What Trucking Insurance Requirements Apply in Colorado?

Colorado defines a PUC Property Carrier as a business moving other people's property for compensation between points in Colorado. The PUC rule requires motor-carrier vehicle liability coverage or a surety bond, but its published numeric schedule names passenger carriers, household-goods movers, and towing carriers; ask the Commission which filing and limit applies to your Property Carrier authority.

What Is Trucking Insurance?

Trucking coverage can address liability, damage to your trucks and cargo losses, but one quote may not include all three. If you haul goods for customers or yourself, compare those protections and check whether the quote needs motor-carrier or other commercial auto coverage. Read the national Trucking guide.

Colorado Trucking Insurance Requirements

RequirementDetails
PUC Property Carrier categoryFor compensation, transport property of others between Colorado points 1
Motor-vehicle financial responsibilityCommercial vehicle liability coverage or surety bond; combined single limit under 4 CCR 723-6 rule 6008 2
Household-goods mover cargo filingFor movers: $10,000 per vehicle or $0.60 per pound per article, whichever is greater; Form H or J 2

What Should You Watch for With Trucking Insurance in Colorado?

  • Name The PUC Carrier Class Before Quoting

    Colorado's PUC distinguishes a Property Carrier transporting others' goods for compensation from a household-goods mover and a towing carrier. Rule 6008 lists numeric liability minima for movers, towing, and passenger carriers but does not show a separate numeric line labeled Property Carrier; have the PUC and agent confirm the authority class, filed form, and minimum before binding. 1,2

  • Keep The Mover Cargo Schedule In Its Class

    The rule requires every mover to maintain cargo liability and file Form H or J; it sets at least $10,000 per motor vehicle or $0.60 per pound per article, whichever is greater. That schedule applies to household-goods movers, not automatically to a general property carrier, and it is a legal-liability filing rather than proof that every cargo loss is covered. 2,1

  • Match Filed Proof To Commission Records

    Rule 6008 requires insurance forms to show the motor carrier's exact legal name, trade name, and address as they appear in Commission records. Reconcile the named insured and address with the PUC record before the insurer files proof. 2

  • Replace Coverage Before A Cancellation Takes Effect

    For certificates or bonds filed under the rule, cancellation generally requires 30 days' advance written notice to the Commission; the Commission can summarily suspend affected authority from the coverage-cancellation date if no replacement proof is on file. Ask the agent to coordinate replacement filing before a policy ends. 2

Which Trucking Insurance Providers Have Colorado License Records?

No provider in our research has both a state license record and a listing for this coverage line. This does not establish that providers are unlicensed. Check the regulator’s license lookup and confirm availability with a provider when requesting a quote.

Who Regulates Insurance in Colorado?

Colorado Division of Insurance

The Division administers Colorado insurance laws and regulates insurers and insurance producers. You can search producer licenses through Colorado’s official DORA lookup and send insurance complaints to the Division. 3,4,5

Surplus-Lines Tax and Stamping Office in Colorado

Reported tax rate. 3% of net premium 6,8,7

When Colorado is the insured’s home state, its surplus-lines tax is 3% of taxable premium. The Colorado Surplus Lines Association says insurer or broker fees charged in connection with the placement are included in the tax base; federal or other-state taxes and examination fees are excluded. For multistate risks, a tax-sharing agreement may allocate premium tax to other states.

What Should You Ask Before Buying Trucking Insurance in Colorado?

  1. Does the PUC classify our hauling as Property Carrier authority, common/contract carrier, household-goods mover, or another class?
  2. Which liability limit and proof form does the Commission require for that exact authority, given rule 6008's class-specific schedule?
  3. Is our cargo operation legally a household-goods mover or towing carrier for the rule's separate cargo filing, or do we need cargo protection beyond a liability filing?
  4. Will the certificate show our PUC record's exact legal name, trade name, and address, and will the insurer notify the Commission before cancellation?

Trucking Insurance in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance does a Colorado Property Carrier need?

Colorado's PUC rule requires motor-carrier commercial vehicle liability coverage or a surety bond, but the numeric schedule identifies separate passenger, mover, and towing categories. Ask the PUC to confirm the filed limit and form for the precise Property Carrier permit class. 1,2

Does Colorado require cargo insurance for household movers?

Yes. A mover must maintain cargo liability coverage and file Form H or J; the minimum is $10,000 per vehicle or $0.60 per pound per article, whichever is greater. 2

Trucking Insurance Guides for Other States

Other coverage in ColoradoEvery coverage guide for Colorado, plus the regulator and surplus-lines details.

Updated .

This guide is informational and does not determine whether a policy is available or meets your needs. Editorial policy. To suggest a correction, contact Spot with a supporting source.

Get Help With Insurance Buying and Renewals.

Get help buying coverage and managing renewals, with less paperwork for your team. Create your account and submit an insurance request online.

Talk to Spot