Insurance for owner-operators
Leased on or running your own authority, we help you know what you need and why. Michigan license pending.
Leased on or your own authority
Their authority, your truck
The carrier usually provides primary liability while you are under dispatch. You typically need physical damage on your truck and bobtail or non-trucking liability. Check your lease for what they cover and what they charge back.
Your authority, your filings
You carry primary liability with an FMCSA filing, plus cargo for most brokers and physical damage for your lender. You also handle BOC-3, UCR, and your own safety program.
The four lines that matter most
Primary auto liability
Required to get your authority active. Covers injury and damage you cause to others. FMCSA minimum is $750,000 for most for-hire freight; many shippers and brokers ask for $1,000,000.
Motor truck cargo
Covers the freight you haul. FMCSA does not require it for general freight, but most brokers do, often $100,000.
Physical damage
Repairs or replaces your own truck and trailer after a crash, theft, or fire. Your lender will usually require it.
Bobtail and non-trucking liability
For owner-operators leased onto a carrier. Covers you when you drive without a trailer or off dispatch.
Common questions
What is the difference between bobtail and non-trucking liability?
Both cover a leased owner-operator outside of dispatch. Non-trucking liability covers you when you use the truck for personal reasons. Bobtail typically covers driving without a trailer, sometimes even under dispatch. Policies differ, so read the wording.
Do I need my own authority?
No. Many owner-operators lease onto a carrier and run under its authority and primary liability. Running your own authority gives you more control and more responsibility, including your own filings.
Does Helm offer quotes?
Not yet. Our Michigan license is pending, and we do not quote until we are licensed.
Trucking news that matters to new carriers, every morning.
Rules, rates, and filings, in plain words. Five minutes with your coffee.
What changed this week
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