Bobtail & Non-Trucking Liability Insurance

When you're a truck owner-operator or motor carrier, there are times when your truck is on the road but not officially "on the job." Standard trucking liability policies only cover you while under dispatch — meaning when you're hauling goods for a motor carrier. But what about the rest of the time?

That’s where Bobtail Insurance and Non-Trucking Liability Insurance come in. These specialized policies protect you during those in-between moments, helping to avoid major financial risks and keep you compliant.

Bobtail insurance provides liability coverage when your truck is operated without a trailer, whether you're returning from a delivery, driving to a terminal, or running non-commercial errands after dropping off a load.

Key points:

Protects you when driving without a trailer, regardless of whether you’re under dispatch.

Covers bodily injury and property damage liability.

Often required by motor carriers in lease agreements.

Non-Trucking Liability insurance covers your truck when it’s being used for personal, non-business purposes. This could include activities like driving to the store, visiting friends or family, or going on a personal trip.

Key points:

Covers you when your truck is operated off the clock and not generating income.

Provides liability coverage for injuries or property damage to others in an accident.

Does not cover situations when the truck is used for any business-related activities.

Motor carriers typically require these policies to ensure owner-operators are covered at all times.

Prevents large out-of-pocket costs if an accident happens while off dispatch or using the truck personally.

Helps maintain your lease agreements and keep your business operating smoothly.

🚦 What’s Not Covered

Damage to your own truck or trailer (that would require physical damage coverage).

Cargo loss or damage.

Any business-related driving or hauling (covered by your primary liability policy).