On the road to better insurance protection: Zurich’s updated coverage for truckers

Over the past several years, inflation has raised the cost of nearly everything, including fuel, equipment, housing and health care. For independent truckers who run their own businesses, these increases affect both their work and their personal finances.

Medical expenses keep rising, adding extra pressure for owner-operators who depend on occupational accident coverage as a key layer of insurance. The average cost of a workplace injury in the United States is more than $42,000, including medical expenses and lost wages.¹ When an injury occurs, having sufficient insurance coverage can help drivers stay financially stable during recovery.

At the same time, operating a truck remains expensive. In 2024, the average cost to operate a truck was $2.26 per mile. Nonfuel costs reached a record of $1.779 per mile, the highest ever recorded.² These expenses include truck payments, insurance, wages and maintenance. This shows how tight margins continue to squeeze owner-operators.

Why Zurich updated its Occupational Accident coverage

To support independent truckers facing higher costs and changes in the industry, Zurich has updated its Occupational Accident coverage. The goal was to improve benefits so they better match today's expenses, all without raising premiums.

These updates give independent contractors better financial protection and help motor carriers and brokers offer more appealing options.

What's new? Expanded benefits at the same cost:

• Higher benefit limits to cover rising medical expenses
• Stronger financial protection if a covered injury happens
• Better alignment between insurance coverage and the real-world costs independent truckers face

How this helps independent truckers

Independent truckers are small-business owners. When an injury occurs, it affects more than just their health. It can disrupt income, delay work and create financial stress.

Owner-operators make up a large part of the trucking workforce. Estimates show as many as 922,854 independent owner-operators operate on U.S. roads. These owner-operators may earn between $200,000 and $350,000 per year, but after costs like fuel, insurance and maintenance, many net between $60,000 and $120,000 annually.³

By increasing policy limits at no extra cost, Zurich's updates help:

• Provide more financial support during recovery
• Reduce potential out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Support ongoing income after a covered injury

These updates show Zurich's commitment to the transportation industry and understanding of the financial realities independent truckers face.

More insurance coverage in your corner, more confidence on the road.

Interested in learning more about Zurich's updated policy for independent truckers? Contact your Zurich representative today to see how these updates can support your business and your clients.

References

1. National Safety Council. Work Injury Costs (2024).

2. American Transportation Research Institute. New ATRI Report Shows Trucking Profitability Severely Squeezed by High Costs, Low Rates (2025).

3. AtoB. Owner Operator Statistics & Data Every Trucker Should Know in 2026 (2026).