Do I need my own insurance if I am leased to a carrier?

The carrier's policy covers liability while you are dispatched on their loads. However, you typically need your own non-trucking liability, physical damage, and occupational accident coverage. We can review your lease agreement and identify exactly what you need.

What is non-trucking liability?

Non-trucking liability (also called bobtail insurance) covers you when you are using your truck for non-business purposes, like driving home after delivering a load. The carrier's policy only covers you while on dispatch.

Is occupational accident insurance the same as workers comp?

No. Workers compensation is an employer-provided benefit. As an independent owner-operator, you are typically not eligible for workers comp. Occupational accident insurance fills that gap, covering medical bills and lost wages if you are injured on the job.

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Owner-Operator Insurance

Owner-operator insurance is built for independent truckers who own their equipment and either lease to a carrier or run under their own authority. Your insurance needs are different from a large fleet, and cookie-cutter policies leave gaps. We put together complete packages that cover your liability, physical damage, cargo, occupational accident, and non-trucking liability in one program designed around how you actually operate.

What's Covered

Primary liability or bobtail/non-trucking liability options

Physical damage with agreed value for your truck

Occupational accident coverage (since workers comp may not apply)

Non-trucking liability for personal use of your truck

Cargo insurance if operating under your own authority

Downtime coverage to replace lost income after a covered loss

Who Needs Owner-Operator Insurance?

If you own your truck and drive for a living, you are an owner-operator and you need specialized insurance. Whether you are leased to a carrier, operate under your own MC authority, or run as an independent contractor, your coverage requirements differ from company drivers. We help owner-operators across the country build affordable, complete insurance programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where These Facts Come From

Sourced 2 of 2

Key federal requirements on this page, linked to the law they come from.

1.For-hire carriers hauling non-hazardous property interstate in vehicles of 10,001 lbs or more need at least $750,000 in public liability. 49 CFR 387.9 · checked 2026-10-01
2.Proof of a carrier's public liability coverage is the MCS-90 endorsement (or an MCS-82 surety bond), kept at its principal place of business. 49 CFR 387.7 · checked 2026-10-01

Get a Owner-Operator Insurance Quote

We compare rates from many carriers to find the best owner-operator insurance coverage for your operation.

Get a quote Call 317-427-5599