Bobtail insurance is essential for truckers who own their own truck and operate under a lease agreement with a trucking company. Here's who needs bobtail insurance:
Owner-Operators: If you own your truck and lease it to a motor carrier, bobtail insurance is crucial. It covers you when you're operating without a trailer, filling the gap left by your motor carrier's liability insurance, which typically doesn't cover you when your truck is without a trailer.
Deadheading or Bobtailing Drivers: When you're driving your truck without a trailer attached, whether you're going home from work or moving between terminals, you need bobtail insurance to protect you during these times when you're not under commission and hauling something.
Insurance Requirements: Check your lease agreement to ensure that you meet all the insurance requirements. Bobtail insurance is often a necessary component of these agreements.
Coverage and Liability Limits: When choosing a bobtail insurance policy, inquire about the liability limits offered. Most policies provide $1,000,000 in liability coverage. Ensure that the policy meets your coverage needs and the requirements of your lease agreement.
Comparing Quotes: Don't settle for the first quote you receive. Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies. Prices can vary significantly, so it's worth taking the time to find the best coverage at the most competitive rate.
For owner-operators with lease agreements, it's common to bundle bobtail insurance with physical damage coverage for your truck and trailer. Whether you choose to piece out your coverage or get them all from one trucking insurance company depends on your individual preferences and needs.