Truck Insurance for New Drivers and New Carriers
If you just got your CDL or your own USDOT number, you are new to both insurers and FMCSA. Here is what the FMCSA New Entrant period is, what to expect at your first safety audit, which mistakes fail that audit right away, and what to have ready when you ask for truck insurance as a new driver.
When FMCSA Treats You as New
When a carrier gets a USDOT number to start hauling across state lines, FMCSA treats it as a New Entrant for 18 months. During that time, FMCSA watches how well the carrier follows federal safety rules.
Your First Safety Audit
FMCSA does a safety audit within 12 months after a New Entrant starts operating, and sends a letter that explains what to do next.
If you fail the audit, you must fix your safety practices. If you do not, FMCSA revokes your USDOT registration.
Mistakes That Fail the Audit Right Away
FMCSA lists some problems that fail the audit automatically. Here are a few of them.
- Running without the insurance you are required to have
- Knowingly using a driver who does not have a valid CDL
- Having no drug and alcohol testing program
- Running a truck that was placed out of service before it is repaired
Keep your insurance active the whole time. Our post on short-term truck insurance explains why your coverage cannot stop while you have authority.
What to Have Ready for Your First Quote
A new driver or a new carrier has little history for an insurer to look at, so have your details ready before you ask for a quote. Our truck insurance FAQ lists what we usually need, such as your DOT number, driver details and truck information.
New Driver Truck Insurance FAQ
Do the New Entrant rules apply if I only haul inside one state?
The federal New Entrant program is for carriers that start hauling across state lines. If you only haul inside one state, check your state's rules.
Does Fifty Bridges insure new drivers?
Yes, in the states where we are licensed. Options depend on your state and your operation.
Related Coverage
Learn more about Owner-Operator Insurance, Truck Liability Insurance and Commercial Truck Insurance. More articles are on the Fifty Bridges blog.
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Get Your First Truck Insurance Quote
Tell us about your CDL, your truck and the work you plan to haul, and we will compare options for your operation.