If you are a truck driver, or you own/manage a fleet that includes semi-trucks, it is important that you are properly insured. While general liability insurance can go a long way in ensuring you and your fleet are protected, you may need to consider investing in supplemental coverage as well such as bobtail insurance. Yet, you are not alone if you are unfamiliar with what bobtail insurance is and why it is important. To help you decide whether bobtail insurance is right for you, keep reading for a look at answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about bobtail insurance in Georgia.
What is a Bobtail Truck?
When a semi-truck is on the road without a trailer, it is referred to as a bobtail truck. Of course, while every owner-operator wants to maximize efficiency by dropping off one load and continuing on with another to avoid wasting time and fuel, sometimes a truck driver will be stuck spending at least some time driving without a trailer, which is known as bobtailing. However, bobtailing can present its own challenges, as semi-trucks are meant to be driven with a trailer attached, which means bobtail trucks are more likely to be involved in an accident due to weight and maneuverability issues.
Does General Liability Cover Bobtailing?
As you are likely already aware, truck operators are required to have general liability insurance that covers property damage and/or bodily injury they cause in an accident. However, what you may not know is that bobtail liability coverage usually isn’t included in general liability policies because this is not a normal mode of operating a semi-truck, and it is assumed that a truck will be driving with a trailer at all times for safety and efficiency purposes. However, considering logistics may at some point require you to bobtail from one location to the next, it is important that youconsider investing in bobtail insurance.
What Does Bobtailing Insurance Cover?
Bobtailing is a special type of insurance coverage that pays for property damages and injuries caused by an accident involving a semi-truck specifically if the truck is driving without a trailer attached. Bobtail insurance is often critical for truck drivers who own their own trucks, as once they detach from a trailer, they are no longer covered by the carrier’s liability policy. Bobtailing insurance ensures that you are able to pay for property damage and injuries if you cause an accident while driving without a trailer. However, bobtailing insurance generally only covers you on your way to or from work. If you get into an accident and are using your truck for personal use, you would not be covered. If you regularly use your truck for personal purposes, even if it’s to stop at the store on your way home from work, it is important that you consider investing in non-trucking insurance to provide liability coverage.
How Much Does Bobtail Insurance Cost?
As with any insurance policy, the cost of bobtail insurance will depend on the coverage you choose. A typical bobtail policy with a $1,000,000 limit usually costs between $30-$60 a month, making it a worthwhile investment for many drivers. Of course, it is important that you read the fine print when comparing policies in order to ensure that you know what is and isn’t covered by the policy you choose.
Getting bobtail insurance is a must if you are an owner-operator, as this ensures that you are covered when driving without a trailer. Feel free to contact us to learn more about bobtail insurance as well as your coverage options.
