Insurance Designed for Owner-Operators
You built your business with hard work and determination. We protect it with coverage designed specifically for independent truckers who own their rigs and control their destiny.
Overview
Being an owner-operator means freedom — you choose your loads, set your schedule, and run your own business. But that independence also comes with full responsibility for your insurance coverage. Unlike company drivers who are covered under a carrier's umbrella policy, owner-operators must secure their own protection against liability claims, equipment damage, cargo losses, and gaps in coverage. At Trucking Insurance Today, we have helped hundreds of owner-operators across Southern California navigate these complexities. Kail and Nancy understand the financial pressures you face — from truck payments and fuel costs to insurance premiums and maintenance — and work tirelessly to secure coverage that protects your investment without eating into your profits.
Key Benefits
Owner-Operator Rate Specialists
We know the markets that offer the best rates for independent truckers. Our relationships with specialty carriers mean you get pricing that larger agencies often cannot match for single-truck operations.
Coverage Gap Analysis
We review your lease agreement, operating authority, and current policies to identify dangerous gaps — like the period between loads when your carrier's insurance stops covering you.
Authority & Compliance Package
Starting fresh? We handle your DOT number application, MC authority filing, BOC-3 agent designation, UCR registration, and IFTA decal procurement — all bundled with your insurance for convenience.
Equipment Financing Support
Working with a truck dealer or finance company? We coordinate with lenders to meet their insurance requirements and keep your financing on track.
Coverage Details
Non-Trucking Liability (Bobtail)
Covers you during personal use of your truck when you are not under dispatch. This fills the critical gap in your carrier's policy that only covers you while hauling their loads.
Physical Damage
Protects your tractor against collision, comprehensive, and specified perils. Essential for financed or leased trucks where the lender requires coverage.
Occupational Accident
Provides medical, disability, and death benefits similar to workers' compensation. Required by many carriers as a condition of your lease agreement.
Contingent Cargo
Secondary cargo coverage that activates if the carrier's cargo policy is insufficient or denied. Adds an extra layer of protection for valuable or sensitive freight.
Trailer Interchange
Covers physical damage to trailers you pull that belong to another party (shipper, broker, or carrier). Fills a gap that standard physical damage policies do not address.
Why Truckers Choose Us
- Hundreds of owner-operators in Southern California trust us with their coverage
- We understand lease agreements and can explain exactly what coverage your carrier provides — and what it does not
- Flexible payment options designed for the variable income patterns of independent truckers
- DOT authority setup and compliance monitoring included at no extra charge
- Bilingual support ensures clear communication regardless of language preference
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance does an owner-operator need?
At minimum, an owner-operator leased to a carrier needs non-trucking liability (bobtail) insurance, physical damage coverage, and occupational accident insurance. If you have your own authority, you also need primary auto liability ($750,000+ minimum), motor truck cargo, and general liability coverage.
How much does owner-operator insurance cost per month?
Monthly costs vary widely based on your experience, equipment, and coverage needs. Leased owner-operators typically pay $400-$900 per month for bobtail, physical damage, and occupational accident. Owner-operators with their own authority can expect $1,000-$2,000+ per month for a full coverage package.
What is the difference between bobtail and non-trucking liability?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction. Non-trucking liability covers personal use of your truck when not under dispatch. Bobtail insurance specifically covers driving without a trailer — for example, driving to pick up a loaded trailer. In practice, most policies sold as 'bobtail' are actually non-trucking liability policies.
Do I need my own insurance if I am leased to a carrier?
The carrier's policy covers your truck while you are under their dispatch, but gaps exist. You need non-trucking liability for off-dispatch use, physical damage to protect your equipment investment, and occupational accident for injury protection. We review your lease to identify exactly what you need.
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