Primary liability insurance for trucking
Protects your business when your truck causes injury or property damage to others. It is required to operate, and the limits and price depend on how you run.
What primary liability covers
Primary liability pays for bodily injury and property damage you are legally responsible for when your truck is at fault, up to your policy limit. Depending on the policy, it can also help pay for your legal defense.
It does not cover your own truck, the freight you haul or injuries to your own employees. Other coverages handle those, which is why most trucking operations carry several.
| Coverage | What it protects |
|---|---|
| Primary liability | Injury and property damage you cause to other people |
| Excess liability | Extra liability limits above your primary policy |
| Motor truck cargo | The freight you are hauling |
| Physical damage | Your own tractor, trailer or box truck |
| Trailer interchange | Trailers you pull that belong to someone else, under a written agreement |
| Workers' compensation | Injuries to your employees, where required and available |
Who needs primary liability
Anyone operating commercial trucks needs liability coverage. Whether you carry it yourself or are covered under a motor carrier's policy depends on how you operate, for example under your own authority or leased to a carrier.
Minimum limits are set by federal and state rules, and many brokers and shippers require more. We help you choose limits that fit your contracts.
What affects the cost
No two quotes are the same. We compare options from multiple carriers so you can see the trade-offs.
- Your operation: what you haul, how far you run and the states you operate in
- Your equipment: truck type, age and value
- Your drivers: experience and driving records
- Your history: prior claims and time in business
- Limits and deductibles you choose
Other coverages we offer
Browse another coverage, or get a quote and we will help you choose.
Trucking
Commercial
Primary Liability questions
Quick answers before you request a quote.
Is primary liability the same as cargo insurance?
No. Primary liability covers harm you cause to other people and their property. Cargo covers the freight you are hauling. Most trucking operations need both.
Does it cover my own truck?
No. Damage to your own tractor, trailer or box truck falls under physical damage coverage, which is separate.
How much coverage do I need?
It depends on the rules that apply to you and on what your brokers, shippers and contracts require. We help you compare limits and explain the trade-offs.
Can you help a new trucking company?
Yes. We work with new ventures as well as established fleets. Options depend on your operation and the carriers available.
What do you need to quote it?
Your contact details, and if you have them, your USDOT or MC number, equipment, drivers, recent claims history and what you haul.
Ready for a trucking quote?
Tell us about your operation and an advisor will follow up during business hours.