Everything is bigger in Texas, including the litigation risks. Texas has historically been a challenging state for insurance due to aggressive accident attorneys, although recent HB 19 legislation aims to reduce frivolous lawsuits against trucking companies.
For regulatory purposes, Texas is unique. It has a powerful state regulator: the TxDMV Motor Carrier Division. If you operate Intrastate (point-to-point within Texas), you generally must obtain a TxDMV Certificate Number (which starts with ten zeroes, e.g., 000...) and file Form E.
Additionally, Texas is the capital of Hotshot Trucking. Because of the oil industry's need for fast, smaller loads, dually pickups with 40ft trailers are everywhere. However, insuring a hotshot in Texas is often more expensive than a semi-truck due to the high accident frequency of this segment.
In Texas, the average commercial truck insurance premium typically lands between $11,000 and $19,000 per year. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to pay to keep your TxDMV authority active.
Key Takeaways: Texas Truck Insurance Costs
- The Price Tag: Expect to pay around $14,500 annually for a Semi-Truck with a clean record. Texas is a Tier 2 (High Cost) state due to traffic density and litigation.
- The "Texas Triangle": Trucks garaged in Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio pay 20-30% more than those in Amarillo or Lubbock.
- Oil Field Work: If you haul sand, water, or pipe in West Texas (Odessa/Midland), you need General Liability and often Hired & Non-Owned Auto coverage to satisfy Master Service Agreements (MSAs).
- TxDMV Number: Required for Intrastate carriers. You must display this number on the side of your truck. It requires an active Form E filing.
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 Texas. Note: "Hotshot" rates in Texas have spiked recently due to loss ratios. New ventures often face premiums over $16,000.
| Vehicle Type | Limit $500,000* | Limit $750,000 | Limit $1,000,000 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotshot (Oil Field) | $12,500 | $14,800 | $16,500 |
| Box Truck | $8,500 | $10,500 | $12,200 |
| Dump Truck | $9,800 | $12,500 | $14,800 |
| Semi Truck | $11,500 | $13,800 | $15,500 |
| Container Hauler | $12,000 | $14,500 | $16,200 |
Last updated: December 15, 2025.
Logrock Reality Check: While Texas state law allows $500,000 liability for intrastate heavy trucks, virtually no broker or shipper (especially in Oil & Gas or Ports) will accept less than $1,000,000. Do not buy the state minimum unless you are a private carrier hauling your own dirt.
Liability Limits: Intrastate vs. Interstate
Texas 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 (TxDMV)
For trucks that never leave Texas (e.g., Dallas to Houston).
| Vehicle Weight / Type | Minimum Liability Limit | Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Freight < 26,000 lbs | $300,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Freight > 26,001 lbs | $500,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
| Household Goods (Movers) | $300k/$500k + Cargo | Yes (Form E+H) |
| Hazmat (Gas/Oil) | $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | Yes (Form E) |
| Passenger (16-26 seats) | $500,000 CSL | Yes (Form E) |
Note: "CSL" means Combined Single Limit. Intrastate carriers must apply for Motor Carrier Registration (TxDMV Number) via the eLINC system. The filing fee is approx $200. Form E is mandatory to activate the certificate.
Table 2: Interstate Requirements (FMCSA / Federal)
For trucks that cross state lines (e.g., El Paso, TX to Las Cruces, NM).
| 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) |
Texas Requirements & Critical Filings
To operate legally, your insurance agent must submit specific forms to the TxDMV.
- Form E: Mandatory for Intrastate for-hire carriers. It proves to the TxDMV that you have liability insurance. Without this, your TxDMV number will be revoked, and your vehicle registration may be blocked.
- TxDMV Number: This is separate from your USDOT number. It must be displayed on both sides of the power unit.
- Form H: Mandatory for Household Goods Movers to prove Cargo Insurance coverage.
- UIIA (Port of Houston): If you haul containers, you need the UIIA endorsement. The Port of Houston is one of the busiest in the world, and they strictly enforce insurance requirements.
- Farm Plates: If you have "Farm Plates," you are generally exempt from TxDMV registration, BUT you cannot haul for hire. If you are caught hauling someone else's hay for money with Farm Plates, the fines are massive.
Your Questions Answered: "People Also Ask" FAQs
If you operate Intrastate (For-Hire) within Texas, YES. The USDOT number is for safety tracking; the TxDMV number is for operating authority. You must display both.
Frequency of claims. Texas has thousands of hotshots. Many are new ventures with inexperienced drivers speeding to oil fields. Insurers have paid out millions in claims for this segment, so they have raised rates across the board.
Legally, for intrastate Texas work, yes. Commercially, no. 99% of brokers (C.H. Robinson, TQL, etc.) require $1,000,000. If you buy the $500k policy, you will be limited to very cheap, local loads or construction work.
The Logrock Difference: We Know the TxDMV
Texas is a bureaucracy of its own. If your agent is from the East Coast, they might not know how to file a Form E into the TxDMV ELINC system. At Logrock, we handle the compliance heavy lifting. We ensure your TxDMV Number is active and that your policy has the Oil Field endorsements (like Waiver of Subrogation) needed to work in the Permian Basin.
Conclusion & Get Your Texas Quote
Texas offers the most freight volume in the country, but you need the right setup to access it. Ready to get a solid number for your business? Contact Logrock today for a customized, no-obligation quote and keep your wheels turning.
