Hey guys, Brian here. One thing I learned early on in trucking is that protecting the truck itself is only part of the picture. The cargo we haul is just as important—sometimes it’s worth more than the truck. That got me asking:

“Does my insurance policy cover cargo theft or damage while I’m hauling?”

If you’ve ever wondered the same, let me share what I’ve learned from experience and talking with brokers.

The Difference Between Liability and Cargo Coverage

Your basic trucking liability policy doesn’t cover the freight in your trailer. That liability only protects you if your truck causes injury or property damage to someone else.

To protect what’s inside your trailer, you need something called motor truck cargo insurance. This is what covers the goods you’re hauling if they’re stolen, damaged in an accident, or even ruined because of fire, collision, or certain weather events.

What Cargo Insurance Usually Covers

Most cargo policies include:

Theft of the load (a big deal for long-haulers who park overnight)
Damage from accidents or collisions
Fire or natural disasters
Loading and unloading incidents
Refrigeration breakdown (if you haul perishables, but make sure it’s specifically listed)

What Cargo Insurance Might Not Cover

Here’s where it gets tricky. Cargo insurance doesn’t cover everything. A few common exclusions are:

Theft if the truck was left unattended or unsecured
Certain high-value items like jewelry, electronics, or alcohol unless scheduled separately
Damage from poor packaging
Losses caused by delays or missed deliveries

I remember one time I was asked to haul a high-value load of electronics. My broker made sure I had the right endorsements before I agreed. If I hadn’t, my regular cargo policy wouldn’t have covered it.

My Advice

Don’t assume your policy covers cargo theft or damage just because you have trucking insurance. Double-check your cargo policy limits, exclusions, and endorsements. If you’re hauling specialty loads or anything with high value, talk to your broker before hitting the road.

The Bottom Line

Cargo theft and damage are real risks in this business. The only way to make sure you’re covered is to have the right motor truck cargo insurance in place. It protects your loads, your reputation, and your bottom line.

Get Covered the Right Way

If you want to make sure your cargo is properly protected, give the team a call at 516-277-0812 or fill out the online form here: Request a Trucking Insurance Quote. That’s what I did, and it gave me peace of mind knowing both my truck and my loads are protected.