The Ultimate Hotshot Insurance Checklist for Owner-Operators

If you’re an owner-operator in the hotshot trucking world, you already know the grind. Tight deadlines, long hauls, and valuable cargo make your work rewarding — but also risky. That’s why having the right hotshot insurance in place isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a lifeline for your business.

At Commercial Pro Shield Insurance, we’ve worked with countless hotshot drivers who started out unsure of what coverage they really needed. To make things simple, we put together this ultimate checklist to help you protect your truck, your freight, and your livelihood.

✅ The Hotshot Insurance Checklist

Here’s what every owner-operator should consider before hitting the road:

1. Primary Liability Insurance

• Federal and state law requires it.

• Covers bodily injury and property damage if you’re at fault in an accident.

• Minimum coverage depends on your freight type and state, but most hotshot drivers need at least $750,000–$1,000,000 in liability.

2. Physical Damage Coverage

• Protects your truck and trailer against damage from accidents, theft, fire, or vandalism.

• Remember: lenders often require this if your vehicle is financed.

3. Motor Truck Cargo Insurance

• Covers the goods you’re hauling in case of theft, damage, or accidents.

• Typical coverage ranges between $50,000–$250,000 depending on freight value.

4. Non-Trucking Liability (Bobtail Insurance)

• Protects you when you’re driving your truck for personal use, not under dispatch.

5. General Liability Insurance

• Provides extra protection for your business beyond just trucking risks.

• Covers things like injuries on your property or damage caused outside of driving.

6. Trailer Interchange Insurance

• If you pull someone else’s trailer, this coverage protects it while it’s in your possession.

7. Occupational Accident or Workers’ Compensation

• Owner-operators often skip this — but don’t. It helps cover medical expenses, disability, and lost wages if you’re injured on the job.

8. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

• Protects you if another driver causes an accident but doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for damages.

Bonus Tips for Lowering Hotshot Insurance Costs

• Keep a clean driving record.

• Invest in safety equipment (dash cams, GPS tracking, anti-theft devices).

• Bundle policies to get discounts.

• Work with a specialized agency like Commercial Pro Shield Insurance that understands the hotshot industry.

Final Thoughts

As an owner-operator, you’ve invested in your truck, your business, and your future. Don’t risk it all with the wrong coverage or by being underinsured. This checklist gives you a clear starting point, but every hotshot driver’s needs are unique.

At Commercial Pro Shield Insurance, we specialize in hotshot insurance and help drivers like you get tailored coverage at competitive rates.

👉 Ready to protect your business the right way? Get a free hotshot insurance quote today with Commercial Pro Shield Insurance.