Tennessee truck insurance from people who only insure trucks
State & Co Insurance LLC is a family owned independent agency, and trucking insurance is all we do. Since 2010 we have helped owner-operators and small fleets get covered right, and we shop 15+ A-rated carriers to find the right fit instead of the first quote. We are licensed in 34 states, and Tennessee is one of them.
Tennessee is a freight crossroads. I-40 runs coast to coast through the state, I-24 and I-65 connect the Midwest to the Southeast, and Memphis is home to the FedEx superhub, one of the busiest cargo operations in the world. Nashville has grown into a major distribution center, and the corridor between Memphis and Knoxville stays busy around the clock. Trucks are the backbone of this state’s economy.
Coverage built for Tennessee truckers
- Primary liability. Interstate carriers in Tennessee need the federal minimums filed to keep authority active, and $1,000,000 liability is what brokers and shippers expect. With the volume of expedited and air freight moving through Memphis, we make sure your limits meet what the work demands.
- Cargo coverage. Expedited freight, retail distribution, and auto parts all run through Tennessee. $100,000 cargo is the standard broker requirement, and we check for exclusions that could hurt you on time-sensitive or high-value loads.
- Physical damage. Tornadoes and severe storms roll through Tennessee, and trucks sit in lots all over the state. We set your stated value honestly and choose a deductible you can handle, so storm damage does not take you off the road.
- Non-trucking liability. If you are leased to a carrier, this covers you off dispatch, running personal miles or heading home. Small premium, real protection for a common gap.
- Trailer interchange. Memphis intermodal and drop-and-hook distribution work means pulling other carriers’ trailers regularly. Interchange coverage protects you while that trailer is in your care.
- Workers comp / occupational accident. Tennessee’s workers comp rules generally apply when you have employees. Leased-on owner-operators usually carry occupational accident instead. We will tell you which one fits your operation.
- General liability. Distribution centers and shippers around Nashville and Memphis sometimes require general liability in addition to your trucking policy. We add it when the customer requires it.
New authority in Tennessee
- Your BMC-91 filing. We file your proof of insurance with the FMCSA so your new authority activates cleanly. No paperwork confusion on your end.
- Your UCR registration. Tennessee interstate carriers register under the Unified Carrier Registration every year. We will make sure it is on your radar and help you stay compliant.
- Watch the minimum limits trap. Federal minimum is $750,000 liability for general freight, but new authority carriers on minimums will find the good freight closed off. Tennessee brokers, especially on expedited and dedicated work, expect $1,000,000 liability and $100,000 cargo from day one.
What truck insurance costs in Tennessee
A typical owner-operator running a full package (liability, cargo, physical damage) in Tennessee usually lands around $12,000 to $18,000 per year. New authority carriers should expect $18,000 to $30,000 or more in the first year. Tennessee-specific note: expedited and team freight around the Memphis hub can price higher because of the pace and the value of the cargo, while steady regional dry van work along the I-40 corridor tends to fall in the middle of the range.
Cities we serve across Tennessee
- Memphis home to the FedEx superhub and massive intermodal freight on I-40 and I-55.
- Nashville with growing distribution and manufacturing freight on I-24, I-40, and I-65.
- Knoxville on I-40 and I-75 with regional distribution and manufacturing.
- Chattanooga at the I-24/I-75 interchange with manufacturing and auto industry freight.
- Clarksville in the Nashville corridor with industrial and distribution freight.
Why truckers use an independent agent
We are independent, which means we shop your coverage across 15+ A-rated carriers instead of selling you one company’s policy. We re-shop your renewals so you are not stuck overpaying year after year. One call to us handles certificates, endorsements, and policy changes. And when something goes wrong, you call us, not a 1-800 number. We know your name and your operation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does truck insurance cost in Tennessee?
Most owner-operators pay $12,000 to $18,000 per year for a full package. New authority carriers usually pay $18,000 to $30,000 or more in year one. Your record, equipment, cargo, and lanes drive the final number.
What are the minimum insurance limits in Tennessee?
Federal rules require $750,000 liability for general freight and $300,000 for household goods for interstate carriers. Brokers typically want $1,000,000 liability and $100,000 cargo.
Can I get insurance with a brand new MC number in Tennessee?
Yes. We insure new authority carriers in Tennessee all the time. Expect higher first-year premiums and carry $1,000,000 liability and $100,000 cargo so you can compete for good loads.
Does Tennessee require workers comp for truck drivers?
Tennessee’s workers comp rules generally apply when you have employees. Leased-on owner-operators typically carry occupational accident coverage instead. We will sort out which one you need based on your setup.
I want to run expedited freight out of Memphis. Does that change things?
Expedited and team freight can carry higher premiums because of the pace and cargo values. We write expedited truckers and can build a policy that fits the Memphis air freight market.
How fast can I get covered?
Usually we can quote you the same day and bind coverage within 24 to 48 hours. Call (980) 475-8075 and we will get started.
State & Co Insurance LLC
11220 Elm Lane Suite 202, Charlotte, NC 28277
(980) 475-8075 | kevin@statecoinsurance.com
