Commercial Trucking Insurance
Non-Trucking Liability Coverage
Non-trucking liability may provide liability protection for certain eligible personal use of a commercial truck when the driver is not operating on behalf of the motor carrier. Coverage depends on the policy wording and the circumstances of the trip.
What it may cover
What it may address
- Certain eligible off-dispatch liability exposures
- Personal use of the tractor when not under dispatch
- Liability while not performing work for the motor carrier
- Legal defence for covered claims
- Coverage coordinated with the carrier’s liability
When it may apply
Non-trucking liability and bobtail insurance are sometimes used interchangeably, but policy definitions can differ — the actual policy language determines when coverage applies.
- Personal errands in the tractor while off dispatch
- Driving home after being released from a load
- Non-business use eligible under the policy
- Situations where the motor carrier’s coverage does not apply
- Coverage gaps for leased owner-operators
Who may consider it
Who may consider it
- Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier
- Drivers whose carrier provides liability only while dispatched
- Operators who use the tractor for eligible personal activities
- Lease-on drivers reviewing their coverage gaps
Coverage in practice
Real-world situations
Driving home after dropping a load
If eligible and off dispatch, non-trucking liability may respond to a covered liability claim, subject to the policy.
A personal errand in the tractor
Certain eligible personal, non-business use may be covered when the driver is not working for the carrier.
The carrier’s coverage does not apply
Non-trucking liability may fill a gap when the motor carrier’s liability policy does not respond to off-dispatch use.
Important to know
Important limits
Because eligibility hinges on the exact policy language, review the wording with a licensed professional.
- It generally does not apply while hauling a load or operating under dispatch.
- It generally does not cover physical damage to the truck — that is a separate coverage.
- Whether a trip is “business” or “personal” is determined by the policy wording, not by assumption.
Related coverages
Coverages often carried together
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Information commonly requested
- Authority status (leased or own authority)
- Lease agreement details
- Vehicle information
- Driving history
- Typical personal-use patterns
- Motor carrier’s liability arrangement
- Prior coverage and loss runs
- Requested effective date
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is non-trucking liability the same as bobtail?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but policy definitions can differ. The actual policy language determines when each applies.
Does it apply when driving without a trailer?
It may, if the trip is eligible and off dispatch. However, coverage depends on the policy wording and whether the driver is working for the carrier.
Does it cover physical damage to my truck?
Generally no. Non-trucking liability addresses certain liability exposures, not damage to your own vehicle. Physical damage is a separate coverage.
Do I need it if I am leased to a motor carrier?
Many leased owner-operators consider it because the carrier’s liability may only apply while dispatched. A licensed professional can review your lease and coverage.
When does the motor carrier’s liability coverage apply?
Typically while you are operating under dispatch for the carrier. Off-dispatch use may fall outside it, which is where non-trucking liability may help.
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