How to check a trucking insurance agent in Michigan
Check four things before you hire a trucking insurance agent in Michigan: an active Michigan license on the DIFS Locator, the insurers the agent is appointed with, who files your BMC-91X or Form E, and who you call after a claim. Ask every agent the same questions, and keep the answers in writing.
- Check the license
- Check the appointments
- Ask about filings
- Ask about claims
- A question list
- FAQ
Plenty of agencies write trucking insurance in Michigan. This checklist helps you compare any of them on the same points, using public records first. It does not rank anyone.
Check the license
- Michigan law says a person may not sell, solicit or negotiate insurance in Michigan unless licensed for that line (MCL 500.1201a).
- Open the DIFS Locator, choose the Insurance tab, and pick Resident Producer for a Michigan agent or Non-Resident Producer for an agent who lives in another state (DIFS).
- Enter the name, then click it to see the license status. DIFS says the Locator is updated in real time (DIFS Locator FAQ).
- No internet handy? DIFS verifies license status by phone at 877-999-6442, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check the appointments
- DIFS says agents must, in most cases, be appointed by the insurers they represent to do business for you. The Locator lists appointments with the license.
- Ask which insurers that write trucks the agent can place with, and compare that with the appointments listed.
- For an agency, search its 7-digit System ID and open Individual Associations to see its designated responsible licensed producer.
Ask about filings
- Interstate for-hire carriers need proof of liability on file with FMCSA. Your insurer files the BMC-91 or BMC-91X, not you (49 CFR 387.313T, FMCSA).
- Hauling for hire only inside Michigan, your insurer files a Form E for CVED Authority (MSP CVED, MCL 479.9).
- Ask who requests each filing, how long it usually takes, and how you will see that it posted. See what a BMC-91X filing is.
Ask about claims
- Ask who you call first after a crash or cargo loss, and whether that is the agency or the insurer.
- Ask how certificates of insurance are sent to brokers and shippers, and how fast.
- Ask for your loss runs process. See trucking loss runs.
A question list
- What is your Michigan license number, and can I see it on the DIFS Locator?
- Which insurers that write trucks are you appointed with?
- Who files my BMC-91X or Form E, and how will I know it posted?
- Who handles my certificates of insurance?
- Who do I call after a claim?
Starting out? See insurance on file for a new MC authority and Michigan trucking insurance.
FAQ
How do I check if an insurance agent is licensed in Michigan?
Use the DIFS Locator. Choose the Insurance tab, pick Resident Producer for a Michigan agent or Non-Resident Producer for an out-of-state agent, enter the name, and click it to see the license and appointments. You can also call DIFS at 877-999-6442, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Does an insurance agent need a license in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan law says a person may not sell, solicit or negotiate insurance in Michigan for any line of insurance unless licensed for it (MCL 500.1201a).
What is an agent's appointment?
An appointment is an insurer's authorization for the agent to act for it. DIFS says that in most cases agents must be appointed by the insurers they represent to do business for you. The DIFS Locator shows appointments next to the license.
How do I check an insurance agency, not just a person?
Search the agency on the DIFS Locator. DIFS says you can enter the agency's 7-digit Michigan System ID, click its name, then open Individual Associations to see its designated responsible licensed producer.
Who files my BMC-91X?
Your insurance company files it with FMCSA, not you (49 CFR 387.313T). Ask your agent who sends the request to the insurer and how you will know it posted.
This guide is general information, not legal advice or an offer of insurance. Rules and programs change, so check the sources below.
Sources
- DIFS Locator (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- DIFS: Locator FAQ (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- DIFS: Reminder to verify that an insurance agent is licensed (published Apr 17, 2023)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 500.1201a: License required (added by 2001 PA 228, effective Mar 1, 2002)
- FMCSA: Insurance Filing Requirements (last updated Mar 26, 2026)
- 49 CFR 387.313T: Forms and procedures (last amended Sep 30, 2019)
- Michigan State Police: CVED Regulatory (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Michigan Compiled Laws 479.9: Insurance or bond for intrastate carriers (last amended by 2014 PA 493, effective Apr 1, 2015)