How Do I Find Insurance to Activate My MC Number?
Lucky for you, you’re at the right place. Balsam Insurance Services is a premier independent insurance agency that specializes in trucking and transportation insurance. Here are a few tips to find insurance that meets FMCSA requirements:
- Contact a knowledgeable insurance agent: Experience in commercial truck insurance is important. You can call our agents at 803-510-5230 for a free quote.
- Discuss coverage options with your agent: Not every commercial auto policy covers trucking operations or activates your MC number. Your insurance agent should offer you multiple insurance quotes that offer filings that meet FMCSA requirements.
- Purchase commercial truck insurance with filings: Once you have decided which insurance policy to purchase and paid the down payment, your insurance agent will request the BMC-91 or BMC-91X and the MCS-90 endorsement. Insurance companies usually issue the filing and endorsement within 24-48 hours.
What Liability Limits Do I Need To Activate My MC Number?
| Trucking Operation | Liability Limit |
| Cargo Van (Under 10,001 GVW) | $300,000 |
| Box Truck, Tractor Trailer, Hotshot | $750,000 |
| Auto Hauler, Class 9 Hazmat | $1,000,000 |
We have great resources on the liability limit required to activate your MC number based on your trucking operation.
What Coverage Limits Should I Purchase?
Satisfying the FMCSA’s insurance requirements is simple and straight forward: You need enough auto liability coverage to activate your authority. For most trucking companies that is $750,000 liability. Generally, the FMCSA does not require physical damage, general liability, or cargo (unless you’re a Household Goods Mover).
Freight brokers require additional coverage or higher limits to protect their cargo and provide legal protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MCS-90 replace my Auto Liability insurance?
No, the MCS-90 is not a replacement for primary auto liability insurance. It acts as a financial guarantee that the carrier has financial responsibility for any legal liability.
How do I check the status of my motor carrier number?
Visit the Licensing and Insurance page on the FMCSA’s website. Your MC number is updated once daily at 5am.
How long until my MC Number becomes active?
On average the FMCSA advises it will take 1 to 5 business days for your MC number to go active once you meet the FMCSA requirements. In our experience, it takes closer to 3 to 5 business days.
Why does my MC Number show $750,000 liability when I purchased $1,000,000 liability coverage?
The BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing is proof that your Auto Liability coverage meets the FMCSA insurance requirements. Your certificates of insurance sent to brokers for loads will reflect your Auto Liability limit.
Why does my MC Number require $1,000,000 instead of $750,000?
The FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 Auto Liability coverage for carriers transporting non-hazardous freight. However, trucking companies hauling hazardous freight require a minimum of $1,000,000 Auto Liability. This includes car and auto haulers.