Workers’ Compensation Rates for Truckers 2025

a truck driver reviewing paperwork on a clipboard in front of his vehicle
By: 
Mordechai Kamenetsky
December 23, 2024
Last Updated: 
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In 2025, the average workers' comp rate for truckers is $6.33 per $100 of payroll. That’s about $296 per month for a single trucker. This insurance covers job-related injuries or illnesses, protecting both drivers and the businesses they work with.

Table of Contents

What determines Truckers’ Workers' Comp Premiums?

Your workers' comp premium depends on a few key factors:

Industry Risk

Industry Risk

Trucking is considered a high-risk industry. Hauling freight over long distances comes with potential accidents, injuries during loading or unloading, and even exposure to hazardous materials. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) assigns class codes and risk levels to jobs, and truckers fall under some of the riskiest classifications.

For more details, check out our Workers’ Compensation Code for Truckers 2025.  

Payroll

Payroll

Your premium is tied to your payroll. Higher payroll means higher potential risk for injuries, which leads to a higher premium.

Claims History

Claims History

A clean safety record can save you money. Fewer claims over time can lower your rates, while frequent claims can increase premiums.

How are Truckers’ Workers' Comp Premiums calculated?

Here’s the formula:

Payroll divided by 100 x rate = Premium

workers' comp premium formula

Step 1: Calculate Payroll 

Determine the total annual payroll for all drivers.

If annual numbers aren’t available, calculate each employee’s hourly rate multiplied by weekly hours and weeks worked per year.

Step 2: Find your Rate

Find the workers' comp rate for your industry and state:

  • Use the national average for truckers which is $6.33 per $100 of payroll. 
  • Check your existing policy for rate details.

Example Calculation

Let’s say you’re a trucking company owner in Louisiana. You have four drivers classified as 1099 contractors, but since they’re uninsured, you need to include them in your trucker’s workers’ comp policy. You’re excluded from coverage as the owner. 

Here’s how to calculate your premium:

1. Calculate Payroll

  • Annual payroll per driver: $56,348.
  • Total payroll for four drivers: $56,348 × 4 = $225,392

2. Find your Workers' Comp Rate:

  • The Louisiana rate for truckers is  $6.86 per $100 of payroll. 

3. Apply the Formula 

  • Total Payroll is $225,392
  • $225,392 (payroll) ÷ 100 × 6.86 (rate) = $15,463 annual premium

That’s approximately $1,289 per month for all your employees.  .

This is an estimate and could vary based on additional factors like state regulations and discounts.

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How much is Insurance for a Trucker’s Company? 

To give you an idea of what you might pay for workers' comp insurance, here’s an example of average costs per employee for a few states.

annual cost of workers' comp for truckers

Owner-Operator Workers’ Comp Insurance costs 

If you’re an owner-operator with no employees, you may still need workers' comp. Here are the two common options used to meet these requirements and their costs. 

Regular Policy with Minimum Payroll

With this option, your premium is often calculated at the onset of the policy based on a minimum payroll amount set by the state. If your actual payroll exceeds this amount, you’ll owe the difference at audit time, which can lead to unexpected expenses. For most truckers, this type of policy typically costs around $300 a month.

Ghost Policy

A ghost policy is a flat-rate policy designed to meet contract requirements without providing actual coverage. It typically costs around $1,000 annually, which is usually more affordable than a regular policy. However, many ghost policies require the entire premium to be paid upfront, making the initial cost higher than a regular policy. 

Kickstand Note
Kickstand Note: 

Always check the specific insurance requirements of the company you’re contracting with. Some contracts stipulate that owners cannot be excluded, which means a ghost policy won’t work.

What does Workers' Comp Insurance cover for Truckers?

A workers’ comp policy typically includes:

  • Medical Expenses: Coverage for injuries like sprains, fractures, or accidents on the job
  • Lost Wages: Partial wage replacement during recovery
  • Death Benefits: Financial support for families in case of a fatal accident
  • Legal Protection: Coverage for lawsuits related to workplace injuries
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Tips to lower your Workers’ Comp Premium

Want to save money on workers' comp? 

Here are a few strategies:

Safety Programs

Safety Programs

Implement a driver safety training program focusing on accident prevention and cargo handling procedures.

Review Classification Codes

Review Classification Codes

Ensure all workers are correctly classified. Misclassification can inflate your premiums unnecessarily.

Maintain Equipment

Maintain Equipment

Regular inspections and maintenance of trucks reduce accidents caused by faulty equipment.

Ask About Discounts

Ask About Discounts

Some insurance providers offer discounts to businesses with a low claims history or proven safety initiatives.

Curious about your Workers’ Comp costs?

Want to know how much workers' comp will cost for your trucking business? Use our online calculator to get a customized quote and find out how much you can save!

Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or insurance advice. Laws and regulations regarding workers' compensation insurance are complex and vary by state and by specific circumstances. Therefore, readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal or insurance professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem they might have.

Mordechai Kamenetsky

Mordechai Kamenetsky, co-founder and lead agent of Kickstand, is recognized as an expert in workers' compensation. He is passionate about helping small businesses manage risks and lower their workers' comp costs. In his articles, he educates readers and clients on the intricacies of workers' comp insurance.

Highlight Blog LinkGhost sitting at desk
How Much Does a Ghost Policy Cost?

Typically, a ghost policy cost is around $1,000, although prices may vary depending on the insurance carrier and coverage options. Some carriers that offer ghost policies also provide pay plans, while others may not.

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