State Insurance Filings, Explained

Who asks for state filings

Federal filings with FMCSA apply to interstate operations. States regulate intrastate carriage, meaning trips that start and end within the state, and many require their own proof of insurance before granting a permit or intrastate authority. The agency varies: in some states it is the department of motor vehicles, in others a public utility or transportation commission.

The uniform forms

To make filings consistent, many states accept uniform forms developed through the insurance industry and state regulators. The most common are Form E for liability, Form H for cargo and Form K for cancellation. Some states use their own forms or electronic systems instead, so check with the agency.

What determines the filing

• The state and the agency issuing your permit
• Whether you carry property passengers or household goods
• The type of authority or permit you hold
• Minimum limits set by the state
• Whether the state also requires cargo coverage

Who makes the filing

The insurer, or an agent authorized by it, makes the filing. A carrier cannot file its own proof of insurance. Ask your agent which forms the insurer can file and in which states, because not every insurer files everywhere.

Multiple states

If you run intrastate in more than one state, each state may need its own filing. Interstate carriers with federal authority may not need state filings for interstate trips, but intrastate trips in some states still require them.

Filing forms

Frequently asked questions