Bobtail insurance covers truckers when they are operating a semi-truck without a trailer for business-related purposes. The best bobtail insurance companies typically cover physical damage caused to other vehicles, medical fees, legal fees, and other related expenses. Below, we’ll help you choose the best provider for your needs.
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We analyzed dozens of trucking insurance providers nationwide, focusing on important factors like pricing transparency, coverage options, claim handling, financial strength, and customer satisfaction. We also studied real driver feedback and online reviews to understand how each insurer performs in the real world in terms of claims support, responsiveness, and ease of policy management.
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The Best Bobtail Insurance Companies
Bobtail Insurance Companies at a Glance
Use this quick comparison table to compare the top bobtail insurance companies based on strengths, quote options, and possible drawbacks.
| Company | Best For | Online Quotes | Standout Strength | What To Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Commercial | Overall coverage | Yes | Broad commercial truck coverage, flexible payment options, nationwide availability | Coverage details can vary; travel-radius restrictions may apply |
| biBerk Insurance | Direct, low-cost bobtail/non-trucking liability coverage | Yes | Fast online experience backed by Berkshire Hathaway financial strength | Availability and trucking setup options vary by state |
| Infinity Insurance Agency | Bobtail and non-trucking coverage through multiple carriers | Yes | Can shop multiple insurers for more flexible options | Coverage and claims experience depend on the underlying carrier |
| NEXT Insurance | Small businesses wanting a digital path to Progressive coverage | Yes (via Progressive) | Convenient online process and pairing with other business policies | Commercial auto is ultimately placed and serviced through Progressive |
| Liberty Mutual | Flexible deductible savings options | Yes | Deductible fund program and customizable owner-operator options | Availability and bundling options can vary by state |
| OOIDA | Owner-operators | No | Built specifically for owner-operators and small trucking businesses | Membership is required; online quotes are not available |
| State Farm | Pricing and discounts | Yes | Affordable rates with bundling opportunities, strong service reputation | Not available for new policies in some states |
| The Hartford | Motor carriers | No | Strong fleet programs and risk-engineering support | Less convenient for single-truck operators; no online quotes |
| Sentry | Single-truck businesses | No | Strong fit for owner-operators and single-truck operations | You usually need to work through a local agent |
Progressive Commercial
- Best for: Overall coverage
- Online quotes: Yes
Progressive Commercial is one of the strongest options for bobtail insurance because it combines trucking-specific expertise with flexible payment options and an easy online quote process. For owner-operators who need coverage while driving a tractor without a trailer, Progressive offers customizable commercial truck policies.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Bodily injury
- Liability
- Medical payments
- Uninsured motorist
- Collision
- Personal property damage
Special Features
- Customizable policy
- Free state and federal filings
- Specialized heavy truck claims
Benefits
- Customizable policy
- Offers a variety of coverage options
- Available in all 50 states in the U.S.
- Discounts
Disadvantages
- Varying coverages and features
- Potential for travel radius to apply
biBerk Commercial
- Best for: Direct, low-cost bobtail/non-trucking liability coverage
- Online quotes: Yes
biBerk, a Berkshire Hathaway company, sells commercial truck insurance directly to small businesses and owner-operators. Through its commercial auto policies, biBerk can include bobtail coverage to protect your tractor when you’re driving without a trailer and not under dispatch.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Non-trucking liability (bobtail) coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage when you’re not under dispatch
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Medical payments/personal injury protection (varies by state)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Comprehensive and collision physical damage coverage for your tractor and eligible trailers
- Coverage available for many vehicle types, including truck tractors, box trucks, flatbeds, dump trucks, and dry van/refrigerated trailers
Special Features
- Direct-to-business model with online quotes, instant ID cards, and full policy management online
- Marketed savings of up to about 20% versus traditional agent-based carriers
- Backed by Berkshire Hathaway Insurance Group companies rated A++ (Superior) by AM Best
- Appetite for transportation and trucking companies for hire, including hotshot and local/long-haul operations
- Option to bundle bobtail/non-trucking coverage with other policies
Benefits
- Fast online quote and bind process tailored to small trucking businesses
- One carrier for both primary commercial auto and non-trucking/bobtail coverage
- Ability to insure multiple trucks and trailers on a single commercial auto policy
Disadvantages
- Coverage options and availability can vary by state
- Very specialized operations may need a niche carrier
- Direct online model means no local in-person agent relationship
Infinity Insurance Agency (IIA)
- Best for: Bobtail & non-trucking coverage shopped through multiple carriers
- Online quotes: Yes
Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) is an auto-focused insurance agency that works with more than 20 insurers to place commercial auto coverage for small businesses, owner-operators, and fleets. IIA can help arrange bobtail and non-trucking liability coverage that protects your tractor when it’s operated without a trailer or used for personal trips between loads.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Bobtail coverage that protects your tractor when it’s operated without a trailer, whether or not it’s dispatched
- Non-trucking liability coverage that pays for damage and injuries when your commercial vehicle is being used for personal use
- Bodily injury and property damage liability while driving for business, subject to carrier and state rules
- Medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), where available
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Collision coverage for damage from a covered crash with another vehicle or object
- Comprehensive coverage for many non-collision losses, such as certain theft, vandalism, fire, animal strikes, and weather events
- Coverage that can extend to certain attached trailers and multiple vehicles, depending on the unit type, carrier, and occupation
Special Features
- Agency model that shops bobtail, non-trucking, and commercial auto coverage with 20+ insurers
- Affordable price points and options that can grow with your business
- Ability to work with drivers who have foreign licenses and less-than-perfect driving records
- Multiple coverage and payment options, including recurring card payments
- Automatic coverage for eligible newly hired employees who drive company vehicles
- Bilingual Spanish–English agents who understand commercial auto and trucking risks
Benefits
- One agency to compare options across multiple trucking-friendly carriers
- Can combine bobtail/non-trucking liability with primary commercial auto coverage and physical damage
- Helpful if you need flexibility around foreign licenses, prior lapses, or growing from one truck to a small fleet
- Support and education via IIA’s Knowledge Center, glossary, and bilingual agents
Disadvantages
- Coverage details, discounts, and bobtail/non-trucking options vary by partner insurer and by state
- Policies are issued by third-party carriers, so claims handling and filings depend on the underlying company
NEXT Insurance
- Best for: Small businesses and owner-operators who want Progressive commercial auto via a digital platform
- Online quotes: Yes (via Progressive Commercial)
NEXT Insurance is a digital small-business insurer, but for commercial auto and truck coverage it acts as an agency. When you click to get commercial auto on NEXT’s site, you’re redirected to Progressive Commercial, which issues and services the actual policy. For truckers and owner-operators, any non-trucking liability or other truck-specific options come from Progressive’s commercial truck program.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Liability coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage after a covered accident
- Medical bills after an accident involving your business vehicle
- Accidental physical damage (collision and comprehensive) to covered vehicles
- Towing and labor after a covered accident
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage where required or available
- Rental reimbursement if a covered vehicle is in the shop after a covered loss
- Coverage available for many business vehicles, including cars, vans, light-duty trucks, and eligible trailers used for work
- For eligible owner-operators buying through this path, access to Progressive’s truck coverages
Special Features
- Commercial auto policies are placed with Progressive Commercial
- Fully online quote path: start at NEXT, then quote and bind commercial auto directly on Progressive’s site
- Easy to combine with NEXT’s other small-business policies
- Commercial auto can cover personal as well as business use of a work vehicle, subject to policy terms and state rules
Benefits
- Broad protection options
- Owner-operators can pursue non-trucking liability and other trucking coverages through Progressive’s truck program while keeping other business policies with NEXT
- Highly competitive pricing for commercial truck insurance in many states
- Good fit if you already use NEXT for general liability or other lines and want your truck coverage handled by a major commercial auto carrier
Disadvantages
- The commercial auto policy you get via NEXT is a Progressive policy, so billing, coverage changes, and claims are handled by Progressive, not NEXT
- Availability of truck-specific options depends on Progressive’s underwriting guidelines and state availability
- Some more complex trucking operations may need a dedicated trucking specialist
Liberty Mutual
- Best for: Flexible deductible savings options
- Online quotes: Yes
A standout feature of Liberty Mutual‘s robust bobtail insurance coverage is its deductible fund program. This allows policyholders to save on out-of-pocket costs for claims by gradually building a fund to cover their deductibles. This innovative feature could provide both financial flexibility and peace of mind.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Bobtail liability
- Physical damage
- Collision coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
- Medical payments
Special Features
- Nationwide coverage
- Flexible policy options tailored for owner-operators
- Dedicated claims support team for commercial auto
Benefits
- Available across most states
- Discounts for safe driving and bundling policies
- Competitive rates tailored to trucking needs
Disadvantages
- Coverage availability may vary by state
- Limited options for bundling with personal insurance policies
- Specific requirements for policy eligibility may apply
OOIDA
- Best for: Owner-operators
- Online quotes: No
OOIDA offers bobtail liability insurance in all 50 states, with coverage options tailored to various trucking operations and transportation types. This insurance company provides a comprehensive range of coverage and policy alternatives specifically for small trucking businesses.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Physical damage
- Rental reimbursement
- Personal property
- Liability
- Trailer interchange
- Medical benefits
- Cleanup and towing
- Gap insurance
Special Features
- Identity theft management and resolution service
- Truck to success program
Benefits
- Several economical commercial truck insurance options
- Up-to-date trucking news and information
- Personal property protection
Disadvantages
- No online quotes
- Must be members of OOIDA to take advantage of insurance options
- Only accepts owner-operators and small trucking businesses
State Farm
- Best for: Pricing and discounts
- Online quotes: Yes
State Farm provides a variety of coverage alternatives that can be combined into a single affordable policy. Their bobtail truck insurance coverage is available in 48 states. The company is highly respected for its excellent customer service and affordable auto insurance rates.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Rental reimbursement
- Collision
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist
- Property damage
- Liability
- Medical payments
Special Features
- Local agent support for personalized guidance
- Drive Safe & Save Business program, with discounts tied to driving behavior
- Discount opportunities for qualifying vehicle safety and anti-theft features
- Ability to bundle commercial auto with other small-business coverages
- Coverage available for a range of business-use vehicles
Benefits
- Coverage for individual or fleet vehicles
- Availability of online quotes
- Several discount bundles
Disadvantages
- No new policies in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
- No gap insurance
The Hartford
- Best for: Motor carriers
- Online quotes: No
The Hartford is a bobtail insurance company that offers special programs and discounts to fleets. The risk engineering team at Hartford Insurance teaches fleet owners how to increase their safety measures while reducing the risk of accidents. This insurance company received A+ ratings from top credit rating companies A.M. Best and S&P.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Rental reimbursements
- Collision
- Gap insurance
- Liability
- Medical payments
- Personal injury protection
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist
Special Features
- Fleet management program
Benefits
- Various discounts
- Insurance coverage in all 50 states
- Special risk engineering services for fleets
Disadvantages
- Limited coverage options for single customers
- No online quotes available
Sentry
- Best for: Single truck businesses
- Online quotes: No
Sentry Insurance prioritizes single truck customers even though the company also provides coverage to owner-operators and trucking fleets. However, only designated agencies that specialize in trucking are authorized to offer the Sentry commercial trucking insurance.
Coverage, Features, Pros & Cons
Coverage Options
- Collisions
- Liability
- Comprehensive
- Medical payments
- Physical damage
Special Features
- Cyber damage coverage
Benefits
- Flexible coverage options
- Available in all 50 states
- Specializes in bobtail coverage for owner-operators
- Specializes in personal use liability
Disadvantages
- Must work with a local agent if you are an individual
What Is Bobtail Insurance?
Bobtail insurance is a type of commercial trucking insurance that solely covers truck owner-operators’ liabilities when they are not actively towing anything. When a truck driver is involved in an incident without a trailer attached, and if the accident then results in property damage or personal harm, bobtail insurance is applied.
How Does Bobtail Insurance Work?
Bobtail coverage is only applicable if the truck is used for business by the individuals listed on the insurance policy. Bobtail insurance protects an insured vehicle from theft, vandalism, fire, and collision.
This insurance covers liability, medical expenses, legal fees, personal property, and others. Some insurance companies refer to a combination of physical damage insurance and non-trucking liability insurance as bobtail insurance.
Is Commercial Truck Insurance Coverage Required for Bobtails?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) does not specifically require insurance for bobtail trucks. Instead, bobtail trucking insurance is a supplemental policy that protects trucking businesses and owner-operators when driving a truck without a trailer attached for non-business purposes, and it is not explicitly required by federal regulations.
However, motor carriers or contracting companies may require owner-operators to have bobtail insurance as part of their agreements to ensure liability coverage during non-business-related driving. In such cases, it becomes a contractual requirement, not an FMCSA mandate regarding insurance.
What Factors Affect the Price of Bobtail Coverage?
There are three main factors that contribute to the total cost of bobtail insurance:
- Driving history: The more experience a driver has driving a truck, the lower the insurance provider’s monthly premium rate will be
- Policy limits: The policy limit determines the maximum amount of money that the insurance provider will pay towards claims on each type of coverage you select
- Insurance history: If you have a history of frequent claims on your past insurance policies, you will likely pay more for your bobtail insurance
What To Consider With Bobtail Insurance
Coverage Options
You can determine which incidents, expenses, and damages will be covered by the insurance provider. Verify that the coverage options you choose meet your trucking business needs.
Trucks Covered
The type of trucks that a business operates will likely determine the cost and the coverage options that are available to them. Bobtail insurance providers tend to consider the size of the vehicle and the type of vehicle being driven when they are determining the costs of coverage. That said, some insurance providers do not offer bobtail insurance for specific types of trucks.
Deductible
The deductible is the amount of money that a trucking company or a trucking business must pay towards their claim before the bobtail truck insurance coverage will go into effect.
Monthly Premium
A monthly premium is the amount of money that individuals or trucking business owners must pay in order to retain their insurance company policy and the coverage that comes with it. Truckers should make sure they are financially able to afford the monthly premium of a certain type of coverage before agreeing to an insurance plan.
Policy Limit
A policy limit determines the maximum amount of money your insurance provider will pay for claims on each type of coverage that you select.
Provider’s Financial Standing
A company’s financial standing will affect the type of bobtail insurance coverage level that they can apply for.
FAQ
How much is bobtail insurance per month?
Bobtail insurance often costs about $30 to $100 per month, but pricing varies based on your state, driving record, truck, policy limits, and whether you are buying true bobtail coverage or non-trucking liability. Some owner-operators may pay less, while higher-risk accounts can pay more.
What does bobtail coverage mean?
Bobtail coverage is a commercial trucking insurance that solely covers the liabilities of truck owner-operators when they are not towing anything behind them.
Bobtail vs. non-trucking liability: what’s the difference?
Bobtail insurance generally applies when you are operating your tractor without a trailer attached, including some business-related driving. Non-trucking liability is narrower and usually applies only when the truck is being used for personal, non-business purposes while off dispatch. Because insurers do not always define these coverages the same way, review the policy wording carefully before you buy.
Does bobtail cover me if I’m driving to pick up my next load?
It can, depending on how the policy defines bobtail coverage. In general, bobtail insurance is intended for driving a tractor without a trailer, including certain business-related trips, while non-trucking liability usually does not apply when you are driving for business or under dispatch.
Does bobtail cover personal use?
Usually, that is what non-trucking liability is for, not true bobtail coverage. Non-trucking liability is designed for personal, off-dispatch use of the truck, such as errands or driving on an off day. If you want coverage for personal use, make sure the policy specifically includes non-trucking liability.
Do I need bobtail if I’m leased on to a carrier?
Often, yes. Many leased-on owner-operators rely on the motor carrier’s primary liability coverage only while they are under dispatch, so bobtail or non-trucking liability may be needed to help fill gaps when the tractor is being operated without a trailer or for personal use. In many cases, the lease agreement or motor carrier requires it.
Does bobtail cover physical damage to my tractor?
Not by itself. Bobtail or non-trucking liability generally covers third-party bodily injury and property damage, not damage to your own truck. To protect your tractor against collision, theft, vandalism, fire, or other covered losses, you typically need separate physical damage coverage.
