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What Is MCS-90B? Your Insurance Endorsement Explained

Form MCS-90B is an insurance endorsement required by the FMCSA for for-hire passenger carriers operating across state lines. Like the MCS-90 used for freight carriers, this form isn’t an insurance policy itself—it’s an attachment to your existing liability coverage that confirms you meet the minimum requirements for bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration. If you operate shuttle vans, charter buses, or commuter services, MCS-90B helps protect the public and keeps your operating authority in good standing.

If you’re providing interstate transportation of passengers,, MCS-90B is required. It applies to bus companies, charter and tour services, passenger vans, commuter shuttles, and any for-hire carrier transporting people across state lines.

Form MCS-90B must be filed before your operating authority is granted by FMCSA. It also needs to be submitted immediately after purchasing a compliant passenger liability policy and must remain valid at all times while you operate. Skipping or delaying this filing could lead to canceled authority.

Filing MCS-90B isn’t just another checkbox; it’s your legal authorization to operate as a for-hire passenger carrier. It proves to the FMCSA that your insurance covers bodily injury, property damage, and environmental harm caused by your operations. Without it, you’re not just out of compliance—you risk being shut down.

  • Get a Passenger Liability Policy. Secure insurance from a provider licensed to write FMCSA-compliant passenger coverage.
  • Request the MCS-90B Endorsement. Your insurer will complete and sign the form for you.
  • Submit It to FMCSA. The insurance company files it electronically via the FMCSA’s Licensing & Insurance (L&I) Portal.

Confirm It’s Active. Log into your FMCSA portal to verify that your MCS-90B is filed and current.

Coverage under MCS-90B depends on how many passengers your vehicle is designed to carry:

  • Vehicles with 16 or more passengers (including the driver): $5,000,000 minimum coverage
  • Vehicles with 15 or fewer passengers: $1,500,000 minimum coverage

This includes coverage for bodily injury to passengers or third parties, property damage caused during transport, and environmental cleanup if needed.

MCS-90 and MCS-90B serve a similar purpose: they certify that a motor carrier has the minimum required public liability insurance. However, they apply to different types of carriers.

MCS-90 is for for-hire freight or cargo carriers, such as trucking companies transporting goods across state lines.

MCS-90B, on the other hand, is specifically for for-hire passenger carriers, such as bus operators, charter vans, and shuttle services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions About MCS-90B? We've Answers

1.

What does MCS-90B insurance actually cover?

MCS-90B offers public liability coverage for third-party bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration. It does not cover damage to the carrier’s own vehicle or passenger injuries unless additional insurance is obtained.


2.

Can I file the MCS-90B form myself?

No. Only insurance providers authorized by the FMCSA are permitted to file MCS-90B. The carrier must work with their insurance company, who files the form electronically through the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Portal.


3.

Does MCS-90B cover all passengers in the case of an accident?

Not entirely. While MCS-90B fulfills the FMCSA’s minimum liability standards, it may not provide full compensation for all passengers. Carriers usually secure separate accident coverage to address this gap.


4.

What’s the difference between MCS-90 and MCS-90B?

MCS-90 applies to property carriers, while MCS-90B is for passenger carriers. Though both ensure financial responsibility compliance, they differ in the types of transportation they cover and the regulatory requirements.


5.

Why is MCS-90B required for passenger carriers?

MCS-90B ensures passenger carriers meet federal liability standards, which protects the public and enables lawful operations. It also strengthens legal and financial protection for carriers in case of serious accidents.

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