Trucking and Moving Company Insurance in Connecticut: Federal Minimums, CTDOT Movers, and Cargo

Short answer: Trucking companies need commercial auto liability at least at federal minimums (for most interstate for-hire general freight in vehicles over 10,000 pounds, $750,000, with higher amounts for hazardous materials) and usually $1 million or more by contract, plus motor truck cargo, physical damage, trailer interchange where relevant, general liability and workers' compensation. Connecticut household goods movers operating within the state must hold a certificate from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and keep vehicles insured under it.

Liability limits

• Federal (FMCSA): minimum financial responsibility for interstate for-hire carriers of non-hazardous property in vehicles over 10,000 lbs is $750,000; hazardous materials require $1 million to $5 million depending on the cargo.
• Contracts and brokers usually require $1 million auto liability, often with an umbrella above it.
• Intrastate carriers must meet Connecticut requirements and any CTDOT certificate conditions.

Moving companies in Connecticut

Under C.G.S. 13b-389, a person may not operate as a household goods carrier within Connecticut without a certificate of public convenience and necessity from CTDOT, which considers financial responsibility among other factors. CTDOT decisions commonly require vehicles to be registered and insured under the certificate within a set period. Movers also need:

• Cargo coverage for customers' belongings, matched to the valuation options offered
• Warehouse legal liability for storage
• Workers' compensation, which is a major cost in moving labor
• Hired and non-owned auto for rental trucks

Cargo, physical damage and more

• Motor truck cargo with limits per load that match what you haul; check exclusions for unattended vehicles, refrigeration breakdown and specific commodities.
• Physical damage on tractors and trailers, and trailer interchange for non-owned trailers under agreements.
• Non-trucking liability for owner-operators leased to a motor carrier.
• Driver qualification files, telematics and safety programs strongly affect pricing.

New England Insurance, an independent Connecticut agency in Bridgeport since 2012, places commercial auto and cargo coverage for Connecticut carriers and movers. See commercial auto in Connecticut or request a review.