Bobtail Truck Insurance (Non-Trucking Liability)

Save Time and Money With a Bobtail Insurance Quote from NITIC!

Get the right commercial truck insurance that meets your needs.

Bobtail Insurance Coverage (also called "Non-Trucking Liability Insurance") protects the owner-operator against physical damage and auto liability to a third party while operating a trailer or hauling a trailer loaded with goods. Most states require NTL to be signed by the transport provider with whom a lease agreement has been signed. This coverage closes a possible hole for trailers used for purposes other than business and aids in defending the primary liability policy.

Bobtail vs Non-Trucking Liability

The Bobtail Insurance policy provides coverage for trucks operated without trailers, commonly known as bobtailing. Regardless of whether the truck is being dispatched, bobtail insurance covers the vehicle only when it is not connected to a trailer.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance, in the event of an accident involving a non-trucking vehicle while the driver/truck is off duty, will cover property damage or bodily injury. The coverage comes in the form of an endorsement on business insurance and is applicable with or without a trailer.

Bobtail Insurance is the policy for you if:

• You are not pulling a load or any trailer.
• You are driving in between loads.
• Or after dropping off a load and trailer, you are on your way home.

Bobtail Insurance is NOT the policy for you if:

• You are pulling a load or any trailer. Even if the trailer is empty, if you are in an accident, there could not be any protection.

Who Needs Non-Trucking Liability Coverage?

No matter when you drive your truck, you need insurance. Your trucker limited liability insurance only provides protection if you are hauling a trailer or driving a truck under someone else's trucking authority; you need separate coverage for all other driving circumstances.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is the policy for you if:

• Driving a truck without a trailer while under someone else's trucking authority.
• Want to safeguard yourself from costly legal fees or out-of-pocket expenses, in the event of an accident.
• Moving after loading/unloading to a proximity safe location to rest.
• Using your truck for non-commercial purposes.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is NOT the policy for you if:

• You want truck insurance for the cargo you transport.

What Does Bobtail Insurance Cover?

Bobtail insurance covers expenses related to bodily injury or property damage to a third party. In order for coverage under this policy to take effect, you must not be using your truck for commercial reasons.

Bobtail insurance typically covers:

1. Liability Protection: It provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage that the trucker may cause while operating the truck without a trailer.

2. Legal Expenses: It may cover legal expenses if the trucker is sued as a result of an accident while bobtailing.

It's important to note that bobtail insurance is different from primary liability insurance, which covers the trucker while they are under dispatch and hauling a load. Bobtail insurance fills the coverage gap when the trucker is driving the truck without a trailer.

Truckers often purchase bobtail insurance to ensure they have continuous liability coverage, even when they are not actively working for a motor carrier. This type of insurance is especially relevant for owner-operators or independent truck drivers who may use their trucks for personal reasons when not actively hauling freight.

Additionally, we can provide coverage for returns after pickups or departures from the motor carrier depending on the current situation.

What about the policyholder's damages?

Your bobtail policy covers the third-party expenses, but what about your physical damage policy?

If you're an owner-operator operating under lease to a motor carrier that covers your primary liability, you'll probably have to carry physical damage insurance to protect the truck if the motor carrier does not cover it.

So, in the event of an accident due to collision, overturn, theft, vandalism, or natural calamity, the company will cover damages to your truck, if you keep physical damage on your policy.

Bobtail Insurance: What Does It Cost?

Bobtail insurance is typically less expensive since it is less comprehensive than other trucking insurance policies. The cost of this policy will be as follows:

Factors that can impact your bobtail insurance premium cost

We can assist you if you're looking for auto liability coverage for an owner/operator. We will help you in calculating the entire cost of your bobtail insurance after reviewing the following factors:

• Age and Driving Past Record
• Vehicle Type and Model
• Number of Years you hold a CDL (Commercial Driver License)
• Leasing Agreement
• How Frequently you Drive for Personal Reasons
• Credit Score
• Limit requests

Bobtail Coverage: What Are The Limits?

The greatest sum that can be awarded in a given claim or policy period is known as the limit of an insurance policy. The limitations in this situation represent the highest amount an insurance company will pay for third-party harm including medical expenses, costs to replace, and costs to repair the damage.

A typical non-trucking policy has:

• $1 million in combined single limits,
• $50,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person,
• and $100,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident.

Bobtail Insurance vs Deadhead Insurance

Bobtail insurance and deadhead insurance are two critical types of coverage for truck drivers, but they serve different purposes. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for ensuring you have the right protection for your commercial truck.

Bobtail Insurance covers a truck when it is being operated without a trailer, regardless of whether the driver is under dispatch or not. This insurance is specifically designed to protect the truck driver in scenarios like driving home after a delivery, traveling between jobs, or heading to a maintenance facility. Essentially, it provides liability coverage for accidents that occur when the truck is "bobtailing," or running without a trailer attached.

Deadhead Insurance, on the other hand, covers the truck when it is driving with an empty trailer. The term "deadheading" refers to the situation where a truck is returning empty after delivering a load or heading to pick up a new load. This insurance ensures that the truck and driver are protected from liability claims during these transit periods.

In summary, while bobtail insurance covers driving without a trailer, deadhead insurance covers driving with an empty trailer. Both types of insurance are crucial for providing comprehensive protection in different phases of trucking operations.

What is the Difference Between Non-Trucking Liability and Bobtail insurance?

At NITIC, one of the most common questions we get from truckers—especially new owner-operators—is the difference between Non-Trucking Liability (NTL) and Bobtail Insurance. While the two are closely related and often confused, they serve distinct purposes and apply in different situations.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance provides coverage when you're using your truck for personal use and not under dispatch. For example, if you're driving your truck to the grocery store, visiting family, or heading to a non-work-related appointment, NTL covers any bodily injury or property damage you may cause during those personal-use trips. It's important to note that NTL only applies when you're truly off the clock and not engaging in any business-related activities.

Bobtail Insurance, on the other hand, covers your truck when you're driving without a trailer—regardless of whether you're on personal time or traveling between loads. For instance, if you're heading to a terminal after dropping off a load or driving to pick up your next assignment without a trailer attached, bobtail insurance steps in. This type of policy covers liability during non-dispatch operations, even if you're engaged in some aspect of your trucking business.

Here's a simple way to remember it:

• Bobtail = No trailer, business-related trips without dispatch
• Non-Trucking Liability = Personal use of your truck, not tied to business

At NITIC, we help you figure out which policy—or combination of both—you need based on how and when you use your truck. If you're leased onto a motor carrier, they may require one or both, and we'll ensure you stay compliant with your lease and FMCSA regulations. Contact us today, and we'll make sure you get the right protection without paying for coverage you don't need.

Invest More In Your Business With NITIC As Your Bobtail Insurer

You won't find a better place online that offers a wider selection of truckers insurance coverages for your trucking insurance needs, including bobtail or non-trucking liability insurance. All of your requirements and demands will be met by our lines of coverage, which include physical damage, auto liability, and cargo insurance, at good rates with excellent claim service, individualized help for owner-operators, and quick response.

If you need truckers insurance or commercial vehicle insurance, give us a call at any time.

Bobtail Insurance FAQs

What is non-trucking liability insurance?
Non-trucking liability insurance provides coverage for owner-operators when they use their truck for non-business purposes and are not under dispatch. It covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause while driving for personal reasons.

Do I need bobtail insurance?
If you're an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier, you likely need bobtail insurance to cover gaps in your primary liability coverage when you're driving without a load or trailer.

Is my liability insurance for bobtail use billed separately?
Yes. Bobtail/NTL insurance is a separate policy from your primary liability coverage. It is typically very affordable and can be bundled with other coverages.

What is the difference between non-trucking liability and bobtail insurance?
Bobtail insurance covers driving without a trailer (regardless of dispatch status), while NTL covers personal use of your truck when you're off the clock. Both fill coverage gaps not addressed by primary liability.

Can you transfer your bobtail insurance between leases?
In most cases, yes. Contact NITIC to update your policy when switching motor carriers to ensure continuous coverage.