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Owner Operator Truck Insurance

 

 

Owner Operator Insurance Coverage for Your Business and Equipment

Owner operator truck insurance by Great West protects your trucking business while you run your operation.

As an owner operator truck driver, you have a business to manage — finding loads, managing expenses, securing proper insurance coverage, and more — not to mention hauling freight as a motor carrier operator. A trusted commercial truck insurance provider can help protect the livelihood you have built.

At Great West, we understand the insurance requirements of your operation. We can customize your owner operator insurance coverage - whether you operate as a motor carrier under your own authority or under lease to a motor carrier, as well as the other nuances of your business.

Get the best Owner Operator Insurance coverage for your business.

Every trucking operation is unique, and there are different ways to approach owner operator insurance coverage to maximize your protection while minimizing your premium.

To get you the best coverage for your trucking company, your agent may ask questions like these to determine the coverage you need:

  • Are you under permanent lease to a motor carrier or do you work under your own authority?
  • Do you own or lease your tractors?
  • Do you have employees who drive for you?
  • Do you have an office or shop?
  • What type of freight do you haul?
  • What routes do you travel?

Get insurance for owner operators From a company that understands trucking.

Owner Operators with Their Own Authority

To determine owner operator insurance cost, it is important to understand what  specific coverages you need. Here are some of the common components of a commercial truck insurance policy for independent owner operators who have their own authority. We help you select only the coverage you need to fit your business and operational needs.

Auto Liability Coverage

Owner operators with their own authority must have an Auto Liability policy (sometimes called Primary Liability) with a minimum of $750,000 in coverage to operate as an interstate carrier in the United States. Many shippers and freight brokers require a minimum of $1,000,000 in coverage to haul for them.

Workers Compensation Coverage

If you have employees, many states require that you have workers’ compensation coverage for drivers and clerical employees, regardless of your independent contractor status.

Owner Operator Insurance Coverage Options

Passenger Accident Coverage
TOUCH

Passenger Accident Coverage

Passenger Accident coverage provides medical coverage for passengers riding along with you.

Passenger Accident Coverage

Passenger Accident coverage provides medical coverage for passengers riding along with you.

Owner Operators Under Permanent Lease

As an owner operator, when you’re leased to a motor carrier, you’re typically insured under the motor carrier’s Auto Liability policy.

It’s important to know that you’re covered by their policy only when you’re operating under your lease, and their Auto Liability policy covers only injuries to other people and damage to the property of others if the motor carrier is held liable for the accident.

The motor carrier’s coverage does not cover damage to your truck.

That’s why owner operators under permanent lease need their own owner operator insurance coverage. We select coverages to specifically fill the gaps that could put your livelihood at risk–either by having to pay for damages or from a lawsuit–as the result of an accident.

Non-Trucking Use (NTU) Coverage

Non-trucking Use (NTU) coverage is a common addition for owner-operators under lease. This provides liability coverage for when you’re using the truck for non-business purposes, like stopping at the store or running errands.

A COMPREHENSIVE OWNER OPERATORS INSURANCE BUNDLE

Choice Coverage® Plus

A bundle of trucking insurance endorsements designed to protect owner operators with one to nine units. Choice Coverage® Plus includes Electronic Equipment coverage, Personal Property coverage, Miscellaneous Equipment coverage, and Mechanical Breakdown coverage, plus a diminishing deductible that rewards owner operators who operate safe and loss-free.

Why You Should Choose Owner Operators Insurance from Great West

Great West has focused only on commercial truck insurance for more than 65 years. Whether you are  working under someone else’s authority or you’re working under your own authority, our deep experience in the trucking industry and understanding of owner operator truck insurance means we can help you create a customized insurance policy.

When you have an accident, the Great West team knows that fast, efficient claims service is crucial to your livelihood. That’s why we provide 24x7x365 claims services. Our proactive claims specialists will help you find towing services, answer your questions, and help you file your claim quickly.

two owner operators sit and talk
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Owner Operator Insurance FAQs

Are there limitations or exclusions within owner operator insurance policies for commercial trucking?

Yes, insurance for owner operators typically covers both liability and Physical Damage for the truck and cargo. Liability coverage includes bodily injury and property damage protection, while Physical Damage coverage encompasses damage to the owner operator's truck and the cargo they are hauling.

Can owner operator insurance be customized to cater to specific needs or risks?

Yes, owner operator insurance can be customized to cater to the specific needs or risks of the individual owner operator. This customization allows for adjustments in insurance coverage limits, endorsements for specialized cargo or equipment, and modifications based on the unique operational aspects of your trucking business.

Does owner operator insurance offer coverage for downtime, rental vehicles, or temporary replacements for the truck?

Typically, insurance for owner operators does not include coverage for downtime, rental vehicles, or temporary replacements for the truck as part of their standard coverage. However, owner-operators can explore additional insurance options, such as Choice Coverage Plus to address these specific needs and minimize business disruptions.

Insurance Contracts are Underwritten, Administered, and Issued by: Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Life Insurance Company, and Old Republic Union Insurance Company. 

One or more Old Republic companies may provide the products and/or services described. Information presented is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute a contract or advice, including employment advice or advice to motor carriers.  Please refer to the relevant insurance policy for actual terms. Products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. © 2026 Old Republic International Corporation. Old Republic® and the Old Republic Circle of Stars monogram are registered trademarks. All Rights Reserved.