TRUCKING INSURANCE
Bobtail Insurance
Coverage that protects your truck when you drive without a trailer attached, filling the gap your motor carrier's policy leaves the moment you are off dispatch. Affordable protection for owner-operators and leased drivers nationwide.
Get A Quote Call 833-776-4671- Business Insurance
- Bobtail Insurance
Quick Answer: Bobtail insurance covers liability when you drive your truck (the tractor) without a trailer attached, typically when you are not under dispatch, such as driving home, to a terminal, or to a maintenance shop. When you are leased to a motor carrier, their liability policy usually covers you only while under dispatch, and bobtail fills that gap. It is inexpensive, often $20 to $50 per month, and it is frequently required by the carriers owner-operators lease to. Call 833-776-4671 to get covered.
Bobtail Insurance vs. Non-Trucking Liability
These two terms are often used interchangeably, and many policies sold as "bobtail" are technically non-trucking liability. They overlap, but the distinction matters when a claim happens.
Bobtail Liability
Applies when you are driving the tractor with no trailer attached. "Bobtailing" literally means running the truck without a trailer, whether or not you are under dispatch.
Non-Trucking Liability (NTL)
Applies when you use the truck for non-business purposes, meaning not under dispatch, whether or not a trailer is attached. It is the broader of the two.
The bottom line: Both exist to cover you when your motor carrier's liability policy does not, which is any time you are not under dispatch. We make sure your policy actually matches how you operate, so there is no surprise gap. Not sure which you have? We will review it for free.
What Bobtail Insurance Covers
Liability protection for those non-dispatch miles.
Bodily Injury Liability
Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering claims from third parties injured in an accident you cause while bobtailing.
Property Damage Liability
Covers the cost to repair or replace other vehicles or property you damage in an at-fault accident while driving without a trailer.
Legal Defense & Settlements
Covers attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments if you are sued over an accident that happens in bobtail mode.
What Bobtail Insurance Does Not Cover
Bobtail is liability-only and applies when you are off dispatch. It does not cover physical damage to your own truck, your cargo, or your liability while under dispatch. Those need primary liability, physical damage, and cargo coverage, which we build into a complete commercial trucking program.
Which Drivers Need Bobtail Coverage?
Bobtail insurance mainly benefits drivers who regularly operate without a trailer between loads, including:
- Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier whose liability ends when you go off dispatch
- Independent contractors who drive the tractor for personal use between hauls
- Drivers heading home, to a terminal, or to a maintenance shop after dropping a trailer
A driver returning home after delivering a load, or running to pick up a new trailer, is exposed the moment they leave dispatch. Without bobtail coverage, an accident on those miles can mean serious out-of-pocket costs. Many carriers require proof of bobtail or non-trucking liability before you can lease on.
How Much Does Bobtail Insurance Cost?
Bobtail insurance is one of the most affordable coverages a trucker carries, usually $20 to $50 per month, or roughly $300 to $600 per year. Because it is liability-only and applies only off dispatch, it costs far less than primary liability. A few factors move the price:
- Driving record and years of experience
- Liability limit you choose, often $1 million to satisfy carrier requirements
- Location and where you operate
- Truck type and value
Because we are independent and shop multiple trucking carriers, we find the right limit at a competitive rate. Request a quote for your exact number.
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Bobtail is one piece. Here is the rest of the coverage owner-operators and fleets rely on.
Bobtail Insurance FAQs
What is bobtail insurance?
Bobtail insurance is liability coverage that protects you when you drive your tractor without a trailer attached, typically when you are not under dispatch. It covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others, plus legal defense, during those non-business miles like driving home or to a terminal.
What is the difference between bobtail and non-trucking liability?
Bobtail liability applies when you drive the tractor with no trailer attached. Non-trucking liability applies whenever you use the truck for non-business purposes, with or without a trailer, and is slightly broader. The terms are often used interchangeably, and many policies sold as bobtail are technically non-trucking liability. We confirm your policy matches how you actually operate.
Do I need bobtail insurance if I am leased to a carrier?
Usually yes. When you are leased to a motor carrier, their liability policy typically covers you only while you are under dispatch. The moment you go off dispatch, that protection ends, and bobtail or non-trucking liability fills the gap. Many carriers require proof of it before you can lease on.
How much does bobtail insurance cost?
Bobtail insurance usually runs $20 to $50 per month, or roughly $300 to $600 per year. It is one of the most affordable trucking coverages because it is liability-only and applies only when you are off dispatch. Your driving record, chosen limit, and location affect the final price.
Does bobtail insurance cover damage to my own truck?
No. Bobtail is liability-only, so it covers damage and injury you cause to others, not damage to your own truck or your cargo. To protect your truck and load you need physical damage and cargo coverage, which we include in a complete commercial trucking program.
Cover Your Bobtail Miles
Get affordable bobtail coverage and the confidence that you are protected off dispatch. We will quote it fast and make sure it fits how you run.
Get A Quote Call 833-776-4671Reviewed by Neal Fusco
VP, Commercial Lines · Pro Insurance Group. Neal places trucking, towing, and transportation programs for owner-operators and fleets nationwide.