What is Occupational Accident Insurance?
Occupational accident insurance is an owner-operator's substitute for workers' comp — since 1099 drivers aren't covered by it. It pays accidental death, disability income, and medical benefits if you're hurt on the job. Written through an A+ (Superior) rated carrier for owner-operators and small fleets under 10 drivers, with same-day processing and next-day coverage.
Who needs it
- Owner-operators leased on to a motor carrier
- Owner-operators running under their own authority
- Small fleets with under 10 contract drivers
- Motor carriers covering leased owner-operators
- Any 1099 driver exempt from workers' comp
🦺 Occupational Accident for owner-operators — enroll in minutes
You're 1099, so you're not covered by workers' comp. Occupational accident is the coverage that pays if you're hurt on the job — plans start around $146/month per driver for a $1,000,000 program, written through an A+ (Superior) rated carrier. Same-day processing, coverage as soon as the next day.
🔒 Start your occ/acc enrollment → 📞 or call 573-594-5148What occupational accident insurance actually covers
Because owner-operators are independent contractors — not employees — you're excluded from workers' compensation. If you're injured behind the wheel or on a load, there's no employer policy to fall back on. An occupational accident policy fills that exact gap with benefits built for drivers:
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
A lump-sum benefit to your family if a covered accident is fatal, and scheduled benefits for the loss of a limb, sight, or hearing.
Temporary Total Disability (income replacement)
Weekly income while you're medically unable to drive after a covered accident — the paycheck protection that keeps the truck note and the household running while you heal.
Continuous / Permanent Total Disability
Longer-term benefits if a covered accident leaves you permanently unable to work — so a single bad day doesn't end your livelihood without a backstop.
Accident Medical Expense
Pays covered medical bills — hospital, surgery, rehab — tied to an on-the-job accident, up to your plan's limit, with no separate deductible games.
Survivor & passenger benefits
Survivor benefits for your dependents, plus optional passenger accident coverage for a spouse or team driver riding with you.
Who this is for
- Owner-operators leased on to a motor carrier
- Owner-operators running under their own authority
- Small fleets with under 10 contract drivers
- Motor carriers who need to cover leased owner-ops
- Any 1099 driver a carrier requires to carry occ/acc
Why owner-operators buy it
- You're exempt from workers' comp — this is your replacement
- Most motor carriers require leased-on drivers to carry it
- Costs a fraction of a workers' comp policy
- Protects your income and your family, not just the truck
- No underwriting for rate — flat monthly price per driver
The program & how to enroll
Our occupational accident program is underwritten by Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company (Intact Insurance Group) — an experienced truckers' occ/acc carrier rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best. Coverage is available to drivers in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas & Colorado. Each driver completes a short application; approved applications are processed the same day and coverage can start the very next day.
Fleets & carriers
Running owner-operators under your authority? For carriers with 5 or more leased owner-ops we can quote Contingent Liability, and for 10 or more we can build a group occupational accident plan with a rate specific to your operation. Call 573-594-5148 and we'll set it up.
Why go through BNW
Billy Whited has 40 years in and around trucking — occ/acc isn't a checkbox to us, it's coverage we understand for the people who actually run the miles. We'll match you to the right plan limit, handle enrollment, and answer the phone when you need a certificate.
Occupational Accident Insurance FAQ
What is occupational accident insurance?
It's coverage for owner-operators and 1099 drivers who are hurt on the job. Because you're an independent contractor, you're not covered by workers' comp — occ/acc is the substitute, paying accidental death, disability income, and medical benefits.
Why do I need it if I'm an owner-operator?
You're exempt from workers' comp, so there's no employer policy to protect you if an accident keeps you from driving. Most motor carriers also require leased-on drivers to carry occ/acc before they'll put you to work.
How is this different from workers' comp?
Workers' comp is for employees and is required of most employers; occ/acc is bought by independent contractors who are excluded from comp. Occ/acc typically costs a fraction of a comp policy and is priced as a flat monthly rate per driver.
What does it cost?
Plans start around $146/month per driver for a $1,000,000 program, and there's no underwriting for the rate — it's a flat monthly price by plan. Call 573-594-5148 or start an enrollment and we'll match you to the right limit.
How fast can coverage start?
Approved applications are processed the same day we receive them (during business hours), and coverage can be effective as soon as the next day.
Which states is it available in?
Drivers in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado are all eligible. It's written through an A+ (Superior) AM Best-rated carrier.
I run a small fleet — can you cover my drivers?
Yes — the program is built for small fleets with under 10 contract drivers. For carriers with 5+ leased owner-ops we can also quote contingent liability, and for 10+ a group occupational accident plan.
Who underwrites the coverage?
Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, an Intact Insurance Group carrier rated A+ (Superior) by AM Best — an experienced truckers' occupational accident underwriter.
Get Occupational Accident Insurance today
Quote, buy, or book a quick consult — whatever's easiest for you.