Hot shot insurance that gets your authority active.
Primary auto liability with the federal filing, motor truck cargo and physical damage for hot shot carriers running a heavy-duty pickup with a gooseneck or flatbed trailer.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · En español · How this page is researched
A pickup truck, a full motor carrier
Hot shot carriers often run one-ton pickups, but interstate for-hire work still makes you a motor carrier. Your MC authority doesn't go active until an insurer files proof of liability with the FMCSA, and most brokers won't load you without a certificate showing liability and cargo.
Fewer carriers write hot shot than standard trucking, and new authorities have the fewest options. I place hot shot operations with the markets that write them, including the truck and trailer as separate units.
- Primary auto liabilityInjuries and damage you cause on the road, with the BMC-91 or 91X filing.
- Motor truck cargoThe freight strapped to your deck.
- Physical damageYour pickup and your trailer, each listed with its value.
- Non-trucking liabilityFor operators leased on to another carrier's authority.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Truck and trailer: year, make, VIN, GVWR and value for each.
- Drivers: names, dates of birth, license class and years driving.
- Authority: USDOT and MC numbers, and the date authority was granted or applied for.
- Freight: what you haul most, and the most valuable load you take.
- Lanes: states you run and typical trip length.
- History: any prior trucking policy and loss runs.
Hot shot trucking insurance, answered
Do I need MC authority to run hot shot loads?
If you haul other people's freight for pay across state lines, generally yes, along with a USDOT number. The authority isn't active until your insurer files proof of liability. Hot shot runs only inside California may need a CA number and a Motor Carrier Permit from the DMV instead.
How much liability do hot shot carriers need?
The federal minimum for general freight on vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR is $750,000, and the minimum differs for lighter vehicles. In practice most brokers and shippers want $1,000,000 no matter what you drive.
Can a new hot shot authority get insured?
Yes, but fewer markets write new authorities and they look hard at the driver's experience and record. Prior commercial driving experience, even as a company driver, helps.
Do hot shot drivers need a CDL?
Generally a Class A CDL is required when the truck and trailer are rated at 26,001 lbs or more combined and the trailer is rated over 10,000 lbs. Some carriers want CDL experience even on lighter setups.
Does cargo insurance cover anything I haul?
No. Cargo forms list commodities they exclude or limit, and some have conditions for unattended trucks. Tell me what you haul and I'll check the form before you book the load.
Do you offer hot shot trucking insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see truck insurance by state or insurance requirements by state.
Send your rig and your MC. I'll shop it.
Your truck and trailer, driver details and authority status are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.