The trucking industry is the backbone of the American economy. From merchandise being delivered to essential resources being transported, the world would come to a standstill without trucks running the highway.

In this way, we often think of semi-trucks along with trailers full of goods. There are times, however, when truckers have to drive without a trailer.

These moments, known as bobtailing, are complicated instances where the trucker’s dispatcher’s truck insurance doesn’t cover the operator, but he or she is still at risk by being on the road. That’s when having the appropriate bobtail insurance policy is crucial.

Who Needs Bobtail Insurance Coverage?

Bobtail insurance is liability insurance that protects you when you are driving a truck without a trailer. If you operate under the authority of a dispatcher, your trucker’s liability only covers you while you’re hauling a trailer. Therefore, getting a bobtail insurance quote from reputable bobtail insurance companies is a wise move.

Here are some of the most common scenarios for when bobtail insurance is a must:

You drive under someone else’s authority without a trailer.
You’d like to avoid lawsuits or significant out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.
The company you contract with requires additional truck insurance.

If your business is on the road, get the best insurance policy that goes the extra distance.

While it might sound like it’s safe to buy all kinds of insurance you can afford, there are some scenarios where it is not required:

You never drive your truck without a trailer.
Your operator under your own authority and have the proper commercial trucking insurance.
You are looking for coverage for a personal trip.

Who Does Not Need Bobtail Insurance Coverage

While it might sound like it’s safe to buy all kinds of insurance you can afford, there are some scenarios where it is not required:

You never drive your truck without a trailer.
Your operator under your own authority and have the proper commercial trucking insurance.
You are looking for coverage for a personal trip.

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What Does the Best Bobtail Insurance Cover?

Since bobtail insurance is only a liability policy, it only covers you if you are responsible for an accident while driving a truck under someone else’s authority without a trailer. Hence, knowing the bobtail insurance cost and comparing bobtail insurance quotes can be quite beneficial.

Here are a few likely scenarios where bobtail insurance plays a significant role:

After delivering a load, you are in an accident on your way to pick up your next trailer of cargo.
You are involved in an accident after leaving your house to pick up the first load of the day.
You are involved in an accident on your way home for the day after all of your deliveries have been made.

Bobtail insurance does not cover physical damage to your truck. It is primarily used to pay for legal fees, medical bills from injury, and settlement expenses from accidents you cause. Therefore, bobtail truck insurance is an essential component of any comprehensive insurance plan for commercial drivers.

Make sure you fully understand the terms and limits of your bobtail insurance to fully know what is covered. You may want to add other kinds of trucking insurance to make sure you are comprehensively covered.

What is the Average Cost of Bobtail Insurance?

There are a variety of factors that can impact any kind of insurance.

Insurance companies will look at your driving and claims history, how long you’ve been in business, how busy you are, how many trucks you own and operate, and more. You also have to consider what kind of limits you’d like and the general cost of each company you contact.

Most of the time, a good bobtail insurance plan will cost between $20 and $50 per month, but your mileage may vary.

What is the difference between bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability insurance?

Bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability insurance are two distinct types of coverage that serve different purposes, yet are often confused due to their similarities. Bobtail insurance covers your vehicle when it’s being operated without a trailer, regardless of whether it’s under dispatch. This could include situations where you’ve delivered a load and are on your way to pick up another, or when you’re using your truck for a business-related purpose, like traveling to a maintenance appointment. On the other hand, non-trucking liability insurance is designed to cover your vehicle when it’s not under dispatch and being used for personal, non-business purposes. For instance, when you use your truck to run personal errands on a day off. Understanding the difference between these two coverages is vital to ensure you’re adequately protected in all situations as a commercial truck driver.

Get The Best Commercial Trucking Insurance Policy You Need

At Strong Tie Insurance, we work hard to offer commercial bobtail insurance that is both reliable and affordable. If you find yourself in situations where bobtail insurance applies, give us a call for a free quote and consultation. We provide cheap bobtail insurance without sacrificing the quality and coverage.

Get your free bobtail insurance policy quote today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bobtail Insurance?

Bobtail insurance is a specific type of liability insurance that provides coverage when a vehicle is being operated without a trailer, or “bobtailing.” Typically, an owner-operator uses this insurance when driving under a motor carrier’s authority, or when a dispatch is not active. The insurance covers the driver for any potential liabilities including property damage and bodily injuries.

What is the difference between Bobtail Insurance and other types of truck insurance?

The primary difference between bobtail insurance and other types of truck insurance lies in the use. While traditional truck insurance covers a vehicle when it’s hauling loads, bobtail insurance provides coverage when the vehicle is driven without a trailer for business purposes. It essentially fills in the gaps in coverage when other policies do not apply.

What does Bobtail Insurance cover?

Bobtail insurance provides liability coverage for any damages or injuries caused by the driver when the vehicle is being operated without a trailer. This includes, but is not limited to, property damage, physical injuries, and legal fees. However, it’s important to note that bobtail insurance does not cover damages to your own vehicle or personal belongings. For more detailed information, visit our page on bobtail insurance coverages at Strong Tie Insurance.

How much does Bobtail Insurance cost?

The costs of bobtail insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the driver’s record, the type of vehicle, and how often the vehicle is used for bobtailing activities. On average, the rates for bobtail insurance range from $20 to $50 per month. However, these figures are only averages, and the actual amount can vary. Of course, we recommend getting several quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Why is Bobtail Insurance necessary?

Bobtail insurance is crucial for any owner-operator or motor carrier as it offers protection against liabilities when the truck is driven without a trailer for business purposes. This could include returning to your base after dropping a load or going to pick up a new load. It’s also often a requirement in leasing agreements. In case an accident occurs during these activities, the bobtail insurance will cover the payments for any damages or injuries caused.