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If you're in the trucking industry, find out everything you need to know about bobtail insurance, including how much it costs, what it covers, and where to get it.
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Bobtail insurance is a specialized type of trucking coverage that protects you when operating a truck without a trailer.
If you run a commercial trucking business, your primary liability policy typically covers you while hauling cargo. But that coverage may not extend to periods when you’re driving without a trailer — commonly referred to as “bobtailing.”
Bobtail liability insurance fills that gap. It applies when a truck is being operated without a trailer, such as when returning from a delivery or traveling between jobs.
Table of Contents
Bobtail insurance is a type of liability coverage designed for trucks operating without a trailer attached. It helps cover third-party injuries or property damage if you’re at fault in an accident during that time.
This coverage is often used by owner-operators who are leased to a motor carrier. In many cases, a motor carrier’s insurance only applies while a load is being hauled under dispatch. Once a delivery is complete, coverage may lapse, leaving the driver exposed while driving without a trailer.
Bobtail insurance is typically added as an endorsement to a commercial truck insurance policy and is intended to cover these gaps between hauls.
Coverage typically applies only in specific situations — such as when you’re driving between jobs or after completing a delivery — and may depend on your lease agreement or dispatch status.
Most bobtail policies include:
Bobtail liability insurance is limited in scope and is designed to fill a specific coverage gap. It does not apply in many common trucking scenarios.
It typically does not cover:
Bobtail liability insurance is designed for commercial truck drivers who operate without a trailer, typically between loads or after completing a delivery.
Whether you need it depends on how you’re contracted and when your motor carrier’s insurance applies. In many cases, a carrier’s policy only covers you while you’re under dispatch.
You may need bobtail liability insurance if:
Bobtail liability and non-trucking liability insurance are often confused, but they apply in different situations.
Whether you need one or both depends on how and when you use your truck.
In some cases, insurers offer unladen liability insurance, which combines elements of both coverages. Availability and terms vary by provider, so it’s important to review policy details carefully.
Bobtail liability insurance only covers a narrow set of scenarios. To fully protect your trucking business, you’ll likely need additional policies that address other risks.
Common types of liability coverage include:
| Insurance Type | What It Does | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and common claims like slip-and-fall incidents | Most businesses |
| Directors & Officers (D&O) | Protects company leadership from claims related to management decisions and fiduciary duties | Businesses with executives, boards, or outside investors |
| Cyber Liability | Covers costs related to data breaches, cyberattacks, and compromised customer information | Businesses that store or process sensitive data |
| Commercial Property | Covers buildings, equipment, and inventory against damage from covered events like fire or theft | Businesses with physical locations or assets |
| Product Liability | Covers claims of injury or damage caused by products you manufacture, sell, or distribute | Businesses that make, sell, or distribute products |
| Workers’ Compensation | Covers employee medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illness | Businesses with employees (required in most states) |
| Business Interruption | Replaces lost income and helps cover expenses if operations are suspended due to covered property damage | Businesses that rely on a physical location to operate |
Coverage needs vary based on your operation, contracts, and state requirements. Review your policy structure carefully or work with a licensed agent to identify any gaps.
Bobtail liability insurance is typically added as an endorsement to a commercial truck insurance policy, rather than purchased as a standalone policy.
Costs vary based on factors such as your driving history, location, type of operation, and coverage limits. In many cases, bobtail liability is relatively low-cost compared to primary liability coverage, but premiums can vary by insurer.
As a general benchmark, some policies may start around $30 to $50 per month for $1 million in liability coverage. However, rates can be higher depending on risk profile and policy structure.
Accidents while operating without a trailer do occur, and liability exposure can still be significant. Evaluating coverage needs alongside cost can help ensure you’re adequately protected.
Bobtail liability insurance is typically available through insurers that specialize in commercial trucking coverage. Working with a provider or agent familiar with trucking regulations can help ensure your policy aligns with your contract and operating needs.
Most drivers follow a similar process when purchasing coverage:
Many national insurers and specialty brokers offer commercial truck insurance, including bobtail liability coverage. Availability, pricing, and policy terms vary, so it’s important to review details carefully before choosing a provider.
Bobtail liability insurance only covers a narrow set of scenarios. Most trucking businesses rely on a combination of policies to stay fully protected.
Common coverages include:
Bobtail liability insurance fills a specific gap in commercial trucking coverage. If you operate a truck without a trailer — especially outside of dispatch — it can help protect you from liability exposure that may not be covered by your motor carrier’s policy.
Whether you need it depends on your contract, how you operate, and when your primary coverage applies. Reviewing those details can help ensure you’re not left uninsured between loads.
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