Find the At-Fault Carrier's Insurance

Informational only, not legal advice. If anyone was injured, consider talking to an attorney before giving statements to an insurer.

Step 1: Get the truck's USDOT or MC number

• Painted on the cab door / side of the power unit (required marking).
• On the police / crash report.
• On the bill of lading or shipping papers, if the driver provides them.
• Also photograph the plate, company name, trailer number, and driver's license.

Step 2: Look up the carrier on FMCSA SAFER

USDOT numberOpen SAFER Company Snapshot

Opens the official SAFER Company Snapshot in a new tab. Note the legal name, MC number, address, and operating status.

Step 3: Find the insurer on FMCSA Licensing & Insurance (L&I)

1. Open FMCSA L&I and search by USDOT or MC/docket number.
2. Open the carrier's insurance details (active/pending insurance and insurance history).
3. Write down the insurance company name, policy number, coverage amount, and effective / cancellation dates.

Note: FMCSA is moving registration to a new system (Motus). Lookup pages and steps may change; if a link moves, start at FMCSA Registration. Filings can take a few business days to appear in L&I.

Step 4: File the claim with the carrier's insurer

1. Search for the insurer's official website and find its "Report a claim" / claims contact page. Use only contact info from the insurer's own site or your police report — avoid third-party "claims hotline" ads.
2. Report by phone, email, or online form, and ask for a claim number and the adjuster's name.
3. Follow up in writing using the claim notice letter below. Keep copies of everything.

Need help organizing your claim file? book a Claim Review or get the Accident Claim Tracker.