Non-Trucking Liability (Bobtail)

Non-trucking liability (NTL) — commonly called bobtail insurance — fills a specific gap for owner-operators leased to a motor carrier. When you're under dispatch (hauling a load under the carrier's operating authority), the carrier's primary liability policy responds. But the moment you're not under dispatch — driving the tractor home, to the shop, or to run a personal errand — that carrier coverage typically shuts off. NTL covers your liability during that non-business use.

'Bobtail' technically means driving the tractor with no trailer attached, while NTL more precisely means driving while not under dispatch (with or without a trailer); the terms are used interchangeably in the market. NTL is liability only — it does not cover physical damage to your truck (that's physical damage coverage) or cargo (that's motor truck cargo).

NTL is usually inexpensive because the exposure window is small, and it is frequently required by the lease agreement with your motor carrier. It is distinct from the MCS-90 endorsement (a federal financial-responsibility guarantee) and from on-hook coverage (for vehicles you tow). See our full non-trucking liability guide.