Independent trucker coverage
Owner-operator trucking insurance for independent truckers
Whether you are leased onto a motor carrier or running under your own authority, your truck is your business. Kaufman Insurance Group compares owner-operator coverage from multiple companies and helps you understand which policies you need and which your carrier already provides.
- Options for leased-on drivers and your own authority
- Physical damage, non-trucking liability, and cargo options
- Help with filings and certificates
Personal & Commercial · Quick Quotes – Good Rates · Great Companies
As an independent agency, we compare trucking insurance from the companies we work with. The companies that can quote you depend on your type of business, your operations, where you work, and each company’s own rules.
These logos show some of the insurance companies Kaufman Insurance Group may be able to quote as an independent agency. Showing a logo does not mean the company endorses us. Which companies can offer you coverage depends on the type of insurance, where you live, and each company’s own rules.
The basics
What owner-operator trucking insurance is
Owner-operator insurance is a set of policies for truckers who own their truck and haul freight. What you need depends mostly on one question: are you leased onto a motor carrier, or do you run under your own operating authority?
If you are leased on, the motor carrier usually provides primary liability while you are under dispatch. You typically still need coverage for your own truck and for liability when you are driving but not hauling for the carrier. Your lease agreement spells out who covers what, so read it carefully and share it with us.
If you run under your own authority, you are the motor carrier. You generally need your own primary liability and any required federal or state filings, plus cargo and physical damage coverage. We help you sort out which pieces apply to you.
Leased onto a carrier
The carrier usually provides primary liability under dispatch. You often need physical damage and non-trucking liability.
Your own authority
You are responsible for primary liability, filings, cargo, and physical damage coverage.
Know what you are choosing
Coverages owner-operators commonly need
Your lease, your authority, your customers, and your freight decide which of these apply.
Primary liability
Helps pay for injuries or damage you cause to others while operating your truck. Required for your own authority.
Non-trucking liability
Liability coverage for when you drive your truck but are not under dispatch or hauling for the carrier, such as driving home.
Physical damage
Helps repair or replace your truck and trailer after a crash, theft, fire, or other covered loss.
Motor truck cargo
Helps pay for damage to or loss of the freight you are hauling, up to policy limits and terms.
Trailer interchange
Covers damage to a trailer you do not own while it is in your care under an interchange agreement.
Occupational accident
Some drivers buy this for injury protection when they are not covered by workers compensation. Ask your carrier what they require.
Is it right for you
Who we help
We work with independent truckers at different stages of their business.
Leased-on owner-operators
Drivers who own their truck and haul under a motor carrier’s authority.
New authorities
Drivers starting their own authority who need primary liability and filings in place.
Small fleets
Owner-operators adding a second truck or hiring a driver.
Specialized haulers
Flatbed, dry van, reefer, and other freight types, each with its own considerations.
Starting your own authority? Talk with an agent before you apply so your coverage is ready.
How Kaufman helps
How we help owner-operators
Trucking insurance has a lot of moving parts. We explain each piece and compare options from the companies we work with.
Share your details
Send your truck and trailer details, driving record, lease agreement or authority information, and the freight and routes you run.
We compare companies
An agent reviews options for the coverages you need and explains how each one works with your lease or authority.
Get on the road
Choose your coverage. We can help with filings and send certificates to brokers, shippers, and carriers.
We focus on Ohio and North Carolina, and we can also help truckers in most other states. For pickup and trailer operations, see hotshot trucking insurance.
Common questions
Owner-operator insurance questions
What insurance do I need if I am leased onto a carrier?
Usually the carrier provides primary liability while you are under dispatch. You often need physical damage coverage for your truck and non-trucking liability for times you drive without a load. Your lease agreement explains the details.
What is non-trucking liability?
Non-trucking liability covers you when you drive your truck for purposes other than hauling for the carrier, such as driving home after a delivery. It usually does not apply while you are under dispatch.
What do I need for my own authority?
You generally need primary liability with the required federal or state filings, and most customers will expect cargo coverage. Physical damage coverage protects your own equipment.
Can you file with the FMCSA for me?
When a policy that includes the needed filings is issued, the insurance company can submit the required filings electronically. We will help coordinate the process.
What affects the price of owner-operator insurance?
Your driving record, experience, equipment values, freight types, operating radius, authority age, and coverage choices all affect the price.
Related coverage
Related trucking and business coverage
Hotshot trucking insurance
Coverage for pickup and trailer hotshot haulers.
Explore hotshot insuranceCommercial auto and fleet insurance
Coverage for business vehicles and fleets that are not long-haul trucks.
Explore commercial autoGeneral liability insurance
Protection if your business is blamed for injuring someone or damaging their property.
Explore general liabilityCommercial insurance hub
See all the business insurance we can help with, from liability and property to vehicles and contractors.
Explore commercial insuranceReady to protect your rig?
Start an owner-operator insurance quote online, or contact us with questions. An agent will help you compare options.
Prefer to talk? Call (330) 486-8404.