Beginner's Guide for Trucking Insurance | Joe Morten & Son

Launching or expanding a trucking business involves a long list of priorities; one of the most critical areas to get right from the beginning is insurance. For those new to the industry, the world of trucking insurance can feel complex and unfamiliar. What coverage do you really need? What’s legally required? And how do you make sure your business is protected when things go wrong?

In this guide, we’ll explain what trucking insurance is, outline the most common types of coverage and help you understand how to build a policy that fits your operation. Whether you run a single truck or manage a growing fleet, this information will help you make informed decisions that protect your people, your assets and your future.

What Is Trucking Insurance and Why Do You Need It?

Trucking insurance is commercial coverage designed to protect trucks, cargo, drivers and the businesses that rely on them. It addresses the unique risks that come with operating commercial vehicles across public roads and job sites.

From accidents and breakdowns to lawsuits and theft, insurance helps shield your company from unexpected financial loss. Several coverages are mandated by law, particularly for motor carriers and for-hire trucking operations. Without the right policies in place, even a single incident could cost thousands—or in some cases, millions—in out-of-pocket expenses.

Common Types of Trucking Insurance Coverage

There are several core coverages that form the foundation of most trucking insurance programs. Understanding each will help you determine what’s essential and what can be tailored to your specific needs:

• Auto Liability Insurance
  Generally covers bodily injury or property damage you may cause while operating your truck that you are legally obligated to pay to a third-party. This is a foundational policy for all commercial carriers.
• Physical Damage Insurance
  Generally covers repair or replacement of your truck or trailer in the event of a covered loss to that vehicle, such as collision, theft, vandalism or weather-related damage.
• Motor Truck Cargo Insurance
  Generally covers the freight you’re hauling for loss or damage due to accidents, theft or other covered events for which you are legally liable as a motor carrier.
• Commercial General Liability Insurance
  Generally covers third-party claims for accidents that do not involve the use of a vehicle, but occur due to your business operations, such as bodily injuries or property damage at loading docks involving a forklift, damage to cargo while being warehoused, or a slip-and-fall at your truck yards.
• Workers Compensation
  Required if you employ drivers or staff. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job.
• Excess Liability (Umbrella Coverage)
  Provides additional limits above your primary liability policies. This is often required in contracts with brokers, shippers or fleet partners.

Most trucking businesses will need a combination of these policies. Coverage can be customized based on the size of your operation, the types of cargo you haul and the regions where you operate.

How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Trucking Business

There is no one-size-fits-all insurance solution in the trucking industry. The right coverage depends on your business model, your exposures and the specific contracts you take on.

As you evaluate your needs, consider:

• What types of cargo you typically transport
• The number of vehicles and drivers in your operation
• Whether you operate locally, regionally or across state lines
• Insurance requirements imposed by freight brokers, shippers or leasing companies

Working with an Owner-Operator Insurance specialist makes a measurable difference. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. has decades of experience helping trucking businesses navigate the complexities of commercial insurance. Our team understands the legal requirements and practical risks you face—and we tailor every policy to fit your operation, no matter the size.

Protecting Your Business from the Start

Insurance is one of the most important investments you’ll make as a trucking business owner. It protects your equipment, your drivers, your cargo and your financial stability. Understanding the basics is the first step toward building a reliable insurance strategy that supports your long-term success.

Need help choosing the right coverage for your operation? Request a free quote from Joe Morten & Son, Inc. today. We’re here to guide you through every mile.

This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.