Insurance that actually files

Must-have

• BIPD (liability): $300,000 if combined GVWR is under 10,001 lbs; $750,000 at 10,001 lbs and up.
• Hazmat lanes jump to $1,000,000 or $5,000,000 — not a beginner lane.
• Cargo: not required by FMCSA for general freight. Required by almost every broker ($100,000+).
• Physical damage on truck and trailer if you owe money on them — or if you cannot replace them in cash.
• MCS-90 endorsement on the policy. BMC-91 / BMC-91X filed by the insurer.

The rule

• 49 CFR 387.303

  Minimum levels of financial responsibility. FMCSA will not grant authority until the filing is on record.

• BMC-91 / BMC-91X

  Only the insurance company files this. A certificate in your inbox is not a filing.

• BMC-34 cargo

  Required only if you haul household goods. Everyone else carries cargo because brokers demand it.

What they don’t publish

• A $300,000 policy on a 14,000-lb combo is illegal, not a bargain.
• If the policy cancels, FMCSA gets a cancellation filing. Authority goes Inactive. Loads already booked become illegal.
• Owner-operators under your MC need to be on your policy or have their own that names you. That is the barrier coverage from the playbook.

Official desks

• Highway Safety — insurance view
• FMCSA insurance filing chart
• SAFER — confirm insurance on file

• Combined GVWR written down (truck + trailer door stickers)
• Liability at or above the federal minimum for that weight
• Certificate shows $1,000,000 if you want broker freight
• Cargo listed (usually $100,000)
• BMC-91 accepted on SAFER
• MCS-90 in the policy packet in the truck