Insurance City
- 956 W Robinhood Dr
- Stockton, California 95207
Phone: (209) 670-1556
Toll Free: (844) 378-6561
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- Mon-Fri: 10:00am-6:00pm
- Sat-Sun: Closed
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Commercial Truck Insurance in California
Commercial truck insurance in California runs roughly $9,000–$16,000 a year per power unit for most for-hire operations, and federal law sets the liability floor at $750,000 for general freight and $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 for hazmat. Insurance City is a Stockton-based independent brokerage that places trucking, DOT, and motor-carrier coverage across California and works in English and Spanish.
Start your California truck insurance quote or call 209-670-1556.
How much does commercial truck insurance cost in California?
Rates depend on radius, cargo, driver records, and loss history. As a benchmark, owner-operators leased to a carrier often pay less than authority holders running under their own MC number. Typical annual per-unit ranges:
| Operation | Typical annual / unit |
|---|---|
| Owner-operator (leased) | $5,000–$9,000 |
| Authority / for-hire ★ | $9,000–$16,000 |
| Dump / aggregate hauling | $12,000–$20,000 |
Typical California ranges, not a quote. Your premium depends on units, drivers, radius, cargo, and loss runs.
What are the FMCSA insurance requirements for California truckers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets minimum public liability at $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil/certain commodities, and up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. Interstate carriers must file an MCS-90 endorsement; intrastate California carriers file with the CA DMV Motor Carrier Permit program. We break the filings down in our guide to FMCSA liability requirements, MCS-90 and BMC-91.
What coverages does a California trucking policy include?
- Primary liability — the FMCSA-mandated $750K+ that covers damage you cause to others.
- Physical damage — collision and comprehensive on your tractor and trailer.
- Motor truck cargo — the freight you haul, commonly $100,000 limits.
- Non-trucking / bobtail liability — for owner-operators driving off dispatch.
- Trailer interchange — when you pull trailers you do not own.
Do I need a DOT number and MC authority in California?
Any truck over 10,001 lbs used commercially needs a USDOT number, and for-hire interstate carriers also need MC operating authority. Intrastate California carriers need a CA number and a Motor Carrier Permit. See box truck DOT and insurance requirements and dump truck and aggregate hauling insurance.
Get your California trucking certificate today or call 209-670-1556.
Frequently asked questions
How much is commercial truck insurance in California?
Most for-hire operations pay $9,000 to $16,000 a year per power unit; leased owner-operators often pay $5,000 to $9,000, and dump/aggregate haulers $12,000 to $20,000, depending on radius, cargo, drivers and loss history.
What is the FMCSA minimum liability for trucking?
The FMCSA minimum is $750,000 for general freight, $1,000,000 for oil and certain commodities, and up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials, filed via the MCS-90 endorsement for interstate carriers.
What is an MCS-90 and do I need one?
The MCS-90 is a federal endorsement that guarantees the public the FMCSA minimum coverage is in place. Interstate for-hire carriers are required to carry it; we file it as part of your trucking policy.
Do you insure new-authority truckers in California?
Yes. We place coverage for new MC authority, owner-operators, and small fleets across California, including box trucks, dump trucks and hotshot operations.
Do you charge a broker fee for trucking insurance?
No broker fees on standard policies at our Stockton office. Specialty or excess placements that carry a carrier or wholesaler fee are disclosed in writing before you commit.
Aseguranza de troca comercial en California (en español)
La aseguranza para troca comercial en California cuesta aproximadamente $9,000 a $16,000 al año por unidad. La ley federal exige un mínimo de $750,000 de responsabilidad para carga general. Aseguramos owner-operators, autoridad nueva (MC), y flotas pequeñas en todo California. Vea nuestra aseguranza comercial en California o llame al 209-670-1556.
Related resources
- FMCSA liability requirements: $750K vs $1M, MCS-90 & BMC-91
- Box truck DOT number & insurance requirements
- Dump truck & aggregate hauling insurance
- Aseguranza comercial en California (español)
- All commercial & business insurance
Insurance City is an independent brokerage at 956 W. Robinhood Dr, Stockton, CA 95207. California license #6003045. Figures are typical ranges for education, not a quote or a rate guarantee.