Myth
The MCS-90 protects me like insurance.
Truth
It protects the public — and then seeks reimbursement from you. A paid MCS-90 claim is a debt you owe back to the carrier, not a covered loss.
MCS-90 MCS-90 Endorsement
Federal public-protection endorsement attached to every interstate for-hire AL policy. Not a coverage upgrade — a compliance instrument.
The exposure this line addresses.
The MCS-90 is a federally mandated endorsement that attaches to your auto-liability policy on every for-hire interstate motor carrier. It is a SURETY-LIKE obligation: if a covered third party is injured by your operations, the MCS-90 endorsement carrier pays even if the underlying AL policy excludes the loss — and then seeks reimbursement from YOU. It is FMCSA's belt-and-suspenders mechanism to ensure injured third parties are made whole.
Triggers — when this line is required.
- Every interstate for-hire motor carrier with an MC number — automatic
- Hazmat carriers — MCS-90B variant at $5M
- Household-goods carriers — additional cargo filing (BMC-32)
What this line does NOT cover
- Not a coverage upgrade — pays beyond the policy then subrogates against the insured
- Federal floor only — does not replace or supplement contractual coverage limits
Limits we recommend by segment.
These are public-facing baselines for typical risk profiles. The intake re-derives line-specific limits based on your actual operation, contract obligations, and loss profile.
Owner-operator
$750K (general freight) or $5M (hazmat)
Small fleet (2-10)
$750K (general freight) or $5M (hazmat)
Mid-fleet (11-50)
$750K (general freight) or $5M (hazmat)
Large account (51+)
$750K (general freight) or $5M (hazmat)
Day-one carriers writing MCS-90.
From the panel that ranks top-3 per line for your risk profile. Each carrier clears the A.M. Best A- floor; final selection is made in the piece-out matrix at quote time.
Progressive Commercial
Preferred · Standard
Northland (Travelers)
Preferred · Standard
Great West Casualty
Preferred · Standard
Berkshire / NICO
Preferred · Standard
Canal Insurance
Non-standard
Sentry Insurance
Preferred · Standard
What rookie operators get wrong.
Myth
MCS-90 limits replace my AL limits.
Truth
MCS-90 is the federal floor for public protection. Your contractual AL limit is independent. The MCS-90 only triggers when the underlying AL denies a covered third-party claim.
Myth
I can drop my $1M AL and rely on MCS-90 at $750K.
Truth
Catastrophically wrong. Broker / shipper contracts require $1M+ CSL on the underlying policy. The MCS-90 is not a substitute — it's a safety net that creates a debt you'd owe.
Frequently asked
Does my AL carrier handle the MCS-90 filing automatically?
Yes — for-hire interstate AL policies attach MCS-90 by endorsement. We verify the L&I filing landed before treating the bind as complete.
What's MCS-90B and when does it apply?
MCS-90B is the hazmat variant at $5M minimum (or $1M for limited-tier hazmat). Required for placarded hazmat carriers under §387.9.
If MCS-90 pays a claim, do I have to repay the carrier?
Yes — the federal endorsement creates a reimbursement obligation. This is why we never structure programs that rely on MCS-90 as a coverage substitute.
Does MCS-90 apply intrastate-only?
No — it's a federal interstate filing. Pure intrastate operations are state-regulated (state Form E, Form K, etc.). Most carriers operate both, so MCS-90 applies.
Can MCS-90 be removed?
Only on AL cancellation. Operating without MCS-90 while still under interstate authority triggers FMCSA out-of-service action.
Ready for a MCS-90 quote?
One intake. Per-line submissions to your top 3 carriers. A coordinated binder.