How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- Progressive Commercial is the best trucking insurance company overall, as the largest commercial truck writer in the US, taking new authorities in all 50 states.
- Northland is the best trucking insurance company for experienced operations and claims handling, backed by Travelers.
- Great West Casualty is the best trucking insurance specialist, with deep trucking focus and 24/7 claims support.
- OOIDA is the best trucking insurance company for owner-operators, with member programs built for independent truckers.
- Canal Insurance is the best trucking insurance company for mileage-based programs and new authority operators.
Quick comparison
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The best trucking insurance companies
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Progressive Commercial is the best trucking insurance company overall, as the largest commercial truck writer in the US, ranked best overall by multiple 2026 comparisons including NerdWallet, MoneyGeek, and FreightWaves. It takes new hotshot authorities in all 50 states and files the FMCSA paperwork for you, with coverage in all 50 states, 24/7 claims support, a national truck repair network, and telematics and ELD integration for usage-based discounts. The Smart Hauler program offers 5% to 15% off for sharing ELD or telematics data, and instant online certificates of insurance speed up broker onboarding.
Rates vary sharply by state and risk, and digital-first service suits some fleets less than agent-based carriers. For the widest appetite, from one truck to 40, including new authorities, Progressive is the default first quote.
What we like- Largest commercial truck writer in the US
- Takes new authorities in all 50 states
- Files FMCSA paperwork for you
- A+ rating from AM Best
- 24/7 claims with a national truck repair network
- Smart Hauler telematics discount of 5% to 15%
Watch out for- Rates vary sharply by state and risk
- Digital-first service suits some fleets less than agent-based carriers
- Not the best for every specialty risk
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Northland, part of Travelers, is the best trucking insurance company for experienced operations and claims handling, with A++ financial strength from its parent. It suits large fleets and regional operations, with broker-based expertise that understands established operations. For a fleet with years in business and a clean loss history, Northland's claims handling and stability are hard to beat.
It is broker only, with no direct online quotes, and less suited to new authorities. For an established operation that values claims handling, Northland is the top pick.
What we like- Best for experienced operations and claims handling
- Backed by Travelers with A++ financial strength
- Strong for large fleets and regional operations
- Broker-based expertise
Watch out for- Broker only, no direct online quotes
- Less suited to new authorities
- Pricing is quote-based
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Great West Casualty is the best trucking insurance specialist, with a deep trucking focus, 24/7 claims support, and strong risk control and safety programs. Its alternate risk programs suit larger fleets that want to share risk for lower long term cost, and its agents understand trucking operations rather than general commercial lines. For a motor carrier that wants a carrier that speaks trucking, Great West is the specialist pick.
It is agent only, with no direct quotes, and less suited to brand new authorities. For an established trucking company that values specialization, Great West Casualty is the best choice.
What we like- Deep trucking specialization
- 24/7 claims support
- Strong risk control and safety programs
- Alternate risk programs for larger fleets
- Agent-only expertise
Watch out for- Agent only, no direct quotes
- Less suited to brand new authorities
- Pricing is quote-based
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
OOIDA, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, is the best trucking insurance company for owner-operators, with member programs built for independent truckers plus advocacy and educational resources. Ranked best for small companies in 2026 comparisons, it suits owner-operators and leased authority trucks who want a program designed around their needs rather than a general commercial policy. The association's advocacy also gives members a voice in trucking policy.
Purchase is membership and agent based, and OOIDA is not the best fit for large fleets. For an independent owner-operator, OOIDA is the top pick.
What we like- Owner-operator focused coverage and advocacy
- Member programs built for independent truckers
- Educational resources
- Best for small companies and leased authority trucks
Watch out for- Membership and agent-based purchase
- Not the best for large fleets
- Pricing is quote-based
#5Sentry
Best for: Established fleets4.5/5 on
G2 (226 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit sentry.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Sentry is the best trucking insurance company for established fleets, with a deep trucking focus, strong risk control, and dedicated safety and claims teams. Its customized trucking coverage and bundled options suit fleets that want one carrier for multiple lines, with an A+ rating from AM Best. For a fleet with history and scale, Sentry's tailored approach beats a generic policy.
Purchase is agent based with higher implementation complexity, and Sentry is less suited to new authorities. For an established fleet that wants customized coverage, Sentry is the best choice.
What we like- Deep trucking focus
- Strong risk control and claims support
- A+ rating from AM Best
- Customized trucking coverage for established fleets
- Bundled coverage options
Watch out for- Agent-based purchase
- Higher implementation complexity
- Less suited to new authorities
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Canal Insurance is the best trucking insurance company for mileage-based programs and new authority operators, with an A- rating from AM Best. Mileage-based pricing suits operators whose miles vary seasonally, since premiums track actual use rather than a flat annual estimate. Canal also takes non-standard risks that larger carriers decline, making it a key option for new ventures.
It is broker only and less suited to large standardized fleets. For a new authority or seasonal operator that wants mileage-based pricing, Canal is the top pick.
What we like- Best mileage-based programs
- Strong for new authority and non-standard risks
- A- rating from AM Best
- Broker-based trucking expertise
Watch out for- Broker only
- Less suited to large standardized fleets
- Pricing is quote-based
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
CoverWhale is the best trucking insurance company for harder to place risks, including intermodal, dirt, and gravel hauling, with telematics-based pricing that rewards safe driving data. Its fast digital quoting suits operators who want a quick answer on a risk that traditional carriers take weeks to underwrite. For a risk that other carriers decline or price punitively, CoverWhale is the key alternative.
Telematics focus suits some operators less, and CoverWhale is newer with less history than Progressive or Travelers. For a hard to place risk with telematics pricing, CoverWhale is the best choice.
What we like- Best for intermodal, dirt, and gravel, and harder to place risks
- Telematics-based pricing
- Fast digital quoting
- Strong for risks other carriers decline
Watch out for- Telematics focus suits some operators less
- Newer carrier with less history than Progressive or Travelers
- Pricing is quote-based
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
GEICO Commercial is the best trucking insurance company for simple online quotes, with low complexity quoting and servicing, competitive rates, and broad truck coverage for common truck types and small to mid-size fleets. Its user-friendly digital experience and national brand support suit operators who want a fast, simple purchase without agent meetings.
Support is call center based rather than dedicated trucking agents, with less specialization than Great West or Canal. For a straightforward truck policy bought online, GEICO Commercial is the best simple pick.
What we like- Low complexity online quoting and servicing
- Competitive rates
- Broad truck coverage
- National brand support
- User-friendly digital experience
Watch out for- Call center support rather than dedicated trucking agents
- Less specialization than Great West or Canal
- Less suited to complex fleets
How we chose
We compared trucking insurance companies using 2026 agent rankings, AM Best financial strength ratings, appetite for new authorities, fleets, and specialty risks, and claims and filings support, drawing on independent agency comparisons and carrier pages. Each company had to write commercial truck insurance in the US with FMCSA filing support. We weighted financial strength, claims handling, appetite breadth, and price transparency, and we left out general commercial insurers without trucking specialization. Premiums vary by operation, so get quotes before choosing.
Buying guide: how to pick trucking insurance
Start with your authority and operation. New authorities should quote Progressive and Canal first, since both take new ventures. Established fleets should quote Northland, Great West, and Sentry for claims and specialization. Owner-operators should add OOIDA, and hard to place risks should add CoverWhale. Get 3 to 5 quotes through an independent agent who can submit your risk to multiple carriers at once.
Next, compare the coverage stack, not just the premium. Check primary liability limits, cargo limits and exclusions, physical damage, bobtail and non-trucking liability, occupational accident or workers compensation, and general liability for off-truck incidents. General liability averages just $606 per year but covers gaps your commercial auto policy will not, such as dock damage and slip-and-fall incidents during loading. Confirm FMCSA filings, state filings, and certificates of insurance are included, since a missing filing can ground your truck.
Finally, check telematics and safety programs. Progressive's Smart Hauler offers 5% to 15% off for ELD data, and CoverWhale prices on telematics, so a clean driving record with data sharing can cut premiums meaningfully. Ask about deductible options, payment plans, and claims response times, and verify the carrier's AM Best rating before signing. A cheap premium from a weak carrier costs far more if a claim is mishandled.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best trucking insurance company?
Progressive Commercial overall, Northland for experienced operations and claims, Great West Casualty for specialization, and OOIDA for owner-operators. The best carrier depends on your authority age, fleet size, freight, and record.
How much does trucking insurance cost?
On your own authority, hotshot insurance runs $650 to $2,500 per month per truck in 2026, or $8,000 to $30,000 per year. Leased onto a motor carrier, the same truck costs $3,000 to $5,000 per year. Your authority status, radius, cargo, and driving record decide where you land.
Do I need $1 million liability and $100,000 cargo?
Brokers typically require those limits, above the FMCSA floor, so most for-hire operators need them to book loads. Check your contracts and state rules, since some freight and states require more.
Should I use an independent agent or go direct?
An independent agent almost always beats going direct to one company, since the agent submits your risk to multiple carriers and compares the coverage stack. Direct quotes from Progressive or GEICO are fast, but an agent finds the best fit across carriers.
What is the difference between bobtail and non-trucking liability?
Bobtail covers driving without a trailer, while non-trucking liability covers personal use of the truck when not under dispatch. Both matter for owner-operators, and the right combination depends on whether you are leased onto a carrier.
Does telematics lower trucking insurance premiums?
Yes, for safe drivers. Progressive's Smart Hauler offers 5% to 15% off for ELD or telematics data, and CoverWhale prices on telematics. Sharing driving data can cut premiums, but it also gives the carrier detailed records of your operation.
Sources we checked (0)
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
Progressive Commercial
Northland
Great West Casualty
OOIDA
Canal Insurance
CoverWhale
GEICO Commercial