NON-TRUCKING LIABILITY INSURANCE
When you use your leased truck for personal reasons, your motor carrier’s primary liability policy may not apply. Non-trucking liability insurance can help address that gap by providing liability protection for covered accidents during eligible non-business use. Double Shield Insurance Agency can help you review available options for your trucking operation and lease requirements.
WHAT IS NON-TRUCKING LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Non-trucking liability insurance, sometimes called non-trucking insurance or NTL, is designed for eligible owner-operators leased to a motor carrier. It may provide coverage if you cause bodily injury to another person or damage someone else’s property while using your truck for a covered personal, non-business purpose. The policy terms determine when coverage applies.
WHEN CAN NON-TRUCKING LIABILITY COVERAGE APPLY?
Non-trucking liability coverage is generally intended for personal use outside your trucking work. For example, a policy may apply when you use the truck for a personal errand while you are off duty and not operating under dispatch. Coverage depends on the policy’s definitions, exclusions, lease agreement, and the facts of an accident.
WHAT MAY NON-TRUCKING LIABILITY COVER?
Depending on the policy, non-trucking liability coverage may help pay for:
- Bodily injury liability claims made by others;
- Property damage liability claims involving someone else’s vehicle or property;
- Covered legal defense costs related to a claim.
Non-trucking liability generally does not cover damage to your own truck, cargo, or accidents that occur while you are performing work under dispatch. Separate coverage may be needed for those risks. Check the policy documents for exact terms, limits, exclusions, and covered situations.
NON-TRUCKING LIABILITY VS. BOBTAIL INSURANCE
The terms “bobtail insurance” and “non-trucking liability insurance” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they may describe different coverage situations. Non-trucking liability is generally tied to eligible personal use outside work. Bobtail coverage generally refers to operating a tractor without an attached trailer, which may happen during work-related driving. A truck without a trailer is not automatically in a non-trucking situation. Whether a policy covers a specific trip depends on its wording and your activity at the time.
WHO MAY NEED NON-TRUCKING LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Non-trucking liability insurance may be relevant to owner-operators who are leased to a motor carrier and use their truck for personal purposes when off duty. Some carriers may require this coverage in their lease agreements. Review your contract and ask the carrier what coverage applies when you are under dispatch, off dispatch, bobtailing, or using the truck for personal reasons.
HOW MUCH DOES NON-TRUCKING LIABILITY INSURANCE COST?
The cost of non-trucking liability insurance varies by driver, vehicle, location, coverage limits, and insurer requirements. The best way to compare pricing is to request a quote based on your operation and the terms of your lease.
REVIEW YOUR COVERAGE OPTIONS
The right non-trucking liability insurance should reflect how and when you use your truck, as well as the requirements in your carrier agreement. Double Shield Insurance Agency can help you explore available options and understand what details to review before choosing a policy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is non-trucking liability insurance the same as bobtail insurance?
Not always. Non-trucking liability generally applies to covered personal use, while bobtail coverage may apply when driving a tractor without a trailer, including some work-related situations. The terms and coverage can vary by policy.
Does non-trucking liability insurance cover me while under dispatch?
It is generally intended for eligible non-business use, not work performed under dispatch. Review your policy and carrier agreement to confirm when primary liability or another policy applies.
Does non-trucking liability coverage pay to repair my truck?
Non-trucking liability is liability coverage for claims involving others. It generally does not cover physical damage to your own truck. Ask about separate physical damage coverage.
Do I need non-trucking liability insurance as an owner-operator?
Your carrier may require it under your lease, and you may want to explore it for eligible personal use of the truck. Review your contract and coverage with an insurance professional.
How can I get a quote for non-trucking liability insurance?
Complete the quote form with your contact details, state, DOT information, and policy needs. Double Shield can follow up to discuss options for your operation.