Primary Liability
Covered third-party injury and property damage when under your own authority.
Learn more about Primary LiabilityTrucking Operations
Coverage Built Around Your Truck and Your Livelihood
Whether operating under your own authority or leased to a motor carrier, an owner-operator may face a combination of vehicle, liability, cargo, contractual, and business exposures. The coverages that apply depend on how you operate.
Risks
Risks commonly faced
- At-fault accidents involving your truck
- Damage to your own tractor or trailer
- Legal responsibility for freight in your care
- Off-dispatch or personal use of the truck
- Contractual insurance requirements from carriers or brokers
- Gaps between a motor carrier’s coverage and your own
Common considerations
These considerations commonly shape an owner-operator’s coverage. The right combination depends on how you operate.
- Authority status
- Lease requirements
- Vehicle value
- Cargo
- Operating radius
- Non-trucking use
- Trailer responsibility
Coverage
Coverage commonly considered
The coverages below are commonly considered for this operation. The right combination depends on the specifics of your business.
Physical Damage
Covered loss or damage to your own tractor and trailer.
Learn more about Physical DamageMotor Truck Cargo
Legal responsibility for covered freight in transit.
Learn more about Motor Truck CargoNon-Trucking Liability
Certain eligible off-dispatch use while leased to a carrier.
Learn more about Non-Trucking LiabilityWho this is for
Is this you?
- Owner-operators under their own authority
- Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier
- Single-truck operators
- Drivers evaluating coverage before signing a lease
- Operators preparing for a renewal
Prepare for a quote
Information commonly requested
- Authority status (own authority or leased)
- Lease agreement details
- Vehicle information and value
- Driving history
- Commodities hauled
- Operating radius
- Prior coverage and loss runs
- Requested effective date
Our process
How Talis helps
The right programme depends on whether you run under your own authority or lease to a carrier. We start by understanding that.
1
Discuss your operation
Tell us how you run — authority, drivers, equipment, cargo, and routes.
2
Review coverage needs
We identify applicable coverages and potential gaps for your operation.
3
Compare and place coverage
A licensed professional explains eligible options and the requirements to bind.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need my own insurance if I am leased to a carrier?
It depends on your lease. A motor carrier may provide primary liability while you are dispatched, but you may still consider coverages such as physical damage, non-trucking liability, or occupational accident, subject to eligibility.
What is the difference between running under my own authority and leasing on?
Under your own authority you generally arrange your own coverages, including primary liability. When leased on, the carrier may provide certain coverage while you are dispatched. Your lease and the policy wording determine specifics.
Is non-trucking liability the same as bobtail?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but policy definitions can differ. The actual policy language determines when coverage applies.
What information should I have ready for a quote?
Authority status, lease details, vehicle information, driving history, commodities, radius, and prior coverage with loss runs help support a more accurate quote.
Coverage disclaimer. Coverage descriptions are provided for general informational purposes only. Actual coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, exclusions, underwriting eligibility, and carrier availability. Please consult a licensed insurance professional regarding your specific operation.
Let’s Talk About Your Operation
Share the details of how you run and we can help you explore suitable coverage.