The short answer
General liability covers non-driving business liability: injuries or property damage at a shipper's dock, at your yard or from your business operations that aren't caused by operating the truck. Shippers and some brokers require it, often at $1,000,000 per occurrence.
Auto liability covers accidents involving your truck. General liability covers almost everything else your business could be sued for, like slips and falls at your yard or damage to a customer's property while you're on site.
What general liability covers
- Bodily injury to others on your premises or caused by your operations
- Property damage at a customer's location
- Advertising and personal injury (such as libel)
- Legal defense costs
What it doesn't cover
- Accidents involving your truck (auto liability)
- Your cargo
- Your own injuries
- Your own property
Who needs it
- Carriers working directly with shippers who require it
- Brokers that ask for it in their agreements
- Carriers with a yard, warehouse or office
How much
$1,000,000 per occurrence with a $2,000,000 aggregate is a common requirement. Check your contracts.
Gray areas between auto and general liability
Loading and unloading accidents can fall between auto and general liability depending on policy wording. Ask your agent how your policies handle them.
Questions truckers ask
Do truckers need general liability?
Often, if shippers or brokers require it. It covers non-driving business liability.
Does general liability cover truck accidents?
No. Auto liability covers accidents involving your truck.
How much general liability do shippers require?
Commonly $1,000,000 per occurrence, sometimes with a $2,000,000 aggregate.
Written by the FairlyCover Editorial Team. This guide explains how coverage generally works. It isn't legal or insurance advice, and your policy wording always decides what's covered. How we write and review content.
