Short answer
Non-trucking liability covers an owner-operator’s truck when it is used for purposes other than hauling for the motor carrier, such as driving home after a delivery. "Bobtail" literally means a tractor running without a trailer. The industry often uses the two terms interchangeably, but the policy trigger is what matters.
- A true non-trucking policy usually does not apply while the truck is under dispatch, even with no trailer attached. Coverage that applies while running empty or bobtail regardless of dispatch is sometimes called unladen liability.
- Federal leasing rules require the lease to state who provides coverage like bobtail insurance and any chargeback amount.
Two different questions: trailer or dispatch?
IRMI defines a bobtail as a tractor operating without a trailer. It defines bobtail liability as auto liability for an owner-operator after delivery, when the truck is not being used in trucking, typically written as a business auto policy with the Truckers Insurance for Non-Trucking Use endorsement (CA 23 09), and lists non-trucking liability as a synonym.
IRMI separately describes unladen liability as broader: coverage while the truck runs empty with a trailer attached or with no trailer at all, whether or not it is dispatched. That is the key distinction most owner-operators miss. "No trailer" is not the trigger. "Not working for the motor carrier" usually is.
| Situation | Motor carrier’s primary liability | Non-trucking liability | Unladen liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hauling a load under dispatch | Usually applies | Usually excluded | Usually not needed |
| Dispatched, driving empty to pickup | Usually applies | Usually excluded | May apply |
| Off dispatch, driving home without trailer | Usually does not apply | Usually applies | May apply |
| Personal errand in the tractor | Usually does not apply | Usually applies | May apply |
Leased owner-operator: who covers what
Why the motor carrier usually covers dispatched trips
Under 49 CFR 376.12(c), the lease must give the motor carrier exclusive possession, control and use of the leased equipment and complete responsibility for its operation for the duration of the lease. When the truck is working under the carrier's authority, the carrier's primary auto liability is normally the policy that responds. Non-trucking liability is designed for the remaining hours, which is why it is usually inexpensive compared with primary trucking liability.
The lease matters here. 49 CFR 376.12(j) requires the lease to specify the carrier's obligation to maintain public liability insurance, "who is responsible for providing any other insurance coverage for the operation of the leased equipment, such as bobtail insurance," and the amount of any chargeback to the owner-operator. Read yours. See who insures a leased owner-operator.
Common mistakes
- Buying non-trucking liability with your own authority. If you run under your own MC, you need primary trucking liability, not non-trucking. Non-trucking assumes someone else's policy covers your business trips.
- Assuming "bobtail" covers deadhead under dispatch. Many non-trucking forms exclude any trip in the business of the motor carrier, trailer or not.
- Not checking the chargeback. If the carrier provides the coverage and charges you, the lease must say how much.
- Forgetting physical damage and injury. Non-trucking liability covers others. Your truck needs physical damage, and you need occupational accident or other injury protection.
Read these two documents together
Your lease (insurance section and 376.12(j) disclosures) and the declarations of whatever non-trucking or bobtail policy you carry. If they disagree about who covers what, fix it before the next trip.
Common questions
Do I need non-trucking liability if my carrier covers me under dispatch?
Usually yes, because the carrier’s policy generally does not cover personal or off-dispatch use, and many leases require you to carry it.
Is bobtail insurance the same thing as non-trucking liability?
The terms are often used for the same coverage, but read the policy trigger. Some policies apply only when you are off dispatch; unladen liability can apply while dispatched and empty.
Can I buy non-trucking liability if I have my own authority?
It is designed for leased owner-operators. With your own authority you need primary trucking liability.
Sources
- IRMI, Bobtail liability (glossary). Bobtail liability as non-trucking coverage, CA 23 09 endorsement.
- IRMI, Unladen liability (glossary). Broader coverage for empty or bobtail operation whether or not dispatched.
- IRMI, Bobtail (glossary). Bobtail defined as a tractor without a trailer.
- 49 CFR 376.12, Lease requirements (eCFR). Exclusive possession and control; lease must specify insurance responsibilities and chargebacks.
This page explains insurance, not law. Have your attorney review indemnity and contract language; our job is making the insurance match it.
Keep reading
Coverage
Non-trucking liability: the owner-operator policy for when you are not under dispatch
Questions
Who insures a leased owner-operator?
Contracts and deadlines
We are leasing owner-operators onto our authority. Who insures what?
Coverage
Occupational accident insurance: injury coverage for owner-operators and nonsubscribers
Coverage
Physical damage: how your own truck and trailer get paid for after a loss