Bobtail Insurance

If you’re a truck driver and you are leasing a truck from a company, your motor carrier most likely requires that your truck be insured for the time when you’re not hauling goods. After all, accidents can happen at any time, not just when you’re actively hauling. So, you need to have protection against accidents at all times. To be protected when there is no trailer attached to your truck, you need bobtail insurance.

The term “bobtail” refers to a semi-truck without an attached trailer. Truckers often drive their bobtails around between pickups. It wouldn’t be smart to not have insurance coverage when you’re doing this, would it? That’s why you need to insure your bobtail.

Bobtail Insurance vs. Non-Trucking Insurance

Bobtail insurance and non-trucking insurance are terms that many use interchangeably. However, they are not quite the same thing. Your motor carrier may require that you have either one of these coverages.

Non-trucking insurance only covers you when you are not under dispatch. It is a less expensive kind of coverage that pays for the damage and injuries of other people you’re responsible for. This kind of truck insurance coverage only kicks in when you are not hauling any cargo or using the truck for any business purposes.

On the other hand, bobtail insurance pays whether or not you are under dispatch. For instance, when you are between terminals and not carrying a trailer, this coverage will protect you. It specifically protects your truck when it is not hauling a trailer.

Always make sure you know what your motor carrier requires of you. Every industry and carrier has different insurance requirements for their drivers and vehicles. While non-trucking insurance is usually a cheaper option, bobtail insurance can cover you in more cases and is more flexible.

Contact SafeLine Truck Insurance today and one of our friendly agents will be happy to answer any questions!