New Bill Proposes 567% Hike in Trucking Insurance Minimums to $5M

Key Details Congress is considering the Fair Compensation for Truck Crash Victims Act, which would increase minimum insurance requirements for interstate motor carriers from $750,000 to $5,000,000. Representatives Jesús Garcia and Derek Tran reintroduced the legislation on April 9, 2026, with support from five co-sponsors and multiple highway safety advocacy groups. Why It Matters The current $750,000 minimum was set in 1980 - nearly 50 years ago. Medical costs and truck sizes have increased significantly since then, yet insurance requirements have remained unchanged. Crash victims often face devastating financial consequences when insurers cannot fully cover medical bills and lost wages. What Supporters Say Proponents argue that outdated minimums force families to choose between rent and medical care after accidents. Safety advocates and crash survivors support the bill as a practical solution to protect workers and their families from financial ruin. Next Steps This is Garcia's fourth attempt to pass similar legislation, having introduced comparable bills in 2019, 2021, and 2023. The bill's path forward in Congress remains uncertain, but it reflects growing pressure to modernize insurance standards in the trucking industry.