Protect drivers—and the business—when injuries happen
Trucking is physically demanding, and injury-related downtime can derail both revenue and driver livelihoods. Two solutions dominate the industry:
Workers’ Compensation: Statutory coverage for W-2 company drivers.
Occupational Accident (Occ Acc): Flexible alternative for leased-on or independent owner-operators not covered by workers’ comp.
GIA Group, LLC places both policies side-by-side, tailoring protection to each fleet’s mix of drivers.
Coverage
Workers’ Compensation (for W-2 drivers) | Occupational Accident (for 1099 and leased-on owner-operators) |
|---|---|
Medical care for work-related injuries and illnesses | Accident medical expense benefits (up to the chosen policy limit) |
Wage replacement while the driver recovers | Temporary or permanent disability income during recovery |
Permanent disability benefits if injuries prevent return to work | Accidental death and dismemberment benefits for the driver or beneficiaries |
Survivor benefits for dependents in the event of a fatality | Optional contingent liability to protect the motor carrier in case of lawsuits |
Employers liability protection if the company is sued over a workplace injury | Customizable limits to meet lease-agreement or broker requirements |
Together, these policies ensure drivers are protected, carriers stay compliant, and operations keep moving safely. Some fleets carry both policies—workers’ comp for staff drivers and occ acc for contracted owner-operators—under one safety program.
Who needs it
Who typically needs these coverages
Small-to-mid-size fleets with W-2 company drivers (workers’ comp).
Motor carriers leasing owner-operators under FMCSA lease agreements (occ acc).
Owner-operators running under their own authority who want affordable injury protection (occ acc).
States with “stop-gap” requirements (North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, Wyoming), where monopolistic funds apply.
Limits & costs
Benefit | Workers’ Compensation (statutory) | Occupational Accident (contract-based) |
|---|---|---|
Medical benefits | Unlimited until maximum medical improvement | $500,000 – $1,000,000 per accident (common) |
Disability income | Statutory wage replacement (≈ 2/3 average wage, subject to state maximums) | Weekly indemnity, typically $300 – $700 |
Death benefit | Statutory survivor benefits (amount varies by state) | Lump sum, often $100,000 – $500,000 |
Employers liability | Included (Part B, state-set minimums) | Available via contingent liability endorsement |
Regulatory filing | Required in most states | Not statutory, contract-driven |
Limits and premiums vary by state regulations, carrier terms, fleet size, and safety record. Occupational Accident (Occ Acc) coverage is flexible but must meet broker or lease-agreement requirements.
Cost explanation
Cost drivers
Premiums for these coverages depend on several factors, including:
Type of work: Higher-risk hauls or long routes increase costs.
Payroll & driver count: More covered workers mean higher premiums.
Claims history: Fewer past claims help lower rates.
Safety practices: Training and compliance programs can earn discounts.
State rules: Rates and requirements vary by state.
Our advantages
Trucking-only expertise
policies structured around CSA, hours-of-service, and lease-purchase models
Fast certificate turnaround
proof of coverage for broker packets and lease agreements within hours
Bundle savings
combine with Primary Liability and Physical Damage to capture multi-line credits
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
1. Is occupational accident accepted everywhere workers’ comp is required?
2. Can a carrier be sued by a contractor covered only by occ acc?
3. How are weekly disability benefits calculated?
4. What if a driver works in multiple states?
Blog
Stay informed with the GIA Group, LLC blog
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