What is bobtail coverage for commercial trucking insurance? It is a liability-only policy covering you when and if you are driving a truck without a trailer. Commercial trucking insurance is needed regardless of when a truck is driven. If you allow someone else to drive your truck under your authority, your insurance will only protect you while you’re under dispatch. To have scenarios like this covered, individual coverage must be put in place.

Bobtail insurance is for you if:

  • You want to be protected from possible lawsuits
  • You want to protect yourself from high out-of-pocket costs in the case of an accident
  • You drive a truck under someone else’s trucking authority and/or without a trailer
  • You drive a truck without a trailer at times
  • Your motor carrier requires you to carry the coverage in order to drive

Bobtail insurance isn’t for you if:

  • You need coverage for driving for personal reasons or recreationally
  • You don’t drive a truck without a trailer ever

What is Commercial Trucking Insurance? – St. Clair Shores, MI

Video Transcription

“So as Amazon continues to take over the world, we get a lot of calls from clients who are breaking into the commercial trucking industry, or work for other brokers and are going out on their own and seeing an opportunity to be a business owner. So commercial trucking is a policy that we offer. And there’s some ins and outs that a lot of people don’t understand about that. So, just painting with broad strokes, commercial trucking policy is really a number of policies combined into one, you have standard coverages, like you would see on your auto insurance policy, you have your liability option for physical damage coverage, comprehensive, collision, PIP, medical coverage, under an uninsured motorist, so all the pedigree coverages are offered and available there. In addition, general liability coverage can be added in for almost all of these, especially driving for Amazon, or through the fulfillment centers–they’re required to carry a general liability policy which can be added into that or onto that. And then a third element of that is your cargo insurance so that you have insurance for the cargo that you’re delivering back and forth.”

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More FAQs About Bobtail Insurance

  1. What is bobtail insurance, and who needs it?
    • Bobtail insurance is a type of commercial truck insurance that covers your truck when it’s being driven without a trailer. It’s essential for owner-operators who often find themselves driving their trucks without a trailer, either between jobs or on personal errands.
  2. How does bobtail insurance differ from primary liability insurance?
    • While primary liability insurance covers damages and injuries caused to others when you’re hauling a load, bobtail insurance specifically covers your truck when you’re driving without a trailer. It fills the gap in coverage when the truck is being used off-duty or between jobs.
  3. What does bobtail insurance typically cover?
    • Bobtail insurance covers accidents that occur when a truck is being operated without a trailer attached. This includes damage to the truck and medical expenses for the driver after an accident. However, it does not cover damage to cargo, other vehicles, or property.
  4. Is bobtail insurance mandatory for all truck drivers?
    • Bobtail insurance is not legally required, but many motor carriers and leasing companies may require it for owner-operators who lease on with them. It ensures that the truck is covered in a broader range of scenarios, providing peace of mind for both the driver and the company.
  5. How can I find the best bobtail insurance for my needs?
    • To find the best bobtail insurance, compare quotes from multiple insurers, consider the coverage options, and look at customer reviews. It’s crucial to choose a policy that offers adequate protection at a reasonable price, tailored to your specific driving habits and needs.