Truck Driver Liability in an At-Fault Accident: What You Need to Know

Running a successful trucking business requires more than trucks and drivers—it requires the right trucking insurance coverage. Whether you’re an owner-operator or manage a growing fleet, choosing the wrong insurance policy can expose your business to serious financial risk.

Many trucking companies make costly insurance mistakes that lead to denied claims, compliance issues, or out-of-pocket expenses. Below are the most common trucking insurance mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Purchasing Trucking Insurance Online Without a Trucking Specialist

Buying trucking insurance online may seem convenient, but it often results in incomplete or inadequate coverage. Commercial trucking insurance is complex and must be tailored to your operation, cargo type, routes, and regulatory requirements.

Without guidance from a trucking insurance agency, you may miss essential coverages like cargo insurance, physical damage, or non-trucking liability. A trucking insurance specialist ensures your policy is properly structured and compliant.

2. Choosing the Cheapest Trucking Insurance Policy

Many trucking business owners focus only on price, but the cheapest policy often provides the least protection. Low-cost trucking insurance may include low liability limits or exclude critical risks.

If you’re involved in a serious accident, insufficient coverage could leave your business responsible for medical costs, vehicle damage, and legal expenses. Quality commercial truck insurance protects your long-term financial stability.

3. Using a General Insurance Agency Instead of a Trucking Insurance Expert

Not all insurance agencies understand the trucking industry. A general agency may sell trucking policies but lack expertise in DOT regulations, FMCSA compliance, and industry-specific risks.

A dedicated trucking insurance broker works with multiple carriers that specialize in trucking and transportation insurance. This ensures better coverage options, competitive pricing, and regulatory compliance.

4. Failing to Review Policy Exclusions and Coverage Limits

One of the most common trucking insurance mistakes is ignoring policy exclusions. Some trucking insurance policies may exclude:

  • Certain cargo types

  • Environmental cleanup

  • Specific accident scenarios

Understanding exclusions and limitations is critical. Reviewing your policy with a trucking insurance professional helps prevent claim denials and unexpected expenses.

5. Carrying Only Minimum Liability Truck Insurance

While federal and state laws require minimum liability coverage, minimums are often not enough. Commercial truck accidents can result in high-value claims involving injuries, property damage, and lawsuits.

Higher trucking liability insurance limits provide stronger financial protection and peace of mind for trucking business owners.

6. Overlooking Non-Trucking Liability and Physical Damage Coverage

Owner-operators leasing to motor carriers often assume they don’t need additional insurance. However:

  • Non-trucking liability insurance (bobtail insurance) protects you when driving off dispatch

  • Physical damage insurance covers repairs or replacement due to accidents, theft, or weather

Without these coverages, a single incident could result in major financial loss.

Choose the Right Trucking Insurance for Your Business

Avoiding these common trucking insurance mistakes can save your business thousands of dollars and keep you compliant with industry regulations. Paramount Insurance Agency specializes in trucking insurance for owner-operators, fleets, and commercial trucking companies.

📞 If your trucking business is located in North Carolina or South Carolina, Call Paramount Insurance Agency at 336-869-3335 to speak with a trucking insurance expert and get customized coverage designed to protect your business and keep you on the road. Or, click here for our online quote request.