5 Insurance Mistakes in Trucking

and How to Avoid Them

In trucking, one wrong assumption about insurance can cost you your load, your license, or your livelihood. Whether you’re behind the wheel or running a fleet, understanding your coverage and responsibilities is critical. Here are the most common mistakes — and how to steer clear of them.

Not Understanding Your Coverage

Many drivers confuse bobtail, non-trucking liability, and primary liability — and carriers sometimes assume all loads are automatically covered under one cargo policy.

• Bobtail insurance: Covers your truck when it’s being driven without a trailer, typically after dropping off a load.

• Non-trucking liability: Covers personal use of your truck when you’re not under dispatch.

• Primary liability: Covers damage or injury to others when you’re operating under dispatch.

Why it’s a problem: If you don’t know which applies, you could be left paying out of pocket after an incident.

Quick tip: Review your policy with your insurer and confirm exactly what’s covered before you roll.

Ignoring State and Contract Requirements

Insurance minimums aren’t the same everywhere. Some states require higher liability limits, and shipper contracts may demand specific cargo coverage amounts.

• Example: A load from Texas to California might require different coverage levels in each state — and if you pass through a state with stricter requirements, you must comply there too.
  

Why it’s a problem: You could be in breach of contract or operating illegally without realizing it.

Quick tip: Before accepting a load, check both state regulations and the shipper’s contract requirements.

Underinsuring High-Value or Specialized Loads

Hazmat, refrigerated freight, and oversized loads often require additional coverage.

Why it’s a problem: If your policy doesn’t match the cargo type, your insurer can deny the claim — even if the damage wasn’t your fault.

Quick tip: Always declare the load type to your insurer before pickup. It’s better to pay a slightly higher premium than to face a denied claim worth thousands.

Letting Policies Lapse or Forgetting to Update Them

Changes like a new truck, new driver, or change of address can affect your coverage.

Why it’s a problem: A lapse or outdated policy can leave you uninsured when you need it most — and in some cases, it can trigger FMCSA compliance issues.

Quick tip: Treat policy updates like logbook compliance — non-negotiable and immediate. Set reminders for renewal dates and policy reviews.

Poor Incident Documentation

Accidents happen — but without proper documentation, your claim may not stand.

Why it’s a problem: No photos, no police report, no witness statements = no payout.

Quick tip: Keep a “claim kit” in your cab: phone/camera, notepad, pen, and a printed checklist of what to collect (photos, police report, witness info, insurer notification).

Bottom Line

Insurance isn’t just paperwork — it’s your safety net. Understanding your coverage, staying compliant, and keeping policies current protects both your livelihood and your reputation.

At Laufer LLC, we connect drivers and carriers who value safety, compliance, and professionalism — the same principles that keep insurance costs low and operations running smoothly.

Contact us to learn about how we can help you succeed in the trucking industry.

Laufer LLC

Recruitment Company 11204 Woodstock Dr. Orland Park, IL 60467 ​​vic@lauferllc.com

708-252-7710

​708-575-3069