Last Updated: April 26, 2012

Non-Trucking Liability:
What? Why? When? How?

#1 What is Non-trucking Liability (NTL)?
Commonly referred to as bobtail insurance, NTL is liability insurance for the owner/operator when he is operating his commercial motor vehicle NOT under dispatch. NTL is in most cases, required by the motor carrier with whom the owner/operator has signed a lease agreement. This insurance fills a potential gap for non-business use of the equipment, and helps to protect the motor carriers primary liability policy. Non-trucking is not the same as bobtail insurance, so please verify with your motor carrier which coverage they require ; in almost all cases, the requirement will be NTL.

#2 Why do I need non-trucking liability?
When an owner/operator leases on to a motor carrier, the commercial auto liability policy of that motor carrier will provide coverage while the owner/operator is under dispatch. However, since the leased operator owns the equipment, there are times when that vehicle may be operated not under dispatch; non-trucking liability provides coverage if you were to damage another person’s property or even injure them during personal use of your commercial vehicle.

#3 When does non-trucking liability coverage kick in?
Generally speaking, non-trucking liability is coverage for non-business use and so, the motor carrier’s liability policy will cover you from the dispatch point, through pick-up and delivery and back to point of origin. Any personal use between your return, and the next dispatch should be covered under NTL.

#4 How do I get NTL?
InsureMyRig.com can offer non-trucking liability quotes over the phone, by email or even using instant chat on our website. We offer several different pay plans, and most of our policies are continuous until cancelled which makes it more convenient for our customers. We can package your non-trucking liability with physical damage coverage, or occupational accident insurance and we can also provide supplemental coverage such as downtime/rental reimbursement, declining deductible and coverage for electronic equipment in your truck.

I hope you’ve found this information helpful. Trucking insurance can be confusing, but the professionals at InsureMyRig.com have the expertise to make your decisions much easier to understand. Please call us at 888-931-1934.

Drive safe out there.