Comparing Top Commercial Trucking Insurance Carriers

The commercial trucking insurance market is bigger than most truckers realize — and that's good news when you're shopping for coverage. More competition means more pricing variation, which means the trucker who compares multiple carriers can find a better deal but a trucker who doesn't, can end up paying more at renewal when carriers can increase their rate.

At 4to18, we built this list using two layers of data: national market share (who has the most financial capacity and broadest availability) combined with trucking-specific positioning (who actually specializes in the operations you run). This is the list we'd hand a driver sitting across the table from us.

Don't request quotes from all 10 at once. Identify your operation type first, then pick 3 to 5 carriers that fit. We've flagged the best fit for each carrier below.

Top Commercial Trucking Insurance Carriers to Pay Attention To

1. Progressive Commercial

Progressive insures more commercial trucks than any other carrier (about 15% of the market). They cover box trucks, semis, hotshot rigs, dump trucks, and more — in all 50 states. Policies include MCS 90, BMC 91X, cargo, physical damage, non trucking liability (NTL), and trailer interchange. They are one of the few major carriers willing to insure first year drivers and new authorities, and their online quoting system is fast and beginner friendly.

Best for: New authorities, first year drivers, online quoting.

2. Travelers / Northland Insurance

#2 commercial auto insurer by market share (5.4%) is Northland (a Travelers’ trucking only division), operating since 1948. They’re known for strong cargo theft investigations and long haul expertise. If you plan to run OTR or for hire freight, Northland is one of the most respected names in trucking insurance. They understand real trucking risks — theft, breakdowns, long distances — and build policies around them.

Best for: Long haul, for hire carriers, drivers wanting trucking specialized support.

3. Great West Casualty Company

Trucking is their only business — not a product line, not a division. Founded in 1956, they offer liability, physical damage, cargo, downtime, and occupational accident — all handled by trucking specific adjusters. As you gain experience, Great West becomes a top choice for fleets and seasoned owner operators. Their claims handling is highly respected.

Best for: Experienced drivers, long haul fleets, trucking only expertise.

4. The Hartford

A Fortune 500 insurer with strong commercial auto programs for dump trucks, box trucks, tow trucks, semis, and tractor trailers. They offer cargo, NTL, bobtail, trailer interchange, refrigeration breakdown, and downtime coverage. If you plan to grow into a multi truck operation, The Hartford is known for stability and customizable policies.

Best for: Fleets, multi truck businesses, high risk operators.

5. Sentry Insurance

Allied member of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) for eight consecutive years. Offers up to 5% premium discount through telematics data sharing via TruckerCloud. Sentry is known for strong customer service — helpful when you’re navigating your first claim or cargo issue.

Best for: Owner operators, single truck operations, ATA affiliated carriers.

6. Acuity Insurance

Acuity offers 20+ trucking specific coverage enhancements, including combined deductibles, bobtail/deadhead, loan/lease gap, and full FMCSA filings support. Insuring truckers for over 40 years. If you’re unsure what coverage you need, Acuity is known for guiding new truckers through filings and compliance.

Best for: New Driver, drivers wanting highly customized policies and proactive filings support.

7. Canal Insurance Company

Founded in 1939, Canal has over 85 years focused exclusively on trucking. They offer liability, general liability, physical damage, and cargo through independent agents. Canal is a “trucking first” carrier with a long track record — great if you prefer working with a local agent who knows trucking.

Best for: Drivers wanting a long established trucking carrier with strong agent networks.

8. biBERK (Berkshire Hathaway)

biBERK is a direct to business insurer backed by Berkshire Hathaway’s A++ financial strength. You can buy, manage, and file claims entirely online. If you’re tech comfortable and want fast, no broker quoting, biBERK is one of the simplest ways to get insured.

Best for: Tech savvy owner operators wanting a fully digital experience.

9. Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual focuses on mid to large fleets, offering high limit liability, umbrella coverage, cargo, physical damage, telematics, and loss control programs. If you plan to scale into a fleet, Liberty Mutual is built for operations needing advanced risk management.

Best for: Mid to large fleets needing sophisticated risk management.

10. NITIC (National Independent Truckers Insurance Company)

NITIC offers primary liability, cargo, NTL/bobtail, and rare short term truck insurance (24–72 hours). Short term insurance is extremely helpful when picking up a truck, waiting on filings, or transitioning between carriers.

Best for: New owner operators needing flexibility or short term coverage.

4to18 Pro Tip: When comparing quotes from your top commercial trucking insurance carriers, always confirm that filings (MCS-90, BMC-91X, or state equivalents) are included — not treated as optional add-ons. Some carriers handle this seamlessly; others require you to ask specifically before binding.