North Carolina’s rotation rule requires a hook or cargo policy of $50,000 per small wrecker and $150,000 per large wrecker, on top of the state’s liability floors.
Law: G.S. 20-279.21(b)(2); 20-279.1(11); S.L. 2023-133; G.S. 20-4.01(3d); 20-309(a1), 20-309(a); 49 CFR 387.9 · 14B NCAC 07A .0116(a)(34) · 14B NCAC 07A .0116(a)(34) · 14B NCAC 07A .0116(a)(34) · 14B NCAC 07A .0116(a)(15); SHP Policy Manual J.04; G.S. 20-309(a)
Weight / class variation: Rotation rule splits small wreckers (GVWR 10,000–26,000) vs. large wreckers (26,001+, 40,000-lb boom); rollbacks are neither. G.S. 20-309(a1) applies to commercial motor vehicles as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(3d); many light tow trucks may fall outside that definition.
No tow-specific statewide operating minimums. The on-hook, garagekeepers, and cargo figures apply only to wreckers on the SHP Patrol Rotation Wrecker List (14B NCAC 07A .0116); non-rotation tow operators are subject only to the general 50/100/50 floor (and the (a1) CMV rule where applicable). The $750,000 large-wrecker liability figure on the old (Rev. 2/10) HP-304B form appears in neither the current admin code nor the SHP Policy Manual and is not used. Local agencies using their own rotation/zone systems set their own rules per .0116(e). Verified 2026-10-14: all fields resolved (figure or confirmed absence).
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Message us on Messenger Typically responds within 15 minutes during business hours. Prefer to talk now? Call · Text Get a quote for North Carolina →Independent-contractor test: Common-law right-to-control, 8-factor Hayes test (Hayes v. Board of Trustees of Elon College, 224 N.C. 11 (1944)). "Vital test": whether employer retained the right of control/superintendence over the details.
Not required doesn’t mean not liable: if you don’t carry workers’ comp — even where it isn’t required for you — an injured worker may be able to sue you in court instead of being limited to comp benefits, because the exclusive-remedy shield generally depends on having coverage.
Minimums are the legal floor, not a recommendation — most operators carry more. Your operation (light-duty, heavy-duty, repo, rotation, motor club) decides which coverages fit. Take the coverage quiz →
Rotation is a local contract, not state law. Rotation agreements commonly require auto liability around $1,000,000 CSL, on-hook/cargo $50,000–$100,000, garagekeepers $50,000–$500,000, and the agency named as additional insured — check your agency’s agreement for its exact terms. Rotation readiness checklist →
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Informational only — not legal advice and not a quote. Requirements change — confirm the exact limits with your state DOT / public utilities commission and your rotation agreement before you buy. Minimums are the legal floor, not a recommendation — most operators carry more.