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If you're an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier, their insurance covers you while you're under their dispatch. But what happens when you're driving to the shop, running errands, or bobtailing home? You're completely uninsured—unless you have non-trucking liability coverage.
What Is Non-Trucking Liability Insurance?
Non-trucking liability insurance (commonly called "bobtail insurance") provides liability coverage when you're using your commercial truck for non-business purposes—essentially, anytime you're NOT under dispatch from your carrier.
Non-Trucking Liability Covers:
- Personal Errands — Driving to the store, taking kids to school, personal appointments
- Traveling to/from Home — When you're not on an assigned load or dispatch
- Maintenance Trips — Driving to the shop, tire store, or wash facility (off-dispatch)
- Between Loads — When you've completed one load and haven't accepted the next
- Weekend Use — Personal use of your truck on days off
Bobtail vs. Non-Trucking: What's the Difference?
"Bobtail" technically refers to driving without a trailer. "Non-trucking liability" is the broader insurance term covering any personal use. In practice, insurers and truckers use these terms interchangeably. Your policy covers you whether you have a trailer attached or not, as long as you're not under dispatch.
Why Do You Need Non-Trucking Liability?
Carrier Insurance Gaps
Your carrier's policy explicitly excludes personal use. If you cause an accident while off-dispatch, their insurer WILL deny the claim—leaving you personally liable.
Legal Requirements
Ontario law requires liability insurance whenever you operate a vehicle. Without non-trucking coverage, you're technically driving uninsured during personal use.
Protect Your Assets
A single accident without coverage could mean losing your truck, your home, and your savings. Non-trucking liability is cheap protection against catastrophic loss.
Carrier Lease Requirements
Most carriers require proof of non-trucking liability as part of your lease agreement. Without it, you can't legally operate under their authority.
How Much Does Non-Trucking Liability Cost?
Non-trucking liability is one of the most affordable trucking coverages, typically costing $500 to $1,500 per year for $1M in liability coverage.
| Coverage Limit | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| $300,000 | $400 – $700 |
| $500,000 | $500 – $900 |
| $1,000,000 | $600 – $1,200 |
| $2,000,000 | $900 – $1,500 |
Factors Affecting Your Rate:
Real Claim Examples
Non-trucking liability claims happen more than you might think. Here are three real scenarios where this coverage saved leased owner-operators:
Personal Errand Leads to Accident
An owner-operator leased to a major carrier was running personal errands on a Saturday morning when he rear-ended a minivan at a red light in Hamilton. The carrier's insurance denied the claim since he wasn't under dispatch. Damages totaled $45,000 for the other vehicle and $28,000 in medical bills.
Bobtailing Home After Delivery
After dropping a trailer in Windsor, an owner-operator was driving his cab (bobtailing) back home to London when he sideswiped a car on Highway 401. Since he had no trailer and was off-dispatch, the carrier's policy didn't apply. Repairs to the other vehicle cost $22,000.
Tips for Non-Trucking Liability
Know When You're Covered
Understand the exact terms of your carrier's coverage. Some carriers cover you until you park at home; others only during active dispatch. Get clarity in writing.
Don't Skip This Coverage
At $500-$1,500/year, non-trucking liability is some of the cheapest insurance you'll buy. The cost of one uninsured accident far exceeds a lifetime of premiums.
Bundle for Savings
Many insurers offer discounts when you bundle non-trucking liability with physical damage coverage. Shop around and compare bundled vs. standalone pricing.
Get Adequate Limits
Don't skimp on coverage limits to save a few dollars. A $1M limit is only slightly more expensive than $300K and provides much better protection.
Review Coverage Annually
When you renew your policy, confirm your non-trucking liability still meets your carrier's requirements and matches your current situation.
Get Your Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Quote
Free quotes from licensed Ontario brokers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need non-trucking liability if I have my own authority?
No. Non-trucking liability is specifically for owner-operators leased to a motor carrier. If you have your own MC authority, you need primary commercial liability insurance instead, which covers you 24/7 regardless of dispatch status.
Does non-trucking liability cover my cargo?
No, non-trucking liability only covers third-party injuries and property damage you cause. It doesn't cover cargo—and since you wouldn't be hauling cargo while off-dispatch anyway, cargo coverage under your carrier's policy wouldn't apply either.
Am I covered while deadheading to pick up a load?
This is a gray area. If you've accepted a dispatch and are driving to pick up the load, you're generally covered under your carrier's policy. If you're just driving to a region hoping to find a load, you're probably not under dispatch. When in doubt, assume your carrier's coverage doesn't apply.
Does this cover physical damage to my truck?
No, non-trucking liability only covers damage you cause to others. You need separate physical damage (collision and comprehensive) coverage for your own truck, which applies both on and off dispatch.
What if I use my truck for another carrier occasionally?
Non-trucking liability specifically excludes "for hire" activities. If you occasionally haul for another carrier, you may need their coverage or a separate policy. Consult with your broker about your specific situation.