13.03.2025

General Liability Insurance for Truckers: Why It’s Essential in 2025

General Liability Insurance Truck

The trucking industry plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, moving goods across the country and ensuring businesses stay operational. However, with this responsibility comes significant risks. Accidents, property damage, and lawsuits are common in the industry, making general liability insurance for truckers an absolute necessity.

Why Truckers Need General Liability Insurance

Trucking is inherently high-risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,788 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2021. What’s even more alarming is that 72% of these fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, highlighting the dangers truck accidents pose to others on the road.

General liability insurance is designed to protect truckers and trucking businesses from financial losses resulting from accidents, property damage, and legal claims. Without proper coverage, a single lawsuit could put a trucking business at risk of financial collapse.

What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?

While  General Liability Insurance doesn’t cover damages to the truck itself (that falls under physical damage coverage), it does provide crucial protection in the following scenarios:

  • Bodily Injury & Property Damage: Covers legal expenses and settlements if a trucker is held responsible for injuries or damages to others.
  • Advertising Injury: Protects against claims related to false advertising, libel, or slander.
  • Medical Payments: Covers medical costs for injuries sustained by third parties due to an accident involving the trucker.
  • Damage to Rented Premises: If a trucker leases a facility and accidentally causes damage, general liability covers repair costs.

Why Are Truck Insurance Premiums Rising?

If you’re a trucker, you’ve likely noticed that insurance premiums have been increasing over the past few years. Several factors contribute to this trend:

  • Higher Crash Frequency & Severity: With more accidents occurring, insurance companies face higher claim payouts, leading to increased premiums.
  • Rising Bodily Injury Costs: Reports from Warehousing and Fulfillment indicate that the surge in crash frequency has driven up bodily injury costs, further escalating insurance expenses.
  • Legal Settlements & Nuclear Verdicts: Some trucking companies have been hit with multimillion-dollar lawsuits, which push insurers to raise their rates industry-wide.

 

General Liability Insurance truck

How to Keep General Liability Insurance Costs Low

Truckers and fleet owners can take proactive steps to reduce their insurance costs, such as:

  • Prioritizing Safety: Implementing strict safety protocols and training drivers can reduce accident risks.
  • Maintaining a Clean Driving Record: Fewer violations and accidents lead to lower premiums.
  • Investing in Technology: Using dash cams, GPS tracking, and telematics can help demonstrate safe driving habits.
  • Comparing Quotes: Shopping around for policies and working with an experienced insurance broker ensures you get the best coverage at the best price.

More critical than ever for truckers

With the risks and liabilities truckers face daily, having general liability insurance for truckers is not just a legal requirement—it’s a financial safeguard. As insurance premiums continue to rise due to accident severity and claim costs, it’s more critical than ever for truckers to choose the right policy to protect their business and livelihood.

Need expert guidance? Contact Premium Insurance Group (PIG) today to find the best coverage for your trucking business.

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