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Trucking Coverage · Occ/Acc

Occupational Accident Insurance for Owner-Operators

Occupational accident (Occ/Acc) insurance pays medical, disability and death benefits when an owner-operator or contract driver is hurt on the job. It’s built for 1099 drivers who aren’t covered by workers’ comp, and it’s often required by the motor carriers they lease to. MIG shops Occ/Acc for owner-operators and for motor carriers that lease them on.

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See Workers Compensation

Free and no obligation. We compare options across our insurance carrier partners to help you find the right coverage at a competitive price.

1099 DriversBuilt for independent contractors, not W-2 employees
Leased O/OsOften required by the motor carrier you lease to
Medical + IncomeAccident medical, disability and AD&D benefits
Carriers TooPrograms for fleets that lease on contractors
The Basics

What Is Occupational Accident Insurance?

Occupational accident insurance provides medical, disability and accidental death and dismemberment benefits to independent contractor truck drivers who are injured on the job. It's the coverage most owner-operators and 1099 drivers use in place of workers' compensation, which generally applies only to W-2 employees.

If you’re an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier, an injury can stop your income overnight. Occ/Acc helps cover medical bills and replace part of your income while you recover. Many motor carriers require it before they’ll lease you on.

Also called

Drivers and carriers search for this coverage under several names:

Occ/Acc insuranceOcc AccOA insuranceOwner-operator accident insurance1099 driver insuranceIndependent contractor accident coverageTruck driver injury insuranceWorkers' comp alternative
Who It's For

Who Needs Occupational Accident Insurance?

1099

Owner-Operators

Leased to a motor carrier or running your own truck. Protects you and your income if you’re hurt on the job.

Independent

Contract Drivers

Independent contractors driving for a carrier who aren’t on the carrier’s workers’ comp.

Non-W-2

Non-W-2 Drivers

Any driver paid on a 1099 who needs injury coverage that workers’ comp won’t provide.

Fleets

Motor Carriers

Fleets that lease on owner-operators and want a program for all their contractors, often with contingent liability.

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Benefits

What Occupational Accident Insurance Covers

Programs differ, so benefit types and limits vary. These are the benefits most Occ/Acc programs for truckers include or offer:

Accident Medical

Medical expenses for covered on-the-job injuries, often with high limits.

Temporary Disability

A weekly benefit that replaces part of your income while you can’t work.

Permanent Disability

Benefits if an injury leaves you unable to return to work.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment

A lump-sum benefit for loss of life, limb or sight from a covered accident.

Survivor Benefits

Ongoing benefits for your family after a fatal on-the-job accident.

Dispatch Coverage

Coverage while you’re under dispatch for the motor carrier.

Non-Occupational Option

Some programs offer 24-hour coverage for accidents off the job too.

Passenger Accident

Coverage for a passenger riding with you, where offered.

Carriers

Contingent Liability

For motor carriers: protection if a contractor claims employee status after an injury.

Benefits, limits, deductibles and waiting periods are set by each program. Your policy documents control what’s covered.

Know the Difference

Occupational Accident vs. Workers' Compensation

Occupational AccidentWorkers' Compensation
Who it coversIndependent contractors: owner-operators, 1099 driversW-2 employees
Required byUsually the motor carrier's lease agreementState law, for employers with employees
BenefitsSet by the policy: medical, disability, AD&D, survivorSet by state law
CostOften lower, priced per driverBased on payroll and class code
Who buys itThe owner-operator, or the motor carrier for its contractorsThe employer

Have W-2 employee drivers? You’ll likely need workers’ compensation for them. Whether a driver is a contractor or an employee depends on the facts and state law, not just the paperwork.

Need Workers' Comp Instead?

Have W-2 employee drivers, office staff or mechanics? Workers’ compensation is built for employees.

See Workers' Compensation
Leased Owner-Operators

Your Motor Carrier Requires Occ/Acc. Now What?

Most carriers that lease on owner-operators require proof of occupational accident coverage. You usually have two options:

  • Join the carrier's program. Some carriers offer a group program and deduct the cost from your settlements.
  • Bring your own policy. Many carriers accept your own Occ/Acc if it meets their required benefits. Your own policy can stay with you if you change carriers.
  • Check the lease. Look for the required benefit limits and whether the carrier must be listed as a certificate holder.
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Have ready for your quote
  • Your name, phone and email
  • Company name, DOT number and state
  • The motor carrier you're leased to
  • Any benefit limits your carrier requires
  • When you need coverage to start
For Motor Carriers

Leasing On Owner-Operators? Protect Your Contractors and Your Company

An Occ/Acc program for your contractors helps them recover after an injury and can help protect your company if a claim turns into a dispute over employee status.

  • One program for every contractor. Cover all leased owner-operators under one program as they come and go.
  • Contingent liability. Coverage that can respond if an injured contractor claims they should have been treated as an employee.
  • Settlement deductions. Many carriers pass program costs through to contractors in their settlements, per the lease.
  • Classification still matters. How you treat contractors affects whether they're seen as employees. Talk with your legal advisor about your lease agreements.
Quote a Contractor Program
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Free Quote

Request an Occupational Accident Quote

For owner-operators buying coverage for themselves and motor carriers buying for their contractors. Tell us about your operation and a MIG Producer will follow up with options.

  • Free and no obligation.
  • State matters. Occ/Acc availability and rules vary by state.
  • Need more than Occ/Acc? Get a quote on your full trucking program.

Submitting this form doesn’t bind coverage. Requests are reviewed Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM ET.

Occ/Acc Quote Request

Related Coverages

Coverage for Owner-Operators and Fleets

Workers' Compensation

For W-2 employee drivers.

Auto Liability

Primary liability for your authority.

Physical Damage

Repairs or replaces your truck and trailer.

Motor Truck Cargo

Covers the freight you haul.

New Authority

Starting out on your own authority.

Small Fleet

Owner-operators and growing fleets.

Truckers GL

Off-road claims and contract requirements.

Trucking Terms Glossary

Plain-English trucking insurance terms.

See all trucking coverages →

FAQ

Occupational Accident Insurance Questions

What is occupational accident insurance?
Occupational accident (Occ/Acc) insurance provides medical, disability and accidental death and dismemberment benefits to independent contractor truck drivers, like owner-operators, who are hurt on the job. It's commonly used for 1099 drivers who aren't covered by workers' compensation.
Who needs occupational accident insurance?
Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier, contract drivers and other non-W-2 drivers. Many motor carriers require leased owner-operators to carry it, and carriers that lease on contractors often buy a program for them.
Is occupational accident insurance the same as workers' comp?
No. Workers' compensation is for W-2 employees and benefits are set by state law. Occupational accident is for independent contractors, with benefits and limits set by the policy. In some states, workers' comp may still be required depending on how drivers are classified. See Workers' Compensation.
My motor carrier requires Occ/Acc. Can I get my own policy?
Often, yes. Some carriers offer a program and deduct the cost from settlements; others accept your own policy if it meets their requirements. Check your lease agreement, then request a quote.
What does occupational accident insurance cover?
Programs commonly include accident medical expenses, temporary and permanent disability income, accidental death and dismemberment, and survivor benefits. Some offer dispatch coverage, non-occupational (24-hour) options and passenger coverage. Benefits vary by program.
What is contingent liability coverage?
Contingent liability is coverage a motor carrier can add to an Occ/Acc program. It can respond if an injured contractor claims they were really an employee and should have had workers' comp benefits.
How much does occupational accident insurance cost?
Cost depends on the benefit limits, deductible, state, number of drivers and the program. It's often less than workers' compensation for the same drivers. Request a free quote for pricing.
Is occupational accident insurance available in every state?
Availability and rules vary by state. Tell us where you're based on the quote form and a MIG Producer can confirm your options.
Do I need Occ/Acc if I run under my own authority?
If you have no employees, Occ/Acc is a common way to protect your income if you're hurt on the job. If you have W-2 employees, you may need workers' compensation for them.
Is the quote free?
Yes. Quotes are free and there's no obligation to buy. Submit the form or talk to a MIG Producer Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM ET.

Get a Free Occ/Acc Quote

For owner-operators and motor carriers. Request a quote online or talk to a MIG Producer Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM ET. We’re happy to help.

Get an Occ/Acc Quote
Talk to a MIG Producer

This page is general information about occupational accident insurance and is not legal, tax or employment advice. Whether a driver is an independent contractor or an employee depends on the facts and applicable law. Benefits, limits, eligibility, state availability and pricing are determined by the insurance carrier, and your policy documents control. Marquee Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency and does not issue policies, make underwriting decisions or decide claims.