Are 18-Wheelers Required To Have Minimum Insurance?
June 16, 2016
One of the most important issues in 18 wheeler and commercial vehicle accident cases is insurance. In truck wreck cases involving wrongful death or serious injuries such as amputation, head injuries, neck surgery, back surgery, or organ failure, the available insurance may limit your potential recovery.
The good news is that federal law requires 18 wheelers and commercial vehicles engaged in interstate travel (i.e. travel between more than one state) to have insurance. The bad news is the requirements have not been increased since 1985.
What Is the Minimum Insurance for 18 Wheelers?
Under 49 CFR 387.9, interstate for-hire trucks and commercial vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds must have at least $750,000 in insurance.
How Much Insurance Do 18 Wheelers Have If They Carry Hazardous Cargo?
Trucks and commercial vehicles that carry non-bulk hazardous materials must have at least $5,000,000 in insurance.
Trucks and commercial vehicles that carry bulk hazardous materials must have at least $1,000,000 in insurance.
How Much Insurance Do Buses Have?
Buses and other commercial vehicles involved in passenger travel that carry 15 passengers or less, including the driver, must have at least $1,000,000 in insurance.
Buses and other commercial vehicles involved in passenger travel that carry 16 passengers or more, including the driver, must have at least $5,000,000 in insurance.
Insurance for Smaller Interstate Vehicles
Under 49 CFR 387.303, vehicles that carry less than a 10,0001-pound rating are required to have $300,000 in insurance.
FMSCA Regulations Regarding 18 Wheeler And Bus Insurance
The Chapter 387 insurance requirements contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act governing interstate trucks and commercial vehicles are as follows:
§ 387.1: Purpose and scope.
This subpart prescribes the minimum levels of financial responsibility required to be maintained by motor carriers of property operating motor vehicles in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce. The purpose of these regulations is to create additional incentives for motor carriers to maintain and operate their vehicles in a safe manner and to assure those motor carriers maintain an appropriate level of financial responsibility for motor vehicles operated on public highways.
§ 387.3: Applicability.
(a) This subpart applies to for-hire motor carriers operating motor vehicles transporting property in interstate or foreign commerce.
(b) This subpart applies to motor carriers operating motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials, hazardous substances, or hazardous wastes in interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce.
(c) Exception. (1) The rules in this part do not apply to a motor vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 10,001 pounds. This exception does not apply if the vehicle is used to transport any quantity of a Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material, any quantity of a Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A, or Division 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A, or to a highway route controlled quantity of a Class 7 material as it is defined in 49 CFR 173.403, in interstate or foreign commerce.
(2) The rules in this part do not apply to the transportation of non-bulk oil, non-bulk hazardous materials, substances, or wastes in intrastate commerce, except that the rules in this part do apply to the transportation of a highway route controlled quantity of a Class 7 material as defined in 49 CFR 173.403, in intrastate commerce.
§ 387.5: Definitions.
As used in this subpart—
Accident includes continuous or repeated exposure to the same conditions resulting in public liability which the insured neither expected nor intended.
Bodily injury means injury to the body, sickness, or disease including death resulting from any of these.
Cancellation of insurance means the withdrawal of insurance coverage by either the insurer or the insured.
Endorsement means an amendment to an insurance policy.
Environmental restoration means restitution for the loss, damage, or destruction of natural resources arising out of the accidental discharge, dispersal, release or escape into or upon the land, atmosphere, watercourse, or body of water of any commodity transported by a motor carrier. This shall include the cost of removal and the cost of a necessary measure taken to minimize or mitigate damage to human health, the natural environment, fish, shellfish, and wildlife.
Evidence of security means a surety bond or a policy of insurance with the appropriate endorsement attached.
Financial responsibility means the financial reserves (e.g., insurance policies or surety bonds) sufficient to satisfy liability amounts set forth in this subpart covering public liability.
For-hire carriage means the business of transporting, for compensation, the goods or property of another.
In bulk means the transportation, as cargo, of property, except Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials, and Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A gases, in containment systems with capacities in excess of 3500 water gallons.
In bulk (Division 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 explosives) means the transportation, as cargo, of any Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 materials in any quantity.
In bulk (Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A or Division 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A materials) means the transportation, as cargo, of any Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A, or Division 6.1, packing Group I, Hazard Zone A material, in any quantity.
Insured and principal means the motor carrier named in the policy of insurance, surety bond, endorsement, or notice of cancellation, and also the fiduciary of such motor carrier.
Insurance premium means the monetary sum an insured pays an insurer for acceptance of liability for public liability claims made against the insured.
Motor carrier means a for-hire motor carrier or a private motor carrier. The term includes, but is not limited to, a motor carrier’s agent, officer, or representative; an employee responsible for hiring, supervising, training, assigning, or dispatching a driver; or an employee concerned with the installation, inspection, and maintenance of motor vehicle equipment and/or accessories.
Property damage means damage to or loss of use of a tangible property.
Public liability means liability for bodily injury or property damage and includes liability for environmental restoration.
State means a State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
§ 387.7: Financial responsibility required.
(a) No motor carrier shall operate a motor vehicle until the motor carrier has obtained and has in effect the minimum levels of financial responsibility as set forth in § 387.9 of this subpart.
(b)(1) Policies of insurance, surety bonds, and endorsements required under this section shall remain in effect continuously until terminated. Cancellation may be effected by the insurer or the insured motor carrier giving 35 days’ notice in writing to the other. The 35 days’ notice shall commence to run from the date the notice is mailed. Proof of mailing shall be sufficient proof of notice.
(2) Exception. Policies of insurance and surety bonds may be obtained for a finite period of time to cover any lapse in continuous compliance.
(3) Exception. A Mexico-domiciled motor carrier operating solely in municipalities in the United States on the U.S.-Mexico international border or within the commercial zones of such municipalities with a Certificate of Registration issued under part 368 may meet the minimum financial responsibility requirements of this subpart by obtaining insurance coverage, in the required amounts, for periods of 24 hours or longer, from insurers that meet the requirements of § 387.11 of this subpart. A Mexican motor carrier so insured must have available for inspection in each of its vehicles copies of the following documents:
(i) The Certificate of Registration;
(ii) The required insurance endorsement (Form MCS-90); and
(iii) An insurance identification card, binder, or other document issued by an authorized insurer which specifies both the effective date and the expiration date of the temporary insurance coverage authorized by this exception.
Mexican motor carriers insured under this exception are also exempt from the notice of cancellation requirements stated on Form MCS-90.(c) Policies of insurance and surety bonds required under this section may be replaced by other policies of insurance or surety bonds. The liability of the retiring insurer or surety, as to events after the termination date, shall be considered as having terminated on the effective date of the replacement policy of insurance or surety bond or at the end of the 35 day cancellation period required in paragraph (b) of this section, whichever is sooner.
(d) Proof of the required financial responsibility shall be maintained at the motor carrier’s principal place of business. The proof shall consist of—
(1) “Endorsement(s) for Motor Carrier Policies of Insurance for Public Liability Under Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980” (Form MCS-90) issued by an insurer(s);
(2) A “Motor Carrier Surety Bond for Public Liability Under Section 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980” (Form MCS-82) issued by a surety; or
(3) A written decision, order, or authorization of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration authorizing a motor carrier to self-insure under § 387.309, provided the motor carrier maintains a satisfactory safety rating as determined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under part 385 of this chapter.
(e)(1) The proof of minimum levels of financial responsibility required by this section shall be considered public information and be produced for review upon reasonable request by a member of the public.
(2) In addition to maintaining proof of financial responsibility as required by paragraph (d) of this section, non-North America-domiciled private and for-hire motor carriers shall file evidence of financial responsibility with FMCSA in accordance with the requirements of subpart C of this part.
(f) All vehicles operated within the United States by motor carriers domiciled in a contiguous foreign country, shall have on board the vehicle a legible copy, in English, of the proof of the required financial responsibility (Form MCS-90 or MCS-82) used by the motor carrier to comply with paragraph (d) of this section.
(g) Any motor vehicle in which there is no evidence of financial responsibility required by paragraph (f) of this section shall be denied entry into the United States.
§ 387.9: Financial responsibility, minimum levels.
The minimum levels of financial responsibility referred to in § 387.7 of this subpart are hereby prescribed as follows:
| Type of carriage | Commodity transported | January 1, 1985 |
|---|---|---|
| (1) For-hire (In interstate or foreign commerce, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds) | Property (nonhazardous) | $750,000 |
| (2) For-hire and Private (In interstate, foreign, or intrastate commerce, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds) | Hazardous substances, as defined in 49 CFR 171.8, transported in cargo tanks, portable tanks, or hopper-type vehicles with capacities in excess of 3,500 water gallons; or in bulk Division 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 materials. Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A, or Division 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A material; in bulk Division 2.1 or 2.2; or highway route controlled quantities of a Class 7 material, as defined in 49 CFR 173.403 | 5,000,000 |
| (3) For-hire and Private (In interstate or foreign commerce, in any quantity; or in intrastate commerce, in bulk only; with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds) | Oil listed in 49 CFR 172.101; hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and hazardous substances defined in 49 CFR 171.8 and listed in 49 CFR 172.101, but not mentioned in (2) above or (4) below | 1,000,000 |
| (4) For-hire and Private (In interstate or foreign commerce, with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,001 pounds) | Any quantity of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material; any quantity of a Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A, or Division 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A material; or highway route controlled quantities of a Class 7 material as defined in 49 CFR 173.403 | 5,000,000 |
§ 387.11: State authority and designation of agent.
A policy of insurance or surety bond does not satisfy the financial responsibility requirements of this subpart unless the insurer or surety furnishing the policy or bond is—
(a) Legally authorized to issue such policies or bonds in each State in which the motor carrier operates; or
(b) Legally authorized to issue such policies or bonds in the State in which the motor carrier has its principal place of business or domicile, and is willing to designate a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the motor carrier operates; or
(c) Legally authorized to issue such policies or bonds in any State of the United States and eligible as an excess or surplus lines insurer in any State in which business is written, and is willing to designate a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the motor carrier operates.
(d) A Canadian insurance company legally authorized to issue a policy of insurance in the Province or Territory of Canada in which the Canadian motor carrier has its principal place of business or domicile, and that is willing to designate a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of any court having jurisdiction over the subject matter, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the motor carrier operates.
§ 387.13: Fiduciaries.
The coverage of fiduciaries shall attach at the moment of succession of such fiduciaries.
§ 387.15: Forms.
Endorsements for policies of insurance (Illustration I) and surety bonds (Illustration II) must be in the form prescribed by the FMCSA and approved by the OMB. Endorsements to policies of insurance and surety bonds shall specify that coverage thereunder will remain in effect continuously until terminated, as required in § 387.7 of this subpart. The continuous coverage requirement does not apply to Mexican motor carriers insured under § 387.7(b)(3) of this subpart. The endorsement and surety bond shall be issued in the exact name of the motor carrier.
Illustration I Form MCS-90 (3/82) Form Approved OMB No. 2125-0074 Endorsement for Motor Carrier Policies of Insurance for Public Liability Under Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 Issued to of Dated at this _______ day of __________, 19__ Amending Policy No. Effective Date Name of Insurance Company Countersigned by Authorized Company Representative The policy to which this endorsement is attached provides primary or excess insurance, as indicated by “X”, for the limits shown: □ This insurance is primary and the company shall not be liable for amounts in excess of $_____ for each accident. □ This insurance is excess and the company shall not be liable for amounts in excess of $_____ for each accident in excess of the underlying limit of $_____ for each accident.Whenever required by the FMCSA the company agrees to furnish the FMCSA a duplicate of said policy and all its endorsements. The company also agrees, upon telephone request by an authorized representative of the FMCSA, to verify that the policy is in force as of a particular date. The telephone number to call is: ______
Cancellation of this endorsement may be effected by the company or the insured by giving (1) thirty-five (35) days notice in writing to the other party (said 35 days notice to commence from the date the notice is mailed, proof of mailing shall be sufficient proof of notice), and (2) if the insured is subject to the FMCSA’s jurisdiction, by providing thirty (30) days notice to the FMCSA (said 30 days notice to commence from the date the notice is received by the FMCSA at its office in Washington, DC). definitions as used in this endorsement Accident includes continuous or repeated exposure to conditions which results in bodily injury, property damage, or environmental damage which the insured neither expected or intended. Motor Vehicle means a land vehicle, machine, truck, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used on a highway for transporting property, or any combination thereof. Bodily Injury means injury to the body, sickness, or disease to any person, including death resulting from any of these. Environmental Restoration means restitution for the loss, damage, or destruction of natural resources arising out of the accidental discharge, dispersal, release or escape into or upon the land, atmosphere, watercourse, or body of water, of any commodity transported by a motor carrier. This shall include the cost of removal and the cost of necessary measures taken to minimize or mitigate damage to human health, the natural environment, fish, shellfish, and wildlife. Property Damage means damage to or loss of use of tangible property. Public Liability means liability for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration.The insurance policy to which this endorsement is attached provides automobile liability insurance and is amended to assure compliance by the insured, within the limits stated herein, as a motor carrier of property, with sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and the rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
In consideration of the premium stated in the policy to which this endorsement is attached, the insurer (the company) agrees to pay, within the limits of liability described herein, any final judgment recovered against the insured for public liability resulting from negligence in the operation, maintenance or use of motor vehicles subject to the financial responsibility requirements of sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 regardless of whether or not each motor vehicle is specifically described in the policy and whether or not such negligence occurs on any route or in any territory authorized to be served by the insured or elsewhere. Such insurance as is afforded, for public liability, does not apply to injury to or death of the insured’s employees while engaged in the course of their employment, or property transported by the insured, designated as cargo. It is understood and agreed that no condition, provision, stipulation, or limitation contained in the policy, this endorsement, or any other endorsement thereon, or violation thereof, shall relieve the company from liability or from the payment of any final judgment, within the limits of liability herein described, irrespective of the financial condition, insolvency or bankruptcy of the insured. However, all terms, conditions, and limitations in the policy to which the endorsement is attached shall remain in full force and effect as binding between the insured and the company. The insured agrees to reimburse the company for any payment made by the company on account of any accident, claim, or suit involving a breach of the terms of the policy, and for any payment that the company would not have been obligated to make under the provisions of the policy except for the agreement contained in this endorsement.
It is further understood and agreed that, upon failure of the company to pay any final judgment recovered against the insured as provided herein, the judgment creditor may maintain an action in any court of competent jurisdiction against the company to compel such payment.
The limits of the company’s liability for the amounts prescribed in this endorsement apply separately to each accident and any payment under the policy because of any one accident shall not operate to reduce the liability of the company for the payment of final judgments resulting from any other accident.
Illustration II Form MCS-82 (4/83)(Form approved by Office of Management and Budget under control no. 2125-0075)
| Parties | Surety company and principal place of business address | Motor carrier principal, FMCSA Docket No. and principal place of business |
|---|
Purpose —This is an agreement between the Surety and the Principal under which the Surety, its successors and assigness, agree to be responsible for the payment of any final judgment or judgments against the Principal for public liability, property damage, and environmental restoration liability claims in the sums prescribed herein; subject to the governing provisions and the following conditions.
Governing provisions —(1) Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 (49 U.S.C. 13906).
(2) Rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Conditions —The Principal is or intends to become a motor carrier of property subject to the applicable governing provisions relating to financial responsibility for the protection of the public.
This bond assures compliance by the Principal with the applicable governing provisions, and shall inure to the benefit of any person or persons who shall recover a final judgment or judgments against the Principal for public liability, property damage, or environmental restoration liability claims (excluding injury to or death of the Principal’s employees while engaged in the course of their employment, and loss of or damange to property of the principal, and the cargo transported by the Principal). If every final judgment shall be paid for such claims resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles in transportation subject to the applicable governing provisions, then this obligation shall be void, otherwise it will remain in full effect.
Within the limits described herein, the Surety extends to such losses regardless of whether such motor vehicles are specifically described herein and whether occurring on the route or in the territory authorized to be served by the Principal or elsewhere.
The liability of the Surety on each motor vehicle subject to the financial responsibility requirements of Section’s 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 for each accident shall not exceed $_____, and shall be a continuing one notwithstanding any recovery hereunder.
The surety agrees, upon telephone request by an authorized representative of the FMCSA, to verify that the surety bond is in force as of a particular date. The telephone number is: ______
This bond is effective from ___ (12:01 a.m., standard time, at the address of the Principal as stated herein) and shall countine in force until terminated as described herein. The principal or the Surety may at any time terminate this bond by giving (1) thirty five (35) days notice in writing to the other party (said 35 day notice to commence from the date the notice is mailed, proof of mailing shall be sufficient proof of notice), and (2) if the Principal is subject to the FMCSA’s jurisdiction, by providing thirty (30) days notice to the FMCSA (said 30 days notice to commence from the date notice is received by the FMCSA at its office in Washington, DC). The Surety shall not be liable for the payment of any judgment or judgments against the Principal for public liability, property damage, or environmental restoration claims resulting from accidents which occur after the termination of this bond as described herein, but such termination shall not affect the liability of the Surety for the payment of any such judgment or judgments resulting from accidents which occur during the time the bond is in effect.
(AFFIX CORPORATE SEAL) Date Surety City State By Acknowledgement of Surety State of County of On this ______ day of ________, 19__, before me personally came ___________, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he/she resides in __________; that he/she is the _________ of the __________, the corporation described in and which executed the foregoing instrument; that he/she knows the seal of said corporation, that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal, that it was so affixed by order of the board of directors of said corporation, that he/she signed his/her name thereto by like order, and he/she duly acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same for and on behalf of said corporation.
(OFFICIAL SEAL)Title of official administering oath Surety Company File No.
Any person (except an employee who acts without knowledge) who knowingly violates the rules of this subpart shall be liable to the United States for civil penalty of no more than $11,000 for each violation, and if any such violation is a continuing one, each day of violation will constitute a separate offense. The amount of any such penalty shall be assessed by the FMCSA’s Administrator, by written notice. In determining the amount of such penalty, the Administrator, or his/her authorized delegate shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, the gravity of the violation committed and, with respect to the person found to have committed such violation, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, effect on ability to continue to do business, and such other matters as justice may require.
§ 387.19: Electronic filing of surety bonds, trust fund agreements, certificates of insurance and cancellations.
(a) Insurers of exempt for-hire motor carriers, as defined in § 390.5 of this subchapter, and private motor carriers that transport hazardous materials in interstate commerce must file certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and other securities and agreements with FMCSA electronically in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth at § 387.323.
(b) The requirements of this section do not apply to motor carriers excepted under § 387.7(b)(3).
§ 387.25: Purpose and scope.
This subpart prescribes the minimum levels of financial responsibility required to be maintained by for-hire motor carriers of passengers operating motor vehicles in interstate or foreign commerce. The purpose of these regulations is to create additional incentives to carriers to operate their vehicles in a safe manner and to assure that they maintain adequate levels of financial responsibility.
§ 387.27: Applicability.
(a) This subpart applies to for-hire motor carriers transporting passengers in interstate or foreign commerce.
(b) Exception. The rules in this subpart do not apply to—
(1) A motor vehicle transporting only school children and teachers to or from school;
(2) A motor vehicle providing taxicab service and having a seating capacity of less than 7 passengers and not operated on a regular route or between specified points;
(3) A motor vehicle carrying less than 16 individuals in a single daily round trip to commute to and from work; and
(4) A motor vehicle operated by a motor carrier under contract providing transportation of preprimary, primary, and secondary students for extracurricular trips organized, sponsored, and paid by a school district.
§ 387.29: Definitions.
As used in this subpart—
Accident means includes continuous or repeated exposure to the same conditions resulting in public liability which the insured neither expected nor intended.
Bodily injury means injury to the body, sickness, or disease including death resulting from any of these.
Endorsement means an amendment to an insurance policy.
Financial responsibility means the financial reserves (e.g., insurance policies or surety bonds) sufficient to satisfy liability amounts set forth in this subpart covering public liability.
For-hire carriage means the business of transporting, for compensation, passengers and their property, including any compensated transportation of the goods or property or another.
Insured and principal means the motor carrier named in the policy of insurance, surety bond, endorsement, or notice of cancellation, and also the fiduciary of such motor carrier.
Insurance premium means the monetary sum an insured pays an insurer for acceptance of liability for public liability claims made against the insured.
Motor carrier means a for-hire motor carrier. The term includes, but is not limited to, a motor carrier’s agent, officer, or representative; an employee responsible for hiring, supervising, training, assigning, or dispatching a driver; or an employee concerned with the installation, inspection, and maintenance of motor vehicle equipment and/or accessories.
Property damage means damage to or loss of use of tangible property.
Public liability means liability for bodily injury or property damage.
Seating capacity means any plan view location capable of accommodating a person at least as large as a 5th percentile adult female, if the overall seat configuration and design and vehicle design is such that the position is likely to be used as a seating position while the vehicle is in motion, except for auxiliary seating accommodations such as temporary or folding jump seats. Any bench or split bench seat in a passenger car, truck or multi-purpose passenger vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 pounds, having greater than 50 inches of hip room (measured in accordance with SEA Standards J1100(a)) shall have not less than three designated seating positions, unless the seat design or vehicle design is such that the center position cannot be used for seating.
§ 387.31: Financial responsibility required.
(a) No motor carrier shall operate a motor vehicle transporting passengers until the motor carrier has obtained and has in effect the minimum levels of financial responsibility as set forth in § 387.33 of this subpart.
(b) Policies of insurance, surety bonds, and endorsements required under this section shall remain in effect continuously until terminated.
(1) Cancellation may be effected by the insurer or the insured motor carrier giving 35 days notice in writing to the other. The 35 days notice shall commence to run from the date the notice is mailed. Proof of mailing shall be sufficient proof of notice.
(2) Exception. Policies of insurance and surety bonds may be obtained for a finite period of time to cover any lapse in continuous compliance.
(3) Exception. Mexican motor carriers may meet the minimum financial responsibility requirements of this subpart by obtaining insurance coverage, in the required amounts, for periods of 24 hours or longer, from insurers that meet the requirements of § 387.35 of this subpart. A Mexican motor carrier so insured must have available for inspection in each of its vehicles copies of the following documents:
(i) The required insurance endorsement (Form MCS-90B); and
(ii) An insurance identification card, binder, or other document issued by an authorized insurer which specifies both the effective date and the expiration date of the temporary insurance coverage authorized by this exception.
Mexican motor carriers insured under this exception are also exempt from the notice of cancellation requirements stated on Form MCS-90B.(c) Policies of insurance and surety bonds required under this section may be replaced by other policies of insurance or surety bonds. The liability of retiring insurer or surety, as to events after the termination date, shall be considered as having terminated on the effective date of the replacement policy of insurance or surety bond or at the end or the 35 day cancellation period required in paragraph (b) of this section, whichever is sooner.
(d) Proof of the required financial responsibility shall be maintained at the motor carrier’s principal place of business. The proof shall consist of—
(1) “Endorsement(s) for Motor Carriers of Passengers Policies of Insurance for Public Liability Under Section 18 of the Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982” (Form MCS-90B) issued by an insurer(s); or
(2) A “Motor Carrier of Passengers Surety Bond for Public Liability Under Section 18 of the Bus Regulatory Reform Act of 1982” (Form MCS-82B) issued by a surety.
(e)(1) The proof of minimum levels of financial responsibility required by this section shall be considered public information and be produced for review upon reasonable request by a member of the public.
(2) In addition to maintaining proof of financial responsibility as required by paragraph (d) of this section, non-North America-domiciled private and for-hire motor carriers shall file evidence of financial responsibility with FMCSA in accordance with the requirements of subpart C of this part.
(f) All passenger carrying vehicles operated within the United States by motor carriers domiciled in a contiguous foreign country, shall have on board the vehicle a legible copy, in English, of the proof of the required financial responsibility (Forms MCS-90B or MCS-82B) used by the motor carrier to comply with paragraph (d) of this section.
(g) Any motor vehicle in which there is no evidence of financial responsibility required by paragraph (f) of this section shall be denied entry into the United States.
§ 387.33: Financial responsibility, minimum levels.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52651, Aug. 23, 2013.
The minimum levels of financial responsibility referred to in § 387.31 of this subpart are hereby prescribed as follows:
Schedule of Limits Public Liability For-hire motor carriers of passengers operating in interstate or foreign commerce. 1Except as provided in § 387.27(b).
| Vehicle seating capacity | Effective dates | Nov. 19, 1983 | Nov. 19, 1985 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (1) Any vehicle with a seating capacity of 16 passengers or more | $2,500,000 | $5,000,000 | |
| (2) Any vehicle with a seating capacity of 15 passengers or less 1 | 750,000 | 1,500,000 |
§ 387.35: State authority and designation of agent.
A policy of insurance or surety bond does not satisfy the financial responsibility requirements of this subpart unless the insurer or surety furnishing the policy or bond is—
(a) Legally authorized to issue such policies or bonds in each State in which the motor carrier operates, or
(b) Legally authorized to issue such policies or bonds in the State in which the motor carrier has its principal place of business or domicile, and is willing to designate a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the motor carrier operates; or
(c) Legally authorized to issue such policies or bonds in any State of the United States and eligible as an excess or surplus lines insurer in any State in which business is written, and is willing to designate a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the motor carrier operates.
(d) A Canadian insurance company legally authorized to issue a policy of insurance in the Province or Territory of Canada in which a Canadian motor carrier has its principal place of business or domicile, and that is willing to designate a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of any court having jurisdiction over the subject matter, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the motor carrier operates.
§ 387.37: Fiduciaries.
The coverage of fiduciaries shall attach at the moment of succession of such fiduciaries.
§ 387.39: Forms.
Endorsements for policies of insurance (Illustration I) and surety bonds (Illustration II) must be in the form prescribed by the FMCSA and approved by the OMB. Endorsements to policies of insurance and surety bonds shall specify that coverage thereunder will remain in effect continuously until terminated, as required in § 387.31 of this subpart. The continuous coverage requirement does not apply to Mexican motor carriers insured under § 387.31(b)(3) of this subpart. The endorsement and surety bond shall be issued in the exact name of the motor carrier.
§ 387.41: Violation and penalty.
Any person (except an employee who acts without knowledge) who knowingly violates the rules of this subpart shall be liable to the United States for civil penalty of no more than $11,000 for each violation, and if any such violation is a continuing one, each day of violation will constitute a separate offense. The amount of any such penalty shall be assessed by the Administrator or his/her designee, by written notice. In determining the amount of such penalty, the Administrator or his/her designee shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, the gravity of the violation committed and, with respect to the person found to have committed such violation, the degree of culpability, any history of prior offenses, effect on ability to continue to do business, and such other matters as justice may require.
§ 387.43: Electronic filing of surety bonds, trust fund agreements, certificates of insurance and cancellations.
(a) Insurers of for-hire motor carriers of passengers must file certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and other securities and agreements electronically in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth at § 387.323.
(b) This section does not apply to motor carriers excepted under § 387.31(b)(3).
§ 387.301: Surety bond, certificate of insurance, or other securities.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52651, Aug. 23, 2013.
(a) Public liability. (1) No common or contract carrier or foreign (Mexican) motor private carrier or foreign motor carrier transporting exempt commodities subject to Subtitle IV, part B, chapter 135 of title 49 of the U.S. Code shall engage in interstate or foreign commerce, and no certificate or permit shall be issued to such a carrier or remain in force unless and until there shall have been filed with and accepted by the FMCSA surety bonds, certificates of insurance, proof of qualifications as self-insurer, or other securities or agreements, in the amounts prescribed in § 387.303, conditioned to pay any final judgment recovered against such motor carrier for bodily injuries to or the death of any person resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance or use of motor vehicles in transportation subject to Subtitle IV, part B, chapter 135 of title 49 of the U.S. Code, or for loss of or damage to property of others, or, in the case of motor carriers of property operating freight vehicles described in § 387.303(b)(2) of this part, for environmental restoration.
(2) Motor Carriers of property which are subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and transport the commodities described in § 387.303(b)(2), are required to obtain security in the minimum limits prescribed in § 387.303(b)(2).
(b) Household goods motor carriers-cargo insurance. No household goods motor carrier subject to subtitle IV, part B, chapter 135 of title 49 of the U.S. Code shall engage in interstate or foreign commerce, nor shall any certificate be issued to such a household goods motor carrier or remain in force unless and until there shall have been filed with and accepted by the FMCSA, a surety bond, certificate of insurance, proof of qualifications as a self-insurer, or other securities or agreements in the amounts prescribed in § 387.303, conditioned upon such carrier making compensation to individual shippers for all property belonging to individual shippers and coming into the possession of such carrier in connection with its transportation service. The terms “household goods motor carrier” and “individual shipper” are defined in part 375 of this subchapter.
(c) Continuing compliance required. Such security as is accepted by the FMCSA in accordance with the requirements of section 13906 of title 49 of the U.S. Code, shall remain in effect at all times.
387.303: Security for the protection of the public: Minimum limits.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52651, Aug. 23, 2013.
(a) Definitions. (1) Primary security means public liability coverage provided by the insurance or surety company responsible for the first dollar of coverage.
(2) Excess security means public liability coverage above the primary security, or above any additional underlying security, up to and including the required minimum limits set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(b)(1) Motor carriers subject to § 387.301(a)(1) are required to have security for the required minimum limits as follows:
(i) Small freight vehicles:
| Kind of equipment | Transportation provided | Minimum
|
|---|---|---|
| Fleet including only vehicles under 10,001 pounds (4,536 kilograms) GVWR | Property (non-hazardous) | $300,000 |
(ii) Passenger carriers.
| Vehicle seating capacity | Minimum
|
|---|---|
| (A) Any vehicle with a seating capacity of 16 passengers or more (including the driver) | $5,000,000 |
| (B) Any vehicle designed or used to transport 15 passengers or less (including the driver) for compensation | 1,500,000 |
(2) Motor carriers subject to § 387.301(a)(2) are required to have security for the required minimum limits as follows:
| Kind of equipment | Commodity transported | Minimum
|
|---|---|---|
| (i) Freight vehicles of 10,001 pounds (4,536 kilograms) or more GVWR | Property (non-hazardous) | $750,000 |
| (ii) Freight vehicles of 10,001 (4,536 kilograms) pounds or more GVWR | Hazardous substances, as defined in § 171.8 of this title, transported in cargo tanks, portable tanks, or hopper-type vehicles with capacities in excess of 3,500 water gallons, or in bulk explosives Division 1,1, 1.2 and 1.3 materials. Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A material; in bulk Division 2.1 or 2.2; or highway route controlled quantities of a Class 7 material, as defined in § 173.403 of this title | 5,000,000 |
| (iii) Freight vehicles of 10,001 pounds (4,536 kilograms) or more GVWR | Oil listed in § 172.101 of this title; hazardous waste, hazardous materials and hazardous substances defined in § 171.8 of this title and listed in § 172.101 of this title, but not mentioned in (b) above or (d) below | 1,000,000 |
| (iv) Freight vehicles under 10,001 pounds (4,536 kilograms) GVWR | Any quantity of Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 material; any quantity of a Division 2.3, Hazard Zone A, or Division 6.1, Packing Group I, Hazard Zone A material; or highway route controlled quantities of Class 7 material as defined in § 173.455 of this title | 5,000,000 |
(3) Motor carriers subject to the minimum limits governed by this section, which are also subject to Department of Transportation limits requirements, are at no time required to have security for more than the required minimum limits established by the Secretary of Transportation in the applicable provisions of 49 CFR Part 387—Minimum Levels of Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers.
(4) Foreign motor carriers and foreign motor private carriers. Foreign motor carriers and foreign motor private carriers (Mexican), subject to the requirements of 49 U.S.C. 13902(c) and 49 CFR part 368 regarding obtaining certificates of registration from the FMCSA, must meet our minimum financial responsibility requirements by obtaining insurance coverage, in the required amounts, for periods of 24 hours or longer, from insurance or surety companies, that meet the requirements of 49 CFR 387.315. These carriers must have available for inspection, in each vehicle operating in the United States, copies of the following documents:
(i) The certificate of registration;
(ii) The required insurance endorsement (Form MCS-90); and
(iii) An insurance identification card, binder, or other document issued by an authorized insurer which specifies both the effective date and the expiration date of the insurance coverage.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 387.301(a)(1), the filing of evidence of insurance is not required as a condition to the issuance of a certificate of registration. Further, the reference to continuous coverage at § 387.313(a)(6) and the reference to cancellation notice at § 387.313(d) are not applicable to these carriers.
(c) Household goods motor carriers: Cargo liability. Security required to compensate individual shippers for loss or damage to property belonging to them and coming into the possession of household goods motor carriers in connection with their transportation service;
(1) For loss of or damage to household goods carried on any one motor vehicle—$5,000,
(2) For loss of or damage to or aggregate of losses or damages of or to household goods occurring at any one time and place—$10,000.
Editorial Note:
For Federal Register citations affecting § 387.303, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.fdsys.gov .
Effective Date Note:
At 78 FR 52651, Aug. 23, 2013, § 387.303 was amended by adding paragraph (b)(1)(iii), effective Oct. 23, 2015. For the convenience of the user, the added text is set forth as follows:
(b) * * *
(1) * * *
(iii) Limits applicable to transit service providers. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the minimum level of financial responsibility for a motor vehicle used to provide transportation services within a transit service area under an agreement with a Federal, State, or local government funded, in whole or in part, with a grant under 49 U.S.C. 5307, 5310 or 5311, including transportation designed and carried out to meet the special needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities, will be the highest level required for any of the States in which it operates. This paragraph applies to transit service providers who operate in a transit service area located in more than one State, as well as transit service providers who operate in only one State but interline with other motor carriers that provide interstate transportation within or outside the transit service area. Transit service providers conducting such operations must register as for-hire passenger carriers under part 365, subpart A and part 390, subpart E of this subchapter, identify the State(s) in which they operate under the applicable grants, and certify on their registration documents that they have in effect financial responsibility levels in an amount equal to or greater than the highest level required by any of the States in which they are operating under a qualifying grant.
§ 387.305: Combination vehicles.
The following combinations will be regarded as one motor vehicle for purposes of this part, (a) a tractor and trailer or semitrailer when the tractor is engaged solely in drawing the trailer or semitrailer, and (b) a truck and trailer when both together bear a single load.
§ 387.307: Property broker surety bond or trust fund.
(a) Security. A broker must have a surety bond or trust fund in effect for $75,000. The FMCSA will not issue a broker license until a surety bond or trust fund for the full limits of liability prescribed herein is in effect. The broker license shall remain valid or effective only as long as a surety bond or trust fund remains in effect and shall ensure the financial responsibility of the broker.
(b) Evidence of security. Evidence of a surety bond must be filed using the FMCSA’s prescribed Form BMC 84. Evidence of a trust fund with a financial institution must be filed using the FMCSA’s prescribed Form BMC 85. The surety bond or the trust fund shall ensure the financial responsibility of the broker by providing for payments to shippers or motor carriers if the broker fails to carry out its contracts, agreements, or arrangements for the supplying of transportation by authorized motor carriers.
(c) Financial institution —when used in this section and in forms prescribed under this section, where not otherwise distinctly expressed or manifestly incompatible with the intent thereof, shall mean—Each agent, agency, branch or office within the United States of any person, as defined by the ICC Termination Act, doing business in one or more of the capacities listed below:
(1) An insured bank (as defined in section 3(h) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(h));
(2) A commercial bank or trust company;
(3) An agency or branch of a foreign bank in the United States;
(4) An insured institution (as defined in section 401(a) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1724(a));
(5) A thrift institution (savings bank, building and loan association, credit union, industrial bank or other);
(6) An insurance company;
(7) A loan or finance company; or
(8) A person subject to supervision by any State or Federal bank supervisory authority.
(d) Forms and Procedures —(1) Forms for broker surety bonds and trust agreements. Form BMC-84 broker surety bond will be filed with the FMCSA for the full security limits under paragraph (a) of this section; or Form BMC-85 broker trust fund agreement will be filed with the FMCSA for the full security limits under paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Broker surety bonds and trust fund agreements in effect continuously. Surety bonds and trust fund agreements shall specify that coverage thereunder will remain in effect continuously until terminated as herein provided.
(i) Cancellation notice. The surety bond and the trust fund agreement may be cancelled as only upon 30 days’ written notice to the FMCSA, on prescribed Form BMC 36, by the principal or surety for the surety bond, and on prescribed Form BMC 85, by the trustor/broker or trustee for the trust fund agreement. The notice period commences upon the actual receipt of the notice at the FMCSA’s Washington, DC office.
(ii) Termination by replacement. Broker surety bonds or trust fund agreements which have been accepted by the FMCSA under these rules may be replaced by other surety bonds or trust fund agreements, and the liability of the retiring surety or trustee under such surety bond or trust fund agreements shall be considered as having terminated as of the effective date of the replacement surety bond or trust fund agreement. However, such termination shall not affect the liability of the surety or the trustee hereunder for the payment of any damages arising as the result of contracts, agreements or arrangements made by the broker for the supplying of transportation prior to the date such termination becomes effective.
(3) Filing and copies. Broker surety bonds and trust fund agreements must be filed with the FMCSA in duplicate.
§ 387.309: Qualifications as a self-insurer and other securities or agreements.
(a) As a self-insurer. The FMCSA will consider and will approve, subject to appropriate and reasonable conditions, the application of a motor carrier to qualify as a self-insurer, if the carrier furnishes a true and accurate statement of its financial condition and other evidence that establishes to the satisfaction of the FMCSA the ability of the motor carrier to satisfy its obligation for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, or cargo liability. Application Guidelines: In addition to filing Form BMC 40, applicants for authority to self-insure against bodily injury and property damage claims should submit evidence that will allow the FMCSA to determine:
(1) The adequacy of the tangible net worth of the motor carrier in relation to the size of operations and the extent of its request for self-insurance authority. Applicant should demonstrate that it will maintain a net worth that will ensure that it will be able to meet its statutory obligations to the public to indemnify all claimants in the event of loss.
(2) The existence of a sound self-insurance program. Applicant should demonstrate that it has established, and will maintain, an insurance program that will protect the public against all claims to the same extent as the minimum security limits applicable to applicant under § 387.303 of this part. Such a program may include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following: Irrevocable letters of credit; irrevocable trust funds; reserves; sinking funds; third-party financial guarantees, parent company or affiliate sureties; excess insurance coverage; or other similar arrangements.
(3) The existence of an adequate safety program. Applicant must submit evidence of a current “satisfactory” safety rating by the United States Department of Transportation. Non-rated carriers need only certify that they have not been rated. Applications by carriers with a less than satisfactory rating will be summarily denied. Any self-insurance authority granted by the FMCSA will automatically expire 30 days after a carrier receives a less than satisfactory rating from DOT.
(4) Additional information. Applicant must submit such additional information to support its application as the FMCSA may require.
(b) Other securities or agreements. The FMCSA also will consider applications for approval of other securities or agreements and will approve any such application if satisfied that the security or agreement offered will afford the security for protection of the public contemplated by 49 U.S.C. 13906.
§ 387.311: Bonds and certificates of insurance.
(a) Public liability. Each Form BMC 82 surety bond filed with the FMCSA must be for the full limits of liability required under § 387.303(b)(1). Form MCS-82 surety bonds and other forms of similar import prescribed by the Department of Transportation, may be aggregated to comply with the minimum security limits required under § 387.303(b)(1) or § 387.303(b)(2). Each Form BMC 91 certificate of insurance filed with the FMCSA will always represent the full security minimum limits required for the particular carrier, while it remains in force, under § 387.303(b)(1) or § 387.303(b)(2), whichever is applicable. Any previously executed Form BMC 91 filed before the current revision which is left on file with the FMCSA after the effective date of this regulation, and not canceled within 30 days of that date will be deemed to certify the same coverage limits as would the filing of a revised Form BMC 91. Each Form BMC 91X certificate of insurance filed with the FMCSA will represent the full security limits under § 387.303(b)(1) or § 387.303(b)(2) or the specific security limits of coverage as indicated on the face of the form. If the filing reflects aggregation, the certificate must show clearly whether the insurance is primary or, if excess coverage, the amount of underlying coverage as well as amount of the maximum limits of coverage. * Each Form BMC 91MX certificate of insurance filed with the FMCSA will represent the security limits of coverage as indicated on the face of the form. The Form BMC 91MX must show clearly whether the insurance is primary or, if excess coverage, the amount of underlying coverage as well as amount of the maximum limits of coverage.
* Note: Aggregation to meet the requirement of § 387.303(b)(1) will not be allowed until the completion of our rulemaking in Ex Parte No. MC-5 (Sub-No. 2), Motor Carrier and Freight Forwarder Insurance Procedures and Minimum Amounts of Liability.
(b) Cargo liability. Each form BMC 83 surety bond filed with the FMCSA must be for the full limits of liability required under § 387.303(c). Each Form BMC 34 certificate of insurance filed with the FMCSA will represent the full security limits under § 387.303(c) or the specific security limits of coverage as indicated on the face of the form. If the filing reflects aggregation, the certificate must show clearly whether the insurance is primary or, if excess coverage, the amount of underlying coverage as well as amount of the maximum limits of coverage.
(c) Each policy of insurance in connection with the certificate of insurance which is filed with the FMCSA, shall be amended by attachment of the appropriate endorsement prescribed by the FMCSA and the certificate of insurance filed must accurately reflect that endorsement.
§ 387.313: Forms and procedures.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52651, Aug. 23, 2013.
(a) Forms for endorsements, certificates of insurance and others —(1) In form prescribed. Endorsements for policies of insurance and surety bonds, certificates of insurance, applications to qualify as a self-insurer, or for approval of other securities or agreements, and notices of cancellation must be in the form prescribed and approved by the FMCSA.
(2) Aggregation of Insurance.** When insurance is provided by more than one insurer in order to aggregate security limits for carriers operating only freight vehicles under 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, as defined in § 387.303(b)(1), a separate Form BMC 90, with the specific amounts of underlying and limits of coverage shown thereon or appended thereto, and Form BMC 91X certificate is required of each insurer.
** Note: See Note for Rule 387.311. Also, it should be noted that DOT is considering prescribing adaptations of the Form MCS 90 endorsement and the Form MCS 82 surety bond for use by passenger carriers and Rules §§ 387.311 and 387.313 have been written sufficiently broad to provide for this contingency when new forms are prescribed by that Agency.
For aggregation of insurance for all other carriers to cover security limits under § 387.303 (b)(1) or (b)(2), a separate Department of Transportation prescribed form endorsement and Form BMC 91X certificate is required of each insurer. When insurance is provided by more than one insurer to aggregate coverage for security limits under § 387.303(c) a separate Form BMC 32 endorsement and Form BMC 34 certificate of insurance is required for each insurer. For aggregation of insurance for foreign motor private carriers of nonhazardous commodities to cover security limits under § 387.303(b)(4), a separate Form BMC 90 with the specific amounts of underlying and limits of coverage shown thereon or appended thereto, or Department of Transportation prescribed form endorsement, and Form BMC 91MX certificate is required for each insurer.
(3) Use of Certificates and Endorsements in BMC Series. Form BMC 91 certificates of insurance will be filed with the FMCSA for the full security limits under § 387.303 (b)(1) or (b)(2).
Form BMC 91X certificate of insurance will be filed to represent full coverage or any level of aggregation for the security limits under § 387.303 (b)(1) or (b)(2). Form BMC 90 endorsement will be used with each filing of Form BMC 91 or Form 91X certificate with the FMCSA which certifies to coverage not governed by the requirements of the Department of Transportation. Form BMC 32 endorsement and Form BMC 34 certificate of insurance and Form BMC 83 surety bonds are used for the limits of cargo liability under § 387.303(c). Form BMC 91MX certificate of insurance will be filed to represent any level of aggregation for the security limits under § 387.303(b)(4).
(4) Use of Endorsements in MCS Series. When Security limits certified under § 387.303 (b)(1) or (b)(2) involves coverage also required by the Department of Transportation a Form MCS endorsement prescribed by the Department of Transportation such as, and including, the Form MCS 90 endorsement is required.
(5) Surety bonds. When surety bonds are used rather than certificates of insurance, Form BMC 82 is required for the security limits under § 387.303(b)(1) not subject to regulation by the Department of Transportation, and Form MCS 82, or any form of similar import prescribed by the Department of Transportation, is used for the security limits subject also to minimum coverage requirements of the Department of Transportation.
(6) Surety bonds and certificates in effect continuously. Surety bonds and certificates of insurance shall specify that coverage thereunder will remain in effect continuously until terminated as herein provided, except: (1) When filed expressly to fill prior gaps or lapses in coverage or to cover grants of emergency temporary authority of unusually short duration and the filing clearly so indicates, or (2) in special or unusual circumstances, when special permission is obtained for filing certificates of insurance or surety bonds on terms meeting other particular needs of the situation.
(b) Filing and copies. Certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and notices of cancellation must be filed with the FMCSA in triplicate.
(c) Name of insured. Certificates of insurance and surety bonds shall be issued in the full and correct name of the individual, partnership, corporation or other person to whom the certificate, permit, or license is, or is to be, issued. In the case of a partnership, all partners shall be named.
(d) Cancellation notice. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, surety bonds, certificates of insurance and other securities or agreements shall not be cancelled or withdrawn until 30 days after written notice has been submitted to the FMCSA at its offices in Washington, DC, on the prescribed form (Form BMC-35, Notice of Cancellation Motor Carrier Policies of Insurance under 49 U.S.C. 13906, and BMC-36, Notice of Cancellation Motor Carrier and Broker Surety Bonds, as appropriate) by the insurance company, surety or sureties, motor carrier, broker or other party thereto, as the case may be, which period of thirty (30) days shall commence to run from the date such notice on the prescribed form is actually received by the FMCSA.
(e) Termination by replacement. Certificates of insurance or surety bonds which have been accepted by the FMCSA under these rules may be replaced by other certificates of insurance, surety bonds or other security, and the liability of the retiring insurer or surety under such certificates of insurance or surety bonds shall be considered as having terminated as of the effective date of the replacement certificate of insurance, surety bond or other security, provided the said replacement certificate, bond or other security is acceptable to the FMCSA under the rules and regulations in this part.
(f) Termination of Forms BMC-32 and BMC-34 for motor carriers transporting property other than household goods. Form BMC-32 endorsements and Form BMC-34 certificates of insurance issued to motor carriers transporting property other than household goods that have been accepted by the FMCSA under these rules will expire on March 21, 2011.
Effective Date Note:
At 78 FR 52651, Aug. 23, 2013, § 387.313 was amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (d), effective Oct. 23, 2015. For the convenience of the user, the revised text is set forth as follows:
(b) Filing and copies. Certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and notices of cancellation must be filed with the FMCSA at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
(d) Cancellation notice. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, surety bonds, certificates of insurance, and other securities or agreements shall not be cancelled or withdrawn until 30 days after written notice has been submitted to https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov on the prescribed form (Form BMC-35, Notice of Cancellation Motor Carrier Policies of Insurance under 49 U.S.C. 13906, and BMC-36, Notice of Cancellation Motor Carrier and Broker Surety Bonds, as appropriate) by the insurance company, surety or sureties, motor carrier, broker or other party thereto, as the case may be, which period of thirty (30) days shall commence to run from the date such notice on the prescribed form is filed with FMCSA at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
§ 387.315: Insurance and surety companies.
A certificate of insurance or surety bond will not be accepted by the FMCSA unless issued by an insurance or surety company that is authorized (licensed or admitted) to issue bonds or underlying insurance policies:
(a) In each State in which the motor carrier is authorized by the FMCSA to operate, or
(b) In the State in which the motor carrier has its principal place of business or domicile, and will designate in writing upon request by the FMCSA, a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of a court of competent jurisdiction, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the carrier operates, or
(c) In any State, and is eligible as an excess or surplus lines insurer in any State in which business is written, and will make the designation of process agent described in paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) In the Province or Territory of Canada in which a Canadian motor carrier has its principal place of business or domicile, and will designate in writing upon request by FMCSA, a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of a court of competent jurisdiction, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the carrier operates.
§ 387.317: Refusal to accept, or revocation by the FMCSA of surety bonds, etc.
The FMCSA may, at any time, refuse to accept or may revoke its acceptance of any surety bond, certificate of insurance, qualifications as a self-insurer, or other securities or agreements if, in its judgment such security does not comply with these sections or for any reason fails to provide satisfactory or adequate protection for the public. Revocation of acceptance of any certificate of insurance, surety bond or other security shall not relieve the motor carrier from compliance with § 387.301(d).
§ 387.319: Fiduciaries.
(a) Definitions. The terms “insured” and “principal” as used in a certificate of insurance, surety bond, and notice of cancellation, filed by or for a motor carrier, include the motor carrier and its fiduciary as of the moment of succession. The term “fiduciary” means any person authorized by law to collect and preserve property of incapacitated, financially disabled, bankrupt, or deceased holders of operating rights, and assignees of such holders.
(b) Insurance coverage in behalf of fiduciaries to apply concurrently. The coverage furnished under the provisions of this section on behalf of fiduciaries shall not apply subsequent to the effective date of other insurance, or other security, filed with and approved by the FMCSA in behalf of such fiduciaries. After the coverage provided in this section shall have been in effect thirty (30) days, it may be cancelled or withdrawn within the succeeding period of thirty (30) days by the insurer, the insured, the surety, or the principal upon ten (10) days’ notice in writing to the FMCSA at its office in Washington, DC, which period of ten (10) days shall commence to run from the date such notice is actually received by the FMCSA. After such coverage has been in effect for a total of sixty (60) days, it may be cancelled or withdrawn only in accordance with § 1043.7.
§ 387.321: Operations in foreign commerce.
No motor carrier may operate in the United States in the course of transportation between places in a foreign country or between a place in one foreign country and a place in another foreign country unless and until there shall have been filed with and accepted by the FMCSA a certificate of insurance, surety bond, proof of qualifications as a self-insurer, or other securities or agreements in the amount prescribed in § 387.303(b), conditioned to pay any final judgment recovered against such motor carrier for bodily injuries to or the death of any person resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles in transportation between places in a foreign country or between a place in one foreign country and a place in another foreign country, insofar as such transportation takes place in the United States, or for loss of or damage to property of others. The security for the protection of the public required by this section shall be maintained in effect at all times and shall be subject to the provisions of §§ 387.309 through 387.319. The requirements of § 387.315(a) shall be satisfied if the insurance or surety company, in addition to having been approved by the FMCSA, is legally authorized to issue policies or surety bonds in at least one of the States in the United States, or one of the Provinces in Canada, and has filed with the FMCSA the name and address of a person upon whom legal process may be served in each State in or through which the motor carrier operates. Such designation may from time to time be changed by like designation similarly filed, but shall be maintained during the effectiveness of any certificate of insurance or surety bond issued by the company, and thereafter with respect to any claims arising during the effectiveness of such certificate or bond. The term “motor carrier” as used in this section shall not include private carriers or carriers operating under the partial exemption from regulation in 49 U.S.C. 13503 and 13506.
387.323: Electronic filing of surety bonds, trust fund agreements, certificates of insurance and cancellations.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52651, Aug. 23, 2013.
(a) Insurers may, at their option and in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section, file forms BMC 34, BMC 35, BMC 36, BMC 82, BMC 83, BMC 84, BMC 85, BMC 91, and BMC 91X electronically, in lieu of using the prescribed printed forms.
(b) Each insurer must obtain authorization to file electronically by registering with the FMCSA. An individual account number and password for computer access will be issued to each registered insurer.
(c) Filings may be transmitted online via the Internet at: https://fhwa-li.volpe.dot.gov or via American Standard Code Information Interchange (ASCII). All ASCII transmission must be in fixed format, i.e., all records must have the same number of fields and same length. The record layouts for ASCII electronic transactions are described in the following table:
| Field name | Number of positions | Description | Required
| Start field | End field |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record type | 1 Numeric | 1=Filing
| B | 1 | 1 |
| Insurer number | 8 Text | FMCSA Assigned Insurer Number (Home Office) With Suffix (Issuing Office), If Different, e.g. 12345-01 | B | 2 | 9 |
| Filing type | 1 Numeric | 1 = BI&PD
| B | 10 | 10 |
| FMCSA docket number | 8 Text | FMCSA Assigned MC or FF Number, e.g., MC000045 | B | 11 | 18 |
| Insured legal name | 120 Text | Legal Name | B | 19 | 138 |
| Insured d/b/a name | 60 Text | Doing Business As Name If Different From Legal Name | B | 139 | 198 |
| Insured address | 35 Text | Either street or mailing address | B | 199 | 233 |
| Insured city | 30 Text | B | 234 | 263 | |
| Insured state | 2 Text | B | 264 | 265 | |
| Insured zip code | 9 Numeric | (Do not include dash if using 9 digit code) | B | 266 | 274 |
| Insured country | 2 Text | (Will default to US) | B | 275 | 276 |
| Form code | 10 Text | BMC-91, BMC-91X, BMC-34, BMC-35, etc | B | 277 | 286 |
| Full, primary or excess coverage | 1 Text | If BMC-91X, P or E = indicator of primary or excess policy; 1 = Full under § 387.303(b)(1); 2 = Full under § 387.303(b)(2) | F | 287 | 287 |
| Limit of liability | 5 Numeric | $ in Thousands | F | 288 | 292 |
| Underlying limit of liability | 5 Numeric | $ in Thousands (will default to $000 if Primary) | F | 293 | 297 |
| Effective date | 8 Text | MM/DD/YY Format for both Filing or Cancellation | B | 298 | 305 |
| Policy number | 25 Text | Surety companies may enter bond number | B | 306 | 330 |
(d) All registered insurers agree to furnish upon request to the FMCSA a duplicate original of any policy (or policies) and all endorsements, surety bond, trust fund agreement, or other filing.
§ 387.401: Definitions.
(a) Freight forwarder means a person holding itself out to the general public (other than as an express, pipeline, rail, sleeping car, motor, or water carrier) to provide transportation of property for compensation in interstate commerce, and in the ordinary course of its business:
(1) Performs or provides for assembling, consolidating, break-bulk, and distribution of shipments; and
(2) Assumes responsibility for transportation from place of receipt to destination; and
(3) Uses for any part of the transportation a carrier subject to FMCSA jurisdiction.
(b) Household goods freight forwarder (HHGFF) means a freight forwarder of household goods, unaccompanied baggage, or used automobiles.
(c) Motor vehicle means any vehicle, machine, tractor, trailer, or semitrailer propelled or drawn by mechanical power and used to transport property, but does not include any vehicle, locomotive, or car operated exclusively on a rail or rails. The following combinations will be regarded as one motor vehicle:
(1) A tractor that draws a trailer or semitrailer; and
(2) A truck and trailer bearing a single load.
§ 387.403: General requirements.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52652, Aug. 23, 2013.
(a) Cargo. A household goods freight forwarder may not operate until it has filed with FMCSA an appropriate surety bond, certificate of insurance, qualifications as a self-insurer, or other securities or agreements, in the amounts prescribed in § 387.405, for loss of or damage to household goods.
(b) Public liability. A HHGFF may not perform transfer, collection, and delivery service until it has filed with the FMCSA an appropriate surety bond, certificate of insurance, qualifications as a self-insurer, or other securities or agreements, in the amounts prescribed at § 387.405, conditioned to pay any final judgment recovered against such HHGFF for bodily injury to or the death of any person, or loss of or damage to property (except cargo) of others, or, in the case of freight vehicles described at 49 CFR 387.303(b)(2), for environmental restoration, resulting from the negligent operation, maintenance, or use of motor vehicles operated by or under its control in performing such service.
(c) Surety bond or trust fund. A freight forwarder must have a surety bond or trust fund in effect. The FMCSA will not issue a freight forwarder license until a surety bond or trust fund for the full limit of liability prescribed in § 387.405 is in effect. The freight forwarder license shall remain valid or effective only as long as a surety bond or trust fund remains in effect and shall ensure the financial responsibility of the freight forwarder. The requirements applicable to property broker surety bonds and trust funds in § 387.307 shall apply to the surety bond or trust fund required by this paragraph.
§ 387.405: Limits of liability.
The minimum amounts for cargo and public liability security are identical to those prescribed for motor carriers at 49 CFR 387.303. The minimum amount for the surety bond or trust fund is identical to that prescribed for brokers at 49 CFR 387.307.
§ 387.407: Surety bonds and certificates of insurance.
(a) The limits of liability under § 387.405 may be provided by aggregation under the procedures at 49 CFR part 387, subpart C.
(b) Each policy of insurance used in connection with a certificate of insurance filed with the FMCSA shall be amended by attachment of the appropriate endorsement prescribed by the FMCSA (or the Department of Transportation, where applicable).
§ 387.409: Insurance and surety companies.
A certificate of insurance or surety bond will not be accepted by the FMCSA unless issued by an insurance or surety company that is authorized (licensed or admitted) to issue bonds or underlying insurance policies:
(a) In each State in which the freight forwarder is authorized by the FMCSA to perform service, or
(b) In the State in which the freight forwarder has its principal place of business or domicile, and will designate in writing upon request by the FMCSA, a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of a court of competent jurisdiction, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the freight forwarder performs service; or
(c) In any State, and is eligible as an excess or surplus lines insurer in any State in which business is written, and will make the designation of process agent prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) In the Province or Territory of Canada in which a Canadian freight forwarder has its principal place of business or domicile, and will designate in writing upon request by FMCSA, a person upon whom process, issued by or under the authority of a court of competent jurisdiction, may be served in any proceeding at law or equity brought in any State in which the freight forwarder operates.
387.411: Qualifications as a self-insurer and other securities or agreements.
(a) Self-insurer. The FMCSA will approve the application of a freight fowarder to qualify as a self-insurer if it is able to meet its obligations for bodily-injury, property-damage, and cargo liability without adversely affecting its business.
(b) Other securities and agreements. The FMCSA will grant applications for approval of other securities and agreements if the public will be protected as contemplated by 49 U.S.C. 13906(c).
§ 387.413: Forms and procedure.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52652, Aug. 23, 2013.
(a) Forms. Endorsements for policies of insurance, surety bonds, certificates of insurance, applications to qualify as a self-insurer or for approval of other securities or agreements, and notices of cancellation must be in the form prescribed at 49 CFR part 387, subpart C.
(b) Procedure. Certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and notices of cancellation must be filed with the FMCSA in triplicate.
(c) Names. Certificates of insurance and surety bonds shall be issued in the full name (including any trade name) of the individual, partnership (all partners named), corporation, or other person holding or to be issued the permit.
(d) Cancellation. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and other securities and agreements shall not be cancelled or withdrawn until 30 days after the FMCSA receives written notice from the insurance company, surety, freight forwarder, or other party, as the case may be.
(e) Termination by replacement. Certificates of insurance or surety bonds may be replaced by other certificates of insurance, surety bonds, or other security, and the liability of the retiring insurer or surety shall be considered as having terminated as of the replacement’s effective date, if acceptable to the FMCSA.
(f) Termination of Forms BMC-32 and BMC-34 for freight forwarders of property other than household goods. Form BMC-32 endorsements and Form BMC-34 certificates of insurance issued to freight forwarders of property other than household goods that have been accepted by the FMCSA under these rules will expire on March 21, 2011.
§ 387.415: Acceptance and revocation by the FMCSA.
The FMCSA may at any time refuse to accept or may revoke its acceptance of any surety bond, certificate of insurance, qualifications as a self-insurer, or other security or agreement that does not comply with these rules or fails to provide adequate public protection.
§ 387.417: Fiduciaries.
(a) Interpretations. The terms “insured” and “principal” as used in a certificate of insurance, surety bond, and notice of cancellation, filed by or for a freight forwarder, include the freight forwarder and its fiduciary (as defined at 49 CFR 387.319(a)) as of the moment of succession.
(b) Span of security coverage. The coverage furnished for a fiduciary shall not apply after the effective date of other insurance or security, filed with and accepted by the FMCSA for such fiduciary. After the coverage shall have been in effect 30 days, it may be cancelled or withdrawn within the succeeding 30 days by the insurer, the insured, the surety, or the principal 10 days after the FMCSA receives written notice. After such coverage has been in effect 60 days, it may be cancelled or withdrawn only in accordance with § 387.413(d).
§ 387.419: Electronic filing of surety bonds, certificates of insurance and cancellations.
Link to an amendment published at 78 FR 52652, Aug. 23, 2013.
Insurers may, at their option and in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth at 49 CFR 387.323, file certificates of insurance, surety bonds, and other securities and agreements electronically
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