Tractor-trailers carry the highest liability exposure on the road, so semi insurance is priced around severity: an at-fault crash can easily exceed $1 million. Federal rules set the floor for interstate for-hire carriers; brokers, shippers and lenders usually push requirements higher.
Typical semi truck insurance program
- Primary auto liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit (federal minimum is $750,000 for general freight).
- Motor truck cargo: $100,000 is the common broker requirement; higher for high-value loads.
- Physical damage: comprehensive and collision on the tractor and owned trailers, based on stated value.
- Trailer interchange, reefer breakdown, and non-owned trailer coverage as needed.
- General liability, umbrella/excess, and workers' comp or occupational accident for drivers.
What drives the premium
- Driver experience, age, MVR and PSP history.
- Years in business and loss history (loss runs).
- Radius of operation and the lanes/states you run.
- Commodity hauled — hazmat, auto-hauling, and high-theft freight cost more.
- Garaging location, safety scores (CSA/BASICs), and use of telematics or cameras.
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Get quotes Check a DOT/MC numberFrequently asked questions
Why is semi truck insurance so expensive?
Large-truck crash claims are among the most severe in auto insurance, and nuclear verdicts have pushed settlements higher. Insurers price for that severity, especially for new ventures without a loss history.
Does semi insurance cover the trailer?
Liability generally extends to a trailer you're pulling, but physical damage to the trailer requires the trailer to be scheduled on your policy — or trailer interchange coverage if it belongs to someone else.
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Reviewed October 2026. General information only — not insurance or legal advice. Coverage terms vary by insurer and state.