Bobtail Insurance Vs. Auto Liability: What's The Real Difference?

Bobtail insurance and auto liability insurance are two different types of insurance coverage for truck drivers. Bobtail insurance, also known as non-trucking liability insurance, is designed for truckers who drive without a trailer attached to their truck, known as bobtailing or deadheading. It covers the expenses related to bodily injury and property damage to a third party when the truck is used for non-business purposes. On the other hand, auto liability insurance, or primary liability insurance, covers the trucker while they are under dispatch and hauling a load. It is important for truck drivers to understand the difference between these two types of insurance and to ensure they have the necessary coverage for their specific needs.

Bobtail insurance is a type of auto liability coverage

Bobtail insurance is important because bobtailing is considered more dangerous than driving with a trailer attached. Without the weight of a trailer, semi-trucks can experience reduced stability, traction, and braking performance, increasing the risk of accidents. Bobtail insurance helps protect drivers from financial loss in the event of an accident during these more hazardous conditions.

Bobtail insurance is typically purchased by owner-operators or independent truck drivers who may use their trucks for personal reasons when not actively hauling freight. It fills the coverage gap when the driver is not under dispatch and is not covered by the motor carrier's liability policy. This type of insurance is also beneficial for trucking companies that lease drivers, as they often need to drive their trucks between locations without trailers.

The cost of bobtail insurance varies depending on factors such as driving history, vehicle type, and personal driving habits, but it is generally more affordable than other trucking insurance policies. Bobtail insurance provides essential protection for truck drivers and helps ensure they have continuous liability coverage, even when not actively working for a motor carrier.

Bobtail insurance is not included in general liability insurance

Bobtail insurance is a unique form of auto liability coverage that is not included in general liability insurance. This is because driving a semi-truck without a trailer attached, known as "bobtailing," is considered a more dangerous mode of operation. Bobtailing creates a special category of liability, as the truck is only being used for mobility and not for hauling freight. This type of liability is sometimes referred to as non-trucking liability.

Bobtail insurance is designed to protect the driver or owner-operator from being held liable for medical bills, property damage, legal fees, and other financial losses when an accident occurs while bobtailing. It is important to note that bobtail insurance only applies when the truck is not connected to a trailer and is not being used for commercial reasons.

General liability insurance, on the other hand, is required for truck operators and provides a minimum level of coverage against property damage or bodily injury. This type of insurance covers the trucker while they are under dispatch and hauling a load. However, it does not include bobtail liability insurance because bobtailing is not considered a normal mode of operation for the truck.

The decision to drive a truck without a trailer is a choice made by either the operator or the trucking company, and it increases the risk of accidents. As a result, bobtail insurance is a separate form of coverage that fills the gap when the trucker is driving without a trailer. This type of insurance is especially relevant for owner-operators or independent truck drivers who may use their trucks for personal reasons when not actively hauling freight.

In summary, bobtail insurance is a specialized form of auto liability coverage that addresses the unique risks associated with driving a semi-truck without a trailer. It is not included in general liability insurance, as it pertains to a specific and inherently more dangerous mode of operation. By carrying bobtail insurance, truckers can ensure they have continuous liability coverage, even when they are not actively working for a motor carrier.

Bobtail insurance covers damage to third-party vehicles

Bobtail insurance is a type of liability coverage that protects drivers when operating a semi-truck or 18-wheeler without a trailer attached, known as "bobtailing". Bobtailing is considered more dangerous than driving with a trailer, as it can be more challenging to brake, steer, and control the vehicle. Bobtail insurance covers the risks associated with bobtailing and is essential for drivers who regularly drive without a trailer.

In addition to damage to third-party vehicles, bobtail insurance also covers damage to other property and injuries to people involved in the accident. It can help cover legal fees, medical bills, and settlement expenses. This type of insurance is crucial for protecting drivers and their finances in the event of an accident. Bobtail insurance typically provides coverage of up to $1 million, but higher limits can be arranged for drivers with unique risk levels.

Bobtail insurance is not the same as auto liability insurance. Auto liability insurance is a more general form of insurance that covers a range of vehicles and situations. Bobtail insurance, on the other hand, is a specialised type of insurance specifically designed for semi-trucks or 18-wheelers operating without a trailer. It is a form of non-trucking liability insurance, which falls under the broader category of auto liability insurance.

Bobtail insurance is different from primary liability insurance

On the other hand, primary liability insurance is a type of policy that truckers are mandated to carry by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is the minimum insurance requirement for operating or owning a single commercial truck or a fleet of trucks. Primary liability insurance provides financial protection in the event of a truck accident, covering bodily injury and property damage caused by the truck to other people or property.

One key difference between the two is the scope of coverage. Bobtail insurance specifically covers the period when the truck is not being used for trucking purposes, such as when the owner-operator is using the vehicle for mobility only, like driving home after delivering a load. In contrast, primary liability insurance covers accidents that occur while the truck is on the road and engaged in trucking activities.

Another distinction is that bobtail insurance is not included in general liability insurance, as bobtailing is not considered a normal mode of operation for a truck. It is an additional coverage that addresses the unique risks associated with operating a truck without a trailer. Conversely, primary liability insurance is typically the most expensive part of a commercial truck insurance policy.

Furthermore, bobtail insurance is designed to protect the operator from liability for medical bills, property damage, legal fees, and other financial losses when an accident occurs while not under dispatch. It does not cover physical damage to the insured's truck but instead covers damage to other vehicles, property, and injuries to other people involved in the accident. In contrast, primary liability insurance does not cover damages to the insured's truck or cargo but provides financial protection for other motorists involved in an accident with the commercial truck.

Bobtail insurance is cheaper than other trucking insurance policies

Bobtail insurance is a special category of liability insurance for truck drivers. It covers the driver of a semi-truck without a trailer attached, which is known as bobtailing. Bobtailing is considered more dangerous than driving a fully loaded truck, as it affects the vehicle's braking, steering, and manoeuvring capabilities.

Bobtail insurance is not included in general liability insurance, as it is not a normal mode of operation for a truck. Instead, it falls under a special category of liability because the truck is only being used for mobility and not for hauling freight. This is sometimes referred to as non-trucking liability.

Bobtail insurance is an essential form of auto liability coverage for truckers who need to drive without a trailer attached. It is more affordable than general trucking liability insurance, typically costing between $30 to $60 per month for $1 million in coverage. Truckers can also arrange for higher limits by paying more.

Additionally, bobtail insurance can be bundled with other types of coverage, such as non-trucking liability or physical damage insurance, which can further reduce costs for truckers. The availability of temporary and short-term policies also makes bobtail insurance a cost-effective option for truckers who only need coverage for specific periods.

Frequently asked questions