What's The Difference Between Bobtail Insurance And Non-Trucking Liability Insurance?
While most truck insurance policies provide general protection when you are on the job in your truck, some offer additional coverage such as bobtail or non-trucking liability policies. These two types of insurance share some similarities but work in different scenarios. It's important to know the difference between the two before you decide if you need either or both of them.
What do you need to know?
What Is Bobtail Truck Insurance Coverage?
Your general truck insurance might not cover you all the time you are on the job. For example, you usually get coverage for times when you are carrying a trailer load. However, your policy might not protect you at times when your truck doesn't have a load even if you're still technically at work.
For example, your general insurance might not protect your truck after you've dropped a trailer off at its destination. If you then drive off from the drop-off point without a load, even if you're on the way to pick up a new one or to go home at the end of the day, then you might not have full insurance coverage.
Bobtail insurance gives you protection at these times. This coverage only applies when you're driving your truck without a trailer or applicable load. However, it does cover you when you are driving for either business or personal reasons. So, you'll get protection between jobs, when you're driving to and from work, and for non-business driving.
What Is Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Coverage?
If you think you'll ever use your truck for personal reasons, then you might need non-trucking liability coverage. This extends your working insurance to give you more liability protection if you use your truck outside of your job and are involved in an accident. It works kind of like your regular car liability insurance.
Unlike bobtail coverage, which works whether you're using your truck for business or personal trips, non-trucking liability insurance is only designed to cover non-business usage. Here, your truck gets protection both with and without an attached trailer or load. The key point here is that you can only claim for an accident or damage if you are using the truck outside of work, say to take a trip, go to the store, or drive to a diner.
To find out more about these coverage options and other features you might find useful, contact commercial truck insurance companies.