Bobtail Insurance
The tractor, unhitched, still needs liability.
Bobtail insurance (bobtail liability) covers a leased-on owner-operator when driving the tractor without a trailer attached — typically returning from a drop, repositioning, or deadheading. During dispatched, revenue-generating trips, the motor carrier's primary auto liability covers the truck. When the trailer is dropped and you're still moving the tractor, bobtail fills the gap.
What It Covers
Coverage That Fits Your Operation
Bobtail insurance (bobtail liability) covers a leased-on owner-operator when driving the tractor without a trailer attached — typically returning from a drop, repositioning, or deadheading. During dispatched, revenue-generating trips, the motor carrier's primary auto liability covers the truck. When the trailer is dropped and you're still moving the tractor, bobtail fills the gap.
Bobtail is frequently confused with non-trucking liability. Bobtail is triggered by driving without a trailer; non-trucking liability is triggered by driving outside dispatch. Many motor-carrier leases specify exactly which one they require — and the wrong form can leave a gap.
Tractor-only auto liability
Liability when the tractor is driven without a trailer attached.
Protection when carrier coverage doesn't apply
Coverage for deadhead and repositioning runs outside the carrier's primary.
Bodily injury & property damage
Third-party injury and damage caused while bobtailing.
Lease-compliant structure
Written to satisfy typical motor-carrier lease requirements.
Optional physical damage
Pair with collision and comprehensive on the owned tractor.
Flexible, affordable limits
Limits matched to lease terms and owner-operator exposure.
Bobtail vs. Non-Trucking Liability — pick the one your lease requires
Bobtail covers the tractor when driven without a trailer, regardless of dispatch. Non-trucking liability covers the owner-operator when not under dispatch, regardless of trailer. They overlap but aren't identical, and motor-carrier leases usually require one specifically. Carrying the wrong form can leave a real gap — for example, bobtailing while still technically on dispatch. We match the form to your lease.
How bobtail insurance is priced
Bobtail is an affordable coverage, typically $40–$100 per month for an owner-operator, rated on the driver, the tractor, and the territory. It's often required by motor-carrier leases and is one of the cheapest parts of the owner-operator insurance stack. We place it fast and pair it with physical damage where needed.
Common Endorsements & Add-Ons
- Physical damage pairing. Bundle bobtail with collision and comprehensive on the tractor.
- Medical payments. Optional first-party medical coverage for occupants.
- Uninsured motorist. Protection when hit by an uninsured driver while bobtailing.
- Lease-mandated limits. Limits structured to your motor-carrier lease agreement.
Bobtail FAQ
Bobtail — Your Questions
Bobtail covers the leased-on owner-operator's liability when driving the tractor without a trailer attached — deadhead runs, repositioning, and return trips — when the motor carrier's primary auto liability doesn't apply. It covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties during those trips.
It depends on your motor-carrier lease. Bobtail is triggered by driving without a trailer; non-trucking liability is triggered by driving outside dispatch. Leases usually require one specifically, and the wrong form can leave a gap. We confirm what your lease requires and place the matching coverage.
Bobtail is one of the most affordable coverages in the owner-operator stack — typically $40–$100 per month, rated on the driver, tractor, and territory. We place it quickly and bundle it with physical damage when needed.
Ready to Bind Bobtail Insurance?
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