Trucking Insurance in Des Moines, IA by The Insurance Specialists Inc. – commercial truck on highway at sunset

Protect Your Des Moines Trucking Business with Coverage You Can Count On

When you’re running a trucking operation, you don’t have time for setbacks.

Accidents, cargo issues, breakdowns, and bad weather can happen fast—and the right insurance helps keep your business moving.

That’s why we offer trucking insurance tailored for Iowa drivers, owner-operators, and fleets. Simple, reliable coverage backed by local support whenever you need it.

Your policy can help protect you from:

  • 1

    Accidents and collisions

  • 2

    Cargo loss or damage

  • 3

    Mechanical breakdowns

  • 4

    Iowa’s unpredictable weather

From one truck to full fleets, we make it easy to stay protected and stay on the road.

We proudly serve Des Moines, IA, and the surrounding areas, giving you trusted, local guidance every step of the way.

Get your trucking insurance quote from The Insurance Specialists Inc. today.

Custom Coverage Solutions for Your Trucking Business

At The Insurance Specialists Inc., we know every trucking operation is different. Your routes, cargo, equipment, and daily risks aren’t the same as the next carrier’s—so your insurance shouldn’t be, either.

That’s why we partner with top-rated insurers to provide flexible, cost-effective commercial truck insurance tailored to your business.

Whether you run a single rig or oversee a full fleet, we’ll help you build a coverage package that protects your vehicles, your cargo, and your day-to-day operations.

Our customizable trucking insurance options include:

  • Primary Liability Coverage

    Required by law, this protects you if your truck is involved in an incident that injures someone or damages their property.

  • Physical Damage Insurance

    Helps pay for repairs or replacement of your truck when it’s damaged in a covered event—no matter who caused the incident.

  • Motor Truck Cargo Insurance

    Protects the freight you’re hauling against theft, fire, or damage while in transit.

  • Non-Trucking Liability Coverage

    Provides protection when your truck is being used for personal, non-business purposes.

  • Motor Truck General Liability

    Covers off-road incidents such as accidents during loading, unloading, or other business-related activities.

  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance

    Offers around-the-clock help for breakdowns, towing, and unexpected issues that can interrupt your schedule.

Each policy is backed by responsive local service and expert guidance—so whether you’re just getting started or expanding your fleet, you’ll have confidence knowing your coverage is built to support you mile after mile.

Why Choose The Insurance Specialists, Inc.

Finding the right coverage for your trucking business is essential. Here’s what sets us apart:

Industry Expertise

Our team brings deep knowledge of the trucking industry, offering guidance to help you navigate the specific risks your business encounters.

Customizable Coverage Options

We provide adaptable insurance plans, designed to cater specifically to the requirements of your trucks, cargo, and daily operations.

Competitive and Fair Pricing

We collaborate with a variety of well-established providers, ensuring you get affordable insurance options without sacrificing quality.

Trusted Partnerships

Our connections with leading insurers provide you with stable, reliable coverage that grows with your business.

Trucking Insurance FAQ

We understand that trucking insurance can be complex, so we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you navigate your coverage options. Whether you’re an owner-operator or managing a fleet, these FAQs will guide you through the essentials with ease.

Trucking insurance provides financial protection for trucking companies and independent drivers against the risks that come with operating commercial trucks.

Because trucks transport heavy loads over long distances, accidents and cargo issues can be costly—and in many cases, devastating without proper coverage.

A trucking insurance policy helps protect your business from:

  • Accidents causing injury or property damage
  • Damage to your truck or equipment
  • Loss, theft, or damage to the cargo you’re hauling
  • Liability claims arising from daily operations

For trucking businesses in Des Moines and throughout Iowa, insurance isn’t just a safety measure—it’s essential for staying compliant with state and federal regulations and protecting your livelihood from unexpected events.

Most trucking insurance packages combine several types of coverage to protect both your vehicle and your operations. A typical policy may include:

  • Primary Liability: Covers injuries or damages you cause to others while operating your truck.
  • Physical Damage: Pays to repair or replace your truck after an accident or covered event.
  • Motor Truck Cargo: Protects the freight you’re transporting from theft, fire, or damage.
  • Non-Trucking Liability (NTL): Provides liability coverage when your truck is being used for approved personal, non-business purposes.

Policies can also be customized with additional protections depending on your cargo type, routes, and business size. This ensures your coverage aligns with the daily risks specific to your trucking operation.

Yes. Trucking insurance is required under both Iowa state law and federal FMCSA regulations.

Minimum liability coverage levels are set based on:

  • The type of freight you haul
  • Your operating radius
  • Whether you cross state lines

These requirements ensure that trucks on the road can cover potential damages or injuries from accidents. Operating without proper coverage can lead to:

  • Immediate fines
  • Suspension of your operating authority
  • Ineligibility to haul certain types of cargo
  • Higher insurance costs in the future

Staying compliant keeps your business protected and legally allowed to operate.

Insurance premiums are calculated using several business and driver-specific variables. Common factors include:

  • Truck size, value & condition
  • Type of cargo hauled (hazardous materials, high-value items, perishables, etc.)
  • Operating radius (local Des Moines routes vs. long-haul interstate)
  • Driver experience & safety records
  • Company claims history
  • Vehicle storage location & security
  • Coverage limits and deductibles

Insurers assess risk differently, so the same business may receive varying quotes depending on the carrier. Working with a knowledgeable local agent ensures you get the most competitive and appropriate coverage.

Bobtail and non-trucking liability coverage are often confused, but they protect different scenarios:

Bobtail Insurance

Covers your truck when you’re driving without a trailer—typically after dropping off a load or when heading to your next dispatch.

Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)

Provides liability protection when using your truck for personal, non-business purposes, such as driving home or running errands not under dispatch.

Both cover unique gaps in standard trucking policies, and many drivers—especially owner-operators—carry both for full protection.

Operating without trucking insurance can lead to serious consequences, including:

  • Hefty fines from state or federal authorities
  • Loss of operating authority or suspended DOT number
  • Contract termination with shippers or brokers
  • Out-of-pocket responsibility for accident damages
  • Legal liability for injuries or property damage

One incident without proper coverage can severely strain—or even shut down—a trucking business. Insurance ensures you’re financially protected and compliant.

Yes. Many carriers offer pricing incentives. You may lower your premiums by:

  • Maintaining a clean safety record
  • Hiring drivers with strong experience and positive MVRs
  • Installing GPS tracking, dash cams, or safety technology
  • Ensuring secure parking and vehicle storage
  • Bundling multiple policies with the same insurer
  • Completing safety training programs
  • Increasing deductibles (when appropriate)

Your insurance specialist can review your operation and recommend cost-saving strategies tailored to how and where you haul freight.

Yes. All trucking insurance policies have exclusions that may limit certain types of coverage. Common exclusions include:

  • Intentional or fraudulent damage
  • High-risk or prohibited cargo (unless specifically covered)
  • Personal use without Non-Trucking Liability
  • Wear-and-tear or mechanical failure unrelated to an accident
  • Certain off-route or non-permitted operations

It’s important to review your policy carefully so you understand what is and isn’t covered—and avoid surprises during a claim.

If you experience a covered incident, take these steps:

  1. Contact your insurer immediately to report the event.
  2. Provide required documentation, such as accident reports, photos, witness information, and cargo manifests.
  3. Follow your insurer’s claim instructions, which may vary depending on the carrier.
  4. Keep records of all communication and updates throughout the process.

If you work with The Insurance Specialists Inc., we help guide you through the claim from start to finish to ensure a smooth, timely resolution.

Trucking insurance costs in Iowa can vary significantly from one operation to another. Premiums are based entirely on your unique risk profile, which means no two trucking businesses pay the same amount.

Carriers look at factors such as:

  • The type and value of your truck
  • What kind of cargo you haul
  • Your operating radius (local Des Moines routes vs. interstate trips)
  • Driver safety records and experience
  • Your company’s claims history
  • Safety technology installed in your vehicles
  • Desired coverage limits and deductibles

Because so many variables affect pricing, the best way to understand your actual cost is to request a personalized quote.

A local Iowa agent can compare multiple insurers and help you find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

Iowa’s insurance requirements depend on the type of trucking operation you run and whether you operate intrastate (within Iowa) or interstate.

Most carriers must meet federal FMCSA regulations, which require a minimum level of liability coverage based on the type of freight hauled.

For example, trucks hauling standard freight have one minimum liability requirement, while those transporting hazardous materials or specialized commodities must meet higher coverage thresholds.

If you operate only within Iowa, the state may require additional insurance filings—such as Form E or Form H—to verify that your coverage meets Iowa’s intrastate mandates.

At The Insurance Specialists Inc. we can review your operation, explain which minimum coverage levels apply to your business, and help you complete the required state and federal filings needed to stay compliant.

Owner-operators—whether leased onto a carrier or operating under their own authority—need coverage that protects both their truck and their business operations.

Typical policies include:

If you’re leased to a motor carrier:

  • Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)
  • Physical Damage
  • Occupational Accident (often recommended)

If operating under your own authority:

  • Primary Liability
  • Physical Damage
  • Motor Truck Cargo
  • General Liability
  • Equipment coverage
  • Trailer Interchange (if required)

Des Moines owner-operators often face varied weather and mixed rural/urban routes, so comprehensive coverage is especially important.

Yes. Your operating radius affects both your coverage requirements and your premium.

Local truckers (0–100 miles)

  • Usually lower premiums
  • Lower cargo risk
  • More predictable routes
  • Less exposure to high-speed accidents

Regional truckers (100–500 miles)

  • Higher cargo value + mixed terrain
  • Exposure to varied road conditions
  • Moderate liability risk

Long-haul truckers (500+ miles)

  • Higher risk of fatigue-related accidents
  • More exposure to theft, weather, and breakdowns
  • Often higher cargo limits required

Insurers use mileage and route patterns as a major rating factor, so it’s important to choose coverage that aligns with your operations.

Absolutely. Cargo type is one of the biggest drivers of insurance cost and eligibility.

Cargo that may increase premiums includes:

  • Hazardous materials
  • High-value electronics
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Heavy machinery
  • Perishable goods

Cargo with lower risk may reduce premiums:

  • Dry goods
  • Non-perishables
  • Low-value freight

Some commodities require specialized endorsements or higher liability limits. Your agent will help match coverage to your freight type to ensure compliance and full protection.

To provide an accurate and competitive quote, insurers typically request:

  • DOT and MC numbers
  • Vehicle information (VINs, mileage, year, make, model)
  • Driver lists with MVRs
  • Loss runs (claims history)
  • Operating radius and regular routes
  • Cargo types hauled
  • Business EIN and operating history
  • Safety and maintenance records (if available)

Having these details ready helps speed up quoting and ensures you receive the best possible rate.

Your DOT safety rating is a major indicator of risk. A strong safety rating can significantly lower your premiums, while poor ratings typically result in higher costs.

Insurers review:

  • Inspection history
  • Out-of-service rates
  • Driver violations
  • Accident history
  • Hours-of-Service compliance

A favorable rating shows insurers that your business takes safety seriously—something particularly important for fleets operating in and out of Des Moines, where mixed rural/urban traffic can create unique risks.

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. As your company expands, your insurance needs may shift. You may need to update:

  • Vehicle schedules
  • Cargo limits
  • Radius classifications
  • Driver lists
  • Liability limits
  • Trailer interchange agreements

Growing fleets often benefit from periodic policy reviews to ensure they’re not underinsured—or overpaying for outdated coverage.

Not automatically. Coverage depends on your policy structure and leasing agreement.

For leased-on owner-operators:

  • Carriers typically provide primary liability
  • Drivers may need their own physical damage and NTL
  • Occupational accident may be required

For fleets with employee drivers:

  • They are usually covered under your liability and workers’ compensation
  • Driver MVRs impact your premiums

If you’re unsure who is covered under your current policy, your agent can review the contract and identify any gaps.

Most trucking businesses should review their policy at least once per year, but more frequent updates may be needed if:

  • You add or remove trucks
  • You hire new drivers
  • You change cargo types
  • You expand your operating radius
  • You lease onto or detach from a carrier

Regular reviews help ensure your policy stays compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with your day-to-day operations.

Taking the right steps immediately after an incident can significantly speed up your claim:

  1. Make sure everyone is safe and reach out to emergency responders if the situation requires it.
  2. Document the scene with photos and notes.
  3. Gather information from other involved parties.
  4. Secure your cargo, if safe to do so.
  5. Notify your insurer as soon as possible.
  6. Provide all necessary reports, documents, and statements.
  7. Follow your insurer’s instructions closely — each carrier may require different steps.

Working with The Insurance Specialists Inc. ensures you get guidance throughout the process, helping you resolve your claim quickly and with confidence.

Our Other Commercial Insurance Services

Discover our selection of customized commercial insurance solutions crafted to address the varying needs of business owners. Click the links below to explore each service and identify the coverage that aligns best with your business requirements.

  • Contractors’ General Liability Insurance: Protect your business from financial risks associated with third-party claims, including bodily injury, property damage, and legal costs.

  • Commercial Auto Insurance: Get essential coverage for your business vehicles, safeguarding them from accidents, theft, and other risks on the road.

  • Commercial General Liability Insurance: Protect your company from a variety of potential issues, such as third-party claims involving injuries, damage to property, and related legal fees, helping your business stay secure in the face of unexpected situations.

  • Business Owner Insurance: Combine property and liability coverage in a comprehensive policy designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.

  • Bonds: Secure surety bonds for your business to guarantee the completion of projects and compliance with regulations.

Looking for the Right Insurance Coverage?

Ensure your peace of mind with the right coverage. Get in touch with us, and we’ll help you explore insurance options that match your priorities and fit your budget.

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