If you’re looking for the best commercial dump truck insurance companies, start with insurers that can handle your risks, offer the coverage you need, and quote fast. Based on FreightWaves’ analysis, Progressive Commercial is our top overall pick. Below, we compare our top seven companies so you can quickly find the right fit.
Hi, I'm Michael Marshall from FreightWaves
Our featured partner for trucking insurance is Progressive
Progressive Commercial helps protect the vehicles your business relies on, from cargo vans and pickups to dump trucks and tractor-trailers. With 24/7 claims support, a large truck repair network, and online certificates of insurance, it’s easier to keep your fleet moving.
Fast, easy quote process
Customizable coverage
50+ years experience
Coverage in all 50 states
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our mission is to provide truckers and fleet owners with data-driven, unbiased insights into the products and services that keep the industry moving, including trucking insurance.
We analyzed dozens of trucking insurance providers nationwide, focusing on important factors like pricing transparency, coverage options, claim handling, financial strength, and customer satisfaction. We also studied real driver feedback and online reviews to understand how each insurer performs in the real world in terms of claims support, responsiveness, and ease of policy management.
Our editorial team thoroughly fact-checks all content to ensure the information is accurate, current, and relevant to what matters most to truckers looking for reliable insurance protection.
Our Top Commercial Dump Truck Insurance Companies
- Best for the Largest Selection of Policies: Progressive Commercial
- Best for Low-Cost Small Business Coverage: biBerk
- Best for Customizable Commercial Auto Coverage: Infinity Insurance Agency (IIA)
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: State Farm
- Best for New Drivers & Companies: Nationwide
- Best for High-Risk Drivers: The Hartford
- Best for New Owner-Operators: Marquee
| Company | Best For | Online Quotes | Standout Strength | Potential Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Commercial | Largest selection of policies | Yes | Broad trucking-specific coverage options and discount programs | Customer satisfaction; claims experience can be mixed |
| biBerk | Low-cost small business coverage | Yes | Direct-to-business model with fast online buying | Not available in every state; limited in-person support |
| Infinity Insurance Agency (IIA) | Customizable commercial auto coverage | Yes (estimate form) | Works with multiple insurers for flexible options | Coverage and service vary by underwriting carrier |
| State Farm | Customer satisfaction | No | Strong reputation and bundling opportunities | You need to speak with an agent for a quote |
| Nationwide | New drivers and companies | Yes | Well-known brand with discounts and broad accessibility | Less suitable for semi-trucks or tractor-trailers |
| The Hartford | High-risk drivers | No | Customizable policies and strong business insurance experience | Can be slower to quote and may cost more for some drivers |
| Marquee | New owner-operators | No | Trucking-focused agency with hands-on support | Not available in all states and requires agent contact |
Progressive Commercial
- Best for: Largest selection of policies
- Online quotes: Yes
Founded in 1937, Progressive is regarded as one of the best commercial trucking insurance companies today. In 2020, they wrote the highest number of insurance policies in the U.S. Due to its financial strength ratings and strong reputation, Progressive is a reliable commercial trucking insurance provider.
Coverage Options
- Primary liability
- Physical damage, including collision and comprehensive coverage for covered trucks
- Non-trucking liability
- On-hook towing
- Trailer interchange
- Rental reimbursement
Special Features
- Discounts for businesses that are more than three years old
- Smart-Haul program for drivers who use ELDs
- CDL discount program
- Snapshot program that provides discounts
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy online or over-the-phone quotes
- A+ rating from A.M. Best for financial strength
- AA rating from Moody’s and S&P for meeting financial requirements
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Cons:
- Slightly low customer satisfaction scores
- Only 57% of customers were satisfied with claim resolution
- Customers have complained about the agent’s lack of professionalism
- Roadside assistance is not always reliable
biBerk Commercial Auto
- Best for: Direct, low-cost small business coverage
- Online quotes: Yes
biBerk is a direct-to-business small commercial insurer that’s part of the Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group. Its commercial auto insurance is built for companies that own or lease vehicles for work, including transportation and for-hire trucking operations. By selling policies online without brokers and leveraging Berkshire’s A++-rated carriers, biBerk markets savings of up to about 20% versus many traditional providers.
Coverage Options
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Medical payments/personal injury protection (varies by state)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Collision coverage for covered vehicles and listed trailers
- Comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, fire, flood, and other non-collision losses
- Coverage available for many vehicle types, including cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, box trucks, truck tractors, dump trucks, food trucks, service trucks, and trailers
Special Features
- Direct-to-you model with no brokers
- Fast online quotes with the ability to buy a policy and get proof of insurance entirely online
- Backed by Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group companies with A++ (Superior) ratings
- Designed for small businesses across many industries, including transportation and for-hire trucking
- Commercial auto available in most U.S. states
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Potential savings of up to about 20% thanks to direct, no-broker pricing
- Online quote, purchase, certificates/ID cards, and claims reporting
- Commercial auto programs that specifically include for-hire trucking and transportation businesses
- Covers a broad mix of vehicles, including heavy trucks and many types of trailers
Cons:
- Hired and non-owned vehicles (employee-owned or borrowed vehicles) are not covered under the commercial auto policy and require a separate HNOA add-on to a general liability or BOP policy
- Trailer liability is automatic only for very light trailers; heavier trailers and full physical damage coverage must be specifically added and approved
- Not available in every state
- Direct online/phone service instead of a local in-person agent, which some trucking businesses prefer
Infinity Insurance Agency (IIA)
- Best for: Customizable commercial auto coverage
- Online quotes: Yes (online estimate form)
Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) works with multiple insurers to arrange commercial auto coverage for business-use vehicles. With more than 20 years of experience, IIA focuses on helping business owners protect company cars, trucks, and vans. Their commercial policies can be tailored to different business types and vehicle fleets and often include higher liability limits than a standard personal auto policy.
Coverage Options
- Collision coverage that may help repair your vehicle after a covered crash with another vehicle or object
- Comprehensive coverage that can help with covered non-collision losses such as theft, vandalism, certain weather events, or animal-related damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that may help with losses if a driver with little or no insurance causes a covered accident
- Medical payments (MedPay) and/or personal injury protection (PIP) in eligible states to help with medical costs from covered accidents
- Coverage that can extend to certain attached trailers, depending on the specific unit and occupation of the insured
Special Features
- Pricing and coverage options geared toward small and medium-sized businesses
- Ability to expand or adjust coverage as your business or vehicle fleet grows
- Partner carriers that can accept foreign driver’s licenses
- Policy flexibility for drivers who do not have perfect driving records
- Potential discounts through partner insurers for paying in full, prior coverage, general liability policies, multiple insured vehicles, and prior business experience
- Multiple payment options, including recurring card payments, with support from Spanish–English bilingual agents
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Works with over 20 insurers, giving flexibility to match coverage and pricing to different business needs
- Covers a wide variety of commercial vehicles, including pickups, cargo vans, full-size vans, flatbed/straight trucks, and certain trailers
- Can insure a single business vehicle or a small-to-midsize fleet
- Provides bilingual Spanish–English agents and educational resources to help business owners understand coverage and requirements
Cons:
- Products, services, and discounts are not available in all states or through all underwriting companies
- Coverage and discounts are subject to underwriting qualifications, policy terms, conditions, and exclusions
- Specific features and service options can vary depending on the insurer that issues the policy
State Farm
- Best for: Customer satisfaction
- Online quotes: No
As a Fortune 500 company, State Farm is the largest U.S. provider of home and auto insurance. They provide comprehensive insurance coverage with discount options when possible.
For example, State Farm offers discounts for vehicles that have safety or anti-theft features. The policy can be bundled with other business coverage for additional savings.
Overall, State Farm provides a comprehensive, affordable policy backed by solid customer service.
Coverage Options
State Farm offers standard commercial truck insurance options such as:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage liability
- Personal injury
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Special Features
- High customer satisfaction ratings
- A+ BBB rating (though not formally accredited)
- AA financial rating from Standard & Poor’s
- Carries an A++ rating for financial strength from A.M. Best
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Offers coverage for drivers and the freight being hauled
- Discount options for lower premiums
- Best reputation of any commercial trucking insurance company
- Wide range of policy options for all truckers’ needs
Cons:
- Does not offer online quotes
- Potential customers must speak with a rep to get a quote
- Offers only basic coverage
- Not accredited by the BBB despite a high rating
Nationwide
- Best for: New drivers and companies
- Online quotes: Yes
Founded in 1926, Nationwide is one of the oldest insurance companies in the U.S. They have local branches across the nation, making it easy for customers to get in touch with their reps.
Nationwide is a good choice when it comes to lower costs and solid discounts on dump truck insurance.
Coverage Options
- Liability
- Medical payments
- Motor truck cargo
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Collision/comprehensive
Vehicle Types
- Box trucks
- Pickups
- Utility trucks
- Farm trucks
- Dump trucks
Special Features
- BBB accredited since 1955
- Above-average customer satisfaction rating
- A+ rating from the BBB for fair business practices
- Carries an A+ rating from A.M. Best and S&P
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- A+ ratings for financial strength
- Excellent credit ratings
- Strong history of paying claims promptly
- Discounts for paying the annual premium in full
Cons:
- Does not provide coverage for semi-trucks or tractor-trailers
- Low customer satisfaction rating with J.D. Power
- Slow response to customer inquiries
- Delays in paying claims
The Hartford
- Best for: High-risk drivers
- Online quotes: No
The Hartford is one of America’s oldest insurance companies. Founded in 1810, it began doing business as a fire insurance provider. Today, it is a Fortune 500 company providing insurance for more than one million businesses.
The Hartford will customize a policy to meet the specific needs of a commercial trucking business and offers a variety of plan options to make sure customers get the best coverage for their needs.
Coverage Options
- Liability
- Property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- On-hook towing
- Trailer interchange
- Cargo
- Livestock transit
- Property in transit
Special Features
- 200+ years of outstanding reputation
- A+ rating from the BBB
- Top performer in customer satisfaction
- J.D. Power rating of 868 out of 1,000 for customer service
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- A Fleet Ahead program to help fleet managers improve safety
- Excels in meeting financial obligations on claims
- Customized policies to meet your needs
- Emphasizes efficiency and safety
Cons:
- Ranks as average in overall client satisfaction
- More than average complaints about home and auto insurance
- Slow response to customer calls or emails
- High rates for younger drivers
Marquee
- Best for: New owner-operators or fleet managers
- Online quotes: No
Marquee Insurance Group stands out among commercial dump truck insurance providers because it focuses specifically on trucking and transportation risks. That specialization can be helpful if you need guidance on industry-specific coverages.
Founded in 2014, Marquee is a newer insurance agency than some legacy carriers, but it has built a strong reputation by emphasizing customer service, transparency, and trucking expertise. The company is known for helping newer owner-operators navigate the insurance process.
Coverage Options
- Primary liability
- Physical damage
- General liability
- Motor truck cargo
- Non-trucking liability
- Occupational accident
- Workers’ compensation
Special Features
- Partnerships that help bring additional perks to carriers
- Customized policies for owner-operators or fleet managers
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 24/7 online access to your Certificate of Insurance
- Waives the waiting period
- More underwriters for better rates
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide coverage in all states
- Potentially slow response to customer calls
- Not BBB accredited
- Must speak with an agent to get a quote
What Is Dump Truck Insurance?
Dump truck insurance is a specialty coverage. It is designed for companies that operate dump trucks to haul sand, gravel, rock, dirt, asphalt, and other loose materials. It falls under the broader category known as commercial automobile insurance.
How Does Dump Truck Insurance Work?
Motor carriers, private carriers, and owner-operators are required to have commercial vehicle insurance before operating their vehicles. This coverage protects individuals from financial losses due to accidents.
When choosing commercial vehicle insurance, you must decide the amount of coverage needed, the monthly premium, deductible, and policy limits.
The insurance company will pay for repairs, damages, and medical or legal expenses associated with a covered incident. When a claim is made, you’ll pay the deductible before the company will pay the remaining expenses.
Commercial dump truck insurance can cover drivers, passengers, vehicles, and cargo through primary and general liability, medical payments, collision, and more.
Average Dump Truck Insurance Costs
Dump truck insurance costs usually run higher than standard commercial auto because these trucks often operate on job sites, carry heavy materials, and face a greater risk of vehicle damage and liability claims. For many owner-operators, annual premiums can range from about $8,000 to $20,000+, depending on the truck, what you haul, where you operate, and the coverages you choose.
| Dump Truck Operation | Estimated Annual Cost | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner-operator, local | $8,000–$12,000 | $667–$1,000 | Typically lower for experienced drivers with shorter routes and older paid-off trucks |
| Owner-operator, broader radius | $12,000–$16,000 | $1,000–$1,333 | Higher exposure from longer distances, heavier usage, and broader job types |
| New venture dump truck business | $14,000–$20,000+ | $1,167–$1,667+ | Newer authorities and businesses usually pay more because insurers have less operating history to review |
| Small fleet | Varies widely | Varies widely | Per-truck pricing may improve with multiple units, but total premium rises with fleet size/payroll exposure |
Which Factors Affect the Price of Dump Truck Coverage?
Some of the things that affect the cost of commercial truck coverage may include:
- The state in which the vehicle is registered
- Driving record and accident history
- Value of the vehicle
- Type and value of the load being transported
- Route and distance traveled
- Bundled or single policies
- Where the vehicle is kept when off duty
What To Consider with Dump Truck Insurance
Coverage Options
Insurance requirements vary by state, and each company differs in the type of coverage they provide.
Types of Trucks & Hauls Covered
Expensive trucks with advanced features warrant higher premiums for coverage. Each vehicle carries a different risk profile that can affect the costs of repair and cause higher premiums.
Also, the type of freight hauled influences the insurance premium. High-value loads hauled over long distances are more expensive to cover.
Deductibles
The deductible has a direct effect on the insurance premium. A higher deductible can save you money on monthly premiums, but this can be risky because it means paying more money out-of-pocket before the insurance pays out.
Monthly Premium
Getting the lowest rate is not always beneficial if it means missing out on important coverage. A low monthly premium and adequate coverage will require doing some research to compare quotes and coverages.
Policy Limit
Policy limits reflect the actual maximum cash amount the insurance company will pay out for a claim. Policies with lower limits have lower monthly payments. Stick with the lowest limits that provide the coverage you need without extra costs.
Load Destination
Truckers with a large operating radius may pay more for insurance due to longer travel times between stops. A driver who unloads locally, including at landfills or transfer stations, will pay less for insurance.
Provider’s Financial Standing
A company’s financial standing affects its ability to pay claims now or in the future. Insurance companies with high financial ratings may require higher premiums, but they are often more capable of meeting their obligations. Information is available about a company’s financial standing at A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, or Moody’s.
Dump Truck Insurance Requirements at a Glance
Dump truck insurance requirements depend on how you operate, what materials you haul, and whether you run intrastate or interstate. At a minimum, most dump truck businesses need commercial auto liability coverage, but many also carry physical damage, cargo or inland marine, and other add-on protections to satisfy contracts and protect the truck itself.
| Coverage/Requirement | Who It Applies To | Typical Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary auto liability | All commercial dump truck operators | Required by law; limits vary by state and operation | Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident |
| FMCSA liability minimums | Interstate for-hire dump truck operators | Usually at least $750,000 for non-hazardous property | Federal minimum financial responsibility requirement for many interstate truckers |
| State-specific filings | Intrastate dump truck businesses | Varies by state | Some states require separate filings, higher limits, or additional proof of insurance |
| Physical damage | Owners financing or protecting their truck | Often required by lenders | Covers damage to your dump truck from collision, theft, fire, vandalism, and other covered losses |
| Cargo or material coverage | Operators hauling materials, equipment, or customer property | Varies by contract and load type | May help cover transported materials or related losses, depending on policy structure |
| General liability | Contractors and dump truck businesses working on jobsites | Commonly $1 million per occurrence | Can help cover non-driving claims, such as property damage or bodily injury at a jobsite |
| Workers’ compensation | Businesses with employees | Required in most states | Covers employee medical expenses and lost wages after work-related injuries |
| Umbrella or excess liability | Higher-risk operations or larger contracts | Optional, but often contract-driven | Adds extra liability protection above your primary policy limits |
Bottom line: Most dump truck operators need commercial auto liability at a minimum, while many also need physical damage, general liability, and worker-related coverage depending on how the business is structured. If you run interstate, federal rules may apply. If you run only in one state, check your state’s commercial truck insurance requirements carefully.
FAQ
Do you need commercial insurance for a dump truck?
Commercial insurance is mandatory in most states for all commercial vehicles, including dump trucks. Because these heavy vehicles can cause significant damage, insurance is essential.
What type of insurance do you need for a dump truck?
For most dump truck businesses, the core insurance stack is primary auto liability, physical damage, and general liability. Primary auto liability covers injuries or property damage you cause on the road, physical damage helps pay for repairs to your truck after covered losses, and general liability helps cover non-driving risks like jobsite injuries or property damage. Depending on your operation, you may also need add-ons like workers’ compensation, cargo or inland marine, or umbrella coverage.
How much is dump truck insurance?
Dump truck insurance costs vary based on factors like the truck’s value, the materials hauled, driver experience, operating radius, and whether you run under your own authority. In many cases, owner-operators can expect annual premiums to range from about $8,000 to $20,000 or more.
Do dump trucks need cargo insurance?
Not always. Federal law generally does not require cargo insurance for standard for-hire property carriers, but some dump truck operators may still need coverage depending on what they haul, who they haul for, and contract requirements. If you transport customer-owned materials, tools, or equipment, your broker, shipper, or project contract may require cargo, inland marine, or another materials-related coverage.
Is dump truck insurance required by law?
Yes, at least some level of commercial insurance is usually required. Most dump truck operators need commercial auto liability coverage, and interstate for-hire operators may also need to meet FMCSA minimum liability requirements. Additional coverages like physical damage, general liability, and workers’ compensation may be required.
What insurance do construction dump trucks need?
Construction dump trucks often need more than basic auto liability. Many operators carry physical damage, general liability, workers’ compensation, and, when relevant, cargo, inland marine, or umbrella coverage.
Can owner-operators get dump truck insurance?
Yes. Owner-operators can get dump truck insurance whether they run under their own authority or lease on to another carrier. The coverages they need depend on how they operate, but many owner-operators buy commercial auto liability, physical damage, and other protections such as non-trucking liability or occupational accident coverage.
