Insurance for leased-on owner-operators.
Running under a motor carrier's authority keeps your costs down, but it doesn't mean you're fully covered. Here's what your carrier usually handles, and what's still on you.
Your carrier's policy vs. yours
Federal truth-in-leasing rules require your lease to spell out who is responsible for insurance and what can be charged back to you. That section of your lease is the place to start.
Here's how it usually breaks down. Your lease may be different, and we're happy to read it with you.
- Usually the carrier: primary liabilityTheir auto liability covers you while you're under dispatch, and they handle the FMCSA filings.
- Often the carrier: cargoMany carriers cover cargo, but some charge back the deductible or require you to carry your own.
- Usually you: non-trucking liabilityCovers you when you're off dispatch. Most leases require it, often at $1,000,000.
- Usually you: physical damageCovers your tractor (and trailer, if you own one). Required by your lender if it's financed.
- Usually you: occupational accidentCovers you if you're hurt working. Leased owner-operators usually aren't on the carrier's workers' comp.
- Sometimes you: trailer interchangeIf you pull trailers you don't own, check whether the carrier's policy covers damage to them.
Three steps. No jargon.
Send us your lease details
Who you're leased to and what the insurance section of your lease asks you to carry.
We fill only the gaps
We quote what you're responsible for, without duplicating what the carrier already covers.
Certificates to your carrier
We send proof of coverage to your carrier, and update it if you ever switch carriers.
Keep more of your settlement
Know your chargebacks
If insurance comes out of your settlements, ask for the itemized amount. Your own policy may cost less, and it stays with you.
Your coverage moves with you
Physical damage and occupational accident in your name follow you from carrier to carrier. Only the certificate changes.
Thinking about your own authority?
Your time leased on counts as experience. When you're ready, our new authority page and starter guide show what comes next.
What owner-operators ask us
What insurance does a leased owner-operator need?
Most need non-trucking liability, physical damage on their truck and occupational accident coverage. Your motor carrier usually provides primary liability and often cargo. Your lease agreement lists exactly what's required.
Do I need occupational accident insurance?
It isn't required by law, but many carriers require it in the lease. Leased owner-operators usually aren't covered by the carrier's workers' comp, so without it an on-the-job injury could leave you paying your own medical bills and lost income.
Can I keep my policies if I switch carriers?
Yes. Physical damage and occupational accident policies in your name stay with you. We just update the certificate for your new carrier, and adjust non-trucking liability if the new lease asks for something different.
My carrier deducts insurance from my settlements. Can I buy my own?
Often, yes, depending on your lease. Send us the amount being deducted and what it covers, and we'll quote a comparison.
Does the carrier's insurance cover my truck if it's damaged?
Usually not. The carrier's liability policy covers damage you cause to others, not your own equipment. That's what physical damage coverage is for.
More coverage for owner-operators
Bobtail & non-trucking liability
Coverage for when you're off dispatch and your carrier's policy stops.
Learn more →Motor truck cargo
Coverage for the freight in your care, with exclusions that fit what you haul.
Learn more →New authority insurance
Specialty markets that write first-year carriers, plus your FMCSA filings.
Learn more →Commercial Truck Insurance
Liability, cargo, physical damage and more for owner-operators and small fleets.
See all trucking coverage →Get your truck quote started.
Licensed in Illinois and Indiana. A licensed trucking agent reviews every request.