What insurance does a hot-shot trucking business need? (2026)
Most hot-shot trucking operations carry a stack of commercial-insurance lines — some legally required (typically workers' compensation when you have employees), most commonly carried because clients, landlords, lenders, or regulators expect them. Below: the lines that bureau filings most often cite for hot-shot trucking operations. Confirm what's legally required vs commonly carried with a licensed agent in your state — requirements vary state by state.
Typical insurance coverages for hot-shot trucking operations
Most hot-shot trucking businesses carry a stack of 2 commercial-insurance lines — based on common industry practice and the lines that bureau filings most often cite for this vertical. Workers' comp is typically required by state law where employees are involved; the rest are commonly carried but not always legally mandated. Confirm with a licensed agent in your state for what's legally required vs commonly carried.
- Commercial Auto →Liability + physical damage for vehicles owned, leased, hired, or used in the business.
- Workers' Compensation →Medical bills + lost wages for employees injured on the job. Typically required by state law where employees are involved (TX is voluntary).
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Insurance requirements for other industries
Browse the typical insurance coverage stack for other verticals. Each links to that industry's standalone requirements page.
| Business activity |
|---|
| Bulk mail truck transportation, contract, long-distance (TL) |
| Container trucking services, long-distance (TL) |
| General freight trucking, long-distance, truckload (TL) |
| Motor freight carrier, general, long-distance, truckload (TL) |
| Trucking, general freight, long-distance, truckload (TL) |