Coverages for Trucking Companies
Find the protections that fit your operation—owner-operators, small fleets, and large fleets.
Core Coverages
Commercial Auto Liability — Covers third-party injuries and property damage from your truck operations. Most brokers expect $1,000,000 CSL (federal minimums can be lower). This is the foundation of every trucking insurance program and is required for FMCSA operating authority. Strong liability limits can also help you qualify for better freight contracts.
Motor Truck Cargo — Protects freight while in your care, custody, or control; many brokers expect $100,000+, higher for specialty commodities. Coverage can be tailored to the commodities you haul, including reefer breakdown for temperature-sensitive goods. Proper cargo limits help prevent claim disputes with shippers and brokers.
Physical Damage (Comp & Collision) — Covers your tractor and trailer for collision, theft, vandalism, fire, weather, and other covered losses. This protects your equipment investment whether you own, finance, or lease your units. Deductible and valuation options (ACV, stated value, agreed value) can help control premium.
General Liability (Trucking GL) — Covers certain non-auto business exposures (premises/operations, loading/unloading) often required by contracts. It provides protection for claims that occur off the road, such as incidents at your yard or customer locations. Many shippers mandate GL even when they do not require auto-related coverages.
Non-Trucking Liability (NTL) — Liability coverage for certain operations when an owner-operator is not under dispatch (when applicable). This typically applies to leased-on drivers when they’re using the truck for personal use. It complements, but does not replace, primary liability carried by the motor carrier.
Trailer Interchange — Covers non-owned trailers you’re using under a written trailer interchange agreement. This protects you when you’re responsible for a shipper’s or carrier’s trailer while in your possession. It’s essential for operations involving drop-and-hook freight or rail yards.
Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) — Liability for vehicles you hire or employee-owned vehicles used for business. Helpful for fleets that rent trucks occasionally or whose staff uses personal vehicles for errands or client visits. HNOA fills a major gap when an accident occurs in a non-company vehicle.
Workers’ Compensation — Statutory coverage for employee injuries; multi-state options available. WC ensures compliance with state law and protects your business from injury-related lawsuits. Coverage can be structured to accommodate long-haul drivers, office staff, and terminal employees.
Occupational Accident (Occ/Acc) — Alternative protection for qualifying independent contractors (not a substitute for WC where required). Provides accidental medical, disability, and death benefits for owner-operators. Often required by motor carriers to protect both parties when contractors are not eligible for workers’ comp.
Property & Operations Coverages
Garagekeepers Legal Liability — Covers customer vehicles in your care (e.g., yard, service, or storage operations). This is crucial for carriers who park, stage, or perform light maintenance on third-party vehicles. Coverage can be written for legal liability only or on a more protective direct-primary basis.
Motor Truck General Liability (yard/terminal ops) — Clarifies GL for truck-related premises/operations exposures. Covers slip-and-fall claims, property damage during non-auto operations, and other yard-based incidents. Helpful for fleets with active terminals, parking facilities, or cross-dock environments.
Inland Marine / Contractors Equipment — Covers mobile equipment, tools, and certain scheduled property. Ideal for fleets handling load-securement gear, forklifts, small machinery, or mobile tools. Many carriers tailor coverage for heavy-duty equipment used at terminals or job sites.
Property (BPP/Building/BI/EE) — For offices, terminals, and business personal property; includes business income/extra expense options. Protects your facilities, dispatch centers, and operational assets from fire, theft, wind, and more. Business income coverage helps keep cash flow stable after an insured shutdown.
Cyber Liability — Responds to certain cyber events (ransomware, data breach, network interruption)—increasingly important for ELD/telematics-heavy fleets. Protects sensitive driver and customer data while covering response costs and lost revenue. Many contracts now require cyber coverage for carriers handling digital BOLs and shipment data.
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) — Defends against certain employee-related allegations (e.g., discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination). Especially valuable for growing fleets with dispatch, safety, and driver management operations. EPLI can include defense costs, settlements, and risk-management resources.
Umbrella/Excess Liability — Adds higher limits over auto liability/GL (and sometimes employers liability) to meet shipper/contract requirements. Umbrella limits are common for large fleets, hazmat haulers, and high-value cargo carriers. Higher excess layers help satisfy broker, DOT, and shipper demands for increased financial responsibility.