5 Best Commercial Truck Insurance in Sacramento, CA

Thang Truong
Thang Truong
Updated on:

Federal mandates are in place to protect the interstate trucking industry and the general public who comes into contact with that industry daily. The FMCSA and the individual states determine mandatory minimum commercial truck requirements. Each state has the right to dictate the kind of coverage it requires for truckers who live and operate within its borders. 

Truck drivers in Sacramento, California, must comply with the minimum requirements for the state of California, and interstate truckers based in Sacramento must follow the FMCSA guidelines for interstate trucking insurance. This article will cover the following topics:

The 5 best commercial truck insurance companies in Sacramento, CA

Based on our own research, we’ve selected the 5 best commercial truck insurance companies in Sacramento, California. 

Progressive: Best Overall and the only carrier offering truck insurance quotes online

Progressive is a reputable insurance company with more than 80 years of service. Currently, they are considered at the top of the commercial vehicle insurance industry. They offer competitive rates with discounts available. The company provides products for everything from a single truck to a fleet of vehicles. 

Progressive is the only carrier offering truck insurance quotes online. Within 10 minutes, you should be able to get a quote, regardless if you are an owner operator or running a trucking companies with 10+ trucks or a fleet. You may want to start your buying journey to get a quote on Progressive website, even just to see the ballpark of your truck insurance cost.

Simply Business: Best for comparing quotes

Simply Business is an insurance broker that specializes in insurance for small businesses. You provide your information once, and the company offers multiple quotes using their proprietary algorithm. Once you purchase coverage, you can manage your policy online, which is a great time saver. 

If you want to compare several quotes in one place conveniently without having to get several quotes from several companies, you may want to start with Simply Business. They will be able to pull several quotes from the partners that they represent at once and help you compare them and select the best one for your business.

Simply Business is also known for its great consumer satisfaction rating. They earn A rating on BBB and 4.1 rating out of 5 on Trustpilot, which is a lot higher than their insurance peers.

Sentry: Best as a truck insurance specialist

Sentry is a relatively small insurance provider, which allows it to provide personalized service to its customers. The company has been in the insurance industry since 1904. Sentry has experience insuring trucking industry members and is a member of several industry groups, including the American Trucking Association. 

If you prefer working with a truck insurance specialist, you may consider Sentry. They focus 100% on providing commercial truck insurance to businesses of all sizes.

The Hartford: Best for fleets

The Hartford has been in the insurance industry for over 200 years. The insurer began as a fire insurance company and has expanded over the years to include various insurance coverage. The Hartford offers multiple policies in the trucking industry, but the company admits to preferring to write for fleets. 

If you run a fleet of more than 20 trucks, you may want to start with the Hartford. They specialize in insuring fleets and develop their customizable coverage to be suitable for fleets.

The Hartford is also known as one of the the most ethical companies in the world.

Commercialinsurance.net: Best for small and new trucking businesses

Commercialinsurance.net is an insurance broker specializing in insurance for small businesses, including those in the trucking industry. The company attempts to pair customers with the coverage they can afford. The company partners with multiple carriers with expert knowledge in their fields to provide appropriate coverages for their customers. 

If you are a new trucking business and relatively small with less than 20 trucks, you may want to start with commercialinsurance.net, they can help you navigate the truck insurance world and find the best coverage for your business at the most affordable prices. If trucking business is deemed high risk and has a difficult time obtaining truck insurance, you definitely should start with them, they are considered to best for high-risk trucking businesses.

Available coverages for truckers in Sacramento, CA

If you are a trucker in California operating under your own authority, you are responsible for providing more coverage for your truck than those who are leased owner-operators. This is due to motor carriers providing some of the coverages for the leased drivers within their fleet. Some of the coverages offered to truckers regardless of authority are: 

California commercial truck insurance requirements

The law in California requires that local truckers maintain minimum amounts of liability insurance. Your freight and where you travel dictate how much coverage you need. If you stay within the borders of California and the truck is more than 10,000 GVW, you are required to have a CA Intrastate ID Number (T#) and have insurance that meets specific levels based on the cargo you carry. 

Liability insurance (oil transport)$1,000,000
Liability insurance (hazmat)$5,000,000
Liability insurance (household goods)$300,000
Liability insurance (general freight)$750,000
Cargo insurance (intrastate household goods movers and interstate contract carriers)$20,000/vehicle; $20,000/catastrophe

If you leave the boundaries of California and travel through other states, you must maintain the above coverage, and you must meet the requirements of the FMCSA. Depending on cargo and truck size, those limits are typically $750,000 or $1,000,000. 

Commercial truck mandatory filings in Sacramento, California

Per the state of California and the USDOT, your insurance agent must submit certain filings on your behalf. These filings let the government know that you have met all the DOT insurance requirements. These forms have to be submitted before you receive your authority to operate. Some of the documents required are: 

  • Form MCS-90
  • MCP-65
  • Form H
  • The BMC-91

While your insurance company or agent should file these forms for you, it’s your responsibility to ensure they do so.

How much does commercial truck insurance cost in Sacramento, CA?

The average cost of commercial truck insurance in California is $14,000 a year or $1,167 a month. It is actually a bit cheaper in Sacramento than California.

Based on our research, the average cost of commercial truck insurance in Sacramento is $13,200 a year or $1,100 a month. This includes primary liability, non-trucking liability, trucking physical damage, and truck cargo coverages.

These are just the averages. Be sure to shop around with a few companies or work with a top broker like Simply Business or commercialinsurance.net to get and compare several quotes before making your final decision. If you want to get a fast quote online, you may want to start with Progressive. They are the only carrier offering truck insurance quotes online. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to get a quote.

Final thoughts

Commercial trucking is a risky business because of the number of hours spent on the road and the weight of freight you transport. Truck drivers must maintain appropriate insurance coverage. State and federal mandates dictate the amounts of coverage needed. In California, coverage limits are also determined by where you travel—within the state or through it. 

In addition to maintaining appropriate insurance coverage, you must have certain government forms completed and submitted by your insurance company before beginning operation. It’s wise to have coverages above the minimum limits to ensure you are covered appropriately. Contact an insurance agent or broker if you have questions regarding the best commercial truck insurance in Sacramento, California.

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

Thang Truong covers small business insurance and small business success at BravoPolicy. He is a licensed P&C insurance agent. Previously, he held product leadership positions at realtor.com, Capital One, NerdWallet, and Mulberry Technology. He holds a MBA degree from UC Berkeley - Haas School of Business.

More Stories

Milepost Joins Truckstop: A New Dawn for Commercial Truck Insurance

The trucking industry is about to witness a significant shift in how insurance policies are procured, managed, and serviced. Milepost Insurance Agency LLC, a renowned Berkshire Hathaway enterprise, has recently collaborated with Truckstop, thereby pioneering a new era in trucking insurance for independent owner-operators. Revolutionizing the Insurance Experience The primary aim behind this dynamic partnership […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

Navigating Commercial Truck Insurance Premiums in 2023

Commercial truck insurance has become a focal point for many in the transportation sector as we delve deeper into 2023. With premiums seeing significant spikes in recent years, stakeholders are asking: Are we approaching a stabilization or even a decrease in these rates? Insights from industry experts provide clarity on this critical concern. Trends in […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

Regulatory Changes and Rising Commercial Truck Insurance Costs in California

In the wake of the passing of California’s AB5 bill, the trucking industry, including drivers and insurers, face unforeseen challenges. The legislation threatens to severely disrupt contractual trucking gigs, leading to rising insurance costs and potential operational changes. AB5 – A Potential Setback for Owner-Operators AB5, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019, […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

Finding Balance in Commercial Truck Insurance: Costs, Value, Services, and Long-Term Benefits

Navigating the maze of truck insurance offerings is not just a matter of finding the lowest price. It’s about understanding the nuances of what you’re buying, considering long-term benefits, and ensuring a harmonious relationship with your provider. This article offers a detailed examination of the process, unfolding the aspects of costs, value, services, honesty, and […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

New SEC Regulations on Cybersecurity and AI: A Comprehensive Overview

In an era where technology is at the forefront of business operations, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is taking decisive steps to ensure transparency and ethical practices. On Wednesday, the SEC was set to introduce new regulations that will impact publicly traded companies in two significant areas: cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). These […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

6 Best Malpractice Insurance for Nurse Practitioners for 2023

Nurse practitioners have a great deal of responsibility when it comes to patient care. Many nurse practitioners assume that because they work under a doctor and their employer provides some level of malpractice insurance, they’re covered. It may be worth it to purchase your own policy, however. Employer malpractice insurance is to protect the employer, […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

6 Best Warehouse Insurance and Costs for 2023 

In the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chain management, warehouses play a pivotal role. They serve as the backbone of industries, storing a wide variety of goods that are integral to our daily lives. However, with such responsibility comes a multitude of risks. From natural disasters and fires to theft and accidental damage, warehouses […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

5 Best Retail Insurance Companies & Costs for 2023 

The retail industry can be an exciting and profitable venture. However, it’s also fraught with risks that could potentially disrupt operations and result in significant losses. This is where retail insurance comes in. 5 best retail insurance companies Simply Business: Best for comparing several quotes from top-tier carriers  Simply Business is a leading online insurance […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

How Much Does Daycare Insurance Cost in 2023? 

In the ever-evolving landscape of childcare, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children under your care is paramount. One crucial aspect of this responsibility is securing comprehensive daycare insurance. This coverage not only protects your daycare business from potential liabilities but also provides parents with the assurance that their children are in a safe […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong

7 Best Film Production Insurance, Cost, & Coverage

The world of film production is thrilling, dynamic, and filled with creativity. However, it also comes with considerable risks ranging from personal injuries and equipment damage to legal issues. To mitigate these risks and protect the investment, having a comprehensive film production insurance is essential. This article aims to provide an understanding of why such […]

Thang Truong
Thang Truong