Non-Trucking Liability Insurance: Coverage for Personal Use of Your Commercial Truck

Non-trucking liability (NTL) insurance is designed for owner-operators who are leased to a motor carrier. It covers liability claims that arise when you use your commercial truck for personal, non-business purposes — when you are not under dispatch and not generating revenue from the trip.

The Coverage Gap It Fills

When you are under dispatch for your carrier, their primary liability policy covers you. When you park the truck and go home, you are not under dispatch. What happens if you get into an accident driving to a repair shop, visiting family in your truck, or running a personal errand with your rig? Without non-trucking liability, you may have no coverage at all for those situations.

What Non-Trucking Liability Covers

NTL pays for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others when you are operating your truck outside the scope of your trucking work. Coverage typically applies when: - You are not under dispatch - You are not hauling cargo - The trip is for personal, non-commercial purposes

What It Does Not Cover

• Any trip where you are under dispatch or generating revenue
• Physical damage to your own truck
• Cargo losses
• Trips where you are hauling freight, even informally

The Difference from Bobtail Insurance

Bobtail insurance typically covers the truck when driving without a trailer. Non-trucking liability can cover the truck with or without a trailer, but only during non-commercial, personal use. Your lease agreement and state requirements will determine which is appropriate for your situation.

When You Need It

If you are an owner-operator leased to a carrier, you almost certainly need either bobtail or non-trucking liability — or both. Many carrier agreements specifically require it. The cost is low relative to the exposure, and not having it can leave you personally liable for any accident that happens during personal use of your truck.