Bobtail Insurance
Bobtail insurance (also called non-trucking liability) covers a semi-truck when it is being driven without a trailer and outside of active dispatch — such as driving home after a delivery or repositioning to a pickup. It fills the gap that primary insurance does not cover.
In Depth
Standard primary liability insurance only covers the truck when it is operating under a load or under active dispatch. When a driver is bobtailing between jobs, personal use, or driving to a maintenance facility, there is a coverage gap that bobtail insurance fills.
Bobtail insurance is relatively inexpensive compared to primary — typically $600–$1,200/year for a single truck. It is often required by the carrier or motor carrier that the driver is leased on to.
Note the distinction between bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability (NTL). Bobtail insurance covers the truck without a trailer. NTL insurance covers the truck even with a trailer if operating for personal rather than commercial purposes.
Usage Example
Example: 'After dropping the trailer at the terminal, I was bobtailing home. My bobtail policy covered me for those 60 miles.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Primary Insurance
Primary liability insurance is the foundational commercial auto liability policy required by FMCSA for carriers operating in interstate commerce. It covers bodily injury and property damage when the truck is under dispatch and actively engaged in commerce.
Bobtail
A bobtail refers to a semi-truck tractor driving without a trailer attached. Drivers bobtail when repositioning to a pickup location, returning to their home terminal, or moving between facilities without a load.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance in trucking covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the carrier's vehicle to third parties. FMCSA requires a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage for general freight carriers in interstate commerce.
Owner-Operator
An owner-operator is a truck driver who owns and operates their own commercial truck, running freight either independently (with their own authority) or leased onto a motor carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need bobtail insurance as an owner-operator?
Yes. Without it, you have no liability coverage when driving without a trailer or outside of active dispatch. Most carriers require it.
How much does bobtail insurance cost?
Typically $600–$1,200/year per truck — much less than primary insurance because exposure is limited to non-commercial operations.