Rollo on the Road: Bobtail Versus Non-Trucking Liability Insurance

As an owner-operator in the trucking industry, you know the freedom and responsibility that comes with being your own boss. Navigating your business while simultaneously deciphering insurance on your own can be a tough road. Two crucial coverages you need to understand are bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability insurance. While often discussed together, they offer distinct protection for different situations.  Rollo Insurance is here to support you along the way and help Texas truckers like you stay protected. 

Bobtail Insurance: Coverage When You’re “Under Dispatch” But Without a Trailer

Bobtail insurance provides liability coverage for your truck when you are operating without an attached trailer and are not under dispatch for a specific load. Think of it as covering you when you’re driving your truck to the shop for maintenance or moving it between jobs without a trailer in tow, but are still technically associated with a motor carrier’s authority.

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance: Coverage When You’re Truly “Off the Clock”

Non-trucking liability insurance offers liability coverage when you are operating your truck without an attached trailer and are not under dispatch. This is when you are using your truck for purely personal reasons and are completely free from any obligation to a motor carrier. It’s often referred to as “deadheading” for personal use.

The Key Difference: Dispatch Status

The crucial distinction lies in your dispatch status.

• Bobtail Insurance: You are still associated with a motor carrier’s authority, even if you’re not actively hauling a load. You might be on your way to pick up a load or returning after a delivery, but without the trailer attached.
• Non-Trucking Liability Insurance: You are entirely off duty and using your truck for personal reasons, completely separate from any trucking business.

What Do Bobtail and Non-Trucking Liability Cover?

Both bobtail and non-trucking liability primarily cover:

• Bodily Injury: If you cause an accident and someone else is injured.
• Property Damage: If you damage someone else’s property in an accident.
• Legal Defense Costs: Expenses associated with defending yourself against a liability claim.

Does Bobtail Insurance Cover Physical Damage?

No, bobtail insurance typically does not cover physical damage to your own truck. It is solely a liability coverage. To protect your truck from physical damage (collision, fire, theft, vandalism) when you are bobtailing or under non-trucking use, you would need physical damage coverage (collision and comprehensive) on your commercial auto policy. This physical damage coverage can often be endorsed to extend coverage even during bobtail or non-trucking situations.

Who Needs Bobtail and Non-Trucking Liability Insurance?

• Owner-Operators Leased to a Motor Carrier: If you operate under the authority of a motor carrier, you will likely need either bobtail or non-trucking liability coverage, depending on your off-duty usage and the requirements of your lease agreement. Motor carriers often carry primary liability coverage when you are under dispatch with a trailer, but you need protection when you’re operating without one.
• Owner-Operators with Their Own Authority: Even if you have your own operating authority, if you occasionally operate your truck for personal reasons without a trailer and not under dispatch, non-trucking liability can provide valuable protection.

Range of Annual Premiums

The cost of bobtail and non-trucking liability insurance can vary based on several factors, including:

• Your Driving Record: A cleaner record generally leads to lower premiums.
• Your Location: Insurance rates differ by state and even region.
• Coverage Limits: Higher coverage limits will result in higher premiums. Common liability limits range from $300,000 to $1,000,000.
• The Insurer: Different insurance companies have different pricing models.

To provide a rough estimate, annual premiums for bobtail or non-trucking liability coverage can range from approximately $500 to $1,500 or more. This is a broad range, and your specific circumstances will determine the actual cost. It’s essential to get personalized quotes to understand your individual premium. Rollo Insurance specializes in making a plan to fit your needs. 

Staying Protected, On or Off the Clock

Understanding the nuances of bobtail and non-trucking liability insurance is crucial for owner-operators. Knowing when each coverage applies and what it protects against can save you significant financial hardship in the event of an accident.

At Rollo Insurance, we work with Texas truckers to understand their unique needs and find the right insurance solutions. Whether you’re bobtailing down the highway or using your truck for personal errands, we’re here to ensure you have the protection you need. Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s make sure you’re covered every mile of the way.