Truck Insurance
Truck Insurance for New Authorities: How to Get Through Year One
By the State & Co Truck team · Updated November 14, 2026
The first year with your own authority is the most expensive year to insure a truck. That is not personal. Carriers have no history on your company, and new ventures have more claims on average. The good news: year one is temporary if you handle it right.
Why year one costs more
Underwriters price on experience. With a new MC number there is no loss history, no inspection history and no proof of how the company operates, so the carrier fills the gap with a higher rate. Only a smaller group of carriers writes new authorities at all.
What carriers want to see
- Driver experience. Years of CDL experience, ideally in the same type of truck, is the biggest factor you control.
- Clean MVR. Recent tickets and accidents can knock you out of the better programs.
- A clear plan. What you haul, where and how far. Vague answers get priced as worst case.
- Prior coverage. If you were leased on to a carrier, proof of your experience helps.
The new entrant safety audit
New carriers go through the FMCSA's New Entrant Safety Assurance Program, including a safety audit within the first 12 months. Keep driver qualification files, logs, maintenance records and drug and alcohol testing in order. Passing cleanly protects your authority, and a strong inspection record helps at renewal.
Avoid a lapse at all costs
A cancellation for non-payment or any gap in coverage resets the clock with many carriers and can get your authority revoked. If money is tight, call us before a payment is missed. There are often options.
Renewal after 12 months
After one clean year, more carriers will quote, and after two years the market opens up further. Start your renewal about 45 to 60 days before the expiration date so there is time to shop.
See how coverage works on our truck insurance page.