Here’s How to File BMC-90 the Right Way
What is Form BMC-90?
Form BMC-90 is a certification your insurance company files electronically with the FMCSA. It confirms you have active public liability insurance that covers bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration related to your trucking operations. BMC-90 is not an insurance policy. It is a compliance filing that shows FMCSA you meet federal financial responsibility requirements. If you are an interstate for-hire carrier, BMC-90 is mandatory to activate or maintain your operating authority.
You need to file BMC-90 if you:
- Operate as a for-hire motor carrier transporting property across state lines
- Are subject to FMCSA financial responsibility rules
- Haul hazardous materials or other regulated commodities
- Apply for, renew, or update your MC operating authority
Even if you already have insurance, your MC number will stay inactive unless BMC-90 is filed and current.
Not every trucking business needs a BMC-90 filing. Certain operators are exempt because of the type of freight they carry or where they operate.
If you don’t meet FMCSA’s financial responsibility requirements, your insurer doesn’t need to file BMC-90.
You are exempt if you:
- Operate as a private carrier hauling your own goods
- Transport exempt commodities, like specific agricultural products
- Run a business that operates only within one state (intrastate)
Are specifically exempt under FMCSA regulations
BMC-90 must be filed before you start hauling loads under FMCSA authority. Your authority won’t be active unless the filing is in place. You also need to update the form when your insurance changes. File or update BMC-90 when:
- Applying for initial operating authority (MC number)
- Switching insurance providers
- Changing your insurance coverage or limits
- Renewing your insurance policy
Canceling an old policy and starting a new one
You cannot file BMC-90 yourself. Your insurance provider handles the filing through FMCSA’s Licensing & Insurance Portal. As the carrier, your role is to make sure the filing is done correctly and verified. Here’s how to file BMC-90:
- Purchase liability insurance from an FMCSA-approved insurer. Make sure your policy meets FMCSA’s minimum coverage based on what you haul.
- Provide your MC number, DOT number, and policy details to the insurer. Your insurer needs accurate information to complete the filing without errors.
- Your insurer files BMC-90 electronically through the FMCSA portal. The filing confirms you have the required public liability insurance in place.
Log in to the FMCSA system and verify the BMC-90 form is active. Always check the FMCSA portal yourself. If the filing isn’t showing, you cannot operate.
The minimum amount of liability coverage for BMC-90 depends on the type of cargo you haul. FMCSA sets these federal limits, and your policy must match them.
FMCSA liability coverage minimums:
| Cargo Type | Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|
| General Property (Non-Hazmat) | $750,000 |
| Certain Hazardous Materials & Oil | $1,000,000 |
| Explosives or Dangerous Hazmat | $5,000,000 |
Your BMC-90 form must list coverage that meets or exceeds these amounts.
If your BMC-90 is missing, expired, or incorrect, the FMCSA will consider you non-compliant, which can prevent you from starting operations or even shut down your business.
Failing to file BMC-90 can cause several painful consequences, including:
- The FMCSA suspending or revoking your authority,
- Civil penalties or fine,
- Receiving out-of-service orders during roadside inspections,
- Shippers and brokers refusing to work with you,
- And the risk of legal and financial liability in case of an incident.
Questions About BMC-90? We’ve Got Answers
Is BMC-90 required for all carriers?
No. BMC-90 is only for for-hire motor carriers transporting property across state lines. Private carriers, intrastate operators, and carriers transporting exempt commodities usually don’t need it.
Can I file BMC-90 myself?
No. Only your insurance provider can file BMC-90 through the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance Portal. As the carrier, you’re responsible for confirming the filing is active.
What happens if my insurance changes?
Your new insurer must file an updated BMC-90 immediately. If not, your authority could be suspended until the correct filing is submitted.
Can I use a bond instead of BMC-90?
No. BMC-90 is for liability insurance filings only. There is no bond substitute. If you want to use a surety bond instead of insurance, you must file MCS-82, not BMC-90.
What’s the difference between BMC-90 and MCS-90?
- BMC-90 is a filing sent to FMCSA by your insurance provider to confirm coverage.
- MCS-90 is an endorsement attached to your actual insurance policy.
Both are required for different reasons and cannot replace each other.
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