Bobtail Insurance vs Non-Trucking Liability
Bobtail insurance and Non-Trucking Liability (NTL) insurance are often used interchangeably, but they serve slightly different purposes within the realm of commercial trucking insurance. Here's the difference:
Non-Trucking Liability (NTL) Insurance:
- NTL insurance provides liability coverage for commercial truck drivers when they are using their vehicles for non-business purposes or operating without a trailer attached.
- This coverage typically applies when the truck is being used for personal use, such as driving home after completing a delivery, running errands, or when the truck is not engaged in any commercial activities.
- NTL insurance protects the driver from liability for bodily injury and property damage that may occur while using the truck for non-business purposes. It also typically covers legal defense costs in the event of a lawsuit arising from such incidents.
Bobtail Insurance:
- Bobtail insurance is a type of insurance specifically designed to cover trucks when they are being driven without a trailer attached, often referred to as "bobtailing."
- This coverage applies when a truck is being driven without a trailer, whether it's returning from a delivery, traveling between job sites, or simply moving without cargo.
- Bobtail insurance provides liability coverage similar to NTL insurance, protecting the driver from liability for bodily injury and property damage that may occur while bobtailing. It also typically covers legal defense costs in the event of a lawsuit arising from such incidents.
- The term "bobtail" specifically refers to the tractor (or cab) of a semi-truck without the trailer attached, while "non-trucking liability" is a broader term encompassing situations where the truck may be used for personal reasons beyond bobtailing.
In summary, while there is some overlap between the two terms, bobtail insurance specifically addresses the scenario of driving without a trailer attached, while Non-Trucking Liability insurance provides broader coverage for personal use of commercial trucks beyond just bobtailing. At Wilkes Agency we offer non-trucking liability as well as commercial trucking policies in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Arizona. Call us today for a free quote!









