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Home » Non-Trucking Liability & Bobtail

Non-Trucking Liability & Bobtail

As a tractor-trailer driver, truck-for-hire operator or owner of a trucking company, it is mandatory to comply with state and federal laws that require specific minimum amounts of trucking insurance.

It is also essential for trucking companies to understand and have in place two coverages that often get overlooked: non-trucking-liability (NTL) and bobtail coverage. Your insurance agent may suggest adding a non-trucking liability insurance endorsement and bobtail insurance coverage to your commercial trucking insurance policy based on your needs.

At Trucking Insurance Services, we understand that running a Georgia trucking company can be challenging. Contact us today to learn more about building a customized commercial trucking insurance plan.

What Is Non-trucking Liability Insurance? 
When owner-operators are under permanent lease to a carrier, they typically have access to the carrier’s liability coverage while conducting business on behalf of the carrier. However, when they are not working for the carrier, they may benefit from non-trucking liability insurance. The motor carrier company typically requires non-trucking-liability coverage when a lease agreement exists.

Non-trucking liability insurance can be a good option for owner-operator drivers who use their truck for non-commercial purposes and those whose motor carriers require them to carry non-trucking liability insurance.

What Does Non-trucking Liability Insurance Cover? 
NTL may help provide liability coverage for the truck owner-operator when they are off the job and not under dispatch, such as when driving the truck on weekends/off days. NTL may help cover third-party property damage or bodily injury claims if there’s an accident during these times.

What Is Bobtail Coverage? 
Bobtail coverage may be appropriate when an owner-operator or company driver drops the motor carrier’s load and “deadheads” (no load) to another location.

Bobtail and NTL are not the same. It’s important to have both coverages in place in case a claim is not covered by the motor carrier’s primary liability insurance in one of these situations. Bobtail coverage is well-defined and can provide appropriate protection for your trucking business. To determine the most suitable coverage for your specific risks, your insurance agent can help evaluate your situation.

What Does Bobtail Cover? 
Bobtail liability coverage may help pay third-party damages if an accident occurs when the driver is operating the truck without a trailer attached, whether they are under dispatch or not.

Truck drivers must maintain minimum amounts of general liability insurance. Still, since operating without a trailer or load attached is not a normal mode of operation for a truck, bobtail liability is not included with general liability insurance.

How to Get Appropriate Trucking Insurance Coverage in Georgia 
Contact Trucking Insurance Services today for appropriate insurance for your trucking operation, including bobtail coverage and non-trucking liability coverage.