Trucking Insurance Washington State
Protecting Eastern Washington owner operators and fleets — from your first load to your hundredth.
Washington State's trucking industry moves everything — apples from Yakima, wheat from the Palouse, construction materials across the Cascades. If you're an owner operator or fleet manager in Washington, you already know that one wrong accident, one cargo claim, or one lapse in FMCSA compliance can end your operation overnight.
At DeLeon Insurance Services, we specialize exclusively in commercial trucking insurance for Washington State operators. Based in Kennewick, we work with owner operators, small fleets, and growing trucking companies across Eastern and Western Washington. We know the FMCSA filing requirements, we understand Washington State's specific insurance minimums, and we know what carriers actually pay claims when you need them to. This isn't a side product for us. Trucking insurance is what we do.
What's Covered: Commercial Trucking Insurance in Washington State
Commercial trucking insurance isn't one policy — it's a stack of coverages that protect you from different risks. The right combination depends on whether you're an owner operator leased to a carrier, running under your own authority, or managing a fleet.
Here's what most Washington truckers need:
- Primary Liability Insurance — Required by the FMCSA for all for-hire motor carriers. Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Federal minimums start at $750,000 for general freight.
- Physical Damage Coverage protects your truck itself — the tractor and trailer — against collision, theft, fire, and vandalism. If your truck is your livelihood, this coverage isn't optional.
- Motor Truck Cargo Insurance covers the freight you're hauling against loss or damage. Many shippers and brokers require proof of cargo coverage before they'll assign you a load.
- Bobtail Insurance covers your truck when you're driving without a trailer — between loads, after a delivery, or when you're operating outside your lease agreement with a carrier.
- Non-Trucking Liability covers personal use of your commercial vehicle when you're not under dispatch. It's different from bobtail and the two are often confused — we'll make sure you have the right one.
- General Liability Insurance for trucking companies covers claims that happen off the road — at your terminal, during loading and unloading, or related to your business operations.
Why Washington Truckers Choose DeLeon Insurance Services
- You talk to Victor — not a call center. When you call us, you reach Victor DeLeon directly. No hold music, no transfers, no voicemail black hole. Victor has spent years working specifically with Washington State truckers, farmers, and agricultural haulers.
- We shop multiple carriers. We're not locked into one company's rates. We shop your coverage across the market and bring you the best combination of price and protection — not just whatever one company offers.
- We handle every FMCSA filing. MCS-90, Form E, UCR reminders — we manage your compliance calendar so you never face an unexpected authority revocation.
- We know Eastern Washington freight. Agricultural commodities, construction freight, refrigerated loads out of the Columbia Basin — we understand the loads you haul and the risks that come with them.
Don't wait until renewal. Get a quote today and see what better coverage at a better rate looks like.
FMCSA Compliance and Washington State Filing Requirements
Operating a commercial motor vehicle in Washington requires more than just insurance — it requires the right filings with the right agencies. Miss one and your authority can be revoked with no warning.
We handle all of the following on your behalf:
MCS-90 Endorsement
Required for all interstate motor carriers. Attached to your primary liability policy and filed electronically with the FMCSA. Certifies that you meet minimum financial responsibility requirements. Without it, your MC number will not activate.
Form E Filing
Required for intrastate carriers operating exclusively within Washington State. Filed with the Washington State Department of Licensing instead of the FMCSA.
UCR Registration
Annual federal registration requirement for all interstate commercial carriers. Fee is based on fleet size. We'll remind you every year before your renewal deadline.
BOC-3 Process Agent
Required for MC number activation. Designates a legal process agent in each state where you operate. We'll refer you to a trusted process agent service that handles this for approximately $30-50.
📥 Download our free Washington State Trucking Startup Guide —
a complete step-by-step walkthrough of getting your DOT number, MC authority, and first policy from zero to rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does trucking insurance cost in Washington State?
Commercial trucking insurance in Washington typically ranges from $8,000 to $18,000 per year for an owner operator running under their own authority. Operators leased to a carrier generally pay $3,000 to $6,000 for bobtail, non-trucking liability, physical damage, and occupational accident. Your specific rate depends on your driving record, years of experience, commodities hauled, and radius of operation.
The best way to get an accurate number is a direct quote — call us at (509) 735-5055.
Do I need trucking insurance if I'm leased to a carrier?
Yes, but the coverages you need are different. Your carrier's primary liability policy covers you while under dispatch. You still need bobtail or non-trucking liability for when you're operating outside of dispatch, and you likely need physical damage coverage for your truck. We'll review your lease agreement and make sure there are no gaps.
What is the minimum insurance required to get my MC number?
To obtain operating authority through the FMCSA, you need at minimum $750,000 in primary liability for general freight carriers. Hazardous materials carriers face higher minimums from $1 million to $5 million. You also need a BOC-3 filing before the FMCSA will activate your authority.
How long does it take to get trucking insurance in Washington?
For most owner operators, we can bind a policy and have your MCS-90 filed within 24-48 hours of receiving your application and driver information. Call us directly if you're on a tight deadline.
Can I get covered if I have violations or accidents on my record?
Yes. We work with carriers that specialize in non-standard trucking risks. A violation or accident will affect your premium but doesn't mean you can't get coverage. We'll find the best available option and work with you on a plan to improve your rates at renewal.
Ready to Get Your Washington State Trucking Insurance Sorted?

Whether you're just getting your authority, renewing an existing policy, or shopping for better rates, we're ready to help. We turn around most quotes within 24 hours and walk you through every line item so you understand exactly what you're paying for.
