Turned down? Trucking still has markets.
Auto liability, cargo and physical damage for carriers that standard insurers turn down: young or newly licensed drivers, tickets and accidents, poor safety scores, past losses or a new authority.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A decline isn't the end
Standard trucking insurers want years of authority, clean records and experienced drivers. When a carrier misses that bar, the account goes to surplus lines and specialty markets that write distressed risks at a higher price.
I tell the underwriter the full story up front (what happened, what changed and what you've fixed), because a clear explanation and a safety plan move these accounts. Telematics and dash cameras help too.
- DriversAge, CDL years and motor vehicle records.
- Safety scoresInspections, out-of-service orders and crashes.
- LossesWhat happened and what changed since.
- OperationsWhat you haul and how far.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Authority: USDOT and MC numbers.
- Drivers: names, dates of birth, CDL years and motor vehicle records.
- Losses: five years of loss runs, with what happened.
- Changes: what you've fixed since the last claim.
- Units: tractors and trailers with years and values.
- Safety: ELD, telematics and camera providers.
High-risk trucking insurance, answered
Why was I declined?
Common reasons are driver age or experience, recent accidents, out-of-service orders, poor safety scores or a lapse. The decline letter or email usually says which.
Can a driver under 25 be insured?
Some specialty markets accept younger CDL drivers, usually at a higher price and with clean records.
Will my price come down?
Usually, after a few clean years. Keep your inspections clean and your loss runs quiet, and I'll re-market at each renewal.
Are these insurers admitted?
Many are surplus lines insurers, which aren't covered by the state guaranty fund. I tell you before you buy.
Do you offer high-risk trucking insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in all 50 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see truck insurance by state or insurance requirements by state.
Send me the full story. I'll shop it.
Your USDOT number, driver list, loss runs and any decline letters are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your next step comes by email, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.