Non Trucking Liability

Non-trucking liability insurance covers owner-operators in terms of non-business use, such as on days off. Typically, the motor carrier will provide truck insurance only when the truck is being used for work purposes.

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    Non Trucking Liability: Owner-Operated and For-Hire Trucks
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      What kind of truck do you have?

      When do you need it?

      Non Trucking Liability: Owner-Operated and For-Hire Trucks

      To protect their drivers, federal law states that trucking companies need to cover drivers for a minimum of $750,000 per accident. While smaller carriers with five or fewer trucks might only get basic types of tracking insurance, larger operators often look for other forms of insurance coverage to protect themselves from various forms of trucking liability, such as non-trucking liability insurance.

      What Is Non-Trucking Liability?

      Non-trucking liability insurance covers owner-operators in terms of non-business use, such as on days off. Typically, the motor carrier will provide truck insurance only when the truck is being used for work purposes. Most insurance policies won't cover personal use without purchasing additional insurance coverage, due to their commercial nature.

      What Does Non-Trucking Liability Cover?

      Non-trucking liability insurance comes with many benefits, including coverage for bodily injury and property damage during personal or non-business use. It can provide protection for a trucker against a potential lawsuit from an accident and help cover any medical bills someone may suffer.

      For-Hire Trucks

      Even though non-trucking liability coverage isn't required by state law, an owner-operator may need non-trucking liability if it is required by the motor carrier. The liability policy may be part of a signed lease agreement between the operator and the motor carrier, in the event that the trucker causes an accident using one of their vehicles.

      What's the Difference Between Owner-Operated and For-Hire Coverage?

      Depending on the needs of a company, there are different auto liability policy types for owner-operated and for-hire insurance. However, both types of coverage would also be beneficial when combined with non-trucking liability coverage and physical damage coverage to add an extra layer of protection for their business.

      Owner-Operated Coverage

      In the event that an owner-operator is leased onto a motor carrier, they're usually covered under the auto liability insurance from their company. However, the owner-operator should be aware that this coverage is only applicable to a load or dispatch. It can provide coverage for third-party injuries or damaged property if the motor carrier is held liable.

      Physical damage insurance should also be purchased by an owner-operator to cover damage or loss to their tractor itself.

      For-Hire Coverage

      When it comes to for-hire coverage, companies typically provide coverage for permanently leased independent contractors like primary liability insurance coverage. However, they may need to purchase additional insurance coverage on top of this.

      They need to verify with their motor carrier whether other types of coverage like bobtail coverage and physical truck insurance is needed in addition to basic forms of insurance. They may also need non-trucking liability to cover all their bases.

      What is Bobtail Insurance?

      Bobtail insurance provides protection for a tractor or truck when it is operated without a trailer attached. It is often confused with non-trucking liability insurance, which only covers a vehicle when it is being used for personal reasons. In contrast, bobtail liability applies whether a vehicle is under dispatch or not.

      In the event that the trailer isn't covered by primary liability, bobtail coverage can function effectively. However, bobtail insurance won't protect provide coverage for physical damage if it occurs when someone is e pulling a trailer, driving a truck for motor carriers, or using a truck to make money.

      What is Physical Damage Coverage?

      Physical damage coverage can help pay for truck repairs in the event that it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle. The two types of trucking insurance include collision and comprehensive insurance, with comprehensive truck insurance covering a wider range of damage.

      How Much Does Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Cost?

      Because non-trucking liability insurance is not as broad compared to other insurance policies, it can cost around 29-$50 per month. To calculate this number, insurance companies check factors like frequency of personal driving and more to come up with a number for the non-trucking liability insurance premium.

      Additional Resources

      Occupational Safety and Health Administration - Trucking Industry Safety and Health Info

      This source provides essential information on common trucker illnesses and injuries as well as general trucking safety tips to be aware of.

      U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Truck Transportation Industry

      This source describes workplace trends in the trucking industry, along with workforce statistics, earnings and hours, and pricing.

      Frequently Asked Questions:

      What is Non-Trucking Liability Insurance?

      Non-Trucking Liability Insurance provides coverage for "non-business" use of a commercial truck and is often used to protect owner-operators during their off-duty hours.

      Do owner-operators need Non-Trucking Liability Insurance?

      Yes, owner-operators typically need this insurance as it provides coverage when they are not under dispatch or not hauling a load.

      Does Non-Trucking Liability cover damage to the truck itself?

      No, Non-Trucking Liability Insurance generally only covers liabilities for injuries or property damage caused to others in an accident.

      What's the difference between Non-Trucking Liability and Primary Liability Insurance for trucks?

      Primary Liability Insurance covers damages and injuries to other parties when the truck is being used for business purposes. Non-Trucking Liability covers similar instances, but only when the truck is not being used for business.

      Are for-hire truckers covered under Non-Trucking Liability?

      Non-Trucking Liability typically covers owner-operators when they're not under dispatch. For-hire truckers, when under a permanent lease agreement, may also be covered, but it largely depends on the specifics of the policy and the lease agreement.

      Getting Collision Insurance for Your Trucking Company

      In addition to other types of basic insurance, non-trucking liability coverage and bobtail insurance provide coverage that can help protect businesses and truck drivers from the financial aftermath of an accident.

      While purchasing a cheaper form of truck insurance might seem tempting, it might not provide adequate protection. Examining the coverage depth across different providers can help motor carriers make more informed decisions.

      For more information on other forms of commercial auto liability policies and insurance coverage that companies and individuals in the trucking industry should look into, request custom-tailored insurance quotes on Assured Standard.

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