- 625 S 4th St, Renton, WA 98057
- info@dokagency.com
- +1 425-242-5252
Hotshot Trucking Insurance for Independent Drivers
Get the coverage you need to haul time-sensitive loads legally and confidently—without the big rig price tag.
Our Trucking Insurance Insurance Partners
Who Needs This Page?
If you're hauling expedited loads with a dually pickup and gooseneck or flatbed trailer, you’re in hotshot territory—and insurance is non-negotiable.
Whether you're running intrastate or interstate, you'll need tailored coverage that meets DOT requirements and protects your cargo, equipment, and business.
Need a Different Trucking Insurance Option?
Choose the situation that best fits your operation:
Let’s work together
Get in touch today and receive a complimentary consultation or instant quote
Hauling Freight Without Authority?
Many hotshot drivers haul freight without the proper authority or coverage—risking fines, denied claims, and shutdowns.
If you're transporting goods across state lines for hire, the FMCSA requires you to have your own Motor Carrier (MC) number.
This federal authority allows you to operate legally and get the commercial insurance policies brokers and shippers require.
Running without it not only puts your business at risk—it can cost you far more than doing it right from the start.
Why Owner-Operators Choose DOK Insurance
| DOK INSURANCE | OTHER AGENCIES | |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Quoting | Yes | ? |
| Access to multiple carriers | Yes | ? |
| Live Operators (chat, phone and SMS) | Yes | ? |
| Extended Business hours | Yes (8 am to 12 am EST) | ? |
| Self-Service COIs | Yes | ? |
| Dedicated Tow Truck Team | Yes | ? |
| Fleet Quoting Available | Yes | ? |
| Multi-State Operation | Yes | ? |
| Experience with High-Risk or Lapsed Operators | Yes | ? |
| On-Hook and Garagekeepers Expertise | Yes | ? |
Common Trucking Coverages (Explained)
Primary Trucker Liability
Required for all carriers with an MC number. Covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others in an accident.
This will usually make up the biggest chunk of your insurance premium.
Motor Truck Cargo
Not required by FMCSA, but commonly required by shippers and freight brokers.
This policy protects the goods you haul in case of damage or loss due to fire, collision, theft, or reefer failure. Shippers require this coverage to ensure their products are financially protected while in transit.
Trailer Interchange / Non-Owned Trailer Insurance
Not FMCSA-required, but often required by carriers or brokers.
It provides physical damage coverage for trailers you’re pulling but don’t own—typically under a trailer interchange agreement. Without it, you’re personally liable for any damage to those trailers.
Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)
Not required by FMCSA, but often required by motor carriers for leased drivers.
This covers liability when your truck is used off-dispatch, like for personal errands. It ensures coverage when you're not under load but still behind the wheel.
Motor Truck Cargo
Required by law in most states if you have employees.
It covers medical bills and wage replacement for drivers or staff injured on the job. Even if you’re a solo operator, brokers may ask for proof of worker coverage, or you might opt for occupational accident insurance.
Physical Damage Insurance
Optional if you own your equipment. But usually required by lenders or leasing companies.
It covers repair or replacement costs if your truck or trailer is damaged due to collision, theft, fire, or vandalism. It’s essential if you're financing your equipment and want to protect your investment.
General Liability Insurance
Not required by FMCSA, but may be required by brokers, warehouses, or loading facilities.
It covers third-party claims unrelated to driving, like slip-and-fall injuries, property damage at docks, or advertising-related liability. Large logistics contracts often require it for added protection.
Downtime & Rental Reimbursement
It reimburses income loss and rental expenses if your truck is down due to a covered incident. This keeps cash flow stable while you're waiting on repairs.
Roadside Assistance
Breaking down with 80,000 lbs on the road can be costly. This may cover towing, fuel delivery, tire service, lockout assistance, and more. It’s often bundled with other coverages to reduce costly delays and breakdown-related disruptions.
Umbrella Liability Insurance
Optional but highly recommended. Extends your liability limits beyond what’s covered in auto and general liability policies—helpful for contracts with higher liability thresholds.
DOK INSURANCE IS HERE FOR YOU
Personalized Service for Owner-Operators to Flees
100% customer satisfaction guaranteed
Fast Quotes & 24/7 Certificate Issuance
Trusted by Carriers Across North America
HOW DOK CAN HELP
Shop Around for insurance
Whether you’re a single-unit owner-operator or building a multi-truck fleet, we’ll design coverage that fits your exact needs — without overspending. As an independent agency, DOK Insurance shops multiple top-rated carriers on your behalf to find the best combination of price, protection, and policy flexibility. We compare options across liability, cargo, physical damage, and more — so you get real value and the peace of mind that comes with expert recommendations, not sales pressure.
Receive Service the Way You Prefer
Clients can reach us on their terms — by email, phone, text, or live chat during our expanded service hours. We also offer 24/7 self-service tools, including a quick and easy Certificate of Insurance (COI) generator, so you can get what you need anytime, without waiting. At DOK Insurance, convenience isn’t optional — it’s built in.
FMCSA & DOT Compliance
We’ll help you navigate federal filings, BOC-3, and insurance minimums to stay compliant and on the road. Our customers benefit from the latest regulatory and industry news, updates and potential risks.
Ongoing Support & Risk Management
Our relationship doesn’t end once your policy is issued. At DOK Insurance, we provide year-round support to help you stay protected and proactive. Whether you’re facing an upcoming audit, expanding your fleet, or filing a claim, we’re here to guide you through the process with clarity and urgency. We also review your coverage regularly to ensure it still fits your operation — adjusting as your business grows and risks evolve. With us, you’re not just insured — you’re backed by a partner committed to your long-term success.
Expert Guidance from Day One
We answer the questions you didn’t even know to ask — because when you’re starting a trucking company, the paperwork and policy choices can feel overwhelming. From permits and filings to choosing the right limits and endorsements, our team walks you through each step without jargon or pressure. We make sure you understand your coverage, your compliance requirements, and your options — so you can make informed decisions with confidence and focus on growing your business.
Ready for a Quote?
Please fill out the form and include as much information as possible. Please upload pictures of all driver’s licenses (front only) and any documents that you think would be helpful.
Once you submit the form, we will shop around for the following for you.
Here is what we need for the most accurate quote:
Driver’s License
A clear photo of the front of your license. You can send it to us via this form, texting it to us at 425-242-5252 or emailing info@doktrucking.com
MC or DOT Number
If already active
Value of your equipment
If you are thinking about adding physical damage (comp/collision), please provide us with the approximate value.
VIN Numbers
For each truck and trailer you want to insure. If you don't have those yet, no problem, just provide a year, make, model of equipment you are considering.
Loss Runs Report
Very helpful if you have current/prior coverage
Years of Driving Experience
And years under your own authority
Type of Cargo Hauled
Dry Freight, reefer, flatbed, hazmat, etc.
Let’s work together
Get in touch today and receive a complimentary consultation or instant quote
Hot-Shot Trucking FAQs
1.What’s considered hot-shot trucking?
Hot-shot trucking involves expedited freight using smaller trucks and trailers, often under 26,000 lbs GVW. It’s common in oilfield, construction, and specialty delivery work.
2.Do I need commercial insurance for intrastate only?
Yes. Even if you operate only within your state, you’re still considered a commercial carrier and must carry appropriate liability, physical damage, and potentially cargo coverage.
3.What if my truck is under 10,000 lbs GVW?
Trucks under 10,001 lbs may be exempt from certain DOT rules, but shippers and brokers may still require insurance. We tailor your policy based on weight class and operation type.
4.What filings are required for interstate hot-shot trucking?
If you’re crossing state lines, FMCSA requires an MC number and proof of insurance with BMC-91 filings. We handle all required filings on your behalf.
5.Can I use my pickup truck for hot-shot loads?
Yes, provided it meets DOT and insurance requirements. Many hot-shot operators use ¾-ton or 1-ton pickups with gooseneck trailers. We’ll get you covered properly.
6.What if I only haul occasionally?
No problem. We offer part-time and seasonal hot-shot policies designed for operators who run limited loads. Ask us about flexible billing options too.
7.How much liability coverage is required?
FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in auto liability for interstate operations, but brokers and shippers often require $1M or more. We’ll make sure you’re compliant with both.
8.Can I insure both my trailer and pickup truck?
Yes. DOK will include physical damage coverage for both truck and trailer—whether owned, leased, or financed—with the right deductible and valuation method.
9.How fast can I get insured and on the road?
Often within the same day. Once we have your details, we quote and issue bindable documents fast—including same-day COIs and filings.
10.Do I get 24/7 access to manage my policy?
Yes. Hot-shot clients get access to our 24/7 policy portal for certificates, policy changes, and instant downloads—so you stay moving without waiting on paperwork.