Bobtail Insurance

When you operate a large truck for a living, the risks don't stop after you've dropped off your delivery. There are plenty of disasters that could happen to your rig when it's not hauling a trailer. That's what makes having bobtail insurance so important.

Fortunately, an independent insurance agent can help you get all the bobtail coverage you need. They'll get you and your rig insured long before you need to file a claim. But for starters, here's a breakdown of bobtail insurance and why it's critical to have it.

What Is Bobtail Insurance?

Bobtail insurance is a type of commercial vehicle liability coverage for independent freight drivers while they work under the authority of a company and are not hauling a trailer. Owner-operators are typically using their vehicles to drive home or pick up their next delivery, and aren't covered by their motor carrier's liability policy during that time.

After a trucker who works for ABC Trucking completes their delivery from Point A to Point B, they're left without a trailer. But they're also left without ABC Trucking's commercial auto insurance liability coverage while they're still driving on the road, vulnerable to accidents and other threats. That's when bobtail coverage kicks in to protect them.

What Does Bobtail Insurance Cover?

Bobtail insurance covers the liability for damage done after an accident that involves your truck when you’re not hauling a trailer. This coverage kicks in during this span of time in several instances.

These are the main scenarios when bobtail insurance is necessary:

You get into an accident while picking up your load.
You get into an accident on your way home, after dropping off your load.
You get into an accident in between dropping off and picking up new loads.

Bobtail insurance covers liability costs stemming from third-party lawsuits as well as medical bills and repairs for third-party injuries and property damage. But bobtail insurance doesn't cover any costs of physical damage to your own truck or your personal injuries. An independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the coverages you need to fully protect your truck in all scenarios.

Who Needs Bobtail Insurance?

If you own a truck and work as an independent driver who delivers goods for different companies, you might want to strongly consider getting bobtail insurance. Coverage can be important for all truck drivers, but especially for independent contractors who drive their trucks beyond delivery jobs. Bobtail coverage is crucial to fill in the gaps in your motor carrier's general liability policy.

The Difference Between Bobtail Insurance and Non-Trucking Liability Insurance

Bobtail insurance is often confused with non-trucking liability insurance, but they're not the same coverage. The biggest difference between bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability insurance is when each coverage applies.

Bobtail insurance: Provides protection when you’re driving your truck under another company’s authority without the trailer. It covers liability issues that occur while traveling for the job.
Non-trucking liability insurance: Provides protection when you’re driving your truck for personal reasons. If you’re driving your truck to run errands or for leisure, non-trucking liability covers accidents that occur during that time.

Non-trucking liability insurance doesn't automatically cover you when you're not hauling a trailer, contrary to common belief. It's often necessary to have both types of coverage for different spans of time. Make sure to ask your independent insurance agent about getting set up with both bobtail coverage and non-trucking liability coverage.

What Doesn't Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Cover?

Non-trucking liability provides important coverage while you're operating your truck for personal use. But there are also plenty of scenarios when it doesn't cover you, such as:

When you're hauling cargo
When you're driving to or from deliveries
When you're fueling or washing your truck
When you're traveling for maintenance
When you're on a layover
When you're driving with an empty trailer without a load, also called deadheading

Non-trucking liability insurance also won't cover you if you're hauling a trailer for a motor carrier. The motor carrier's primary liability coverage would protect you during that time. If you have any remaining questions about non-trucking liability coverage and when it's necessary, an independent insurance agent can help you.

How Much Does Bobtail Insurance Cost?

Bobtail insurance tends to be much cheaper than general commercial trucking liability insurance. Like any other type of coverage, the cost of your policy can be based on several factors, including:

Your driving record
Your age
Your experience as a driver
Your location and traveling radius
Your truck’s make and market value

Generally, bobtail insurance averages about $30 monthly or $360 annually for most truckers who purchase policies with $1 million in coverage. Of course, the cost of your coverage may be different. An independent insurance agent can help you find exact bobtail insurance quotes for your area.

Best Insurance Companies for Bobtail Insurance

The best way to find the right carrier for your bobtail insurance is by working with an independent insurance agent. They know which insurance companies to recommend to meet your needs, and can provide informed suggestions based on company reliability, rates, and more.

While many insurance companies might offer bobtail insurance, finding coverage could also depend on the area you live in. Here are a few of the top companies for bobtail coverage:

Top Bobtail Insurance Companies	Overall Carrier Star Rating
Progressive	5 Stars
Bobtail Insurance	5 Stars
OOIDA Truck Insurance	5 Stars
East Insurance Group	5 Stars
National Independent Truckers Insurance Company	5 Stars
Reliance Partners	4.5 Stars

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

When you're ready to get your rig equipped with the right bobtail insurance or non-trucking liability insurance, no one's better equipped to help than a local independent insurance agent. These agents have access to multiple commercial auto insurance carriers, so they can shop and compare rates for you.

They'll get you set up with the right coverage at the best possible rate. And down the road, your agent will still be there to help you file claims when necessary.

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