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Insurance Commercial Insurance

Best Commercial Truck Insurance Companies

Updated Jan 01, 2024   |   6-min read

Commercial trucking is a difficult business to get into and be successful at. The day-to-day operations of driving a commercial truck are also problematic for many owner-operators who drive their own vehicle.

According to federal data, over 400,000 crashes in the U.S. involved commercial vehicles in 2015. Over half of those crashes were caused by the driver’s error or negligence—making it harder for commercial truckers to get insured.

Commercial truck insurance is necessary for a variety of reasons. For one, it’s required by law. It also protects drivers and owners in a loss of cargo situation, liability in an accident, or even during overhaul repairs if a rental truck is temporarily needed to continue operations.

On this page:

What is Required to be Eligible for Commercial Truck Insurance?

Trucking companies must file proof with the state and federal government that they have enough coverage on their trucks to cover both the value of the truck itself and the cargo, as well as protect against any liability claims, such as an accident that was the trucker’s fault. 

Making that a bit difficult, especially for new drivers, is the “two-year rule,” an unofficial policy that many commercial trucking insurers have against insuring drivers with less than two years of commercial driving experience. 

There are, however, a few companies that will still insure a new driver.

How Much Does Commercial Truck Insurance Cost?

Like consumer auto insurance, commercial truck insurance has no set price. Each policy cost is dependent on individual risk factors such as any traffic tickets, convictions for driving while under the influence, past accidents, operating radius, and what your typical cargo is.

Car haulers, for instance, need more coverage than the minimum. Several companies offer commercial truck insurance for all types of cargo.

Best Commercial Truck Insurance Companies

Compare the top commercial truck insurance companies to find an option that best fits your needs.

CoverWallet

  • Plans start as low as $39/month
  • Compare best-in-class insurance carriers
  • Complete the entire process online

CoverWallet claims to be the easiest way to understand, buy, and manage business insurance. The entire process is free and can be completed online in a matter of minutes with plans starting as low as $39 per month.

Features

By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, CoverWallet is able to help businesses understand and buy customized coverage, get significant savings, and conveniently manage their insurance online.

To ensure you are covered for all of your needs, CoverWallet has businesses complete a quick assessment so the company can explain what you need to minimize exposure to risk.

The Verdict

CoverWallet is the best option for comparing multiple best-in-class insurance carriers. These carriers include Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Berkshire Hathaway, Chubb, Travelers, and more.

If you are looking for an easy way to quickly compare affordable commercial truck insurance plans, CoverWallet can be right for you.


Progressive

  • Over 40 years of experience
  • Access customizable truck coverages
  • Customers receive assistance with state and federal filings

Progressive specializes in owner-operators, motor carriers, and private carriers. The insurer has been providing coverage to truckers for over 40 years.

Features

The company offers general liability, non-trucking liability, rental reimbursement, trailer interchange, and cargo insurance, including state and federal filings so that you can prove that you are covered. They also have a robust heavy truck claims department.

The Verdict

For features, Progressive is hard to beat. All claims are processed in-house by their own adjusters and they have a wide variety of coverages. Their customer service, however, leaves much to be desired, only earning a 1-star rating with the Better Business Bureau.


State Farm

  • Doesn’t cover your cargo
  • Includes most standard auto insurance coverages

Aside from their consumer, home, and life policies, State Farm also has commercial vehicle coverage. Their policies include bodily injury, liability, and more – but they don’t cover your cargo, which may be a deal-breaker for most commercial trucking companies.

Features

Their commercial coverage mostly offers the same protections you would get with a consumer auto policy without many of the additional things that Progressive has specifically for large trucks.

The Verdict

State Farm misses the mark in terms of both features and customer service. Consumer Affairs rates the company at only 3 stars based on over 3,000 reviews. If you’re hauling cargo, you’ll likely need to go elsewhere.


EIB Direct

  • Excess coverage is available
  • New ventures can be covered for experienced accounts

EIB Direct, or Evolution Insurance Brokers, is a lesser-known company that specializes in trucking insurance to include both long- and short-haul trucks, fleets, motor truck cargo, and more.

Features

EIB Direct has coverage for truck liability, physical damage, hired and non-hired vehicles, motor truck cargo, and even non-owned trailer liability for companies that rent or lease trailers. Coverage exceeds the federal limits of $750,000, and they’re partnered with such high-end insurers as Lloyd’s (formerly Lloyd’s of London).

The Verdict

EIB’s strength is in their ability to do specialized policies for “difficult risk,” or those who may not be able to get insurance elsewhere due to past legal issues, hazardous cargo, or other situations that make insurance procurement difficult.

The flip side of that coverage availability, however, is the price. EIB can be more expensive than other insurers. For those who can’t get a standard commercial trucking policy with a more traditional insurance company, however, EIB should be considered as a viable option. 

In the area of customer service, however, Better Business Bureau only gives EIB a C+ rating due to the company not answering its complaints.


OOIDA

  • Claims to be the only company to actively work on behalf of your business through advocacy efforts
  • Offers a complete range of coverage and policy options

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association offers several policies and coverage options for small business truckers.

Features

Whether you’re an owner-operator with authority or a lease, OOIDA has a full range of options. All underwriting is in-house with a fast turnaround and competitive rates.

The Verdict

Since its total focus is commercial truck insurance, OOIDA has some of the best and most specialized policies on the market. The company received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Recap of the Best Commercial Truck Insurance

CompanyWhat stands out
CoverWalletCompare best-in-class carriers for free
ProgressiveOver 40 years of experience
State FarmOffers most standard auto coverages
EIBExcess coverage is available
OOIDAWorks on your behalf through its advocacy efforts

Bottom Line

Before choosing any truck insurance policy for your commercial trucking needs, make sure to look at customer ratings, offerings, and price quotes. A little work now in comparing truck insurance quotes can save hours and money later.

Additionally, if you are looking for a specific type of commercial truck insurance, you can check out one of the following resources: