When you’re involved in a crash with a commercial truck, an 18-wheeler if you will, one of the biggest questions is whether there’s enough insurance coverage available to compensate you for your injuries and losses. Trucking insurance is more complicated than regular auto insurance, and one of the key features that sometimes comes into play is something called an MCS-90 endorsement.
What Is an MCS-90?
The MCS-90 is a special endorsement attached to certain commercial trucking insurance policies. It’s required by federal law for any trucking company that operates across state lines. In simple terms, the MCS-90 acts as a safety net for the public — it guarantees that someone injured by an interstate trucking company’s negligence can recover money damages, even if there’s a problem with the trucking company’s insurance coverage.
For example, if a truck owned by a motor carrier isn’t listed on the company’s insurance policy, and that truck causes a serious crash, the insurer might normally deny coverage. But if the policy has an MCS-90 endorsement (as required by federal regulations), the insurance company must still pay the injured party — up to the federally required minimum limits — even though the truck itself wasn’t specifically covered.
Why the MCS-90 Exists
The purpose of the MCS-90 is to protect the public, not to protect the trucking company. It ensures that innocent people injured by trucks operating in interstate commerce aren’t left without compensation due to technical coverage disputes. After paying the injured person, the insurance company can later try to recover the money from the trucking company if the policy truly didn’t cover the loss.
How Much Coverage Does It Provide?
Federal law sets minimum coverage limits for trucks operating under the MCS-90 endorsement, depending on what type of freight they carry:
- $750,000 for general freight
- $1,000,000 for oil transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
These amounts represent the minimum required coverage — many trucking companies carry higher limits.
When Does the MCS-90 Apply?
The MCS-90 applies only in specific situations. It comes into play when:
- The trucking company is engaged in interstate commerce (traveling across state lines), and
- The accident involves a member of the public (not an employee), and
- The underlying insurance does not otherwise provide coverage for the loss.
If the truck was operating only within one state or if the policy already covers the loss, the MCS-90 may not apply.
Why This Matters in Your Case
Trucking insurance issues can be complex, especially when multiple companies, drivers, and policies are involved. The MCS-90 endorsement can make a huge difference in ensuring that there is available coverage to pay for your injuries, even when the trucking company or its insurer claims there’s no coverage.
At Prince Law Firm, we understand the unique insurance issues that come up in trucking cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, our team can investigate every possible source of coverage — including whether an MCS-90 endorsement applies — to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 618-997-2111 or at princelawfirm.net if you need help working through these very complicated insurance questions.
