Auto liability and other policies may respond to a bridge strike during an oversize haul, but it depends on the facts. A bridge strike occurs when a load collides with a bridge or other overhead structure. These incidents can involve significant property damage, potential bodily injury and expensive repairs.
Insurance response depends on the type of vehicle and trailer involved, whether the unit was scheduled or hired, the height of the load, and whether the route and permit requirements were followed. It also depends on the policy forms, covered‑auto symbols, endorsements, exclusions, contracts, and the facts of the loss.
Carriers should review their coverage before an incident occurs to understand which policies may respond and ensure that limits reflect the potential severity of oversize and heavy haul operations.
Common policies that may be involved
The following policies may respond depending on the circumstances, policy language, endorsements, exclusions and claim facts:
- Commercial Auto Liability may respond to third‑party bodily injury and property damage arising from the operation of covered vehicles, such as damage to the bridge or other vehicles.
- Physical Damage may cover repair or replacement of the insured vehicle or trailer if the collision damages your own equipment, subject to the policy’s collision coverage and exclusions.
- Cargo Insurance may respond if the load is damaged due to impact, subject to the cargo policy terms, valuation clause, and exclusions.
- Umbrella / Excess Liability may respond if the loss exceeds the underlying auto liability limits and the excess policy follows form.
- General Liability may be implicated if there is an allegation of negligence not directly arising from vehicle operation, although this is less common in bridge strike claims.
What facts can affect coverage
Key factors that can influence how coverage applies include:
- Ownership or lease status of the truck and trailer (scheduled, leased, hired, or non‑owned).
- Height and weight of the load relative to permit limits, state laws, and the permitted route.
- Compliance with escort requirements, route restrictions, curfews, and other permit terms.
- Contract provisions with shippers, brokers, project owners or subcontractors, including indemnity and additional insured clauses.
- Driver qualifications, securement practices, and prior maintenance or training issues.
Common gray areas or coverage gaps
These scenarios often reveal coverage limitations:
- Exclusions or sublimits for damage to property owned, rented, or transported by the insured.
- Limitations on coverage for hired or non‑owned equipment if the units are not properly scheduled.
- Sub‑limits or exclusions for damage to bridges, roadways, signs, or other infrastructure.
- Cargo policy exclusions for improper securement or inadequate packaging.
- Issues arising if the load did not have the required permits or if route restrictions were ignored.
Related coverage pages
Related external resources
Important Coverage Note
Coverage descriptions on this page are general summaries only and do not alter the terms of any policy. Actual coverage depends on the insurer, policy language, covered auto designations, endorsements, exclusions, limits, and the facts of each claim. Nothing on this page is legal, tax, or regulatory advice.
Ready to review your coverage?
Whether you are renewing an existing program or reviewing your options, our team specializes in oversize and heavy haul trucking insurance. We evaluate your equipment, route profile, permits, contract requirements, and limit needs so the coverage approach reflects the work you actually perform.