Top Motor Truck Cargo Insurance Companies : Protecting Your Freight and Your Future

At a Glance:

Motor truck cargo insurance companies play a vital role in safeguarding the goods transported by commercial truckers. As freight becomes more valuable and transportation risks continue to evolve, choosing the right cargo insurance provider is more important than ever. This guide explores the top companies offering motor truck cargo insurance, the coverage they provide, and how to choose the right one for your needs in 2025.

Motor truck cargo insurance companies are essential partners for carriers, owner-operators, and freight brokers who want to protect themselves against loss or damage to cargo during transit. Whether you’re transporting electronics, perishable goods, construction materials, or luxury items, a quality cargo insurance policy ensures financial protection in the event of theft, accidents, weather damage, or equipment failure.

What is Motor Truck Cargo Insurance?

Motor truck cargo insurance is a type of commercial insurance that covers the freight or commodity a for-hire trucker transports. This policy helps pay for loss or damage to the goods being hauled while in transit, loading, or unloading. Depending on the policy, coverage may also extend to theft, vandalism, fire, collision, and specific perils such as refrigeration breakdown or debris removal.

Most motor truck cargo insurance companies offer policies that are tailored based on the type of cargo, the hauling distance, and whether the trucker operates under their own authority or works under a motor carrier.

Why is Motor Truck Cargo Insurance Important?

Freight is valuable, and accidents happen. Without motor truck cargo insurance, trucking companies and drivers may face significant financial losses, lawsuits from customers, or even contract terminations. Here are some of the key reasons why this type of insurance is indispensable:

• Protects against cargo loss due to theft, accidents, or natural disasters

• Ensures compliance with shipping contracts or broker agreements

• Builds trust with clients and brokers who require insured transporters

• Helps avoid out-of-pocket expenses for damaged or lost goods

Motor truck cargo insurance is also often required by shippers and brokers before assigning loads, especially for high-value freight or time-sensitive deliveries.

Top Motor Truck Cargo Insurance Companies in 2025

Choosing the right insurance company can make all the difference in how fast and fairly your claims are processed. Here are the top motor truck cargo insurance companies known for their comprehensive coverage, excellent customer service, and industry reputation in 2025:

1. Progressive Commercial

Progressive remains a leader among motor truck cargo insurance companies due to its wide range of customizable plans for commercial truckers. It offers competitive pricing, online policy management, and 24/7 claims service. Progressive provides cargo coverage up to $250,000 or more, with optional endorsements for refrigeration breakdown and earned freight.

2. The Hartford

The Hartford offers motor truck cargo insurance as part of its robust commercial vehicle program. Their policies are designed for small to medium-sized fleets and independent owner-operators. Known for fast claims processing and industry expertise, The Hartford provides flexible policy options that adapt to different cargo types and business sizes.

3. Great West Casualty Company

Great West specializes in trucking insurance and is one of the few motor truck cargo insurance companies that focus exclusively on the transportation industry. Their policies include broad coverage, flexible deductibles, and optional add-ons like loss mitigation and cleanup expenses. Great West is a trusted name among long-haul carriers and regional fleets.

4. Sentry Insurance

Sentry offers tailored insurance products for motor carriers, including cargo insurance that covers a broad spectrum of potential losses. They provide dedicated trucking specialists and a strong focus on risk management. With a solid financial background and over a century in the industry, Sentry is a reliable choice for motor truck cargo coverage.

5. National Indemnity Company (a Berkshire Hathaway company)

National Indemnity is a top-tier provider known for underwriting high-risk transportation operations. Their motor truck cargo insurance policies are highly customizable and often used by specialized haulers dealing with hazardous or high-value goods. Backed by the financial strength of Berkshire Hathaway, they provide peace of mind and deep industry insight.

6. Canal Insurance Company

Canal Insurance serves the trucking and transportation industry with comprehensive cargo coverage and innovative technology for policyholders. They support a wide range of trucking operations and offer risk evaluation tools to help carriers reduce claims and improve safety performance.

7. CoverWallet (Aon)

CoverWallet, a digital platform backed by Aon, brings modern convenience to the insurance space. It allows truckers to compare quotes from top motor truck cargo insurance companies, manage policies online, and get fast access to COIs. Their platform is ideal for small fleets and owner-operators who prefer digital-first experiences.

8. Reliance Partners

Reliance Partners is an insurance brokerage that specializes in transportation and logistics. They work with multiple cargo insurance providers to deliver tailored solutions to fleets and brokers. Their strength lies in their deep knowledge of freight logistics and customer-focused approach.

Key Features to Look for in a Motor Truck Cargo Insurance Policy

Before choosing one of the many motor truck cargo insurance companies available, it’s important to understand what to look for in a policy. Here are the key features to consider:

Coverage Limits

Ensure the policy offers sufficient coverage for the type and value of the cargo you typically haul. Some policies cover up to $100,000, while others go much higher, depending on the goods and risks involved.

Deductibles

Lower deductibles reduce out-of-pocket costs during a claim but may come with higher premiums. Balance your deductible with the risk level of your freight operations.

Exclusions and Endorsements

Carefully review policy exclusions. Common exclusions include contraband, illegal goods, and unattended vehicles. Endorsements can add coverage for things like refrigerated items, debris removal, and earned freight.

Claims Handling

Choose companies with a reputation for fast, fair claims handling. Delays in claim processing can hurt your cash flow and customer relationships.

Support for Compliance

Some motor truck cargo insurance companies offer additional tools to help carriers stay compliant with FMCSA and DOT regulations, which can be a valuable bonus.

How to Choose the Right Motor Truck Cargo Insurance Company

Selecting the right provider involves more than just comparing quotes. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Evaluate Your Cargo Risk Profile

Consider what you haul, where you haul it, and how often. High-value or perishable goods often require more specialized coverage.

2. Compare Coverage, Not Just Price

While affordability matters, don’t sacrifice coverage quality for a lower premium. Compare what’s included and excluded in each policy.

3. Research Company Reputation

Check online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and industry forums to understand how companies treat their customers and handle claims.

4. Work with an Insurance Agent

An experienced transportation insurance agent can help match you with the right carrier and ensure you understand the fine print in your policy.

5. Consider Bundling

Some motor truck cargo insurance companies offer discounts when you bundle liability, physical damage, and cargo coverage together.

Who Needs Motor Truck Cargo Insurance?

Motor truck cargo insurance is typically required for:

• For-hire motor carriers

• Owner-operators under their own authority

• Freight brokers (through contingent cargo insurance)

• Intermodal and drayage companies

• Specialized haulers of valuable or perishable freight

Even if cargo insurance is not legally required, most brokers and shippers will mandate it in contracts to ensure freight is protected.

Common Claims Covered by Motor Truck Cargo Insurance

Here are a few examples of real-world scenarios where a motor truck cargo insurance policy may respond:

• A trailer of consumer electronics is stolen from a rest stop

• A refrigerated unit fails, causing spoilage of a produce load

• A collision causes damage to high-end furniture in transit

• Cargo is vandalized or tampered with at a loading dock

• A load is lost or damaged due to a fire during transit

Motor truck cargo insurance companies are there to help you recover from these losses so you can stay in business and continue servicing clients.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the role of motor truck cargo insurance companies is more important than ever. As supply chains grow more complex and cargo becomes more valuable, having the right insurance partner gives trucking professionals peace of mind and financial protection. Whether you’re a new owner-operator or a growing fleet, choosing a trusted insurer ensures you’re covered when it matters most.

Do your homework, evaluate your risk profile, and work with providers that specialize in transportation insurance. With the right policy in place, you can focus on what you do best—keeping America’s freight moving safely and efficiently.