Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
Essential coverage for owner-operators when not under dispatch. Protect yourself during bobtailing, commuting, and travel between jobs with comprehensive liability coverage.
What is Non-Trucking Liability Coverage?
Non-Trucking Liability (NTL) insurance, also known as "bobtail insurance," provides liability coverage for owner-operators when they're not operating under the dispatch of a motor carrier. This fills the gap between your carrier's liability policy and your off-dispatch operations, protecting you during bobtailing, commuting, deadheading, or traveling between jobs.
What's Covered
Why Choose Cover Whale for Non-Trucking Liability
Comprehensive protection designed specifically for owner-operators
Owner-Operator Protection
Essential coverage for independent drivers when operating outside their lease agreement with motor carriers.
Off-Dispatch Coverage
Protection while bobtailing, commuting, or traveling between jobs when not under dispatch.
Liability Limits That Match
Coverage limits that align with your primary auto liability policy for seamless protection.
Fast Quote & Bind
Quick approval process for qualified owner-operators with competitive rates.
Non-Trucking Liability Guidelines
Our underwriting standards and eligibility requirements
Owner-Operator Focus: Designed specifically for independent contractors
Fleet Size: Targeting 1-75 power units
Flexibility: Can be written as a package or on a standalone basis
Experience: 2 years minimum driving experience with like vehicle
Coverage Limits: Limits aligned with your primary auto liability policy
Same-Day Binding: Quick approval process for qualified drivers
When Non-Trucking Liability Coverage Applies
Understanding when you need NTL coverage to stay protected
Between Jobs
You've dropped off a load and are driving to your next pickup or heading home without being under dispatch. NTL covers this deadhead travel.
Bobtailing
You're driving your tractor without a trailer attached between assignments or while not under dispatch. NTL provides essential liability protection during bobtail operations.
Commuting
You're commuting to your truck's parking location or to meet a carrier's dispatcher. This commute isn't covered by your carrier's policy.
Traveling to Maintenance
You're driving your truck to a repair facility, inspection station, or maintenance appointment when not under dispatch. NTL covers these necessary trips.
Understanding Your Coverage Gaps
As an owner-operator, you need to understand which insurance policy covers you in different situations.
Motor Carrier's Policy Covers:
You're covered ONLY when operating under dispatch with an active load or assignment from the motor carrier.
Non-Trucking Liability Covers:
You're covered when NOT under dispatch: bobtailing, commuting, deadheading between jobs, traveling to maintenance facilities, or any time you're operating the truck while not under a motor carrier's dispatch.
Important: Without Non-Trucking Liability insurance, you have NO LIABILITY COVERAGE when operating your truck while not under dispatch. This creates a significant coverage gap that could leave you personally liable for accidents.
Ready to Close Your Coverage Gap?
Get Non-Trucking Liability coverage and stay protected whether you're under dispatch or not.