From the auto manufacturing plants in Georgetown to the coal mines of Appalachia and the massive logistics hub of Louisville, Kentucky keeps America moving.
For truckers, Kentucky offers affordable insurance rates compared to neighbors like West Virginia or Illinois. However, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) enforces a unique tax structure. If your truck is over 59,999 lbs, you must have a KYU Number and pay a weight-distance tax. While this is a tax issue, it is tightly linked to your operating authority—if your insurance lapses, your KYU can be revoked, grounding your fleet.
In Kentucky, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $9,000 and $15,500 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your authority active and your tax filings current.
Key Takeaways: Kentucky Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Expect to pay around $12,800 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record.
- Monthly Breakdown: A typical owner-operator pays roughly $1,050/month for Liability and $250/month for Physical Damage.
- The KYU Number: Trucks with a GVW of 60,000 lbs or more must register for a KYU number and pay a per-mile tax. This applies to both intrastate and interstate carriers.
- Intrastate Authority: If you operate solely within Kentucky, you need a KIT (Kentucky Intrastate Tax) license and must file Form E.
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 Kentucky. Kentucky rates are moderate (Tier 3), but premiums for Coal Haulers and Auto Haulers are higher due to the specific risks of heavy loads and high-value cargo.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $300,000* (Intrastate < 10k lbs) | Limit $500,000 | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot | $7,200 | $8,500 | $9,800 | $11,200 |
| Box Truck | $5,800 | $6,800 | $7,800 | $9,200 |
| Dump Truck | N/A (Req. $750k+) | N/A (Req. $750k+) | $10,500 | $12,500 |
| Semi Truck | N/A (Req. $750k+) | N/A (Req. $750k+) | $12,800 | $14,500 |
| Auto Hauler | N/A (Req. $750k+) | N/A (Req. $750k+) | $14,500 | $16,800 |
Last update: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: While Kentucky allows lower limits for light vehicles, if you haul Auto Parts for Ford/Toyota or Bourbon (high value), shippers will demand $1,000,000 Liability and often $150,000+ in Cargo coverage.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Kentucky 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 (KYTC Only)
For trucks that never leave Kentucky (e.g., Lexington to Bowling Green).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 10,000 lbs GVW | $100k/$300k/$50k Split | 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: "Split" refers to Bodily Injury per person/accident and Property Damage. "CSL" is Combined Single Limit. Intrastate carriers must apply for a KIT License (Kentucky Intrastate Tax) if > 26,000 lbs.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., Louisville to Cincinnati, OH).
| 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) |
Kentucky Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms to the KYTC or FMCSA.
- Form E: Mandatory for Intrastate for-hire carriers. It proves to the KYTC that you have valid liability insurance to maintain your operating authority.
- KYU Number: This is NOT insurance, but a tax license. Required for all carriers (Intrastate OR Interstate) operating in Kentucky with a combined license weight of 60,000 lbs or more. You must file quarterly taxes. Failure to pay suspends your truck's ability to operate.
- KIT License: The Kentucky Intrastate Tax license. Required for intrastate carriers (> 26,000 lbs) who do not have an IFTA license.
- Form H: Mandatory for Household Goods Movers to prove Cargo Insurance coverage.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
Yes. If your truck (or truck + trailer combo) is registered for 60,000 lbs or more, YES. Even if you don't pick up or deliver in KY, if you drive on KY roads, you need a KYU number (or a temporary permit) and must pay the mileage tax.
Yes. Kentucky requires all commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVW to obtain a USDOT number. You must mark it "Intrastate" if you never leave the state.
Coal trucks operate in rough terrain and are heavy. They face higher risks of rollover and road damage claims. Consequently, premiums for coal bucket trucks are significantly higher than standard dry vans, and they often require "Pollution Liability" endorsements.
The Logrock Difference: We Decode the KYU
Kentucky is easy to drive through but hard to stay compliant in. Many truckers get fined because their agent didn't understand the difference between a KIT license and a KYU number. At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We ensure your Form E is filed instantly for your intrastate authority. We also help clarify your KYU obligations so you don't get stopped at the weigh station on I-65 for unpaid taxes.
Conclusion & Get Your Kentucky Quote
Kentucky offers a central location and booming industry, but the weight-distance tax rules are strict. Don't risk your business on a policy that leaves you non-compliant. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
