Jennifer Oegema, BBA, CAIB, CPIB Ontario Trucking Insurance is a network of RIBO-licensed insurance brokers specializing in commercial trucking. All content is written and reviewed by active industry professionals with direct underwriting experience. Expert review by Jennifer Oegema, BBA, CAIB, CPIB (Oegema, Nicholson & Associates), edited by Adam Mitchell (Mitch Insurance Brokers). Our editorial standards →
Key Takeaway: Commercial truck insurance in Ontario is heavily regulated under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, requiring a minimum $2,000,000 liability and specialized cargo and physical damage coverage. Operating without proper coverage or a valid CVOR can result in severe fines and immediate suspension of your operating authority. Ontario's 2026 commercial auto market demands a clean safety record for competitive premiums.
What Is Commercial Truck Insurance?
Commercial truck insurance is specialized coverage for vehicles used in business operations—hauling freight, delivering goods, or transporting materials. Unlike personal auto insurance, commercial truck insurance addresses the unique risks of commercial operations: higher liability exposure, cargo damage, regulatory compliance, and business interruption.
Expert Insight: "Many new trucking ventures in Ontario face sticker shock, but understanding that your CVOR rating directly impacts your premium is crucial. Clean safety records are the fastest path to preferred rates in today's market." — Jennifer Oegema, President at Oegema Nicholson
Who Needs Commercial Truck Insurance in Ontario?
- Owner-operators running their own authority or leased to carriers
- Trucking companies with fleets of any size (2+ vehicles)
- Delivery businesses using box trucks, cube vans, or straight trucks
- Construction companies operating dump trucks or heavy equipment
- Moving companies hauling household goods
- Any business using vehicles over 4,500 kg requiring a CVOR certificate
Coverage Types for Commercial Trucks
Third-Party Liability
Covers bodily injury and property damage to others. $2M is the industry minimum; $5M recommended for cross-border.
$2,000,000 - $5,000,000Motor Truck Cargo
Protects freight you're hauling against theft, fire, collision, and weather damage.
$100,000 - $250,000Physical Damage (Collision)
Covers damage to your truck from accidents. Usually required if you have a loan or lease.
Actual Cash ValueComprehensive
Covers non-collision damage: theft, fire, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes.
Actual Cash ValueNon-Trucking Liability
Covers your truck when not under dispatch—personal use, driving home, errands.
$1,000,000Trailer Interchange
Covers trailers you pull but don't own—essential for commercial truck and trailer insurance when hauling third-party equipment.
$30,000 - $100,000Need help understanding coverage? See our detailed guides on cargo insurance requirements and commercial truck liability.
Commercial Truck and Trailer Insurance
If you operate a tractor-trailer combination, your commercial truck and trailer insurance policy must cover both the power unit and the trailer. Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, your liability applies to the whole rig. Here's what Ontario operators need to know:
Owned Trailer Coverage
Trailers you own are scheduled on your policy with their own physical damage coverage. Premiums depend on trailer value ($1,500-$4,000/year for a $50K+ trailer) and type (dry van, reefer, flatbed, tanker).
Trailer Interchange Agreement
When pulling trailers owned by shippers, carriers, or leasing companies, you need trailer interchange coverage. This protects equipment in your possession but not on your title—typically $30K-$100K limits.
Combined Truck-Trailer Liability
Your liability coverage applies to the entire combination. Ontario's $2M minimum covers both truck and trailer as a single unit. Cross-border operations may require separate US filings.
Refrigerated Trailer (Reefer) Coverage
Reefer trailers require additional mechanical breakdown coverage for refrigeration units, plus cargo spoilage endorsement. Expect +$800-$2,000/year for comprehensive reefer protection.
How Much Is Truck Insurance in Ontario?
Commercial truck insurance rates vary significantly based on your operation type, experience, location, and claims history. Here's what Ontario truckers are paying in 2026:
| Category | Annual Premium | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| New Authority (0-2 Years) | $15,000 - $25,000 | Limited market options. 25-40% down payment required. Higher scrutiny on driver history. |
| Owner-Operator (3+ Years) | $8,000 - $15,000 | Standard market access with clean CVOR. Rate drops significantly with claims-free history. |
| Small Fleet (2-4 Trucks) | $7,000 - $12,000/unit | Early fleet discounts available. Composite rating may apply. |
| Fleet (5+ Trucks) | $5,500 - $9,000/unit | Volume discounts of 15-25%. Fleet policy with single renewal date. |
| Cross-Border Operations | +25-50% surcharge | US DOT compliance required. Higher liability limits ($5M+ recommended). |
Want a personalized estimate? Use our trucking insurance cost calculator or see the detailed breakdown in our fleet insurance pricing guide.
Understanding rate impacts for specialized cargo and extensive cross-border operations.
Trucking Insurance Companies in Ontario
Not all trucking insurance companies write commercial truck policies in Ontario. The market is specialized, and working with the right insurer—or broker with access to multiple trucking insurance companies—makes a significant difference in your rates and coverage options.
Intact Insurance
Standard MarketBest for: Large fleets, established carriers
Canada's largest P&C insurer with dedicated commercial auto team
Northbridge Insurance
Standard MarketBest for: Mid-size fleets, general freight
Strong in Ontario trucking with competitive fleet programs
Old Republic Insurance
Specialty MarketBest for: Long-haul, cross-border
US-based with strong Canada-US corridor coverage
Markel Insurance
Specialty MarketBest for: Owner-operators, new ventures
Accepts newer drivers other markets decline
Economical Insurance
Standard MarketBest for: Local delivery, box trucks
Competitive for GTA-based operations
Pro Tip: Instead of calling insurers directly, work with a truck insurance broker who has appointments with multiple markets. Brokers can shop your risk and often access better rates than going direct.
Ontario Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
$2,000,000 Minimum Liability
Under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, Ontario commercial trucks must carry minimum $2M third-party liability. Most contracts and brokers require this statutory level to operate.
Valid CVOR Certificate
All vehicles over 4,500 kg must be registered under a CVOR. Your safety rating directly impacts insurance rates. Learn about CVOR requirements.
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance
Required if hauling goods for hire. Most shippers and brokers require minimum $100,000 cargo coverage. How much cargo insurance do you need?
WSIB Coverage
Workers' compensation is required if you have employees. Even owner-operators may need optional coverage. WSIB requirements for truckers.
Fleet Insurance vs. Individual Truck Policies
Once you have 2+ trucks, you have options. Understanding the difference between fleet insurance and individual policies can save you thousands.
Individual Policies
- Separate policy for each truck
- Different renewal dates
- Each driver individually underwritten
- Claims affect only that vehicle's rate
- Better for 1-2 trucks or mixed operations
Fleet Policy
- Single policy covering all trucks
- One renewal date, easier administration
- Composite rating—add/remove drivers easily
- Volume discounts of 15-25%
- Better for 5+ trucks of similar operation
Read our complete guide: Fleet vs. Individual Truck Insurance or check fleet insurance requirements to see if you qualify.
A pristine safety score lowers your commercial insurance premiums exponentially.
Get Your Commercial Truck Insurance Quote
Free quotes from licensed Ontario brokers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does commercial truck insurance cost in Ontario?
Commercial truck insurance in Ontario typically costs between $8,000 and $25,000 per year for a single truck. Owner-operators average $10,000-$15,000 annually, while fleet operators pay $6,000-$12,000 per unit with volume discounts. New ventures pay 40-60% more.
What insurance do I need for a commercial truck in Ontario?
Ontario commercial trucks require minimum $2,000,000 third-party liability insurance. Most carriers also need Motor Truck Cargo insurance ($100k-$250k), physical damage coverage, and a valid CVOR certificate for vehicles over 4,500 kg.
Which insurance companies cover trucking companies in Ontario?
Major commercial truck insurers in Ontario include Intact, Northbridge, Economical, Aviva, and specialty markets like Old Republic and Markel. Working with a trucking-specialized broker gives you access to multiple markets and better rates.
Do I need a CVOR for commercial truck insurance?
Yes, all commercial vehicles over 4,500 kg operating in Ontario must have a valid CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration). Insurers require your CVOR abstract and your safety rating directly affects your premium. Learn more about CVOR.
Can new trucking companies get insurance in Ontario?
Yes, but options are limited. New trucking companies typically pay 40-60% higher premiums in their first 1-2 years. Specialty insurers offer new venture programs with higher premiums but provide a path to build your operating history.
Why is commercial trucking insurance so expensive?
Ontario trucking insurance rates are high due to "nuclear verdicts" in liability claims, increased repair costs, medical inflation, limited insurer competition, and GTA traffic density. Full explanation of trucking insurance costs.
Related Coverage Options
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Insurance requirements and policies are subject to change based on the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and other provincial regulations. Always consult with a licensed Ontario insurance broker for advice specific to your business operations.