Get a quoteGet a quoteCasey places commercial insurance for owner-operators — leased to a motor carrier and running under their authority. Non-trucking liability, bobtail, physical damage, and occupational accident or workers comp. We know the difference between an owner-operator policy and a motor carrier policy — and which one you actually need.
Send your DOT and a few details. A broker will reach out within 1 business hour.
Casey places commercial insurance for owner-operators — leased to a motor carrier and running under their authority. Non-trucking liability, bobtail, physical damage, and occupational accident or workers comp. We know the difference between an owner-operator policy and a motor carrier policy — and which one you actually need.
Overview
Leased owner-operators carry a different policy than motor carriers. The motor carrier’s primary auto liability covers you while you’re dispatched on their load (under their MC# authority). Your job is to cover the gaps when the truck is off-dispatch — bobtailing home, deadheading without a load, or being used for personal errands.
That’s what non-trucking liability (NTL) and bobtail coverage do. They’re cheaper than a primary commercial auto policy and they’re what most lease contracts require. Layer on physical damage (because the motor carrier doesn’t cover your truck), occupational accident or workers comp, and you have the standard owner-operator package.
“If you’re leased to a motor carrier, primary auto liability is their problem. Yours is the gap when the truck is off-dispatch — that’s NTL.”
Coverage you’ll typically need
Leased owner-operator policies are different from motor carrier policies — most lines are gap-fillers around what the motor carrier provides.
Why owner-operator coverage isn’t all the same
Owner-operator decline reasons cluster around lease structure, mixed authority, and prior claim history.
Mixed leased / independent operations
Operators running some loads under their own MC# and some under a leased motor carrier need careful policy structure. Coverage gaps at claim time are common when this is mis-set-up.
New ventures (CDL holders without history)
New CDL with under 2 years experience is a tight market. Pricing is rated up.
Major MVR violations
DUI, careless driving, and similar violations move you out of standard markets. A small E&S panel still writes.
Lease changes / motor carrier changes
Frequent motor carrier changes (more than 2–3 in 24 months) signal instability and tighten the panel.
Heavy hauler / specialized equipment
Owner-operators with heavy haul, flatbed, or specialized equipment need policies that match equipment, not generic OTR forms.
Prior claim history
Two NTL or physical damage claims in 36 months tighten the standard market.
What drives your premium
Owner-operator premiums depend on driver experience, equipment, MVR, and the motor carrier you’re leased to (some carriers’ lease structures are looked at favorably by insurers).
Quote in 24–48 hours
Owner-operator submissions are paperwork-light — most carriers can quote with the basics.
Federal compliance
Leased owner-operators operate under the motor carrier’s authority. Independent owner-operators with their own MC# carry full motor carrier obligations.
Leased to motor carrier (49 CFR 376). Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier operate under that carrier’s authority. The motor carrier provides primary auto liability and cargo; the owner-operator typically provides NTL, physical damage, and occupational accident.
Independent authority. Owner-operators with their own MC# are motor carriers. They carry the full FMCSA compliance burden — primary auto liability ($750K minimum), MCS-90, HOS, drug & alcohol program, DVIR, and the rest.
State workers comp. Some states require workers comp coverage for sole-proprietor owner-operators (a "ghost policy"). Requirements vary by state and by motor carrier contract.
Common questions