Occupational Accident insurance for Owner Operator Truckers is a supplemental insurance plan to help cover medical, death and disability claims resulting from on the job injuries.
Occupational Accident policies can include coverage for:
- Accidental Death
- Survivors Benefits
- Accidental Dismemberment
- Accidental Paralysis
- Accident Medical Expenses
- Temporary Total Disability
- Continuous Total Disability
While specific coverage limits vary, the total policy limits of Occupational Accident liability for truckers can be anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000 or $2,000,000.
Many plans include some coverage for Non-Occupational injuries as well.
Occupational Accident insurance is considered supplemental coverage.
Other supplemental coverage examples are vision or dental plans.
Health insurance is considered primary coverage that pays first on a claim for medical and hospital care. “No-fault” states that require PIP, or Personal Injury Protection insurance, also act as primary coverage.
Occupational Accident is often referred to as Occ-Acc or Work Accident Insurance.
Owner Operators with all types of commercial delivery trucks can purchase trucking occupational accident insurance.
What is the difference between Workers Comp and Occupational Accident Insurance for Truckers?
Because Owner Operators are Independent Contractors they are not covered by most Workers Comp laws and can choose the less expensive Occupational Accident coverage.
Workers Comp is state regulated coverage that provides comprehensive coverage for lost wages, medical bills, legal expenses and ongoing injury.
Occupational Accident insurance is more limited than Worker’s Comp and does not offer legal expenses and coverage is limited to policy limits purchased by the Independent Contractor.
Which states can Owner Operator Truckers buy Occupational Accident Insurance?
Occupational Accident is not Worker’s Compensation, so some states do not allow this coverage to be sold to truckers.
These states do NOT allow Occupational Accident for truckers:
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- Nevada
- North Carolina
How much does Occupational Accident insurance for truckers cost?
Depending on type of truck and limits of liability, Occupational Accident for Owner Operator truckers usually runs between $129 and $152 per month per driver. Smaller units like cargo vans and sprinters are around $122 per month.
Because Occupational Accident is not as comprehensive as Workers Comp, the cost for a policy is lower.
What is Contingent Liability?
A Leased On Owner Operator is an independent contractor who has an equipment contract with and hauls freight on behalf of a specific Motor Carrier.
- The Owner Operator Trucker purchases Occupational Accident Liability for their “Lessor” side of the contract
- The Motor Carrier is usually a Small Fleet that purchases Contingent Liability for their “Lessee” side of the contract
Contingent Liability coverage is designed to protect Motor Carriers from possible legal action should an Owner Operator sustain a work related injury and claims to be an employee vs an independent contractor.
Contingent Liability provides the Motor Carrier coverage for legal defense and settlement provisions in the event the independent contractor is deemed an employee.
How does an Owner Operator Trucker purchase an Occupational Accident policy?
Most truck insurance professionals offer an Occupational Accident program. Your agent will ask for a signed application including:
- Name
- DOB
- License Number & State Issued
- SSN
- Unit Type & Years of Experience in specific unit type
- Motor Carrier whom you will haul for
- Medical Plan Carrier Name
- Verification of 1099 Contract type
- Duties performed (Loading/Unloading, Attached/Detach Trailer, Tarping)
- Driving record verification (Major and minor violations)
Check out our Understand Commercial Truck Liability Videos to learn more about the types of insurance Owner Operator Truckers need.

Authors
Shelly Benisch, CIC, TRS started Commercial Insurance Solutions, Inc. (CIS) in 2002 and brings over 30 years of experience in Commercial Truck Insurance. As one of the top 25 Progressive Truck Insurance Agency Leaders in 2024, she helps small Motor Carriers and Owner Operators across the country find affordable truck insurance quotes with GEICO, Progressive and more. Shelly also writes a free Commercial Truck Insurance Blog packed with tips for all kinds of Small Truckers. Her team of Truck Insurance Experts have earned CIS consistent 5-star Google reviews and Progressive's Top 25 Truck Elite Status. For expert Commercial Truck Insurance advice, give Shelly a call at (330) 864-1511 #CISDoesThat Commercial Truck Insurance for owner operators and small motor carriers.
CEOChristina Cummings, TRS certified, leads Commercial Insurance Solutions, Inc. (CIS) as Executive Director and true experienced advice on Commercial Truck Insurance. She secures the most affordable GEICO quotes and Progressive quotes...and more for small Motor Carriers and Owner Operators nationwide. She is your "go to" person at CIS for advice with underwriting questions, tips and networking opportunities for Small Truckers. Under her leadership CIS earned Progressive's Top 25 Truck Elite status in 2024 and consistent 5-Star Google reviews. She also co-authors the free CIS Commercial Truck Insurance Blog for small Motor Carriers and Owner Operators, sharing her bottom line tips on how to find more affordable Commercial Truck Insurance. Looking for expert trucking insurance advice–Christina is your go to leader at (330) 864-1511 #CISDoesThat