Truck Insurance Basics – Primary Liability for Commercial Trucks

The commercial truck insurance industry has strict regulations. Numerous policies are available to both motor carriers, independent owners/operators, and other drivers.

It can be difficult for businesses and individuals to select the right policies. Since the industry is so different and cargo value fluctuates greatly, it can be difficult for companies to establish efficient policies that aren’t over- or under-protective.

Let’s make it easy for you to select your policies. Here’s some information about primary liability related to commercial trucking insurance.

Primary Liability or General Liability

Primary liability is often the only type that law requires for commercial truck insurance. It is almost identical to the car insurance we all have. You may use the terms general liability or truck responsibility to describe the same policy.

What primary or general liability covers?

Primary liability refers to general insurance that covers both property damage and bodily harm costs resulting from injuries or damage caused by accidents involving a motor vehicle.

What does primary truck liability exclude?

Damages to your personal equipment don’t fall under primary liability. The insurance company won’t cover damage to the truck of the driver if it is determined that the accident was caused by negligence.

If another driver causes an accident, their liability insurance would cover damages to your truck for a specified amount

It is federal law that all truck drivers or motor carriers that appoint truck drivers must have a primary coverage policy for public damages and injuries. But, remember that it doesn’t cover your truck.

Policies and General Liability

Truckers are likely to add more policies to their insurance, such as comprehensive coverage for their vehicles and cargo insurance for the goods they transport. It is important to insure your truck, trailer and cargo.