Zurich hikes occupational accident benefits for independent truckers

Zurich North America has boosted benefit limits in its Occupational Accident insurance program available for independent contractors in the trucking industry. The proactive adjustments, designed to address rising medical costs and other inflation, are one of the latest ways Zurich’s Specialties business is distinguishing its offerings in the market.

Occupational Accident policies for independent truckers typically provide for accident-based medical expenses and disability wage replacement at specific levels. They also provide accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

“Across the insurance industry, Occupational Accident benefit levels for independent truckers weren’t keeping pace with economic realities,” said Mike Saporito, Head of Occupational Accident at Zurich. “We saw a gap and took action to help close it. We’ve led the market in solutions for independent contractors in trucking since 1997, and these higher limits affirm that.”

What’s new in the coverage

The following are among Zurich’s Occupational Accident benefit enhancements:

• A 50% increase in the combined single program limit and Accident Medical Benefit limit.
• Up to a 60% increase in Temporary Total Disability and Continuous Total Disability limits.
• Substantial increases in benefits for injury-related ambulance, dental and mental health expenses, as well as for truck payment.

 “With these enhancements, our benefits now exceed typical market offerings,” Saporito said.

Why the increases matter

Inflation has eroded the value of longstanding coverage limits and disability payments across the industry, which have remained largely unchanged for well over a decade despite independent contractors’ net income increasing. That growing gap creates a bigger blow in terms of income loss after an injury. Losing time means more money is lost if disability benefits aren’t adequate. Consider a $1 million benefit today versus in 2009. Today, because of inflation, the purchasing power is only about $700,000. The costs of medical care, meanwhile, have increased significantly in the same period.

“These trends mean that a serious injury can quickly exceed traditional benefit caps,” Saporito said. “We’re resetting the bar so independent truckers get the protection and financial support they need after a work-related injury.”

Industry impact

Enhanced benefits can have a positive impact not only for contractors but also for trucking companies. Stronger benefits can support driver satisfaction and retention.

“Trucking companies depend on independent contractors to move freight, and many drivers like the flexibility of being independent contractors,” Saporito said. “These upgraded benefits support that model.”

Supporting safety

In early discussions, Zurich has received positive feedback from brokers who work with motor carriers that sponsor Occupational Accident programs. Motor carriers often make the coverage available to independent contractors who are not covered by workers’ compensation policies and work under specific types of lease agreements. The contractor pays for the coverage.

“Worker safety and protection is a space Zurich is committed to supporting,” said Head of Specialties Kelly Kinzer. “When an accident or injury happens, we want to help ensure covered workers have support through their recovery. These increases in our Occupational Accident benefits for independent truckers demonstrate that commitment.”

Motor carriers and brokers interested in Zurich’s program for independent truckers can contact Mike Saporito or Ryan August.

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