Trucking Coverage
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
Coverage that can help address liability exposure for an owner-operator using a truck for personal or non-dispatch purposes, depending on policy terms.
What non-trucking liability insurance is
Non-trucking liability insurance is coverage generally relevant to an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier who also uses the truck for purposes outside of dispatched, for-hire operation, such as personal errands or commuting. This is a distinct concept from primary auto liability and from motor carrier coverage, and the exact scope depends heavily on the specific policy and how "non-trucking use" is defined.
This is a nuanced coverage area. Terms such as bobtail and non-trucking use are sometimes used differently across carriers, so reviewing the specific policy language with your advisor matters.
Who typically evaluates this coverage
- Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier
- Drivers who use the truck for personal purposes when not dispatched
- Owner-operators reviewing gaps between their motor carrier’s coverage and their own use of the vehicle
Coverage
How this coverage is typically distinguished
Non-trucking liability is generally distinguished from primary auto liability, which addresses liability while operating under dispatch, and from motor carrier coverage, which is the coverage the carrier itself provides while a truck is under its authority. Non-trucking liability is intended to address the gap for personal or non-dispatch use. No universal coverage statement applies to every carrier or policy; the specific terms determine what is and is not addressed.
Risk
Where the coverage gap typically appears
Owner-operators who use their truck for both dispatched work and personal purposes can face a coverage gap during the personal-use periods, since the motor carrier’s policy is generally tied to dispatched operation. Understanding exactly when your truck is considered "under dispatch" versus personal or non-trucking use is central to reviewing this coverage correctly.
Valoridge
How Valoridge helps
Valoridge reviews your lease agreement with your motor carrier, your typical use of the truck outside of dispatch, and any existing coverage, then helps identify non-trucking liability options that may fit that gap. We help you understand policy definitions and limits, compare available options and assist with policy service after coverage is placed.
Explore
Related trucking coverage
Non-trucking liability is typically reviewed alongside your other trucking coverage.
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Coverage designed for vehicles used for business purposes, including certain commercial trucks.
Explore pageFrequently Asked
Questions business owners ask
Straightforward answers about non-trucking liability coverage, tied to policy terms and insurer requirements.
What is non-trucking liability insurance?
Non-trucking liability insurance can help address liability exposure for an owner-operator using a leased or dispatched truck for personal purposes, or when the vehicle is not operating under dispatch for a motor carrier, subject to the specific policy.
Is non-trucking liability the same as bobtail coverage?
The terms are sometimes used to describe related but distinct situations, and definitions can vary by carrier and policy. It is worth confirming with your policy exactly what "non-trucking use" and any bobtail-related terms mean for your coverage.
Does non-trucking liability replace my motor carrier’s coverage?
No. When operating under dispatch for a motor carrier, primary liability coverage is generally provided through the motor carrier’s policy. Non-trucking liability is intended to address the gap when the truck is being used outside of that dispatched, for-hire operation.
Who typically needs non-trucking liability coverage?
Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier who also use the truck for personal errands, commuting or other non-dispatch purposes commonly evaluate this coverage.
Does this coverage apply when I am under dispatch?
Generally, non-trucking liability is intended for situations when the truck is not operating under dispatch for a motor carrier. Coverage while under dispatch is typically addressed by the motor carrier’s own policy, subject to the applicable agreements and policies.
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