Whether you are hauling steel coils out of the mills in Gary, delivering RVs from Elkhart, or running general freight through the massive distribution hubs in Indianapolis, Indiana offers some of the most consistent freight volumes in the Midwest.
The good news? Indiana is competitively priced for truck insurance, often ranking in the top 15 most affordable states. Unlike its expensive neighbor (Illinois/Chicago), Indiana has a more stable legal environment, keeping "nuclear verdicts" lower and premiums manageable. However, the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) enforces strict intrastate authority rules via the IOA-1 application process.
In Indiana, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $8,500 and $14,500 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your authority active.
Key Takeaways: Indiana Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Expect to pay around $12,500 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record—significantly cheaper than Illinois or Michigan.
- Monthly Breakdown: A typical owner-operator pays roughly $1,050/month for Liability and $200/month for Physical Damage.
- The "IOA-1" Factor: Intrastate carriers must file the IOA-1 application and Form E to get their Indiana DOT authority.
- Steel & Coils: If you operate in Northwest Indiana ("The Region"), most brokers require specific "Metal Coil" endorsements on your cargo policy due to the high risk of shifting loads.
Real Numbers: Estimated Costs by Truck Type
Let's look at the hard data. The following estimates represent the average annual cost for Auto Liability ($1M Limit) for a driver with a clean record in Indiana. Indiana rates are generally "Tier 3" (Low/Moderate Cost), but if you haul heavy steel or hazardous materials, your premiums will jump.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* | Limit $500,000 | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $7,000 | $8,200 | $9,500 | $10,800 |
| Box Truck | $5,500 | $6,500 | $7,500 | $8,800 |
| Dump Truck | $7,200 | $8,800 | $10,000 | $11,500 |
| Semi Truck | $9,500 | $11,500 | $12,800 | $14,200 |
| Tow Truck | $6,800 | $8,200 | $9,500 | $11,000 |
Last update: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: While Indiana allows $300,000 liability for intrastate vehicles under 10,000 lbs, almost all commercial trucks (over 10,000 lbs) require $750,000 by state law. Furthermore, if you haul steel coils or manufacturing parts, shippers will mandate $1,000,000 Liability and $100,000 Cargo with no "Coil Exclusions".
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Indiana rules change depending on whether you cross state lines. We have broken this down into two tables to make it clear.
Table 1: Intrastate Requirements (Indiana DOR / MCS)
For trucks that never leave Indiana (e.g., Indianapolis to Fort Wayne).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs GVW | $300,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs GVW | $750,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (Form E) |
| Household Goods (Movers) | $750,000 + Cargo Ins. | Yes (Form E+H) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
Note: "CSL" means Combined Single Limit. Intrastate carriers must apply for Indiana Intrastate Operating Authority (IOA-1 Form) via the Motor Carrier Services (MCS) division.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Gary, IN to Chicago, IL).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs | $300,000 CSL | No (Unless Hazmat) |
| Freight > 10,001 lbs | $750,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil/Explosives) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (MCS-90) |
| Passenger (16+ seats) | $5,000,000 CSL | Yes (BMC-91X) |
Indiana Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms to the DOR/MCS.
- Form E: Mandatory for Intrastate For-Hire carriers. It proves to the Indiana DOR that you have valid liability insurance. Without this, your IOA-1 application will be rejected.
- IOA-1 Application: The form used to apply for Indiana Intrastate Operating Authority. Your insurance (Form E) attaches to this.
- Form H: Mandatory for Household Goods Movers to prove Cargo Insurance coverage.
- Coil Endorsement: While not a government filing, this is a critical policy endorsement for Indiana truckers. Many standard policies exclude "metal coils." If you haul steel without this, your claim will be denied.
- MCS-90: The federal endorsement proving financial responsibility.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
Yes. Indiana requires all commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVW to obtain a USDOT number, even if they never cross state lines. You must mark it "Intrastate".
This is the application form for Indiana Intrastate Operating Authority. You file this with the Motor Carrier Services division. It requires a $50 fee and active Form E insurance filing.
Indiana has a more favorable litigation environment. While Chicago (Cook County, IL) is known for massive jury verdicts against truckers, Indiana courts are generally more conservative, leading to lower payout averages and lower premiums.
The Logrock Difference: We Handle the IOA-1
Getting your authority in Indiana is about more than just buying a policy; it's about connecting that policy to your Indiana Operating Authority (IOA). At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We ensure your Form E is filed instantly with the DOR so your IOA-1 is approved faster. We also check your cargo policy for hidden exclusions (like metal coils or unassigned trailers) that could leave you bankrupt after a single accident in "The Region."
Conclusion & Get Your Indiana Quote
Indiana offers a stable, profitable, and central location for trucking. Don't risk your business on a policy that misses a critical filing or excludes your main cargo type. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
