If you’re a trucker—especially one with your own authority—understanding the difference between primary auto liability and general liability insurance isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. These coverages may sound similar, but they protect your business in very different ways. One is required by federal law, while the other adds an extra layer of protection against business-related risks.
To help you choose the right coverage, we’ve put together this FAQ-style guide to break it all down.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Primary Auto Liability Insurance?
Primary liability insurance is federally mandated for all motor carriers operating under their own DOT authority. It covers bodily injury and property damage that your truck causes to other people or vehicles in an at-fault accident.
If you’re an owner-operator or have your own trucking business, you must carry primary liability coverage—typically at least $750,000 to $1 million, depending on what you haul.
🔑 Key Point: Primary liability only covers damage to others, not your own vehicle, cargo, or personal injuries.
2. What is General Liability Insurance for Truckers?
General liability insurance covers your trucking business in non-driving situations—think slip-and-fall injuries at your office, property damage during loading/unloading, or advertising-related lawsuits.
It is not required by the FMCSA, but many brokers, shippers, and warehouse contracts may ask for it.
🔑 Key Point: General liability is about business protection, not driving-related accidents.
3. Do I need both types of coverage?
Yes—if you’re operating as a for-hire carrier or trucking business owner, both are recommended.
- Primary auto liability keeps you compliant with DOT and FMCSA
- General liability protects you against business-related lawsuits
Bundling them through an agency like Logrock can often save you money and simplify your insurance process.
4. Can I get general liability without primary auto liability?
Technically yes—but if you’re actively hauling freight, you likely already need primary liability. Some companies offer standalone general liability for freight brokers or motor carriers who already meet driving coverage elsewhere.
5. How much does each type typically cost?
- Primary auto liability: $5,000–$12,000/year for new authorities (depending on driving history, state, radius, and truck type)
- General auto liability: $500–$2,000/year on average, depending on business size and risk
Getting a quote from a specialized agency like Logrock ensures you’re not overpaying.
6. What happens if I skip general liability?
You may face contract denials or out-of-pocket lawsuits for incidents not tied to a crash. For example, if a customer slips on your trailer while loading, primary liability won’t help—but general liability will.
Choose Smart, Stay Covered
Both primary and general liability insurance are vital in protecting your trucking business from different types of risk. Skipping either one could leave you vulnerable.
To learn more about liabilities and other types of coverage be sure to check out our blogs:
🚛 Trucking Insurance 101: What Coverage Do You Really Need?
What to Look for in a Trucking Insurance Provider: A Comprehensive Checklist
At Logrock, we help you:
- Compare multiple truck insurance carriers
- Bundle coverage options to lower your costs
- Stay DOT-compliant and contract-ready
Get your custom coverage with Logrock today, because your policy shouldn’t be a “one-size-fits-all”.
