Class Insurance Agency, an affiliated office of AIC Insurance
Coverage for trailers you pull but don’t own
When you haul someone else’s trailer, container or chassis under a written interchange agreement, you are usually responsible for damage to it while it’s in your hands. Trailer interchange insurance pays what you owe under that agreement.
Call 360-450-2211 or start a quote online. We work in English, Russian, Ukrainian and Romanian.
What trailer interchange insurance covers
It covers your legal liability for damage to trailers you don’t own while they are in your possession under a written interchange agreement. You can choose comprehensive, specified causes of loss or collision. Loss of use, wear and tear and tires are excluded.[1] It does not cover the freight inside, which needs its own cargo policy, and many equipment providers require both.[2]
Trailer interchange, non-owned trailer or hired physical damage?
| Coverage | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Trailer interchange | You signed a written interchange agreement. It pays your legal liability for damage to the other company’s trailer.[1] |
| Non-owned trailer physical damage | No written agreement is needed, but it often applies only while the trailer is hooked to your tractor.[3] |
| Hired physical damage | Vehicles you lease, hire, rent or borrow are treated like your own for physical damage.[4] |
| Your own physical damage | Your own trucks and trailers, whoever was at fault. |
Some asset-based brokers now ask for both trailer interchange and non-owned trailer coverage.[5] Power-only and drop-trailer programs usually come with a written interchange agreement, so read yours before you choose.
Intermodal drayage and the UIIA
If you pull ocean containers or rail equipment, you sign the Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA). It’s the standard contract between motor carriers and equipment providers such as ocean lines, railroads and chassis lessors. The current version took effect May 5, 2026.[6] Its insurance section requires:[6][7]
- $1,000,000 auto liability covering all interchanged equipment, primary, naming the provider as additional insured, with the UIIE-1 endorsement
- $1,000,000 general liability, with no self-insurance
- 30 days’ notice to IANA before cancellation, or 14 days for non-payment
- The right auto symbol. “Any auto,” “scheduled and hired” or “all owned and hired” is accepted; “scheduled only” is not.
Trailer interchange itself isn’t in the base agreement. Each equipment provider sets it in its own addendum, and most require it.[7][8] In IANA’s September 2026 limits list, most provider minimums run from $15,000 to $35,000. For example, BNSF, CSX and Norfolk Southern list $20,000, and Union Pacific and Maersk list $25,000.[2] Check the current amount for every provider you pull for.
Under the UIIA you must return equipment in the same condition, allowing for reasonable wear and tear, and pay reasonable repair costs up to the equipment’s value. Lost or destroyed equipment is settled at actual cash value or depreciated replacement value.[6]
Choosing a trailer interchange limit
At a minimum, match the highest requirement among the providers and agreements you work under. Ideally, carry enough to cover the most expensive trailer, container or chassis you pull, and pick a deductible you could pay the day after a loss.
What to have ready for a quote
- A copy of each interchange agreement you’ve signed, or your UIIA account and provider list
- The types and typical values of the trailers, containers or chassis you pull
- Your current auto liability policy, including the covered auto symbol
- Your radius and the ports, rail ramps or yards you work from
- Prior trailer damage claims and loss runs
Frequently asked questions
What is trailer interchange insurance?
Physical damage coverage, based on your legal liability, for other companies’ trailers you hold under a written interchange agreement.[1]
Do I need trailer interchange or non-owned trailer coverage?
Trailer interchange if you sign interchange agreements. Non-owned trailer coverage if you don’t, and it often applies only while the trailer is attached to your truck.[3]
What insurance does the UIIA require?
$1,000,000 auto liability with the UIIE-1 endorsement and $1,000,000 general liability, plus whatever each equipment provider’s addendum adds, which usually includes trailer interchange.[6][7]
How much trailer interchange coverage do I need?
At least the highest minimum among your equipment providers, usually $15,000 to $35,000, and ideally the value of the most expensive unit you pull.[2]
Is trailer interchange insurance required by law?
No. It is a contract requirement, set by the UIIA provider addenda or the interchange agreement you sign.[7]
Get a trailer interchange quote
Call 360-450-2211 or start your quote. We quote trucking operations in the 48 contiguous states from our office in Vancouver, Washington, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific.
Related coverage
Sources
- [1] ISO trailer interchange coverage (summary, RNC)
- [2] IANA: UIIA equipment provider insurance limits (Form 5B, Sept 2026)
- [3] Reliance Partners: Trailer interchange or non-owned trailer coverage?
- [4] ISO Business Auto / Motor Carrier covered auto symbols (summary, RNC)
- [5] NASTC: To interchange or to non-owned trailer
- [6] IANA: Uniform Intermodal Interchange and Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA)
- [7] IANA: UIIA insurance requirements
- [8] IANA: UIIA frequently asked questions
General information only, checked September 2026. Rules change; confirm with the agency that issues your permits. Coverage availability, terms and filings depend on underwriting and the policy issued; a quote request does not bind insurance.