MCS-90 Endorsement and What It Means for Truckers
If you haul freight for pay across state lines, federal rules say you must prove you can pay for the damage your trucks may cause. Here is what the MCS-90 endorsement is, who needs it, how it protects the public, why you may have to pay your insurer back, what it does not cover, and how to keep it from lapsing.
What the MCS-90 Is
The MCS-90 is an endorsement that an insurance company adds to a carrier's liability policy. It is one of three ways to prove a carrier meets the federal rules for financial responsibility. The other two are an MCS-82 surety bond, or self-insurance that FMCSA has approved.
The MCS-90 is not the same as the BMC-91. The BMC-91 or BMC-91X is a certificate of insurance that your insurer files with FMCSA.
Who Needs It
These federal rules apply to for-hire carriers that haul property across state lines, and to carriers that haul hazardous materials. They do not apply to vehicles under 10,001 pounds GVWR, unless the vehicle carries certain hazardous materials.
The minimum amount of coverage depends on what you haul. Our truck liability insurance page lists the minimums.
How the MCS-90 Protects the Public
Under the MCS-90, the insurance company agrees to pay final judgments against the carrier for injuries or damage caused by negligence in using its trucks, up to the limits shown on the endorsement. It applies even if the truck involved is not listed on the policy.
Why You May Have to Pay Your Insurer Back
The MCS-90 is there to protect the public. If your insurer pays a claim only because of the MCS-90, you must pay that money back. The same goes for a claim where you broke the terms of your policy.
For example, if a truck that is not on your policy causes a crash, the insurer may still pay the injured person, then ask you to repay it. Keep every truck you run listed on your policy, and follow its terms, so you are not left paying a claim yourself.
What the MCS-90 Does Not Cover
It does not cover injuries to your own employees while they are working. It also does not cover the freight you haul. For that you need cargo coverage, and our guide on how to get cargo insurance explains what to check.
Do Not Let It Lapse
An MCS-90 cannot be cancelled overnight. Either side must give the other 35 days' written notice, and if you are registered with FMCSA, FMCSA must also get 30 days' notice.
Federal rules say a carrier may not run its trucks without the required coverage in place. If you get a cancellation notice, call your agent right away.
MCS-90 FAQ
Do I have to keep the MCS-90 in my truck?
Usually not. Federal rules say the proof must be kept at your principal place of business. Carriers based in Canada or Mexico must keep an English copy in each truck that runs in the U.S.
Does Fifty Bridges offer truck liability insurance for interstate carriers?
Yes, in the states where we are licensed. Options depend on your state and your operation.
Related Coverage
Learn more about Truck Liability Insurance, Owner-Operator Insurance and Commercial Truck Insurance. More articles are on the Fifty Bridges blog.
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