Insurance Guide

Commercial Auto Insurance Filings Guide

Transportation companies are required to file proof of insurance with state and federal regulators as a condition of their operating authority. Missing or lapsed filings result in automatic suspension of authority — which means no operating, no revenue, and potential fines. This guide explains every major filing type, who needs it, and how quickly it's processed.

Form E (State Liability Certificate)

Form E is the standard state-level filing that proves you have the minimum auto liability required by the state for your permit class. Required for: state taxi/for-hire permits, limo authority, NEMT operating authority. Filed by your insurer directly with the state. Processing time: 1–5 business days.

CPUC Form PL (California TCP)

California's Form PL is the equivalent of Form E for TCP carriers. It must be on file with the CPUC at all times — if it lapses, your TCP permit is suspended instantly. We file Form PL same-day on new California policies and track renewals automatically.

MCS-90 (Federal Motor Carrier / FMCSA)

MCS-90 is required for interstate motor carriers with FMCSA operating authority (DOT numbers). Required for: motorcoach operators, medical transportation companies operating across state lines, charter bus operators. Minimum: $1.5M for most vehicles; $5M for hazmat. Filed with FMCSA.

BMC-91 / BMC-91X (FMCSA Cargo)

BMC-91 proves motor truck cargo liability for household goods movers. BMC-91X is for exempt carriers. Less common in NEMT but relevant for medical supply transport companies.

NYC TLC Insurance Verification

New York City TLC requires all insured for-hire vehicles to be verified through the TLC's insurance system. Your carrier must be TLC-approved. Non-TLC carriers cannot write NYC FHV coverage. We use TLC-approved markets exclusively for New York City policies.

Coverage Checklist

  • Form E or state equivalent — for all state for-hire permit holders
  • CPUC Form PL — California TCP carriers only
  • MCS-90 — interstate motor carriers with FMCSA authority
  • NYC TLC insurance verification — NYC FHV operators
  • NTA filing — Nevada for-hire vehicles
  • Workers' comp state filing

Documents Needed to Quote

  • State permit number or TCP permit number
  • FMCSA MC number or USDOT number (if applicable)
  • Vehicle VINs for each registered vehicle
  • Driver list

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Most quotes returned within one business day. Same-day COIs after binding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my Form E or Form PL lapses?+

The state or CPUC automatically suspends your operating authority or TCP permit. In California, this can happen within hours of a policy lapse. You cannot legally operate until the filing is reinstated — which requires binding a new policy and re-filing, a process that can take 2–10 business days.

Does my insurer file these automatically?+

It depends on the carrier and broker. We file all required state forms (Form E, Form PL, MCS-90) automatically as part of binding your policy. We also track renewal dates to prevent lapses.

Do I need an MCS-90 for NEMT?+

Only if you have FMCSA authority and operate across state lines. Most single-state NEMT operators do not need an MCS-90. If you have a USDOT number and cross state lines, you likely do.

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