Commercial Truck Insurance in Texas
Texas intrastate motor carriers with trucks over 26,000 lb must register with TxDMV and carry at least $500,000 combined single limit liability (43 TAC §218.16). If you haul across state lines, the federal $750,000 minimum (49 CFR 387.9) applies instead.
By TruckerStack Editorial, AK Digital Marketing LLC · Checked against official sources on 2026-11-04 · Editorial policy · Not insurance, legal or financial advice.
Texas intrastate minimums
| Texas intrastate vehicle | Minimum CSL |
|---|---|
| Commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lb | $500,000 |
| Farm trucks 48,000 lb or more | $500,000 |
| Household goods, 26,000 lb or less | $300,000 |
| Oil (49 CFR 172.101) | $1,000,000 |
| Placarded hazmat (listed classes) | $5,000,000 |
Sources: 43 TAC §218.16, TxDMV Motor Carrier Handbook.
Your insurer files proof electronically with TxDMV, and coverage must stay continuous for your TxDMV number to remain active (TxDMV Motor Carrier Handbook). Household goods movers also need cargo coverage of $5,000 per vehicle / $10,000 aggregate.
If you cross state lines
Interstate for-hire carriers follow federal minimums regardless of base state:
| Interstate for-hire freight | Federal minimum |
|---|---|
| General freight, GVWR 10,001 lb or more | $750,000 |
| Oil (49 CFR 172.101 listed) | $1,000,000 |
| Certain hazmat (e.g. Div 1.1–1.3, bulk 2.3 Zone A) | $5,000,000 |
| General freight, GVWR under 10,001 lb (for-hire) | $300,000 |
Sources: 49 CFR 387.9 and 49 CFR 387.303 (under-10,001 lb tier).
Quote factors
Premiums are set by each insurer and we do not publish price estimates. What moves a quote: authority age (new MCs are rated higher), driver MVR and CDL experience, radius and lanes, commodity, vehicle value and GVWR, garaging ZIP, CSA/inspection history (check yours in our DOT lookup), deductibles and limits above the minimum that brokers often require.
State page: Texas trucking requirements (IRP, IFTA, permits).
Related
- Commercial truck insurance hub
- Insurance minimums table
- Authority & insurance checker
- Check any carrier's insurance on file
FAQ
What is the minimum truck insurance in Texas?
$500,000 CSL for intrastate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lb (43 TAC 218.16); $750,000 federal if interstate for-hire.
Do Texas trucks under 26,000 lb need TxDMV insurance filing?
General freight trucks at 26,000 lb or less are generally not required to register with TxDMV, per the TxDMV Motor Carrier Handbook; household goods movers are.