you run. Brokers and shippers often set their own cargo and liability requirements; tell us yours. We’ll go over what applies to you.
How your authority becomes active
Step 1: Get your USDOT number. Register your company with FMCSA.
Step 2: Apply for operating authority. FMCSA gives your application a docket number (an MC number for most trucking companies). Having the number doesn’t mean your authority is active.
Step 3: File your BOC-3. This names your process agents. It isn’t insurance; a process agent company files it for you.
Step 4: Get your insurance in place. Once a policy is in place, your BMC-91 or BMC-91X is filed with FMCSA.
Step 5: FMCSA reviews and activates. FMCSA reviews your application and filings.
Not sure what to do first? Ask us and we’ll go over the order with you. We coordinate the required insurance filings; FMCSA decides when your authority becomes active. Running only inside one state? Some states require their own filing; we’ll tell you if one applies.
What to have ready
- Your USDOT and MC numbers, or where your application stands
- Your business name, how it’s set up (for example sole proprietor or LLC), and where your trucks are garaged
- Each driver’s CDL details and years driving
- Year, make, model, VIN and value of each truck and trailer
- Your equipment and what you haul
- How far you run (your radius)
- The limits your brokers or shippers require
- Prior insurance and loss runs, if you have them
Don’t put driver’s license numbers in the web form. Driver’s license and CDL details and documents like loss runs, dec pages, VIN lists and authority letters can be emailed to sales@pharosins.com, texted to (305) 776-9420 or given to us by phone, whichever is easiest. Never send Social Security numbers or bank or card details by email or text.
Don’t have it all yet? Send what you have, and we’ll ask for anything else we need.
New authority questions
Can I get insured with a brand-new authority?
It depends on driver experience, equipment and what you haul. We’ll tell you early what looks realistic.
Can I get a quote before my authority is active?
Usually, yes, and starting early is smart. It gives you time to find and fill in missing information. The federal filing generally can’t be made until a policy is in place on the trucks you’ll run.
Is the MCS-90 the same as the BMC-91?
No. The BMC-91 or BMC-91X is the filing that tells FMCSA you have liability coverage. The MCS-90 is an endorsement on your policy. See filings and the MCS-90.
Why do new authorities usually pay more?
Without a loss history under your own authority, underwriting sees more unknowns. Your CDL experience, driving record, equipment and what you haul still count. Complete information helps us show you the options available.
I’m leased on today. What changes when I get my own authority?
You’ll need your own primary liability and filings, and usually cargo, in place of the bobtail or non-trucking coverage your lease required. Tell us before you switch so we can review your coverage needs and effective dates.
Start your quote early
Tell us where your authority stands. We’ll get back to you within one business day, often the same day.
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General information only, not legal advice. Pharos Insurance Group is not affiliated with or endorsed by FMCSA or USDOT. Check current requirements at fmcsa.dot.gov.