This is a liability coverage for truckers that pays for property damage, or injuries to others, that you cause while the trailer is detached from your truck.

If traveling without towing a trailer, or any other kind of freight, your semi-truck, and you, are covered. This includes expenses related to bodily injury or property damage to a third party. In order for coverage under this policy to take effect, you must not be using your truck for commercial reasons.

Who Needs Bobtail Insurance?

Bobtail insurance is for truck drivers that own their own truck, are leased onto a Motor Carrier, and drive sometimes without a trailer attached. For example, you may drop off your load and trailer and while in transit to your next load have a collision. Known as “Bobtailing”, Bobtail insurance is the coverage you need during these times.

How much would an average policy, with a $1,000,000 limit, cost?

Most prices range from $35-$60 monthly for that amount of coverage. Make sure you read the fine print and find out what’s covered and what’s excluded when comparing polices. Getting bobtail insurance for your semi-truck is a must and your lease agreement usually requires specific details you need with this coverage.

Bobtail Insurance vs Non-Trucking Liability

Bobtail insurance covers your semi-truck for traveling for personal use or between assignments from different carriers. This applies only if there is no trailer being hauled.

Non-trucking Liability Insurance covers owner-operators from any liability claims when the truck is used for non-commercial reasons, whether there is a load attached or not.