What does commercial truck insurance cost?

To best answer this common question, we analyzed our new for-hire truck policies sold in 2022, and divided them into two groups:

  • For-hire transport – Truckers who haul goods, such as general freight and autos
  • For-hire specialty – Truckers who specialize in a specific niche, such as garbage, septic waste or logging

Our national average monthly cost for commercial truck insurance ranged from $736 for specialty truckers to $1,125 for transport truckers.‡‡ Remember, these numbers are only averages. Insurance companies use many rating factors to calculate your rate, and each can have a big influence on your premium.

For example, our calculations only include new policies that have both primary liability and physical damage coverages present, and clean driving records for all drivers. You can expect your rate to vary if you have different coverage requirements.

We recommend you start a custom quote online or call us to speak with a licensed professional.

Rating factors

The seven primary rating factors that can influence your truck insurance cost are:

1. USDOT authority

Leasing to a company is much cheaper than running under your own authority because leasing companies typically cover their drivers' primary liability exposure while their drivers are under dispatch. These drivers often need to carry non-truck or bobtail coverage to fill the gaps, but it's less expensive than primary liability coverage.

Also, your USDOT operating history can be a factor if you're working under your own authority. Any violation could put you at risk for a higher rate.

2. Contractual requirements

The FMCSA generally mandates a minimum liability limit of $750,000 CSL or $1,000,000 CSL for truckers who need a federal filing. This is much higher than most state minimum limits, meaning those drivers can expect to pay more.

Certain contracts require that you carry added coverages, such as motor truck cargo, physical damage or trailer interchange, which will also increase your truck insurance rate.

3. Cargo

Commercial truck insurance costs are greatly affected by the type of cargo you haul. Some cargo is just riskier to transport than others. For example, an accident involving a truck transporting heavy farm equipment will likely cause more injury or damage than a truck carrying fresh produce.

When getting a quote, it's very important to accurately and completely disclose the types of cargo you'll be transporting to minimize the risk of having a claim denied.

4. Operating radius

Truckers with a large operating radius typically are exposed to higher risks due to longer drive times between stops and more — potentially less familiar — route options. A semi-truck driver who travels regionally will usually pay more than a driver whose routes are local.

5. Vehicle type

A heavy semi will generally justify a higher commercial truck insurance cost than a lighter pickup truck carrying the same type of product because of its potential to cause more damage in an accident.

It's also typical for newer vehicles to be rated higher because they're costlier to repair or replace than older vehicles.

6. Driving history

Accidents and violations have a higher impact on a commercial truck policy than your typical auto policy because large, heavy vehicles transporting bulk levels of cargo can cause a lot more damage. A minor speeding ticket on a trucker's driving record could cause a drastic increase to their insurance cost.

Keeping your driving record free of accidents and violations could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a truck policy.

7. Location

Commercial truck insurance rates vary by state. You can expect to pay more just because you operate in states with higher rates.

Does cheap commercial truck insurance exist?

The meaning of “cheap” is relative, but few truckers would describe their truck insurance as cheap — nor would they want to. Trucking is their livelihood. What they're usually looking for is the best value, which is a combination of a competitive pricing, customized coverages and first-rate service.

Here's a few things to help you get the best value for your truck insurance:

Adjust your coverages

More coverage equals more protection, but it's not always in the budget. Luckily, you can adjust your coverages to help you save on your truck insurance cost.

For example, physical damage coverage is usually necessary for trucks with an outstanding loan or lease. To reduce your total cost, you could simply raise your deductibles, say, from $500 to $1,000. Just remember that you'll have to pay more out of pocket if you have a claim.

Also remember that less coverage means less protection. Make sure you're satisfied with the coverage you choose before you start your policy.

Factor monthly payments

Don't let the annual cost shock you. For example, a commercial truck insurance quote that costs $11,300 per year might sound difficult to manage, but by breaking it into monthly payments — roughly $942 per month — it becomes less intimidating and easier to budget.

Some companies, like Progressive, offer significant discounts to customers who pay in full. But each insurance company has unique billing options, so be sure to ask which options you qualify for when getting your truck quote.

Ask about discounts

Discounts are one of the easiest ways to help you get the best value on commercial truck insurance. A few of our favorite discounts for for-hire truckers include:

  • CDL discount – You'll receive a discount just for having a valid commercial driver's license for at least two years. How easy is that?
  • Business experience discount – You're eligible for this discount if you've been in business for three years or more.
  • Paid-in-full discount – Most customers can save up to 15% if they pay their policy in full. That’s a $1,500 savings on a $10,000 policy!

Let us help

As America's #1 truck insurerΔ, we offer competitive rates and multiple ways to save to create more affordable commercial truck insurance options for our customers.

Our licensed commercial agents will tailor a quote to help you meet your business and truck insurance needs. They'll work within your budget and look for find pricing and discount options to maximize your savings.

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