Bobtail and non-trucking liability insurance.

When you're leased onto a motor carrier, their liability covers you while you're under dispatch. Once you're off dispatch, that coverage usually stops. Bobtail or non-trucking liability fills the gap.

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Where the gap is

Under dispatch vs. off dispatch

The line that matters is dispatch. While you're working for your motor carrier, hauling a load or heading to pick one up, their primary liability policy typically applies.

Driving home after a drop, taking the truck to the shop, running a personal errand or parking it for the weekend is a different story. That's when you need your own coverage.

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Under dispatch: the carrier's policyHauling a load, heading to a pickup on the carrier's orders, or deadheading for their business.
Off dispatch: your policyDriving home after you drop, going to the shop or truck wash, personal errands in the tractor, weekends.
Non-trucking liabilityCovers you when the truck is used for non-business purposes, whether or not a trailer is attached.
Bobtail liabilityTraditionally means driving the tractor without a trailer. Some bobtail policies also cover trips under dispatch.
Your lease decidesCarriers word their requirements differently. We read your lease so you buy the coverage it actually asks for.
What it doesn't coverDamage to your own truck, the cargo, or injuries to you. Those need physical damage, cargo and occupational accident coverage.

How it works

Three steps. No jargon.

Tell us about your lease

Who you're leased to, how many trucks, and where you're based. Send the insurance section of your lease if you have it.

We match it to your lease

We check which form your carrier requires, non-trucking or bobtail, and the limit, usually $1,000,000.

Certificate to your carrier

Once you bind, we send the certificate to your motor carrier with them listed the way the lease requires.

Worth checking

Before you renew through your carrier

Compare the chargeback

Many carriers offer coverage through their own program and deduct it from your settlements. Shopping your own policy can cost less. Ask for the weekly or monthly amount so we can compare.

It follows you

A policy in your name stays with you if you switch carriers. You just update the certificate holder.

Bundle the truck

Physical damage on your tractor is often quoted alongside non-trucking liability. One agent, one renewal date.

Questions

What owner-operators ask us

Is non-trucking liability required?

The FMCSA doesn't require it, but most motor carriers require it as a condition of your lease, usually with a $1,000,000 limit. Check the insurance section of your lease agreement.

What's the difference between bobtail and non-trucking liability?

People use the terms interchangeably, but policies differ. Non-trucking liability covers you when you aren't driving for business, with or without a trailer. Bobtail usually refers to driving without a trailer, and some bobtail policies also respond while you're under dispatch. Your lease decides which one you need.

Does it cover me when I'm deadheading?

It depends on why. Deadheading under your carrier's dispatch is usually covered by their policy, and non-trucking liability typically excludes business use. Driving home empty on your own time is what non-trucking liability is for.

Can I just buy it through my carrier?

Many carriers offer it, and it's convenient. It isn't always the cheapest option. We can quote your own policy so you can compare it to what's coming out of your settlements.

Does my personal auto policy cover my truck?

No. Personal auto policies exclude commercial trucks like a semi-tractor. You need a commercial policy written for owner-operators.

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