Buying Truck Insurance for the Local Indepedent Hauler

Staying safe, legal, and protected on the road is every truck driver's goal, whether operating under his/her own authority as an owner/operator or on lease to a motor carrier. Having the correct type of truck insurance is an important part of the puzzle, providing protection for you and your truck at all times, whether on the job, under dispatch, heading home with no load or on days off, when your rig is safely parked out of harm's way (or so you thought!).

As a local independent hauler, driving either here in the Triad area or elsewhere in North Carolina, affordable, quality truck insurance exists to fit your exact needs. Commercial truck insurance is specific to your particular industry and can be somewhat complicated, consisting of many different types of coverage, including:

• Commercial auto liability
• Physical damage coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Bobtail insurance
• Worker’s Compensation
• Non-owned trailer coverage

Who's The Boss?

If your rig and services are being leased out to a motor carrier then they will likely have you covered for liability while you're under dispatch for them. When on your own time, however, using your vehicle for personal reasons still opens you up to potential liability for which you need personal coverage. This type of liability coverage is designed to pay claims for personal injuries or property damage you cause while driving your truck for other than business use for the common carrier to which you're leased.  It's called Bobtail Insurance.

If you're an owner/operator driving under your own authority, you'll need to carry liability insurance covering you and your rig around the clock, regardless of what types of activities in which you're involved, business or otherwise.
Physical damage coverage comes into play if your truck is damaged as a result of a collision.  You can also add non-collision damage coverage for some losses not covered by collision or liability portions of the policy.

What Exactly Do You Need?

Since your truck represents your livelihood, protecting it with a quality truck insurance policy ensures that, even should something untoward occur, you'll have financial support to help cover your loss. It's important to understand exactly what coverage your motor carrier provides if you're leased out. This way, you can add coverage that they don't provide. Talk to your qualified, independent agent for assistance in understanding the options.