Coverage for Commercial Vehicles When They’re Not Under Dispatch

Non-trucking liability insurance, often called bobtail coverage, provides liability protection when a commercial vehicle is being operated outside of an active job or dispatch.

This applies when the vehicle is used for personal reasons or when a driver is not hauling under a motor carrier’s authority but is still operating the insured equipment.

Important for Independent and Leased Operators

Many owner-operators and independent drivers are required by lease agreements to carry non-trucking liability coverage to address exposure that exists outside of business use.

This coverage is commonly used by:

• Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier

• Hotshot operators running under another authority

• Drivers returning home after completing a load

• Vehicles being driven between assignments

• Operators using their truck for personal or non-dispatch purposes

How It Differs From Primary Liability

Primary liability insurance applies while operating under dispatch or business use.
Non-trucking liability fills the gap when the vehicle is not working but is still being driven.

Without this coverage, drivers may face situations where neither their motor carrier’s policy nor a personal auto policy applies.

What Non-Trucking Liability Covers

This policy can respond to incidents involving:

• Bodily injury or property damage to others

• Accidents occurring while off dispatch

• Legal defense costs associated with covered claims

Coverage applies only when the vehicle is not being used for business operations, which is why proper classification is essential.

Structured to Meet Lease and Operational Requirements

Policies must be written carefully to align with motor carrier agreements and avoid conflicts with existing liability coverage.

We help ensure this coverage integrates correctly with broader insurance programs.

Supporting Independent Operators Across Multiple Vehicle Types

Non-trucking liability is not limited to traditional trucking. It can apply to various commercial vehicle arrangements where equipment is operated outside business use.