Illinois Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements

At our Chicago-based trucking accident law firm, we work closely with trucking companies, owner operators, and motor carriers across the state to help them stay protected and compliant with the law. Whether you’re hauling freight through the city or managing a fleet across state lines, understanding Illinois commercial truck insurance requirements is essential to running a safe and legal operation.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident or your insurance policy isn’t providing the support it should, we’re here to stand with you and help you move forward.

What Are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Illinois for Commercial Trucks?

In Illinois, the minimum insurance requirements for commercial trucks depend on what you’re hauling, the weight of your vehicle, and whether you’re operating intrastate or interstate.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the federal rules both influence what’s required, especially if you’re crossing state lines or hold authority through the FMCSA. Keeping your insurance coverage compliant can be complicated, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Non-Hazardous Freight Liability Coverage

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state regulations, commercial vehicles transporting non-hazardous freight under 10,001 pounds typically need to carry at least $300,000 in coverage.

Hazardous Freight Comes With Higher Insurance Limits

For larger trucks, or those carrying hazardous materials, higher insurance limits (up to $5 million) may be required.

What Types of Insurance Coverage Are Required for Commercial Vehicles?

At a minimum, commercial truck insurance must include:

• Liability coverage to handle injuries, property damage, and legal expenses
• Bodily injury protection in case someone is hurt in a crash
• Property damage coverage to cover damage to vehicles or property caused by your truck
• Depending on your operation, your insurance policy may also be required to include:
• Collision coverage to protect your vehicle, no matter who’s at fault
• Cargo insurance to protect what you’re hauling
• Trailer coverage for attached equipment

If you’re an owner operator or hire out to different companies, you may also need insurance coverage that applies whether you’re operating under your own authority or someone else’s.

Who Needs to Purchase Commercial Truck Insurance?

Owner Operators

Motor Carriers

Those Using Personal Vehicles for Commercial Purposes

How to Choose the Right Insurance Policy

Choosing the right insurance providers and the right policy means balancing cost, compliance, and protection. We recommend that owner operators and motor carriers regularly consult with industry professionals or legal advisors to make sure their insurance policy meets both state and federal requirements.

Before you purchase or renew a policy, make sure it:

• Fully addresses all required coverage
• Meets FMCSA or state filing standards
• Protects your vehicles, drivers, and company from excessive expenses after a crash

Whether you’re hauling light materials or running a large fleet, you can’t afford gaps in coverage or surprises after a major truck accident.

What Happens After a Commercial Truck Accident

When a truck accident happens, things escalate quickly. Unlike standard car crashes, these collisions often involve severe injuries, complex liability issues, and large amounts of money at stake. Whether you’re the driver, the company, or an injured party, it’s crucial to investigate the accident thoroughly.

Our traffic accident attorneys regularly work with trucking companies and motor carriers after crashes to help them navigate liability claims, challenge unfair denials, and ensure all covered losses are addressed. If someone was hurt or property was damaged, your insurance should step in to help, but it doesn’t always work that way without legal support.

What Should You Do If Your Insurance Doesn’t Pay?

Unfortunately, not every insurance company handles claims the way they should. If your insurance denies a legitimate claim or refuses to cover the damages, we can help you investigate and hold them accountable.

Whether it’s an unpaid liability claim, lost cargo, or a collision claim under dispute, we’re here to fight for what’s fair. You don’t have to deal with insurance red tape or costly accident aftermaths alone.

We’re Here to Help Trucking Companies Navigate Insurance Challenges

For Illinois commercial trucks, staying compliant means protecting your drivers, your company, and your livelihood. At our Chicago-based firm, we work with trucking companies, owner operators, and motor carriers across Illinois to handle truck accidents, policy disputes, and legal reviews.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, need help understanding your insurance coverage, or believe you’re not getting what your policy promised, reach out to us. We’re here to consult, advocate, and help you get back on the road, safely and fully covered. Contact us for a free consultation today!