What if one simple policy could keep your fleet moving and your bottom line protected?
You need clear answers fast. GEICO brings over 85 years of experience and an A++ rating to back your policy. From the first phone call, you can start coverage quickly and manage your plan online.
Expect a modern, end-to-end experience that blends strong liability and physical damage options with specialist service for cargo and refrigeration units.
Files, filings, and certificates are handled quickly so you stay compliant with FMCSA and state rules. That means less downtime after an accident and faster proof of coverage for shippers and brokers.
Key Takeaways
- Activate coverage quickly and manage policies online for fleet changes.
- Financially strong company backing improves claims confidence.
- Specialized trucking options protect cargo, refrigeration, and vehicles.
- Fast filings and certificates help you stay compliant on the road.
- Clear pricing, limits, and underwriting let you control total cost of risk.
Why you need commercial truck and trailer insurance today
Running freight without the right protection risks downtime and big bills.
Valid coverage is a regulatory and financial must for motor carriers.
Federal and state rules require proof of financial responsibility for motor carriers on the road. Most interstate operators must file FMCSA endorsements, and many states ask for separate filings. GEICO can often complete filings within 24–48 hours after you call.
Your contracts with brokers, shippers, and leasing firms often set specific limits and forms. Proper documentation keeps loads moving and prevents delays that can idle your equipment and cash flow.
- Protects your business from the cost of accident damage, cargo loss, or fire.
- Keeps drivers covered across routes to avoid roadside holds and audit issues.
- Balances cost and limits so you meet shipper requirements without overspending.
| Exposure | What it covers | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Bodily injury and property damage claims | Protects company assets from lawsuits and large verdicts |
| Physical damage | Collision, comprehensive, fire, theft | Allows repair or replacement so you can return to service fast |
| Cargo & filings | Loss to freight; FMCSA/state financial responsibility filings | Ensures contract compliance and uninterrupted hauling |
Who we insure and how we tailor protection to your trucking business
Different operating models face different exposures — your protection should match how you work.
GEICO covers owner-operators with their own authority, private carriers that haul only company goods, and drivers leased to a motor carrier.
If you lease on, the motor carrier usually carries primary liability while you haul. You can add non-trucking liability and physical damage to close gaps during personal use or off-dispatch time.
From single power units to growing fleets
You can start with one power unit and scale to a fleet. Policies let you add or remove vehicles and drivers as routes and revenue change.
- Role-based coverage: tailor limits, deductibles, and endorsements to how you operate.
- Bundling options: combine primary liability, cargo, and physical damage when you hold authority.
- Specialist underwriting: driver experience and MVRs help match pricing to your safety record.
| Role | Typical gap | How to close it |
|---|---|---|
| Leased driver | Off-dispatch exposure | Non-trucking liability, physical damage |
| Owner-operator | Contract requirements | Primary liability + cargo + physical |
| Private carrier | Internal logistics risk | Tailored liability and physical limits |
Commercial truck and trailer insurance
A clear policy map helps you match limits to contracts, lenders, and cargo value.
Primary liability protects you against bodily injury and property damage you cause while operating. It meets regulatory and contract requirements for for-hire carriers and helps you keep loads moving when limits are set correctly.
Physical damage: collision and comprehensive
Collision and comprehensive coverages help repair or replace your vehicle and attached trailer after covered perils like theft, fire, or vandalism.
Motor truck cargo and refrigeration breakdown
Motor truck cargo coverage safeguards freight while in transit. You can add refrigeration breakdown to cover sudden reefer failures that spoil perishable goods.
Trailer interchange and non-owned trailer damage
If you move non-owned trailers under a formal interchange agreement, trailer interchange coverage handles liability for that equipment while it’s in your care.
When you use non-owned trailers without an agreement, non-owned trailer physical damage can help cover direct losses to that equipment.
General liability and non-trucking liability
Motor truck general liability responds to third-party claims from business operations not directly tied to vehicle use, such as premises exposures.
Non-trucking liability (often called bobtail) provides limited protection when a permanently leased power unit is used strictly for personal, non-revenue purposes.
- Extendable options: hired and non-owned auto coverages, medical payments, and towing after a covered loss.
- Set limits and deductibles: align them to cargo value, equipment age, and lender requirements to manage risk and meet contracts.
| Coverage | What it protects | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Primary liability | Bodily injury, property damage | Meets carrier and shipper limits |
| Motor truck cargo | Freight loss, spoilage | Keeps customer contracts valid |
| Trailer interchange | Liability for non-owned trailers | Protects you while operating borrowed equipment |
Optional coverages that protect your bottom line
Add-on protections help you handle short-term hires, employee use, and roadside needs.
GEICO offers optional coverages to fill gaps when you rent, lease, or borrow units. These options make sure liability and physical damage follow the vehicle while you use it for the business.
Hired and non-owned auto liability and physical damage
When you lease or rent a unit to meet surge demand, hired auto liability and physical damage keep your operations compliant. Non-owned liability also extends to employees who use personal cars for work.
Medical payments and towing after a covered loss
Medical payments can help cover immediate costs for you or passengers after a covered accident. Towing and roadside assistance after a covered loss get vehicles to repair shops fast so a breakdown does not become a long, costly interruption.
- Adjust limits and deductibles to fit your budget and risk profile.
- Use optional coverages to satisfy broker or shipper contract terms.
- Small line items often prevent large out-of-pocket loss after an event.
Regulatory compliance and insurance filings made simple
Staying ahead of filings keeps your authority active and your drivers rolling.
Get clear, fast support for federal and state paperwork so you can focus on dispatch and safety.
FMCSA financial responsibility endorsements for interstate carriers
GEICO handles FMCSA federal financial responsibility endorsements for interstate carriers. That means your proof of liability and motor truck cargo coverage is filed with the right federal body to keep authority valid.
State-specific filings and when you need them
State requirements vary by route and load. Your insurer will identify whether you need state filings, federal filings, or both based on where you operate and what you haul.
Filing turnaround times and what to expect
Expect typical filing turnaround of 24–48 hours after you call or purchase. Forms are coordinated with your policy limits and effective dates to avoid gaps that can delay pickups or lead to cancellations.
- Streamlined filings satisfy FMCSA rules so your authority stays active.
- Proof of coverage is delivered to regulators and partners when required.
- Keep digital ID cards and certificates handy for fast onboarding with brokers.
| What | Why it matters | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| FMCSA endorsement | Meets federal financial responsibility requirements | 24–48 hours |
| State filing | Aligns with local limits and audit rules | Varies by state |
| Certificates & ID cards | Speeds broker and shipper onboarding | Immediate digital delivery |
Note: coverage descriptions are general; actual policy terms govern. Review declarations and endorsements to confirm limits and requirements for your operation.
What affects the price of your policy
Rates hinge on a few practical details you can control today. Underwriters look at your people, equipment, cargo, and how far you operate to set premiums that match real risk.
Drivers, equipment, cargo, and operating radius
Your drivers’ records and experience matter most. Clean motor vehicle records and ongoing training help secure better terms.
The age, type, and condition of each unit affect repair costs and safety outcomes. Newer, well-maintained vehicles often lower rates.
What you haul changes exposure. High-value or hazardous cargo usually requires broader coverage and raises premiums.
A larger operating radius increases time on the road and exposure to varied risks. Local or regional runs often cost less than long-haul operations.
USDOT compliance, inspections, and coverage limits
Strong USDOT compliance and a solid inspection history show safety discipline. That can translate to lower pricing over time.
Your chosen limits and deductibles directly influence cost. Higher limits protect better against injury and property damage claims but raise premiums.
- Claims history and severity shape underwriting decisions.
- Optional add-ons like cargo or reefer breakdown increase protection and affect total premium.
- Safety programs, telematics, and regular reviews can improve pricing over time.
Discounts and ways to save without sacrificing coverage
Smart discounts help you protect your fleet while keeping costs lean.
GEICO rewards safe, organized operations with multiple ways to lower premium without cutting protection.
Bundle savings and accident-free credits
When you bundle policies with one company you simplify billing and certificate handling. This often lowers your total premium while keeping coverage intact.
A clean five-year driving record can unlock an accident-free discount that directly rewards drivers who maintain strong safety performance.
Military and other eligibility factors
If you are active-duty, reserve, or a veteran you may qualify for a military discount. That credit stacks with other eligible reductions to improve pricing.
- Combine discounts: multi-policy, accident-free, and military credits can add up.
- Document safety: telematics and training logs often support better rates.
- Keep policies current: remove sold units and update drivers to avoid paying for outdated exposure.
The goal: protect your business first, then trim costs where it won’t weaken coverage.
Trucks, trailers, and industries we cover
Cover the full span of your fleet with policies that match each unit’s use and value.
GEICO writes policies for many makes and many roles so you can insure what you operate.
Semi rigs, box units, dump bodies, and specialty equipment
You can protect major-brand semis such as Peterbilt, Freightliner, Kenworth, Volvo, Mack, International, and Western Star. Box configurations include cargo cutaways, reefers, sleeper boxes, and tilt cabs.
Dump units for roll-off work and hauling dirt or gravel are supported with tailored physical damage and liability options.
For-hire niches, refrigerated hauls, auto movers, and agriculture
For-hire operations across auto hauling, refrigerated freight, expediting, hot-shot services, and escort work find targeted forms and endorsements. Agricultural and livestock haulers get seasonal adjustments for perishables and sensitivity in cargo handling.
- Fleet flexibility: add specialized trailers or units and update your policy as your business grows.
- Trailer exposure: non-owned units and interchange agreements are available with physical damage protection.
- Underwriting that fits drivers: experience, routes, and cargo types guide suitable limits.
State availability and underwriting notes you should know
Plan filings early — timing and documentation can make the difference between same-day bind and delayed starts.
Filings support across the U.S.
You can expect nationwide assistance with federal and state filings so your authority and compliance match your footprint.
Many companies file FMCSA endorsements and state forms on your behalf. Binding typically needs complete data, documentation, and payment to avoid start-date delays.
Carrier-specific availability and restrictions
Underwriting and availability vary by insurer. Some insurance companies write through licensed subsidiaries in select states. That affects rates, forms, and required filings.
| Example | Availability | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Insurance | No Commercial Auto in New York | Confirm alternate carrier before dispatch |
| Admitted Subsidiary | IL, NV, FL, NJ, MA, SC, NC | Follow state-specific requirements |
| GEICO support | Nationwide filings | Expect 24–48 hour typical turnaround |
Review your policy declarations and endorsements carefully. Policy terms govern the coverage you rely on, so confirm limits and state-specific requirements with your agent before you expand terminals or routes.
Get a quote, manage your policy, and file claims with confidence
Start coverage the same day so your operation never misses a load. You can request a quote, bind a policy, and set the effective date to match dispatch. That reduces downtime and keeps your revenue moving.
Fast quotes and same-day coverage options
Speed matters when you have a pickup scheduled. Request a quote, confirm limits, and start coverage that day. Same-day bind helps you meet broker and shipper proof-of-coverage deadlines.
Online policy management and fleet changes
Use online self-service to access ID cards, make payments, and request certificates. You can add or remove vehicles and update driver lists without waiting on office hours.
Specialist claims support backed by financial strength
Specialist teams handle motor claims, cargo issues, and property damage after an accident. They coordinate repairs, towing for covered loss, and rental arrangements so you can return to service fast.
| Service | What you get | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day quote | Bind coverage, set effective date | Prevents load delays and contract breaches |
| Online management | ID cards, payments, certificates | Faster admin and fewer interruptions |
| Claims support | Specialist adjusters, towing, cargo handling | Clear recovery path after a loss |
Conclusion
Make final adjustments to your plan so your fleet stays productive and compliant.
You now have a clear picture of how to match core and optional protections to your operation so you can run with confidence. From filings to fast policy changes and specialist claims help, the right partner keeps your focus on freight while your insurance works in step.
Comprehensive options—from liability and physical damage to cargo and reefer breakdown—fit your business needs. Continuous attention to safety, documentation, and policy tuning helps control costs without sacrificing essential protection.
When you’re ready, request a quote and put a tailored plan in place built for the industry you work in. Keep key documents handy so your company can move with fewer delays and clear peace of mind.
