Owner Operator Insurance Built for the Road.
Whether you run under your own authority or are leased to a carrier, we connect you with specialists in commercial truck insurance built for independent owner operators. Get matched fast.
What Type of Owner Operator Are You?
Your coverage needs depend on how you operate. Tell us about your setup and we'll point you in the right direction.
I Run Under My Own Authority
You have your own MC/DOT number. You're responsible for your own compliance and need a complete insurance program — from FMCSA filings to cargo coverage.
- Primary Liability (FMCSA required)
- Physical Damage on your truck & trailer
- Motor Truck Cargo coverage
I'm Leased to a Carrier
Your carrier provides coverage while you're under their dispatch. Per your lease agreement, you still need your own policy for personal use and your equipment.
- Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)
- Physical Damage on your truck & trailer
- Occupational Accident coverage
Still deciding? Run your numbers through the owner operator cost calculator — it models leased and own authority side by side and shows after-tax monthly take-home with fuel, insurance, factoring, and tax reserve all factored in.
Truck Insurance Has Never Cost More. Here's Why Working With the Right Agent Still Gets You a Fair Rate.
Most of the big insurance companies that cover trucks have been losing money. So they've been raising rates on everybody — even drivers with clean records and zero claims. It's not your fault. It's the market, and right now it's tough for everyone.
That's why who you work with matters. A specialist who only does trucking insurance knows which companies are offering the best rates right now, which ones will cover you if you just got your authority, and which ones will look past a couple of past violations. A regular insurance agent running your info through a general quoting system doesn't know any of that. OOIHub connects you with the ones who do.
How It Works
Answer a few quick questions about how you run, what you haul, and where you operate. Takes a couple of minutes.
A commercial truck insurance specialist will reach out to review your profile, discuss your options, and shop coverage across multiple A-rated markets on your behalf.
Get your policy and certificate of insurance same day. Get back to doing what you do best — driving.
Core Coverages for Owner Operators
From FMCSA-required liability to physical damage and beyond, here's what every owner operator should know about their coverage options.
Primary Liability
Required by the FMCSA for all for-hire motor carriers. Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage.
Physical Damage
Covers collision, theft, fire, and other losses on your truck and trailer. Your equipment is your livelihood and your asset — protect it.
Motor Truck Cargo
Protects the freight you haul from damage, theft, or loss in transit. Required by shippers and freight brokers.
Non-Trucking Liability
Covers your liability when you're operating your truck for personal use and not under dispatch for your leased-on carrier. Required by most owner operator lease agreements.
Common Questions from Owner Operators
Straight answers to the questions we hear every day.
Owner operator insurance is commercial truck insurance designed for independent truckers who own or lease their own equipment. It typically includes primary liability, physical damage, motor truck cargo, and occupational accident coverage — the right combination depends on whether you run under your own authority or are leased to a carrier.
Yes. The FMCSA requires you to have liability insurance in force before they will activate your Motor Carrier (MC) number. You cannot legally haul freight under your own authority without it. We can issue certificates of insurance quickly — often the same day — so your authority gets activated on your timeline.
If you run under your own authority, you are responsible for all of your insurance: primary liability, cargo, physical damage, and more. If you are leased to a carrier, the carrier's insurance covers you while under their dispatch — but per your lease agreement, you still need non-trucking liability, physical damage on your equipment, and occupational accident coverage.
Premiums vary based on your commodity, operating radius, driving record, and equipment value. Primary liability for a clean-record dry van driver can start around $8,000–$12,000 per year. Hazmat and specialty commodities typically cost more. The best way to get an accurate number is to request a quote — it only takes a few minutes.
For a full line-by-line breakdown, see owner operator insurance costs in 2026.
Non-trucking liability (NTL) covers your liability when you're operating your truck for personal use — not under dispatch for your carrier. Most carrier lease agreements require owner operators to carry NTL because the carrier's insurance only applies while you are hauling their freight.
The FMCSA requires primary liability in force before activating your Motor Carrier (MC) number. For general freight, the minimum is $750,000. Auto haulers need $1 million. Hazmat carriers need $1 million to $5 million depending on the material. Cargo vans under 10,000 lbs GVW need $300,000. Your agent will confirm the right limit and file the BMC-91 with the FMCSA so your authority activates on your timeline.
Yes. We work with specialty markets that accommodate drivers with moving violations, at-fault accidents, or newer authority. Every situation is different, but a few marks on your record does not automatically disqualify you. Get a quote and we will find the right market for your profile.