Best Trucking Insurance Companies for New Authorities
An honest look at which carriers actually write new trucking companies, what to expect from each, and how to pick the right one for your situation. No spin. No affiliate links. Just what we've learned insuring hundreds of new authorities across 42 states.
A note about honesty: We're an insurance agency. We represent multiple carriers. We make commission when we sell you a policy. We're telling you that upfront because this article is going to be more honest than most things you'll read about trucking insurance. We'd rather earn your trust by telling you the truth than by telling you what you want to hear.
The New Authority Insurance Reality
Here's what nobody tells you when you start a trucking company: most insurance carriers won't write new authorities.
If you have 5+ years of clean operating history, dozens of carriers will compete for your business. But if you're in your first two years? The list shrinks to a handful.
Why? Because new authorities are statistically riskier. Carriers have actuarial data showing that new trucking companies have higher accident rates, more compliance violations, and are more likely to go out of business. That's not a judgment — it's just the numbers.
This means:
- You don't have many choices — maybe 3-5 carriers depending on your state, cargo type, and operation
- Rates are going to be higher — new authority premiums are typically 30-60% higher than established carriers
- Shopping 15 agencies won't help — every agent has access to the same limited pool of carriers
- What matters is service, not price — since pricing is similar, the real difference is in the agency helping you
With that context, let's look at who actually writes new authorities and what to expect from each.
Progressive Commercial
Progressive is the 800-pound gorilla of new authority trucking insurance. They write more new trucking companies than anyone else in the country, and it's not close.
They operate through multiple regional entities (Progressive Northern, Progressive Mountain, Progressive County Mutual, Progressive Preferred, etc.) — but they're all Progressive under the hood. The entity you end up with depends on your garaging state.
What's good about Progressive
- They'll actually write you — Progressive accepts new authorities in most states. If you have a pulse and a DOT number, they'll at least quote you.
- Competitive pricing for new authorities — Not cheap (nobody is for new ventures), but their rates are usually in the middle of the market
- Online quoting and servicing — Their systems are modern. Certificates, policy changes, and billing are straightforward.
- Claims handling is professional — Large claims department, 24/7 reporting, established process
- Bundling discounts — You can often get auto liability, physical damage, and cargo on one policy, which simplifies billing
- Financial stability — A+ rated by A.M. Best. They're not going anywhere.
What's not so good
- Rate increases at renewal — Progressive is known for competitive initial rates that can increase significantly at renewal, especially if you had claims
- Underwriting can be strict on certain cargo — Hazmat, auto haulers, and oversized loads may get declined
- Non-renewals happen — If your loss ratio is bad (claims exceed what they expected), they may choose not to renew
- Customer service is corporate — You're calling a call center, not a local office. Your agent matters more than Progressive's direct support.
Typical Pricing (New Authority, Single Power Unit)
Ranges vary significantly by state, driving record, and cargo type. Use our Premium Estimator for a more specific ballpark.
Our Take
Progressive is the default for a reason. They write new authorities consistently, their pricing is competitive, and their claims process works. For most new owner-operators hauling general freight, Progressive will be your first or second quote — and often the one you end up with. Not because they're the cheapest, but because they're reliable and available.
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate (BHHC)
BHHC operates in trucking primarily through Artisan and Truckers Casualty Company. Yes, they're part of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway empire — which matters because it means they have the deepest pockets in the insurance industry.
They're the second most common carrier we see for new trucking authorities. Where Progressive is the "we'll write almost anyone" carrier, BHHC is a bit more selective but often competitively priced.
What's good about BHHC
- Financial strength is unmatched — A++ rating (the highest possible). Berkshire Hathaway doesn't go bankrupt. Your claims get paid.
- Competitive on certain operations — BHHC can be cheaper than Progressive for specific cargo types and states
- Stable at renewal — Less likely to hit you with huge renewal increases than Progressive. BHHC tends to be more predictable year over year.
- Good trucking specialization — The Artisan & Truckers entity is built specifically for trucking. They understand the industry.
- Decent claims handling — Straightforward process, well-funded claims department
What's not so good
- More selective on underwriting — They won't write everything Progressive will. Certain cargo types, driving records, or vehicle ages may get declined.
- Slower quoting process — Progressive is fast. BHHC can take longer to get a quote back, especially for non-standard operations.
- Not available in every state — They have good coverage but there are states where they don't write new authorities
- Less flexible on payment plans — Payment options can be more rigid than Progressive
Typical Pricing (New Authority, Single Power Unit)
BHHC pricing tends to be slightly higher initially but more stable at renewal. Your net cost over 3 years may be lower.
Our Take
BHHC is the quiet workhorse of trucking insurance. They don't have Progressive's brand recognition, but they've been insuring trucks for decades. If you can get a competitive quote from BHHC, it's worth considering — especially because their renewal rates tend to be more stable. We see a lot of carriers start with Progressive, then move to BHHC at their second or third renewal once they have history.
National Indemnity Company
Another Berkshire Hathaway company, but distinct from BHHC. National Indemnity focuses on commercial auto including trucking. They're more selective than Progressive or BHHC but can offer competitive rates when they do write.
What to know
- Higher underwriting bar — They want cleaner records and more established operations than Progressive
- Competitive when they quote — If you get approved, rates can be very good
- Strong financial backing — Same Berkshire Hathaway balance sheet as BHHC
- Limited state availability for new ventures — They're pickier about which states they'll write new authorities in
Our Take
National Indemnity is a great option for carriers who are past their first year and have a clean record. If you're brand new, they may not quote you — but keep them in mind for when your history improves. Your agent should be checking them at renewal.
Canal Insurance Company
Canal is a trucking insurance specialist based in South Carolina. They've been insuring trucks since the 1940s. They're smaller than Progressive or BHHC but have deep expertise in trucking specifically.
What to know
- Trucking specialists — This is all they do. They understand the industry deeply.
- Will write some risks others won't — Certain cargo types and operations that get declined elsewhere may find a home at Canal
- Regional strength — Strongest in the Southeast, growing nationally
- Generally higher priced — They write harder-to-place risks, so expect higher premiums
- Lower financial rating — A- is still good, but it's below the A++ of BHHC and A+ of Progressive
Our Take
Canal is the safety net. When Progressive and BHHC decline your risk — maybe your driving record has a violation, your cargo is niche, or your state limits options — Canal may step in. They'll be more expensive, but having coverage beats not having coverage. Think of them as the specialist you go to when the general practitioners say no.
Other Carriers Worth Knowing About
The four carriers above handle the majority of new authority trucking insurance. But depending on your situation, you might encounter these:
Great West Casualty
Long-haul trucking specialist
One of the largest trucking-only insurers in the country. Excellent for established carriers but generally does not write brand-new authorities. They want 2+ years of clean history. Worth knowing about for when you're past the new-authority phase.
Sentry Insurance
Regional carrier, midwest strength
Good regional option in certain states. More selective on new ventures. They tend to write carriers with at least 1 year of history. If you're in their footprint and past year one, ask your agent to check Sentry.
Northland Insurance
Travelers subsidiary
Part of the Travelers group. Writes commercial trucking selectively. Not typically a new-authority option, but competitive for established fleets. Another one for the "ask about at renewal" list.
State-Specific Carriers
Drive NJ, state funds, regional mutuals
Some states have carriers that only operate locally. For example, Drive NJ Insurance focuses on New Jersey trucking. Your agent should know which state-specific options exist for your garaging state.
Side-by-Side Comparison
How the major new-authority carriers stack up on the factors that matter most:
| Factor | Progressive | BHHC | National Indemnity | Canal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writes New Authorities? | Yes - Most | Yes - Selective | Sometimes | Yes |
| Financial Rating | A+ (Superior) | A++ (Superior) | A++ (Superior) | A- (Excellent) |
| Pricing (New Auth) | Competitive | Mid-range | Competitive* | Higher |
| Renewal Stability | Variable | Stable | Stable | Moderate |
| State Availability | Nationwide | Most states | Select states | Regional |
| Quoting Speed | Fast | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Claims Handling | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Cargo Flexibility | Moderate | Moderate | Selective | Broad |
*National Indemnity is competitive when they approve you, but approval rates for new authorities are lower.
How to Actually Choose
After reading all of the above, here's the practical decision process:
Get quotes from 2-3 carriers
Your agent should be running you through Progressive and BHHC at minimum. If Canal or National Indemnity are available in your state, check them too. Two or three quotes is enough — you're not going to find a magical carrier nobody else knows about.
Compare total cost, not just premium
Look at: annual premium, down payment required, monthly payment amount, payment plan fees. A "cheaper" policy with a higher down payment and fees may cost more in year one. Ask your agent to show you the full breakdown.
Ask about renewal history
This is the question most truckers forget: "What happens to my rate at renewal?" A carrier that's $500 cheaper in year one but raises your rate 25% at renewal costs more over time than a stable-rate carrier. Your agent should know each carrier's renewal patterns.
Pick the agent, not just the carrier
Here's the uncomfortable truth: carriers come and go. You might start with Progressive and move to BHHC at renewal. What doesn't change is your agent. Pick an agent who answers the phone, explains things, and proactively manages your renewal. The carrier is the product. The agent is the relationship.
Myths About Shopping for Trucking Insurance
"If I call enough agencies, I'll find a much cheaper rate."
For new authorities, there are 3-5 carriers. Every agent has access to the same ones. The price difference between agents for the same carrier is usually less than 5%. You're paying for service, not a secret rate.
"The big-name carriers are always better."
Brand recognition means nothing in trucking insurance. What matters is: Will they write your specific operation? Will they be stable at renewal? Will they pay claims fairly? A specialist like Canal or BHHC may serve you better than a giant like Progressive for your specific situation.
"I should switch carriers every year to get the best deal."
Switching carriers every year resets your relationship. Loyalty can earn you better treatment at renewal, especially after claims. Your agent should shop your renewal, but staying with a good carrier that treats you fairly is usually better than chasing the lowest number every year. The exception: if your carrier non-renews you or raises rates dramatically, absolutely switch.
"My uncle's friend knows a guy who got trucking insurance for $4,000."
If someone quotes you trucking liability significantly below market rates, ask questions. Is the carrier admitted in your state? Do they have a good financial rating? Are they actually providing the coverage your operation requires? Suspiciously cheap insurance often means a non-admitted carrier, inadequate limits, or coverage gaps you'll discover at the worst possible moment — when you need to file a claim.
The Bottom Line
For new trucking authorities in 2026, your insurance options are limited but not hopeless. Progressive is the most widely available and competitive. BHHC offers excellent stability and financial strength. National Indemnity and Canal fill specific niches. And as you build history, more doors open.
The single most important thing you can do is pick a good agent — someone who represents multiple carriers, explains your options honestly, answers the phone, and proactively manages your renewal. The carrier is the product. The agent is the partner.
Your first year of insurance will be expensive. That's the reality. But with a clean record and no claims, your second year is usually better, and your third year is when things start to feel reasonable. Every clean mile you drive is building the history that opens up better rates.
Want a quote from the right carriers?
We represent Progressive, BHHC, and other carriers in 42 states. We'll tell you which carrier is the best fit for your specific operation — and explain why. No pressure, no games. If we can help, we'll say so. If someone else is a better fit, we'll tell you that too.