What is Bobtail Truck Insurance?
The practice of driving an 18-wheeler vehicle without any trailer is called bobtailing. It is also known as deadheading in the US. Operators who are semi owners and make deadhead trips occasionally without or with dispatch are often required by the respective motor carrier to get special coverage, which is called Bobtail truck insurance.
Here is what you need to know about bobtail insurance if you are an independent rig driver:
- You will be covered under bobtail truck insurance if you are driving a semi without any trailer irrespective of whether or not you are under dispatch.
- Also, bobtail insurance coverage is applicable whenever you are driving the big rig from and to the terminal without its cargo trailer.
- Bobtail insurance is also applicable whenever you travel without the trailer between loads.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
People often confuse bobtail liability insurance with non-trucking insurance; however, it is important to note that these two are quite different in some respects. These differences include:
- Non-trucking insurance provides coverage to independent truck drivers in situations where they are not within the scope of the lease contract with their motor carrier.
- In most cases, this coverage is applicable whenever semi operators drive their rigs without any trailer on their own time.
- Non-trucking insurance will not cover semi drivers or truckers while they are driving under dispatch. This type of insurance offers narrower coverage compared to bobtail insurance and is thereby less costly than bobtail insurance.
Comparison of Costs and Popularity
In most cases, many trucking companies often need their independent rig drivers to have bobtail insurance coverage. This is because it is quite common for these truckers to drive their eighteen-wheel vehicles under dispatch without their trailers. On the other hand, non-trucking insurance is not quite as common as bobtail insurance.
However, this insurance is still generally mandated by a majority of commercial motor carriers. This is because independent truckers usually drive their rigs on personal trips without trailers.
On the whole, bobtail insurance offers broader coverage compared to non-trucking liability insurance and is thereby more expensive. Also, keep in mind that the most popular insurance coverage is the one with $1 million limit; however, higher limits are also available if you are interested. Your total insurance cost would depend on how much coverage you have for each type of insurance. Having said that, always plan to spend more on bobtail coverage compared to non-trucking liability.
Before you purchase either of the two options, discuss with the relevant motor carrier regarding which type of coverage is needed and the amount it will cost you. Only then call a professional and competent trucking insurance representative who has extensive knowledge and experience of the trucking industry in the US and request for a quote. Believe us, you could save plenty of money and time if you work with a professional.
