Driving a truck often means long hours on the road—and sometimes, you’re not riding alone. Maybe your spouse joins you for the ride, or you’re training a new driver. You might even feel inclined to pick up someone along the way who needs a ride to the next exit down the road. But this begs the question, and it’s a fair one: if there’s an accident, is that person covered under your trucking insurance through The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR?
Standard Coverage Might Not Be Enough
Most commercial trucking insurance policies focus on the essentials: covering you, the driver, and any damage caused to property or other vehicles. They also include coverage for your truck and the cargo inside. But here’s where things get blurry—passengers aren’t always included. In fact, many standard policies leave them out entirely.
Guest Passenger Coverage Is Often Optional
If you occasionally bring someone along, you’ll likely need to request a specific type of add-on called a guest passenger endorsement. This coverage isn’t built into most plans, so it has to be added ahead of time. Without it, your passenger could be left without any protection at all if they get injured.
Employee or Not? It Makes a Difference
There’s also a big distinction between an employee riding along versus a friend or family member. Workers might be covered under your company’s workers’ comp plan. But non-employees? They’re typically not covered unless you’ve made arrangements with your insurer.
Before you bring anyone along for the ride, it’s worth speaking with a local insurance agent who understands Arkansas trucking policies. A quick conversation now can prevent serious problems down the line. Protecting your business also means protecting the people riding with you—and making sure your policy through The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR, fits all your needs.