Leaves Are Falling, and So Are Risks: Insure Owner Operators with Occupational Accident Insurance

Leaves Are Falling, and So Are Risks: Insure Owner Operators with Occupational Accident Insurance


September 18th, 2024


As the leaves start to fall and the nation prepares for the fall season, the Trucking industry gears up for one of its busiest times of year.  This increase is driven by holiday preparations and the agricultural harvest, making the roads a bustling corridor of commerce.  For Insurance Agents, this period is critical to ensuring that Motor Carriers and Owner Operators have added protection against the heightened risks accompanying this busy time.  At the heart of this protection is Workforce Insurance Underwriters' unique offering: an Occupational Accident Insurance policy that stands alone in the industry by not excluding Pre-Existing Conditions.

 

The Autumn Surge in Trucking Activity


The fall season brings more than just colorful landscapes; it brings an uptick in risk.  As per the National Safety Council, fatal truck crashes peak in the fall, with an approximate 20% rise from August to September.  This uptick is driven by the need to stock shelves for holiday shopping, increased agricultural produce movements, and preparation for winter supply needs.  As drivers navigate congested roads, their health becomes an undeniable factor in their safety and capability to fulfill their duties.  This is especially pertinent considering the demographic and health challenges specific to truck drivers.

 

Truck Drivers: A Health Snapshot


Delve deeper into the demographics of the Trucking industry, and a concerning trend emerges: the typical Owner Operator is a 58-year-old male, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds.  At this stage in life, Pre-Existing Conditions are not the exception but the rule.


Long-haul truck drivers face unique job demands and lifestyle challenges that significantly impact their health.  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), they are twice as likely to be obese compared to the average working adult.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights additional health risks, such as a higher prevalence of chronic diseases, attributed to long working hours, limited physical activity, poor diet, and stress.


These work conditions, including entering and exiting the cab, loading cargo, and adjusting landing gear, can exacerbate health risks, making drivers more prone to developing a Pre-Existing Condition.


Common examples of such conditions include:


  • Neck and back injuries
  • Sprains and strains
  • Orthopedic issues
  • Old sports injuries
  • Previous auto and home accidents


These statistics highlight the importance of considering Pre-Existing Condition exclusions when purchasing Occupational Accident Insurance.  

 

The Hidden Dangers of Pre-Existing Conditions


Insurance policies that exclude Pre-Existing Conditions could pose a significant threat to Owner Operators.  Imagine a driver who sustains an injury on the job only to be denied coverage because of a Pre-Existing Condition.  The financial and emotional ramifications can be devastating, not only for the driver but also for the Motor Carrier struggling to manage the fallout.  This exclusion is a silent hazard embedded in all Occupational Accident Insurance policies—except ours.

 

Occupational Accident Insurance: A Unique Solution


Our Occupational Accident Insurance policy is crafted to fill these significant gaps.  We stand alone in the market by ensuring that Pre-Existing Conditions do not limit a driver's coverage.  This policy is tailored to meet the unique needs of Owner Operators, providing added peace of mind and further financial security.


Key features include:


  • No Pre-Existing Conditions Exclusion: Ensures that drivers are covered regardless of their Pre-Existing Condition(s).
  • No "Under Dispatch" or "On Duty" Requirements: Offers flexibility and coverage at all times, not just when officially on duty.
  • No CDL Requirement: Makes coverage accessible to all drivers, regardless of their licensing status.
  • No AD&D Benefit Reduction After Age 65: Helps to protect older drivers, who often have more experience but face age-related exclusions elsewhere.
  • No Medical Caps or Sub Limits: Provides medical coverage without arbitrary limits that can restrict necessary care.

 

Fall into Comprehensive Coverage


As the leaves fall, don't let your clients' protection fall with them.  Choose the only insurance market prioritizing their health and security with added coverage.  With Workforce Insurance Underwriters, you can confidently navigate the complexities of the season, knowing you've offered the best possible protection for those who keep our economy moving.

 

Discover more about our Occupational Accident Insurance policy by clicking here.  Schedule a meeting with a Workforce industry expert by clicking here.


Follow us @workforceinsurance on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.


Sources:

NIOSH

CDC

AmTrust Financial

OOIDA Survey   

National Safety Council


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