Top Mistakes Truckers Make When Buying Insurance

Buying commercial truck insurance isn’t just about getting legal, it’s about protecting your truck, your income, and your business. Unfortunately, many owner-operators and fleet owners make costly mistakes that lead to denied claims, contract issues, or major out-of-pocket losses.

Here are the most common mistakes truckers make when buying trucking insurance and how to avoid them.

1) Choosing the Cheapest Policy Only

A low premium can mean low coverage, high deductibles, and limited protection. Cheap trucking insurance can cost you more after an accident.

✅ Tip: Buy coverage based on your operation, not price alone.

2) Not Carrying Enough Liability Coverage

The minimum liability limit may not be enough for serious accidents, lawsuits, or broker requirements.

✅ Tip: Ask about proper primary liability limits based on your lanes and contracts.

3) Overlooking Cargo Insurance Details

Many truckers don’t confirm what their motor truck cargo insurance actually covers. Some policies exclude certain commodities, theft situations, or high-value loads.

✅ Tip: Match your cargo coverage to what you haul (general freight, reefer, high-value, etc.).

4) Skipping Physical Damage Coverage

If your truck gets stolen, burned, or wrecked, physical damage coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement.

✅ Tip: If your truck is your livelihood, protect it.

5) Confusing Bobtail vs Non-Trucking Liability

Many owner-operators think they’re covered anytime they’re not hauling—but coverage depends on whether you’re on dispatch or off dispatch.

✅ Tip: Confirm your usage rules to avoid claim denial.

6) Missing COI Requirements (Additional Insured, Waivers)

Brokers and shippers often require endorsements like:

• Additional Insured
• Waiver of Subrogation
• Primary & Non-Contributory
• Fast Certificates of Insurance (COI)

✅ Tip: Work with an agency that can issue COIs quickly.

7) Not Reviewing Exclusions and Deductibles

High deductibles and exclusions can lead to big out-of-pocket expenses during claims.

✅ Tip: Make sure deductibles are affordable and exclusions don’t block your operation.

Get Trucking Insurance That Actually Protects You

At Cal-Society Insurance Services, Inc., we help truckers get the right coverage for their business, whether you’re a new venture, owner-operator, or fleet.

📞 Call today: 1-800-773-1663
Get a fast quote and avoid the most common trucking insurance mistakes.