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Cheapest Trucking Insurance Companies in 2026

Last updated: 2026-02-17

Finding affordable trucking insurance without sacrificing coverage quality is one of the biggest challenges owner-operators and small fleets face. Annual premiums for commercial trucking insurance typically range from $8,000 to $20,000 per year for experienced drivers with clean records, though costs vary widely based on your operating radius, commodities hauled, equipment age, and claims history. For a single-truck owner-operator running general freight with two or more years of experience, landing somewhere in the $10,000 to $14,000 range for a full coverage package is realistic.

Several factors drive your trucking insurance costs more than others. Your driving record and years of CDL experience carry the most weight, followed by the type of freight you haul and how far you travel. Telematics programs from newer insurtech carriers can shave 10% to 30% off premiums for drivers who demonstrate safe habits. Multi-policy bundling, higher deductibles, and pay-as-you-go models also offer meaningful savings. The direct-to-business model used by some carriers eliminates agent commissions, passing that savings on to policyholders.

That said, the cheapest trucking insurance is not always the best value. A rock-bottom premium means nothing if the insurer drags its feet on claims, lacks trucking-specific expertise, or cannot provide the certificates and filings you need to keep your authority active. The companies ranked below balance competitive pricing with solid claims service, financial stability, and the coverage breadth that working truckers actually need.

Our Top Picks

Top Pick

Northland Insurance

★★★★4.0

Best overall value for standard trucking operations

#2

National Indemnity

★★★★4.1

Lowest rates for established fleets with clean records

#3

Cover Whale

★★★★4.2

Biggest savings for safe drivers via telematics discounts

Side-by-Side Comparison

CompanyMonthly Premium RangeTelematics DiscountMulti-Policy DiscountPayment PlansClaims SatisfactionCoverage Breadth
#1
Northland Insurance
★★★★4.0
$540 - $1,000NoneYes, via TravelersMonthly and quarterlyGoodStandardVisit
#2
National Indemnity
★★★★4.1
$583 - $1,083NoneFleet discounts availableAnnual and semi-annualVery GoodComprehensiveVisit
#3
Cover Whale
★★★★4.2
$583 - $1,167Up to 30%LimitedMonthly with performance adjustmentsGoodStandardVisit
#4
biBERK
★★★★4.0
$625 - $1,167NoneBundle discount availableMonthly and annualGoodEssentialVisit
#5
HDVI
★★★★4.1
$625 - $1,250Up to 20%LimitedMonthly with performance pricingGoodStandardVisit
#6
Progressive Commercial
★★★★4.4
$667 - $1,250Up to 10% (Smart Haul)Yes, significant savingsMonthly, quarterly, annualGoodComprehensiveVisit
#1

Northland Insurance

★★★★4.0 / 5.0
Best overall value for standard trucking operations

Northland Insurance, a Travelers subsidiary, consistently offers some of the lowest base premiums in the trucking market. Their sweet spot is standard operations hauling common commodities on local and regional routes. With primary liability starting as low as $6,500 annually and cargo coverage from $1,000, Northland undercuts most competitors on sticker price. The trade-off is less specialized trucking expertise compared to dedicated carriers, but for straightforward operations the coverage is solid and the Travelers financial backing guarantees claims get paid.

Pros

  • Lowest base premium ranges among major carriers
  • Strong financial backing through Travelers (A+ AM Best)
  • Efficient underwriting process with quick turnaround
  • Multi-line bundling available for additional savings

Cons

  • Less specialized trucking expertise than dedicated carriers
  • Limited appetite for high-risk or specialized operations
  • No online quoting — requires agent contact
#2

National Indemnity

★★★★4.1 / 5.0
Lowest rates for established fleets with clean records

National Indemnity, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, offers some of the most competitive rates available for established fleets with clean safety records. Their primary liability starts at $7,000 annually and cargo coverage from $1,200, putting them among the lowest-cost options from a financially elite carrier. Their conservative underwriting means they cherry-pick the best risks, and qualifying operators are rewarded with premiums that reflect their strong safety profiles. The A++ AM Best rating means zero concern about claims-paying ability.

Pros

  • Very competitive premiums for qualifying operations
  • Highest possible financial strength rating (A++ AM Best)
  • Consistent market presence through economic cycles
  • Competitive fleet pricing for multiple trucks

Cons

  • Does not accept new authorities (2+ years required)
  • Conservative underwriting excludes higher-risk operations
  • No direct-to-consumer quoting — agent required
#3

Cover Whale

★★★★4.2 / 5.0
Biggest savings for safe drivers via telematics discounts

Cover Whale is the clear winner for drivers who can prove their safety on the road. Their AI-powered platform uses dashcam footage and ELD data to continuously monitor driving behavior, rewarding safe operators with discounts reaching 30% off their initial premium. Starting liability rates from $7,000 can drop to under $5,000 for top-performing drivers after telematics credits kick in. Monthly premium adjustments mean you start seeing savings within the first billing cycle rather than waiting for annual renewal.

Pros

  • Up to 30% discount for demonstrably safe drivers
  • Monthly adjustments reward good driving immediately
  • Competitive base rates even before telematics discounts
  • Fast online quoting and digital policy management

Cons

  • Requires telematics participation for best rates
  • Newer company with shorter track record (founded 2020)
  • Drivers uncomfortable with constant monitoring may not benefit
#4

biBERK

★★★★4.0 / 5.0
Best direct-to-business pricing with no agent fees

biBERK eliminates the insurance agent entirely, letting you quote, bind, and manage your policy online without middleman markup. As Berkshire Hathaway's direct-to-business arm, the savings from cutting out agent commissions get passed to policyholders. Primary liability starts at $7,500 annually with the A++ AM Best financial backing that only Berkshire Hathaway companies can offer. The self-service model works best for operators with straightforward coverage needs who prefer handling business digitally.

Pros

  • No agent commissions built into premiums
  • Strongest possible financial backing (A++ AM Best)
  • Quick online quotes and binding without phone calls
  • Simple digital policy management and certificates

Cons

  • Does not accept new authorities (2+ years required)
  • No agent advocacy for complex coverage situations
  • Coverage options less flexible than specialty trucking insurers
#5

HDVI

★★★★4.1 / 5.0
Best monthly pay-for-performance pricing model

HDVI takes a similar approach to Cover Whale but with a slightly different model: their telematics-based pricing adjusts monthly, rewarding safe driving with up to 20% in premium reductions. Base rates are competitive on their own starting at $7,500 for liability, and the monthly discount structure means consistent safe drivers see cumulative savings that add up significantly over a policy year. Their transparent scoring system lets you see exactly what behaviors affect your rate so you can adjust accordingly.

Pros

  • Up to 20% monthly discount for safe driving
  • Competitive base rates before any telematics discounts
  • Transparent scoring shows exactly what affects your rate
  • Monthly billing with performance-based adjustments

Cons

  • Requires compatible telematics device or ELD
  • Monthly rate changes can make budgeting unpredictable
  • Less track record than established carriers
#6

Progressive Commercial

★★★★4.4 / 5.0
Best multi-policy bundling and payment flexibility

Progressive may not have the absolute lowest base premiums, but their combination of multi-policy bundling discounts, the Smart Haul telematics program (up to 10% off), and flexible payment options makes them one of the most cost-effective choices when you factor in total savings. Their online quoting system lets you compare options in minutes, and they accept a wider range of risk profiles than most budget-focused carriers. For operators who want competitive pricing from a nationally recognized carrier with strong financial stability, Progressive consistently delivers.

Pros

  • Smart Haul telematics discount up to 10%
  • Multi-policy bundling for additional premium reduction
  • Flexible monthly payment options for cash flow management
  • Fast online quotes available 24/7

Cons

  • Base rates can be higher than niche budget carriers
  • Less specialized trucking expertise than dedicated carriers
  • High-risk operations may face elevated premiums

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest trucking insurance company?

Northland Insurance and National Indemnity consistently offer the lowest base premiums for standard trucking operations. Northland's primary liability starts around $6,500 per year, while National Indemnity starts around $7,000 for qualified operators. However, if you factor in telematics discounts, Cover Whale and HDVI can deliver even lower effective costs for drivers with strong safety records. The cheapest option for you depends on your experience level, driving history, equipment, and the type of freight you haul.

How much does commercial trucking insurance cost per month?

Most owner-operators with 2 or more years of experience and clean records pay between $800 and $1,500 per month for a full coverage package including primary liability, physical damage, and cargo insurance. New authorities and drivers with less experience or claims history can expect to pay $1,500 to $2,500 or more per month. These ranges assume a single-truck operation hauling general freight. Factors like operating radius, commodity type, and the age of your equipment all affect monthly costs.

How to get the lowest trucking insurance rates?

The most effective strategies for lowering your trucking insurance premiums include: maintaining a clean driving record and CSA score, enrolling in telematics programs offered by carriers like Cover Whale (up to 30% off) or HDVI (up to 20% off), bundling multiple policies with one carrier for multi-policy discounts, choosing higher deductibles on physical damage coverage, shopping quotes from at least 3 to 5 carriers annually, and considering direct-to-business carriers like biBERK that eliminate agent commissions. Building 2 or more years of claims-free history has the single biggest impact on your rates.

Does a clean driving record lower trucking insurance?

Yes, your driving record is the single most influential factor in trucking insurance pricing. A clean MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) with no accidents, violations, or moving citations over the past 3 to 5 years can reduce premiums by 15% to 40% compared to a driver with incidents on record. Similarly, a strong CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score signals lower risk to underwriters. Each year of claims-free driving typically earns you better rates at renewal, and some carriers offer specific safe-driver discount tiers.

Is pay-per-mile trucking insurance cheaper?

Pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance can be significantly cheaper for operators who drive fewer miles than average or have seasonal fluctuations in their work. Carriers like Cover Whale and HDVI use telematics data to adjust premiums based on actual usage and driving behavior, which can result in lower costs for part-time operators or those with shorter routes. However, high-mileage long-haul operators may not see savings with this model. If you drive under 80,000 miles per year, pay-per-mile or telematics-based insurance is worth exploring as it could reduce your annual premium by 10% to 30%.