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The Differences Between General & Auto Liability



What is general liability and what does it cover?

General liability provides coverage for the harm you may cause to others arising out of premises, operations, products, and completed operations. General liability typically covers bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury.

Why would truckers need general liability insurance?

Here a re a few examples of why a trucking professional would need general liability coverage:

  • A customer or driver injures themselves on another premise or in/around your building

  • An error in shipping leading to lost property and/or revenue

  • For intermodal agreements, lease agreements, etc.


General liability can also cover your legal expenses. Even if you're found not at fault.


What is auto liability and what does it cover?

Auto liability is designed for incidents that you are found responsible for while using a company vehicle. Auto liability typically covers bodily injury and property damage.


Examples of bodily injury and what is covered

  • Medical payments

  • Lost wages

  • Pain and sufferings


Sometimes you may need to pay lost wages or pain and suffering in relation to an accident and policies will typically cover that as well. Auto liability will not cover your own truck or drivers.


The FMCSA currently requires interstate carriers to carry a minimum of $750,000 in auto liability coverage.



What are the key differences between general liability and auto liability?

Many times, liability is assumed to be general liability or some will just lump the two together, There also tends to be misinformation and miscommunication about the two, leading truckers to believe they may have one or both coverages.


General liability covers incidents pertaining to the business when a truck is not involved. When a truck operating under your authority is involved in an at-fault incident, your auto liability coverage would cover it.


Get coverage with CarrierHQ today!

It's easy to get started with a quote at CarrierHQ. Head over to our application to get free quotes in minutes!


Coverages we offer

  • General Liability

  • Auto Liability

  • Cargo Insurance

  • Trailer Interchange

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

  • Property Damage & Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

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