Last year, it was estimated that one in three small commercial trucking businesses faced closure due to inadequate insurance! This of course was influenced by many commercial auto carriers exiting the marketplace. From a truckers perspective, uninsured costs related to medical treatment or defense & legal procedures arising out of injury or claims and lawsuits, are ‘out of pocket’ expenses that could cripple your business. 
Whether you are an independent owner operator or you own a small or large fleet of long haul trucks, a Long Haul Trucking Insurance policy is important for your survival in the industry.
Hazards related to this job
Truck driving is a dangerous job. Truck drivers are exposed to increased risk of road accidents, not only on account of the rough terrain, poor road conditions, bad weather and chaotic traffic but also because of the long drives, inadequate breaks and irregular rest and sleep. If this isn’t enough, you have to deal with the pressure and stress of meeting tight delivery schedules.
Sometimes truck drivers on long haul routes are targeted by criminals. Robbery and theft of cargo at truck stops and parking lots is not uncommon.
Many insurance companies are hesitant to provide coverage to long haul truckers because of their high exposure to risk. Coverage is often limited to companies that operate their fleets within a 300 to 500 mile radius.
A Long Haul Truck Insurance policy is specially designed for owner operators as well as small and big fleet operators in the long haul trucking industry and includes the following coverages:
Truckers General Liability Insurance
According to the Department of Transportation, liability insurance is mandatory for commercial trucks to operate. Trucking accidents involving fully loaded, large, long haul trucks can be catastrophic. Secondary damage can be severe when trucks carrying dangerous cargo such as gasoline or inflammable chemicals are involved in vehicle collisions.
In commercial truck accidents, both trucking company and truck driver may be held liable.
- When the trucker is at fault, pedestrians or other motorists involved in the accident, receive medical, death, dismemberment & disability benefits under this coverage.
- Property damage liability pays to repair damage caused to other vehicles or property involved in an accident.
- Accidents that occur during loading or unloading are also covered.
- Liability coverage includes wrong delivery of products, delivery of damaged goods, or failure to deliver goods in accordance with terms of sale
Cargo Insurance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that inter-state owner operators especially, are covered with Cargo Insurance. Most shippers refuse to work with owner operators who do not carry this insurance.
Physical Damage Insurance
Bad weather, earthquake, floods, animals, fire or explosion, theft and vandalism can damage your long haul truck/s, depriving you of means to earn your livelihood. Disruptions in existing business operations could set you back financially. A Physical Damage Insurance coverage pays for repair or replacement costs, ensuring that you are ‘back on the road’ in no time.
Other coverages you might want to consider purchasing
Commercial Crime Insurance
Protects you from crimes committed by employees as well as losses that occur from crimes committed by other third parties.
Long Haul Truckers Workers Comp
Workers Comp covers injures that your worker’s may sustain while on the job. For instance injuries while changing a flat tire on the road side or sprains & fractures caused when exiting or entering the truck.
Employee Benefits Coverage
Long haul truck driving is not for everyone. Employee turnover is high. Trucking companies offer a host of benefits, like paid vacations, health insurance for the entire family, life insurance, retirement plans, sick days and other perks in an effort to retain their truck drivers.