Protect the business

Insurance and compliance start with the work you plan to do.

Do not buy a generic policy and assume it covers every type of for-hire delivery or freight activity.

Educational only: Coverage and registration requirements depend on your facts. Confirm requirements with FMCSA, your state agencies, customers and a qualified commercial insurance professional.

Describe the business accurately

Tell your insurance agent what you carry, where you operate, whether you cross state lines, who owns the goods, whether customers require cargo limits, and whether anyone else drives the van.

Separate vehicle coverage from cargo and liability questions

Commercial auto, cargo coverage, general liability and customer-specific certificates solve different problems. The correct mix depends on the work.

Verify federal registration separately

USDOT-number rules and operating-authority rules are not the same question. Vehicle weight, interstate commerce, for-hire status and cargo can matter. Start with the FMCSA registration guidance linked in our resource directory.

Get written proof before accepting work

If a broker, platform or direct customer requires specific limits or endorsements, get confirmation from your insurer before you promise service.