Occupational Accident Insurance for Truckers

For independent truck drivers and owner-operators in Texas, the open road represents freedom. You choose your schedule, your loads, and your routes. But along with that freedom comes real risk. One accident can change everything in an instant.

Here’s the tough truth: if you’re hurt while under dispatch, you’re probably not covered by Workers’ Compensation. That means medical bills and lost income can start adding up fast, leaving you and your family in a difficult spot.

That’s where Occupational Accident Insurance (OAI) comes in. This type of coverage is built specifically for independent contractors, the 1099 drivers who keep Texas moving but don’t qualify for traditional Workers’ Comp. OAI helps cover medical expenses, disability, and lost income when an accident takes you off the road. It’s a financial safety net designed for the people who need it most.

At Rollo Insurance, we understand that trucking is more than a job. It’s your livelihood and your way of life. Our team works with independent drivers across Texas to find coverage that fits your needs and keeps you protected when it matters most.

OAI vs. Workers’ Compensation: The Critical Difference

This distinction is the most important concept for any independent owner-operator:

Feature	Occupational Accident Insurance (OAI)	Workers’ Compensation (WC)
Who It Covers	Independent Contractors (Owner-Operators, 1099 drivers).	Employees (W-2 drivers, company staff).
Is it Mandatory?	No, but often required by the motor carrier you lease onto.	Yes, legally required for most employers in nearly every state (Texas is an exception, but it’s required for employees).
Benefit Structure	Flexible; limits are chosen by the driver/carrier (e.g., $500K or $1M max payout).	Statutory; benefits, payout limits, and duration are fixed by state law.
Legal Protection	Helps avoid lawsuits by providing benefits. Often bundled with Contingent Liability for the motor carrier.	Protects the employer from most employee lawsuits (legal immunity).
Cost	Typically more affordable (paid per driver, not based on payroll).	Generally more expensive, tied to payroll and state rules.

Because owner-operators are classified as independent contractors, the motor carrier’s standard Workers’ Comp policy will not cover them. If you get injured, OAI is the only coverage designed to pay your work-related medical and income benefits.

What Does OAI for Truckers Cover?

• Imagine you are out on a long haul. You have the miles ahead, the open sky, and that familiar hum of the road beneath your tires. Everything is running smoothly until suddenly it is not. One slip, one bad step while unloading, or one unexpected turn, and you are hurt. That is when Occupational Accident Insurance (OAI) steps in. It is built to keep you and your family financially steady when an accident takes you off the road. Here is how it helps when you need it most:
  • Accident Medical Expenses
    If you end up in the hospital, need surgery, or have follow-up visits with the doctor, OAI helps pay for it. Even your prescriptions are covered. This is especially important since many health insurance plans will not cover a claim if the injury happened while you were working.
  • Temporary Total Disability (Lost Wages)
    If your doctor says you cannot get back behind the wheel for a few weeks, OAI helps replace part of your income. This way the bills still get paid while you focus on healing.
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
    No one likes to think about the worst-case scenario, but this benefit makes sure you and your family are protected if something serious happens. It pays a lump sum for severe injuries like the loss of a limb or eyesight and if an accident turns fatal, your loved ones receive the benefit.
  • Survivor Coverage
    If the unthinkable happens, OAI helps your family manage financially, giving them a safety net during an incredibly difficult time.
  • Non-Occupational Coverage (Optional)
    Some plans even extend protection to accidents that happen when you are not working because life happens off the road too.
• At Rollo Insurance, we know every mile matters. Our job is to help make sure one bad day does not put your future in park.

How Much Does Occupational Accident Insurance Cost?

OAI is generally considered a cost-effective solution for independent contractors. Premiums are set per driver per month, not based on your payroll.

• Average Cost Range in Texas: Trucking OAI policies typically cost between $150 and $400 per driver, per month, depending on the coverage limits and benefits chosen.
• Cost Factors:

• Coverage Limits: Higher medical and disability limits increase the premium.
• Driver Profile: Your driving history, age, and experience impact the rate.
• Deductibles: Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly premium.
• Route/Cargo: Hauling hazardous materials or running long, high-risk routes can increase costs.

A Note on Contingent Liability

If you are a motor carrier who hires independent contractors, you should also carry Contingent Liability Insurance. This protects your company specifically against lawsuits brought by an injured contractor who claims they should have been classified as a W-2 employee and demands Workers’ Comp benefits. The contingent policy covers your legal defense costs and associated financial risk.

Securing Your Financial Stability with Rollo Insurance

For independent truckers in Texas, your safety on the road goes hand in hand with your financial security. Occupational Accident Insurance makes sure that if the worst happens, you have access to medical care and income replacement. It helps protect you from overwhelming medical bills and lost income so you and your family can stay on solid ground.

Reach out to us today for a consultation and let us help you find the right Occupational Accident policy to protect your livelihood.