Operations this guide may include
- Independent owner-operators under their own authority
- Owner-operators permanently leased to a motor carrier
- Single-truck and small expanding motor-carrier operations
- Local, regional, and long-haul freight service
Questions that shape the conversation
Insurance markets evaluate the complete operation. These are examples of details that can materially affect the available path.
- Does the owner-operator use their own authority or lease to another carrier?
- Which party provides primary liability, cargo, trailer, and occupational coverage under the contract?
- What equipment, commodities, radius, mileage, and operating states are involved?
- Are there periods of personal use, bobtailing, deadheading, or operating without dispatch?
Coverage topics to discuss
Primary auto liability
A central coverage for motor carriers operating under their own authority and required filings.
Non-trucking liability
A separate coverage discussion for certain uses when a leased operator is not acting in the business of the motor carrier.
Motor truck cargo
Potential protection for covered freight, subject to commodities, contracts, limits, and exclusions.
Physical damage and trailer coverage
Owned truck, financed equipment, non-owned trailer, and deductible considerations.
Information worth preparing
- Operating authority, lease agreement, and insurance-responsibility summary
- Truck and trailer VINs, values, financing, and ownership
- Commodity, radius, mileage, revenue, and broker or shipper details
- License, experience, motor vehicle record, current insurance, and loss runs
Related business insurance guides
Trucking & Tractor-Trailer Insurance
Business insurance planning for motor carriers, owner-operators, fleets, and tractor-trailer operations.
Explore this guide →Dry Van & General Freight Insurance
Business insurance planning for dry-van carriers, general-freight motor carriers, owner-operators, and fleets.
Explore this guide →Hotshot Trucking Insurance
Insurance considerations for hotshot carriers using pickups, flatbeds, goosenecks, and expedited-hauling equipment.
Explore this guide →Refrigerated Trucking Insurance
Insurance planning for refrigerated carriers, reefer fleets, temperature-controlled freight, and cold-chain transportation.
Explore this guide →This guide provides general educational information, not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Coverage availability, eligibility, limits, exclusions, and pricing vary by applicant, insurer, policy, and state.