12 Costly Mistakes Truckers Make When Choosing Insurance — And How to Avoid Them
Avoid gaps, claim denials, and lost loads. This practical guide covers the top pitfalls—NTL vs Bobtail, cargo exclusions, filings, and more—plus a quick checklist before you bind.
The 12 Most Common Mistakes (and Fixes)
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Shopping only by price, not by coverage
The problem: Rock‑bottom premiums often hide exclusions, high deductibles, or missing endorsements.
Fix it: Compare apples to apples—limits, deductibles, exclusions, endorsements—then compare price.
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Confusing Non‑Trucking Liability (NTL) with Bobtail
The problem: NTL applies when you’re not under dispatch; Bobtail can apply when running without a trailer—even on business errands.
Fix it: Match the policy to your lease and dispatch realities. Many leased O/Os need NTL; some operations also need Bobtail.
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Underinsuring (or overinsuring) your rig
The problem: Stating too low a value leads to short claims; too high, you overpay premium with no extra payout.
Fix it: Set Physical Damage on realistic ACV using current comps; update values at renewal.
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Ignoring shipper/contract requirements
The problem: You lose loads because your COI doesn’t meet terms (limits, waivers, AI, reefer breakdown).
Fix it: Collect insurance requirements upfront and make sure your policy supports AI and Waiver of Subrogation.
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Buying Cargo coverage without reading exclusions
The problem: Theft, unattended vehicle, temperature change, or high‑value commodities may be excluded or sub‑limited.
Fix it: Review the exclusions list. Add endorsements for theft, reefer breakdown/temperature change, and commodity sub‑limits that match your freight.
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Skipping Truckers General Liability
The problem: Auto Liability doesn’t cover premises risks (e.g., a customer slip‑and‑fall during loading).
Fix it: Add Truckers GL alongside Auto Liability; many shippers/warehouses require it.
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Forgetting Trailer Interchange or Non‑Owned Trailer coverage
The problem: Pulling someone else’s trailer without coverage can leave you paying for damage.
Fix it: If you sign interchange agreements, add Trailer Interchange. Otherwise consider Non‑Owned Trailer PD.
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Not aligning filings and authority
The problem: Missing BMC‑91X/MCS‑90 timing or thinking MCS‑90 adds coverage (it doesn’t).
Fix it: Confirm required filings and time your effective date with authority activation.
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Misstating radius, garaging, or commodity
The problem: “Stretching” to cut premiums risks non‑renewal or messy claims.
Fix it: Be accurate about operating radius, garaging ZIP, equipment, and commodities. Tell your agent when lanes change.
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Overlooking downtime, towing, and rental reimbursement
The problem: A covered crash still takes you off the road—unpaid.
Fix it: Consider Towing/Labor, Downtime, or Rental Reimbursement where available.
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Skipping Reefer Breakdown for temp‑controlled ops
The problem: Cargo spoiled from mechanical failure or temperature deviation—excluded by default.
Fix it: Add Reefer Breakdown/Temperature Change and track maintenance records.
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Treating insurance as “set it and forget it”
The problem: Your operation changes—drivers, trailers, lanes—but the policy doesn’t.
Fix it: Do a quarterly coverage check‑in (or after any change) and update schedules/endorsements.
The Smart Trucker’s Coverage Stack
- Primary Auto Liability (often $1M—confirm contracts)
- Motor Truck Cargo with theft and (if needed) reefer breakdown
- Physical Damage (Comp/Collision) on realistic ACV
- NTL and/or Bobtail based on dispatch/lease
- Truckers General Liability
- Trailer Interchange / Non‑Owned Trailer as applicable
- Hired & Non‑Owned Auto (when relevant)
- Umbrella/Excess for higher contract limits
- Required filings (BMC‑91X) and MCS‑90 endorsement
- Optional: Towing, Rental Reimbursement/Downtime, Debris Removal, Pollutant Clean‑up
10‑Minute Checklist Before You Bind
- Shipper/warehouse contract requirements (limits/endorsements)
- Updated commodities list (any high‑theft or temp‑controlled?)
- Accurate radius/lanes and garaging ZIP
- Full equipment schedule (VINs, values, trailers)
- Driver roster (MVRs, experience)
- Required filings and activation timing
- Deductibles you can afford
- Critical exclusions (theft, unattended vehicle, reefer)
- Needed AI/Waiver language for COIs
- Claims process and after‑hours support
Make Fewer Mistakes. Win More Loads.
At JSSR Insurance Agency, we set up policies the right way for your lanes, freight, and contracts—plus fast COIs so you never miss a pickup.
Call (209) 701‑6900
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JSSR Insurance Agency — Our Knowledge, Your Success.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a guarantee of coverage. Policy terms and availability vary by carrier and state.
