By Haul Handbook editorial team· Updated Oct 6, 2026
What Kentucky requires
These are the state-level rules attached to Kentucky intrastate operating authority. A field reading "Not confirmed" means this guide has not confirmed that value. The note explains the gap; unknown is not evidence of absence.
- Liability minimum
- Kentucky states its minimum as split limits by vehicle weight, not one figure, so no single amount is shown here. Under KRS 281.655(4), a property vehicle of 18,000 lbs or less needs 100,000 dollars for death or injury to one person, 300,000 dollars total for death or injury, and 50,000 dollars for property damage. A property vehicle over 18,000 lbs needs 100,000, 600,000 and 50,000 dollars. A hazardous materials vehicle needs a 1,000,000-dollar single limit under KRS 281.655(6), except bulk petroleum loads under 10,000 lbs, which use the lower 100,000, 300,000 and 50,000 dollar limits in KRS 281.655(5). An insurer authorized in Kentucky files the Form E (Uniform Motor Carrier Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability Certificate) for this coverage.
Minimum liability by operation type
Review the operation-specific scope and source notes before relying on a coverage amount.
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The federal minimums, for contrast
Federal financial-responsibility requirements depend on the operation, vehicle and commodity. Review the rows and exclusions in 49 CFR Part 387 (property carriers 387.303, brokers and freight forwarders 387.307, endorsements 387.15), as displayed on FMCSA's insurance filing requirements page; the filing mechanics live in our BMC-91 and BMC-34 insurance filings guide.
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Where insurance fits in the Kentucky launch
Coverage sits early in the sequence: the federal filing sequence needs your insurer's proof of coverage on file before authority activates, and the state rules above attach to the credential covered on the Kentucky intrastate authority page. For the full order of operations, work through start a trucking company in Kentucky.