Who needs it
Trucking businesses with employees, under state law. States set the rules on who counts as an employee and when coverage is required, and whether an owner-operator counts depends on the state and the lease.
What it pays for
- Medical treatment for job injuries and illnesses
- Part of lost wages while the employee can't work
- Disability benefits for lasting injuries
- Death benefits for the family
- Employer's liability: your defense if an employee sues over an injury, on most policies
What it won't pay for
- Injuries that aren't work-related
- Independent contractors, if your state agrees they aren't employees
- Your own injuries as an owner, unless you choose to include yourself where the state allows
- Injuries to the public (that's auto or general liability)
What moves the price
We don't show prices online. These are the things an agent and the insurance companies look at.
- Your payroll
- The job class of each employee (drivers, mechanics, office)
- Your state
- Your claims history
- Safety programs
Real situations
- Your employee driver hurts his back unloading freight at a delivery. Workers' comp pays his medical bills and part of his wages while he's off.
- Your mechanic cuts her hand badly in the shop. Workers' comp pays for treatment and time off.