What Is Bobtail Insurance?

If you drive your own semitruck, more than likely your motor carrier does not provide you with all of the coverage you need all of the time. While under dispatch, you will be covered by your motor carrier’s insurance policies. Once you complete that trip and your truck needs a wash or an oil change, you are no longer covered unless you have your own insurance. Bobtail insurance or non-trucking liability is meant to bridge the gap created when your motor carrier’s policy no longer protects you.

Purpose of Bobtail Insurance

Proper vehicle maintenance is important – so is grocery shopping, attending your kids’ sporting event, and meeting your family for dinner. None of these actually take place while on the job, but may require the usage of your semitruck for transportation. Bobtail insurance is going to protect you from accidents that may occur while you are using your semitruck for personal use.

Even if you change trucking companies, your bobtail insurance sticks with you for all of your individual errands and needs.

Some common items covered by your bobtail insurance:

How much does bobtail insurance cost? 

The motor carrier lease agreement you sign as an owner/operator will typically state your policy’s limit. In most cases, that limit is $1 million in non-trucking liability. Cost per month depends on a variety of factors. These factors include driving history, how often you drive your truck while not under dispatch, and the number of limits requested. 

Just like other trucking insurance policies, there are other factors to keep in mind to ensure your premium does not break the bank. Consider aspects such as how many claims you have made, how much driving experience you have, and how many trucks you own.