If you’re an owner-operator, your truck isn’t just a vehicle — it’s your livelihood. One accident, one uninsured cargo claim, or one uninsured motorist can put your business at risk. That’s why commercial truck insurance is both legally required and financially critical.
In 2025, getting commercial truck insurance quotes online has become easier, but comparing policies is still complex. Carriers look at truck type, driving history, cargo, routes, and operating authority before quoting. This guide walks you through:
- How quotes are calculated for owner-operators.
- The best providers for commercial truck insurance.
- Real-world premium examples.
- Tips to lower your costs.
What Does Commercial Truck Insurance Cover?
Typical policies for owner-operators include:
- Primary Liability Insurance – Mandatory by law, covers bodily injury/property damage you cause. ($750k–$1M minimum FMCSA requirement).
- Physical Damage Coverage – Repairs or replaces your truck after an accident, theft, or disaster.
- Motor Truck Cargo Insurance – Covers goods you haul.
- Non-Trucking Liability (Bobtail Insurance) – Protects you when driving off dispatch.
- General Liability – Covers accidents off the road (e.g., loading docks).
- Occupational Accident / Workers Comp – Optional, but recommended for medical/disability coverage.
How Truck Insurance Quotes Are Calculated
Insurers consider:
- Truck type – Tractor-trailers cost more than box trucks.
- Operating radius – Local (under 100 miles) is cheaper than long-haul.
- Cargo type – General freight < Hazardous materials.
- Driving history – Clean records = lower premiums.
- Experience & authority – New DOT authority = higher costs.
- Credit & business history – Financial stability affects rates.
Average Cost of Commercial Truck Insurance (2025)
For owner-operators (one truck):
| Truck Type | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Tractor-Trailer (long haul) | $11,000 – $18,000 |
| Box Truck (local) | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Tow Truck | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| Dump Truck | $8,000 – $13,000 |
👉 New DOT authority often pays 20–40% higher in year one.
Top 5 Commercial Truck Insurance Providers for Owner-Operators (2025)
1. Progressive Commercial – Best Overall for Fast Quotes
Overview
Progressive insures more trucks than any other U.S. carrier. Their online quote system is the fastest, and they’re known for flexible payment options.
Strengths
- Quotes in under 10 minutes.
- Flexible down payments + monthly billing.
- Wide range: liability, cargo, bobtail, non-trucking, physical damage.
- Discounts for CDL experience, safe driving, bundling.
Case Study
Owner-operator in Texas, long-haul with reefer trailer:
- Progressive quote: $14,200/year ($1,183/month).
- Included $1M liability + reefer breakdown coverage.
Best For: First-time owner-operators, those who need fast approval.
2. Geico Commercial (Berkshire Hathaway) – Best for Fleet Growth
Overview
Geico partners with Berkshire Hathaway to write commercial auto policies for truckers. Strong on liability + physical damage, less flexible than Progressive but good for scaling fleets.
Strengths
- Competitive liability pricing.
- Backed by Berkshire’s financial strength.
- Strong mobile app + claims service.
Case Study
Two-truck owner in Florida, local box trucks:
- Geico quote: $7,800/year per truck.
- Multi-truck discount applied.
Best For: Owner-operators planning to add trucks.
3. The Hartford – Best for Experienced Operators
Overview
The Hartford is known for commercial expertise, insuring fleets and single operators. Best for established drivers with strong records.
Strengths
- Discounts for clean CDL history.
- Good package deals (truck + general liability).
- Strong claims support.
Case Study
10-year CDL veteran, single dump truck in Ohio:
- Hartford quote: $8,900/year with $1M liability.
- 15% safe driver discount applied.
Best For: Experienced truckers with clean records.
4. State Farm Commercial Auto – Best for Local/Regional Routes
Overview
State Farm isn’t always cheapest, but they’re strong for local hauls and offer agent support — useful for owner-operators who want in-person service.
Strengths
- Local agents = hands-on service.
- Best for short-haul/local trucking.
- Good bundling with personal policies (home, auto).
Case Study
Local contractor in Georgia, dump truck:
- State Farm quote: $9,200/year.
- Bundled with business liability → saved 12%.
Best For: Local haulers, contractors with 1–3 trucks.
5. OOIDA (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association) – Best for Industry-Specific Coverage
Overview
OOIDA is built by truckers for truckers. Their insurance program is tailored to owner-operators, with flexible coverages and member perks.
Strengths
- Member-only truck insurance programs.
- Specialty coverage: occupational accident, cargo, trailer interchange.
- Advocacy + support for truckers.
Case Study
New authority flatbed hauler in Illinois:
- OOIDA quote: $15,000/year (higher due to new DOT #).
- Included occupational accident coverage.
Best For: Truckers who want a specialized, trucking-focused provider.
Side-by-Side Comparison (2025)
| Provider | Best For | Quote Speed | Avg. Premium (1 truck) | Unique Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | Fast, flexible coverage | ★★★★★ | $11k–$18k | Easiest online quotes |
| Geico Commercial | Scaling fleets | ★★★★☆ | $7k–$12k | Backed by Berkshire Hathaway |
| The Hartford | Experienced drivers | ★★★★☆ | $8k–$13k | Big CDL discounts |
| State Farm | Local/regional routes | ★★★★☆ | $8k–$12k | Strong agent support |
| OOIDA | Industry-specific coverage | ★★★★☆ | $12k–$18k | Truckers’ association perks |
How to Lower Your Truck Insurance Quotes
- Keep a clean driving record – no DUIs, tickets, or at-fault crashes.
- Gain CDL experience – more years = lower premiums.
- Choose safer routes/cargo – hazardous materials cost more.
- Install telematics/dash cams – some insurers give discounts.
- Bundle policies – liability, cargo, general liability = package savings.
- Join associations (like OOIDA) – member-only discounts.
Final Verdict
- Best Overall: Progressive – fast quotes, broad coverage, flexible billing.
- Best for Growing Fleets: Geico – competitive for multi-truck operations.
- Best for Experienced Drivers: The Hartford – strong CDL discounts.
- Best for Local/Regional: State Farm – local agents + bundling.
- Best Trucking-Specific Program: OOIDA – custom coverage, advocacy perks.
👉 In 2025, the right provider depends on your truck type, driving record, cargo, and routes. Always compare at least 3 quotes — premiums can differ by thousands.
FAQs – Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes (2025)
Q1: How much is commercial truck insurance for owner-operators?
$8,000–$18,000/year on average. Long-haul + new authority pay the most.
Q2: Who has the cheapest truck insurance?
Progressive often has the cheapest quotes for new operators; The Hartford for experienced drivers.
Q3: Is cargo insurance required?
Yes, if you’re hauling goods for hire — FMCSA usually requires cargo coverage.
Q4: Can I get quotes online?
Yes — Progressive and Geico provide the fastest online quotes. Others (Hartford, State Farm) usually route through agents.
Q5: Do new authorities pay more?
Yes, 20–40% higher in the first year, until you build history.