Can I get my operating authority back after an insurance revocation?

Yes, but it requires obtaining new insurance, having the insurer file a new BMC-91 with FMCSA, and submitting a reinstatement application. Processing can take 2-6 weeks. During this time, you cannot legally operate. You may also need to pay any assessed fines.

Do brokers and shippers check my insurance status?

Yes. Most load boards and brokers verify carrier insurance status in real-time through FMCSA's SAFER system. An 'UNINSURED' status means you will not receive load offers. Even a 1-day lapse can damage your reputation with brokers.

No CMV Insurance Fine: Penalties for Operating Without Coverage

$5,000 - $18,758

per day

CFR Reference: 49 CFR 387.7, 49 CFR 387.9

Operating a CMV without the required minimum insurance (as specified in 49 CFR 387) can result in fines up to $18,758 per day of operation. FMCSA may also revoke the carrier's operating authority, and vehicles may be impounded. This is one of the most severe federal violations.

How This Violation Works

Federal law requires motor carriers to maintain continuous insurance coverage at specified minimum levels. The minimum varies by cargo type: $750,000 for general freight, up to $5,000,000 for certain hazmat carriers. When a carrier's insurance lapses (the BMC-91 filing is cancelled and no replacement is filed), FMCSA initiates proceedings to revoke operating authority. The per-day penalty applies to each day the carrier operated without coverage. This is among the most serious violations because it exposes the public to uninsured risk in the event of an accident. Shippers, brokers, and load boards also check insurance status before dispatching loads, so a lapse effectively shuts down your business even before formal FMCSA action.

How Penalties Are Assessed

FMCSA monitors insurance status through BMC-91 filings. When an insurer files a BMC-91X (cancellation), FMCSA begins the process of revoking authority if no replacement is filed within 35 days. Civil penalties are assessed for any period of operation without coverage. At the roadside, officers can verify insurance status electronically. Vehicles found operating for an uninsured carrier may be impounded.

Real-World Examples

A small carrier in Florida had a 2-week insurance lapse during a policy transition. Although no vehicles operated during 11 of those days, the carrier dispatched 2 loads during the gap. FMCSA assessed a $15,000 penalty for the days of operation without coverage.

An owner-operator's insurer cancelled their policy for non-payment. The carrier continued operating for 3 weeks before learning of the cancellation. FMCSA revoked operating authority, and the carrier was fined $12,000. Restoring authority required new insurance, a reinstatement application, and 6 weeks of processing.

How to Avoid This Fine

1Pay insurance premiums on time. Set up autopay if possible.
2Build a relationship with your insurance broker so they alert you to any policy issues.
3Check your FMCSA SAFER profile monthly to verify your insurance status shows 'INSURED.'
4When switching insurers, ensure the new policy is bound and BMC-91 is filed before the old policy cancels.
5Use RigKeeper to track insurance renewal dates with advance reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my operating authority back after an insurance revocation?: Yes, but it requires obtaining new insurance, having the insurer file a new BMC-91 with FMCSA, and submitting a reinstatement application. Processing can take 2-6 weeks. During this time, you cannot legally operate. You may also need to pay any assessed fines.
Do brokers and shippers check my insurance status?: Yes. Most load boards and brokers verify carrier insurance status in real-time through FMCSA's SAFER system. An 'UNINSURED' status means you will not receive load offers. Even a 1-day lapse can damage your reputation with brokers.

Related Compliance Guides

CMV Insurance Requirements: Minimums, Filing & Compliance

Motor carriers must maintain minimum levels of financial responsibility (insurance) to operate. A lapse in coverage can mean fines up to $18,758 per day, revocation of operating authority, and vehicle impoundment.