Workers' Compensation Insurance for Trucking Companies
Workers’ compensation covers your W-2 employees, including company drivers, mechanics, dispatchers and office staff, when they’re hurt on the job. It pays medical bills and lost wages, includes employer’s liability, and is required by law in nearly every state once you have employees. MIG shops trucking workers’ comp programs built around driver payroll.
Free and no obligation. We compare options across our insurance carrier partners to help you find the right coverage at a competitive price.
What Is Workers' Compensation for Trucking?
Most states require workers’ comp as soon as you have employees, though exemptions and thresholds vary. Driver injuries tend to be costly, so trucking workers’ comp is priced differently than an office-only business, and choosing the right program matters.
Employers search for this coverage under several names:
Who Workers' Comp Covers in a Trucking Company
Company Drivers
W-2 drivers on your payroll, local or long-haul.
Mechanics & Shop
Technicians and shop staff maintaining your equipment.
Dispatch & Office
Dispatchers, safety, billing and administrative staff.
Dock & Warehouse
Employees loading, unloading or working in a warehouse.
Owners and officers: many states let owners include or exclude themselves, depending on entity type. 1099 owner-operators: usually covered with occupational accident insurance instead.
What Workers' Comp Covers
A workers’ comp policy has two parts that work together:
Benefits set by state law
- Medical treatment for work injuries and illnesses
- Lost wages while the employee recovers
- Rehabilitation and return-to-work services
- Death benefits for the employee's family
Protection if you're sued
- Lawsuits from employees or their families over a work injury
- Limits are shown as three numbers, such as $100,000 / $500,000 / $100,000
- Some contracts set a minimum, like Amazon Relay's $100,000
Not covered by workers' comp
- 1099 owner-operators → Occupational Accident
- Injuries to the public → Auto Liability or General Liability
- Your trucks and trailers → Physical Damage
- Freight → Motor Truck Cargo
How Workers' Comp Is Priced for Trucking
Payroll
Premium is based on payroll for each type of employee. You estimate it up front.
Class Codes
Each job type has a class code. Driver payroll is often rated under trucking codes like 7219, office staff under clerical 8810.
Your State
Each state sets its own rates and rules, and benefits vary by state.
Experience Mod
Your claims history adjusts your rate up or down once you have enough history.
End-of-Term Audit
The insurance carrier audits actual payroll after the term and adjusts the premium.
Billing Options
Some programs offer monthly reporting or pay-as-you-go billing based on actual payroll.
Workers' Comp vs. Occupational Accident
| Workers' Compensation | Occupational Accident | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it covers | W-2 employees | Independent contractors: owner-operators, 1099 drivers |
| Required by | State law, for employers with employees | Usually the motor carrier's lease agreement |
| Benefits | Set by state law | Set by the policy: medical, disability, AD&D, survivor |
| Cost | Based on payroll and class code | Often lower, priced per driver |
| Who buys it | The employer | The owner-operator, or the motor carrier for its contractors |
Using 1099 Owner-Operators?
Leased owner-operators and contract drivers are usually covered with occupational accident insurance, not workers’ comp.
Program Features Available Through MIG
MIG works with trucking-focused workers’ comp programs. Features vary by program and insurance carrier, and may include:
- Dividend and retrospective credit programs that can return premium for good loss experience.
- Trucking association programs built for motor carriers.
- Deductible options, including high-deductible plans for larger fleets.
- Monthly reporting and multiple payment options.
- Telemedicine for faster care after minor injuries.
Claims management services
- Regular claim and litigation reviews with adjusters
- Nurse case management and field case managers
- Medical bill review and negotiation
- Claim analytics and trend reviews
Risk management services
- Mock FMCSA audits and OSHA compliance surveys
- Online safety training enrollment and custom training videos
- Accident investigation and hazard recognition
- Safety committee and policy development
Claims and risk management services are provided by the insurance carrier or program administrator and vary by program.
Workers' Comp Rules Vary by State
Monopolistic states
In North Dakota, Ohio, Washington and Wyoming, workers’ comp is bought from the state fund, not private insurance carriers. You may need stop-gap employer’s liability.
Employee thresholds
Some states exempt very small employers or certain owners. Thresholds and rules differ, so check your state.
Texas
Texas lets most private employers choose whether to carry workers’ comp. Employers who opt out take on different risks.
Multi-state operations
Drivers who work in several states may need coverage that applies in each, depending on where they’re hired and based.
General information only. Confirm your state’s requirements with your state workers’ compensation agency or a MIG Producer.
Request a Workers' Comp Quote
Tell us about your employees and payroll, and a MIG Producer will follow up with options from trucking workers’ comp programs.
- Free and no obligation.
- Have ready: payroll by job type and any current policy or loss runs.
- Using 1099 owner-operators too? See Occupational Accident.
Submitting this form doesn’t bind coverage. Requests are reviewed Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM ET.
Workers' Comp Quote Request
Coverage for Your Whole Operation
Occupational Accident
For 1099 owner-operators and contract drivers.
Auto Liability
Primary liability for your authority.
Truckers GL
Off-road claims and contract requirements.
Amazon Relay Insurance
Every Relay requirement in one place.
Physical Damage
Repairs or replaces your truck and trailer.
Motor Truck Cargo
Covers the freight you haul.
Fleet
Larger programs and safety resources.
Trucking Terms Glossary
Plain-English trucking insurance terms.
Workers' Compensation Questions
Do trucking companies need workers' compensation insurance?
Do I need workers' comp for owner-operators?
Does workers' comp cover me as the owner?
How is workers' comp priced for trucking companies?
What is employer's liability coverage?
What is a workers' comp audit?
Can I buy workers' comp in every state?
Does Amazon Relay require workers' comp?
Is pay-as-you-go workers' comp available?
Is the quote free?
Get a Free Workers' Comp Quote
Request a quote online or talk to a MIG Producer Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM ET. We’re happy to help.
This page is general information about workers’ compensation for trucking companies and is not legal, tax or employment advice. State requirements, exemptions, class codes and rates vary. Coverage, eligibility and pricing are determined by the insurance carrier or state fund, and your policy documents control. Marquee Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency and does not issue policies, make underwriting decisions or decide claims.