Occupational Accident Insurance for Owner-Operators

Occupational Accident Insurance for Owner-Operators & Drivers

Occupational accident (occ/acc) insurance provides injury and death benefits for owner-operators and independent contractors who are not covered under a workers’ compensation policy. It’s a critical piece of the coverage puzzle for independent drivers operating under their own authority or leased to a motor carrier.

Why Occ/Acc Matters in Heavy Haul

Owner-operators in the heavy haul and oversize segment face real physical risks — loading and securing oversized loads, working around cranes and heavy equipment, navigating difficult job sites, and the general hazards of long-haul trucking. A workplace injury can take a driver off the road for weeks or months, with no income and significant medical bills.

What Occupational Accident Coverage Provides

A typical occ/acc policy provides medical expense benefits for on-the-job injuries, disability income replacement for temporary or permanent disability, accidental death and dismemberment benefits, and in some cases survivor benefits. Coverage is triggered by an injury that occurs in the course of the driver’s work, making it a practical alternative to workers’ compensation for independent contractors.

Carrier and Lease Requirements

If you’re an owner-operator leased to a carrier, the motor carrier may require you to maintain occ/acc coverage as a condition of your lease agreement. We can help you understand what’s required and structure a policy that satisfies those requirements.

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Further Reading

• Occupational Accident vs. Workers’ Compensation: What Owner-Operators Need to Know
• What Is Over-Dimensional Insurance — and Why Standard Trucking Policies Fall Short