An insurance renewal delay could interrupt your company’s ability to operate—even if you have already paid for your new policy.
During a recent conversation with FMCSA, BUnited Services was advised that under the new MOTUS registration system, an insurance cancellation without the required replacement filing in place can result in both your MC authority and USDOT number becoming inactive.
FMCSA also advised us that carriers should ensure their insurance company updates the required insurance filing in MOTUS before the existing insurance expires.
Your Renewal Payment Is Only Part of the Process
When you renew your insurance, do not assume that paying your premium or receiving your insurance documents means your FMCSA filing has been completed.
Contact your insurance agent and confirm that your insurance company has submitted the required filing and that it is reflected correctly in MOTUS.
This is especially important if you are changing insurance companies, your policy number changes, or you have received a cancellation notice.
Example: Your Insurance Expires December 1
If your insurance expires on December 1, 2026, make sure your insurance company has updated the required filing with FMCSA in MOTUS no later than November 30, 2026, with the correct coverage effective date.
The same applies in any year: confirm the filing before the expiration date. Begin following up early so there is time to resolve missing information or filing issues.
Ask your agent:
Has the required renewal or replacement insurance filing been submitted to FMCSA?
Has the filing been accepted and reflected in MOTUS?
Does the effective date maintain continuous coverage?
Has any pending cancellation been addressed?
Do not wait until the expiration date to find out whether the filing was completed.
What Happens if the Filing Is Not Updated?
Based on the guidance provided to BUnited Services by an FMCSA representative, an insurance cancellation without the required replacement filing can affect both your MC authority and USDOT registration.
If that happens, your company may need to complete reactivation or reapplication steps, pay applicable fees, and wait for processing before resuming operations that require active registration and authority.
The representative also advised that this can require going back through the application process. The specific steps will depend on the status FMCSA places on your company’s record.
Do not assume that submitting insurance after the deadline will automatically restore your registrations.
Make Sure You Have Access to MOTUS
If you have not established your MOTUS account and linked your existing company record, address this before an urgent issue occurs.
Having access allows you to review your company information, monitor registration actions, and respond when changes are needed.
What BUnited Services Recommends
Start your insurance renewal early, confirm the required filing before your existing coverage expires, and review your company’s registration status after any insurance change.
If you receive an insurance cancellation notice or discover an inactive status, contact your insurance agent and BUnited Services promptly.
A few minutes of follow-up before your renewal deadline could help prevent downtime, additional fees, and missed loads.
Need assistance with MOTUS access or your company’s registration status? Contact our office.
BUnited Services
(904) 423-4960
compliance@bunitedservices.com
www.bunitedservices.com
This advisory reflects information communicated to BUnited Services by an FMCSA representative. Company-specific notices and FMCSA instructions should be reviewed to determine the action required for your record.
