Trucking Insurance
Cargo Insurance for Truckers: Limits, Exclusions and What Brokers Ask For
By the State & Co Truck team · Updated November 14, 2026
Motor truck cargo coverage pays for the freight you are hauling if it is damaged or lost. It is not federally required for most freight, but almost every broker and shipper requires it, and it is the coverage with the most fine print.
How much cargo coverage do you need?
$100,000 per load is the standard broker requirement. If you regularly haul electronics, pharmaceuticals, metals or machinery, your most valuable load may be worth more than that, so set the limit to match.
Exclusions to check on every quote
- Excluded commodities. Many policies exclude certain freight such as alcohol, tobacco, electronics, livestock or household goods unless you schedule them.
- Unattended vehicle clauses. Theft from an unattended truck may only be covered under specific conditions.
- Refrigeration breakdown. Spoilage from a reefer unit failure is usually a separate coverage you have to add.
- Unscheduled trailers or equipment. Some policies cover only listed units.
Reefer breakdown
If you haul temperature-controlled freight, reefer breakdown coverage is a must. Ask about the deductible and whether the policy requires reefer temperature records.
How to avoid a denied cargo claim
- Tell your agent everything you actually haul, not just your main freight.
- Keep bills of lading, photos at pickup and delivery, and seal numbers.
- Report claims quickly and follow the policy's notice requirements.
Every quote we send lists the cargo limit, deductible and key exclusions, so you can compare carriers apples to apples. See trucking insurance.