Trucking Insurance Requirements in New York

✅ 1. Basic Commercial Auto / Liability Insurance

• For any vehicle used for business purposes (trucks, vans, delivery vehicles) in New York, you must carry commercial auto liability insurance.  

• The state’s general minimums for commercial vehicles (not specifically heavy trucking) include:

  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident  

  • $25,000 bodily injury for one person, $50,000 for two or more persons in an accident  

• However — for many trucking operations these minimums are far too low, and specialized trucking insurance will require much higher limits (see next sections).

 2. Trucking-Specific Insurance Requirements in New York

Because trucks carry freight, sometimes hazardous materials, travel long distances and create exposure to large losses, the rules for trucking operations are more stringent. Some of these key requirements include:

• If you operate as a carrier of general freight in New York (intrastate): liability insurance limits of at least $750,000.  

• If you handle hazardous materials (hazmat) you may need liability limits of $5 million.  

• If you transport household goods (moving companies) there are separate minimums for that specific category.  

• For cargo insurance (covering the freight you carry) and other endorsements, you’ll need to meet filings with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or state equivalent. 

• Before being issued carrier authority in NY (for property carriers, household goods movers, etc.), you must file “Form E” (proof of liability insurance) and “Form H” (proof of cargo insurance) where applicable.  

 3. Filing & Compliance Obligations

• Your insurance carrier must file certain forms with the state when you register as a carrier. For example:

  • For interstate carriers, the FMCSA filing chart shows minimums for bodily injury/property damage depending on commodity. 

• For intrastate carriers in New York: the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) requires proof of insurance when granting authority.  

• Keep in mind: even if you operate only within NY, if you cross state lines you must comply with federal minimums as well.  

4. Why the Higher Limits & Risk Exposure?

• Trucks generally can cause far greater damage (injury, property, environmental) than typical vehicles; hence higher limits are required.  

• Operations in NY may include densely populated urban areas, heavy traffic, complex routes — increasing the risk profile.

• Specialized loads (hazardous materials, oil transport) carry unique risk which demands much higher insurance coverage. 

5. Practical Tips for Trucking Operators in NY

• Review your cargo type: If you haul general freight vs. hazardous materials vs. household goods, the required limits differ significantly.

• Check your operations: Are you purely intrastate in NY, or do you cross state lines? If interstate, you must meet FMCSA requirements.

• Choose higher than minimum limits: Even if the law says “at least $750k” for general freight, many carriers opt for higher to protect themselves.

• Ensure correct filings: Form E and Form H in NY, plus any federal filings if required. Incorrect filings can delay your authority or expose you to liability.

• Work with an insured broker experienced in trucking insurance: Because trucks have unique risks (loads, long-haul, driver hours, maintenance) you’ll want a specialist who understands these factors.

• Maintain good safety records: Insurance premiums are tied to driver history, vehicle maintenance, accident history. A clean record helps.

• Don’t rely on personal auto insurance: If you’re using a vehicle for business or freight, your personal insurance policy will likely exclude such operations.  

6. Summary Table of Typical Minimums (for NY)