Non-trucking liability (NTL), often called bobtail insurance, covers a leased owner-operator when they drive the truck for personal use — outside of an active dispatch. It fills the gap your motor carrier's policy leaves when you are off the clock.
Who Needs Non-Trucking Liability
NTL is for owner-operators leased to a motor carrier. When you are under dispatch, the carrier's liability policy covers you. But the moment you drop a load and drive home, run an errand, or head to the shop, that coverage usually stops. NTL covers those miles.
Bobtail vs. Non-Trucking Liability
People use the terms interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference:
- Bobtail technically means driving the tractor without a trailer attached.
- Non-trucking liability is broader — any use of the truck not under dispatch, with or without a trailer.
Most policies sold today are true NTL, which is what you want.
What NTL Does Not Cover
- Anything while you are under dispatch (that is the carrier's policy).
- Damage to your own truck (that is physical damage coverage).
- The cargo you haul (that is motor truck cargo).
Do Owner-Operators With Their Own Authority Need It?
If you run under your own authority, you generally carry a full commercial policy instead and do not need separate NTL. NTL is specifically a leased-operator product. Not sure which applies to you? Our owner-operator specialists can sort it out in one call.
Get a non-trucking liability quote or call (800) 726-8376 and we will confirm exactly what you need.