Hot Shot Truck Insurance
Interstate for-hire hot shot carriers need $750,000 liability when the truck (or truck + trailer GVWR combined) is 10,001 lb or more, per 49 CFR 387.9; below that the for-hire minimum is $300,000. Most hot shot rigs exceed 10,001 lb combined, so plan on $750,000 plus cargo.
By TruckerStack Editorial, AK Digital Marketing LLC · Checked against official sources on 2026-11-04 · Editorial policy · Not insurance, legal or financial advice.
Which minimum applies
| 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).
FMCSA uses gross vehicle weight rating, including a towed unit's rating for combinations (49 CFR 390.5 definition of commercial motor vehicle). A 1-ton pickup plus a 3-axle gooseneck almost always lands above 10,001 lb. See our CDL & weight guide.
Coverages hot shot carriers carry
- Primary auto liability: the coverage FMCSA requires; your insurer files the BMC-91/91X so it shows on FMCSA Licensing & Insurance.
- Motor truck cargo: not federally required for most freight, but most brokers ask for it in their contracts.
- Physical damage: covers your own truck/trailer; lenders usually require it.
- Non-trucking / bobtail liability: for leased-on owner-operators when not under dispatch.
- General liability, trailer interchange, occupational accident: required by some shippers, docks or carriers you lease to.
Hot shot-specific: confirm the policy schedules both the pickup and the trailer, and that cargo coverage includes the commodities you actually haul (machinery, steel, vehicles often have exclusions or sub-limits).
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Premiums are set by each insurer and we do not publish price estimates.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.
Model how premium affects your per-load profit in the hot shot calculator.
Related
- Commercial truck insurance hub
- Insurance minimums table
- Authority & insurance checker
- Check any carrier's insurance on file
FAQ
Do hot shot truckers need $750,000 insurance?
Yes for interstate for-hire general freight when the combination is 10,001 lb GVWR or more (49 CFR 387.9).
Can I get $300,000 coverage for hot shot?
Only if your for-hire vehicle combination is under 10,001 lb GVWR and non-hazmat (49 CFR 387.303); many brokers still require more.
Is cargo insurance required for hot shot?
Not federally for general freight, but brokers commonly require it.