Commercial Trucking Insurance
Primary Liability Insurance for Commercial Trucking Operations
Primary liability is a foundational commercial trucking coverage. Subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, it may respond when an insured commercial vehicle causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party.
What it may cover
What primary liability may cover
- Third-party bodily injury
- Third-party property damage
- Legal defence for covered claims
- Certain covered judgments or settlements
- Accidents involving scheduled vehicles and eligible drivers
Important to understand
It generally does not cover damage to the insured’s own truck, trailer, or cargo. Separate coverages may be needed.
Who may consider it
Who may consider it
- For-hire motor carriers
- Owner-operators operating under their own authority
- Local and regional trucking businesses
- Interstate carriers
- Commercial fleets
- Specialized freight operations
Coverage in practice
Real-world situations
A truck is involved in an at-fault accident
Primary liability may respond to covered third-party bodily injury and property-damage claims, subject to policy terms and limits.
A collision occurs in mixed highway traffic
Covered third-party claims arising from operation of the insured vehicle may be addressed, subject to the policy.
Property is damaged during covered operation
Covered third-party property damage may be addressed within the policy’s terms and limits.
Important to know
An important clarification
Primary liability addresses harm to others — not the insured’s own equipment or freight.
- Primary liability generally does not cover damage to the insured’s own truck, trailer, or cargo.
- Separate coverages such as physical damage and motor truck cargo may be needed for those exposures.
- Coverage applies subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions.
Related coverages
Coverages often carried together
Prepare for a quote
Information commonly requested
- USDOT and MC numbers
- Operating radius
- Commodities hauled
- Vehicle and trailer schedules
- Driver information
- Insurance history and loss runs
- Requested liability limits
- Annual mileage and estimated revenue
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is primary liability required for every trucking business?
Requirements depend on authority, operation, and applicable regulations and contracts. Many for-hire operations carry it, and brokers or shippers may require specific limits. A licensed professional can review what applies to you.
Does it cover damage to my own truck?
Generally no. Damage to the insured’s own vehicle is typically addressed by physical damage coverage, not primary liability.
What liability limit should I select?
The appropriate limit depends on your operation, contracts, and risk tolerance. Certain operations may have minimum requirements. A licensed professional can discuss suitable options.
What is the difference between primary and non-trucking liability?
Primary liability generally applies while operating under dispatch for the motor carrier. Non-trucking liability addresses certain eligible off-dispatch use. Policy wording determines when each applies.
Does it cover cargo?
No. Freight is generally addressed by motor truck cargo coverage, subject to that policy’s terms.
How do drivers and operating radius affect the quote?
Underwriters may consider driver experience and history along with the radius and states of operation when evaluating an application.
Ready to Review This Coverage?
Tell us about your operation and a licensed insurance professional can help you explore available options.