Commercial Trucking Insurance
General Liability Insurance for Trucking Businesses
Commercial general liability may address certain covered business exposures that are not caused by the direct operation of an insured commercial vehicle — the risks that happen at your yard, dock, or place of business.
What it may cover
What it may cover
- Third-party bodily injury at your premises
- Third-party property damage during non-driving activities
- Certain loading and unloading exposures
- Certain completed-operations claims
- Legal defence for covered claims
- Personal and advertising injury, where included
Where general liability fits
General liability is not a substitute for primary auto liability. It focuses on non-driving business exposures, and shippers, brokers, or landlords sometimes require it in a contract.
- Slip-and-fall claims at your premises
- Certain loading and unloading incidents
- Damage to a customer’s property away from the vehicle
- Products-completed operations, where included
- Personal and advertising injury, where included
- Contractual insurance requirements
Who may consider it
Who may consider it
- Motor carriers with a yard or office
- Fleet companies
- Freight and logistics businesses
- Warehousing and cross-dock operations
- Operations with contractual insurance requirements
- Businesses with regular customer or public contact
Coverage in practice
Real-world situations
A visitor is injured at your yard
General liability may respond to a covered third-party bodily-injury claim occurring at your premises, subject to the policy.
Property is damaged during loading
Certain loading or unloading incidents away from vehicle operation may be addressed, depending on the policy wording.
A contract requires it
A broker or shipper may require general liability limits before you can haul; the policy can provide the certificate they request.
Important to know
What it is not
Think of general liability as protection for the business around the truck, not the truck on the road.
- General liability generally does not cover accidents arising from operating the insured truck — that is primary auto liability.
- It generally does not cover damage to your own vehicles, trailers, or hauled cargo.
- Coverage applies subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions.
Related coverages
Coverages often carried together
Prepare for a quote
Information commonly requested
- Legal business name and structure
- Business address and premises details
- Number of employees
- Annual revenue
- Description of operations
- Loading and unloading practices
- Contract or certificate requirements
- Insurance history and loss runs
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between general liability and primary liability?
Primary (auto) liability addresses covered claims arising from operating the insured vehicle. General liability addresses certain business exposures away from vehicle operation, such as a customer injured at your yard.
Does general liability cover vehicle accidents?
Generally no. Accidents involving the insured truck are typically addressed by primary auto liability, not general liability.
Do owner-operators need general liability?
It depends on the operation and any contracts. An owner-operator with no premises exposure may not, while one with a yard or contractual requirement might. A licensed professional can review your situation.
Can a shipper or broker require it?
Yes. Contracts sometimes require general liability limits and a certificate of insurance before you can begin hauling.
Does it cover employees who are injured?
Employee injuries are generally addressed by workers’ compensation, not general liability, subject to applicable law.
Ready to Review This Coverage?
Tell us about your operation and a licensed insurance professional can help you explore available options.