Driver's Insurance?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by petrel, Apr 28, 2017.

  1. petrel

    petrel Bobtail Member

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    I am in my last week of training. My employer has indicated that as their driver, I will be held responsible for damage to their truck or any damage I may cause with their truck, and any loss they suffer because my paperwork is not in order.

    I certainly don't plan to go out and cause anyone or anything harm. However, I don't believe that I am perfect either. What sort of insurance is available to company drivers to protect us in the event of damage or worse?

    I posed this question in orientation. The instructor said I did not need my own insurance. Not wanting to be that guy, I did not remind him of their policy on damage, loss, etc.
     
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  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Oh boy.

    A little context would be nice. Is this a "major, reputable carrier" who told you this? Did they say this in so many words or are you paraphrasing or perhaps misunderstood the types of incidents they may be referring to? Did they ask you to sign something in relation to this topic?

    Some have been successful at going after a driver for "minor damages", but even this practice is highly debatable and suspect at best. As a company employee this would be questionable, but perhaps as a "driver contractor" some may be able to easier get away with this practice.

    I would be out of there if it's like you say. Lots of things can happen in truck stops. Your truck can suffer damage while you're inside showering or eating and it might otherwise appear you might have been responsible and did it yourself.

    Is this a "training company"?
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2017
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  4. Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    I would find a different company to work for. I don't know of anyone who makes an employee pay for damages, that's what they are insured for.
     
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  5. ExOTR

    ExOTR Windshield Chipper Extraordinaire

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    Some carriers might keep part of your last check if you completely trashed the interior as a company driver, almost sounds more like you're going straight into a lease purchase.
     
  6. FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

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    Sounds like the 1099 shuffle..
     
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  7. petrel

    petrel Bobtail Member

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    I'd rather not name them, as they have been very honest so far, and i may be just paranoid. They are a small, very reputable company.

    Nothing in writing about it, but it was implied by the orientation instructor. Specifically, $400.00 for a curbed tire that blows or possible charges if a load was short and paperwork was not signed SLC.

    For this or any other company, is there no such thing as "driver's insurance?"
     
  8. Badmon

    Badmon Heavy Load Member

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    I'm pretty sure this is nonexistent for company drivers... thats what your company has its own insurance for. Sounds sketchy
     
  9. Redtwin

    Redtwin Road Train Member

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    I was told similar that I could be held responsible for at fault damage to the truck. Rumor has it that only those that are repeat offenders are asked to contribute to repairs.

    I've also heard that a driver had to pay towards a set of trailer tires that got worn through to the belts when the driver dragged the trailer with locked brakes.

    I have to say I totally agree with that one as that is gross negligence on the part of the driver that cost the company money. Assuming that it even happened the way I heard it.
     
  10. FozzyNOK

    FozzyNOK Road Train Member

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    Legally companies can (or could) A: Fire you B: suspend you or C: lower your rate of pay for X amount of time.
     
  11. petrel

    petrel Bobtail Member

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    Based on the company's clientele, I'm guessing they are well insured. I was just thinking it would give me some peace of mind knowing if I made a mistake or incurred some sort of personal liability, that I would have insurance to protect me.
     
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