If you’re getting your own authority, the MCS-90 is one of those forms that causes a lot of confusion. Here’s the plain version.
What the MCS-90 actually is
The MCS-90 is a federally required endorsement that proves a for-hire motor carrier can meet the FMCSA’s minimum financial responsibility for damage to the public. It’s attached to your trucking liability policy.
The part most people miss
The MCS-90 is a safety net for the public, not coverage for you. If it pays a claim your policy wouldn’t have, your insurer can come back to you for the money. So it’s not a substitute for carrying the right liability limits and the right coverages in the first place — it sits on top of them to satisfy the feds.
Do you need one?
If you operate under your own interstate authority hauling for hire, yes — it’s part of getting and keeping that authority. We handle the MCS-90 and the rest of the filings as part of setting up your trucking policy.
Setting up your authority?
Insurance City is a local independent brokerage in Stockton that knows trucking. Call (209) 670-1556 or see our commercial trucking page.