Non-trucking liability insurance covers you when you drive your truck for personal use. The insurance provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage to others. It does not provide any coverage when you are using the vehicle for business purposes or when you are hauling cargo. The most common use case for this insurance is when you are under a permanent lease to a carrier that provides your liability coverage.
Learn everything you need to know about this important coverage and whether or not you might need it to round out your insurance protection.
How Does Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Work?
Non-trucking liability insurance helps protect you if you drive your truck for personal or non-business purposes. While that might sound rare, you’d probably be surprised at the types of situations this can apply to.
If you get into an accident during non-business trips, non-trucking liability insurance provides physical damage coverage and bodily injury for third parties. Driving a rig is what is comfortable for most truck drivers so they find themselves still driving the truck even after hours.
But what they don’t realize is that driving for non-work-related purposes leaves them vulnerable to liability situations. With non-trucking liability insurance, you can drive to the bank, grocery store or family event without having to worry.
Truck drivers that fall into the following categories need non-trucking liability insurance.
- Those that drive their truck for non-commercial use
- Drivers who work for a motor carrier that requires this insurance when leasing your vehicle or in other agreements or arrangements
- You want to ensure you’re covered for all liability instances
In contrast, this insurance coverage is not for you if you’re looking for insurance to cover the goods that you haul.
What Does Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Cover?
Non-trucking liability insurance covers physical damage and bodily injury to third parties when you are using your truck for non-business or non-work purposes.
How Much Does Non-Trucking Liability Cost?
This insurance coverage is surprisingly affordable and generally costs about $29-$50 per month. Your total premium cost will depend on the truck you insure, your age, driving history and several other factors. Work with your business insurance agent to get a full view of the cost for this insurance.
What Are the Limits on A Non-Trucking Liability Policy?
The limits for a typical non-trucking policy include a $1 million combined single limit as well as $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What Are the Exceptions and Restrictions On Non-Trucking Liability?
This insurance does not apply anytime you are pulling a loaded trailer or operating on behalf of a motor carrier. The key differentiator is that you cannot be engaged in revenue-generating activities. If you are engaged in a revenue-generating activity, your primary auto liability insurance applies.
Example of Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Coverage
The following instances are examples of situations where your non-trucking liability insurance would apply.
- Moving the truck to a location where you can rest after loading or unloading it
- Driving to restaurants or entertainment off your route
- Travel from your local terminal to your home residence
- Moving a vehicle to another location when local authorities require that you do so
- Transporting personal property
Things to Consider with Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Rates
Just like any other form of liability coverage, your specific circumstances and insurance claim history will impact your rates. Here’s a look at some of the factors that could impact the total cost of your insurance.
Age and Driving Experience
As you age, your auto insurance premiums should slowly decrease. That’s because your problem-solving and reasoning skills improve, making you less risky. Additionally, the more driving experience you have, the less likely you are to be in an accident. That’s why your insurance agent will ask questions about your age and driving experience.
Vehicle Type and Model
The length of your trailer, type of rig, and age of your truck could all impact your insurance rates. As your truck ages, it could become riskier due to mechanical failures. And the longer your trailer the more challenging visibility on the road can be. Insurance rates are based on risk factors, which is why your truck could be more expensive for non-trucking liability insurance compared to that of your co-worker or friend.
Number of Years You Hold a CDL
Even if you’ve been driving personally for 20 years, you could still be in a high risk class if you recently earned your CDL. The insurance company will look at your total driving history and experience to calculate your insurance costs.
Frequency of Personal Driving
How often you drive your truck for personal use will impact your insurance rates. The more times you head out on the road, the more risk there is that the insurance company will have to pay out on an accident.
Driving History
Your driving history tells a story. For some, it shows careful, cautious driving. For others, it demonstrates a propensity for getting into accidents. The number of claims you’ve filed previously can drive up your insurance rates.
Credit Score
The higher your credit score, the lower your insurance rates will likely be. However, your credit score is only one factor that insurance companies use to provide insights into how risky you might be for them to insure. It’s used in combination with other factors, such as your age, claim history and driving record.
Advantages of Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
Trucking insurance requirements state that non-trucking liability insurance must provide a minimum of $750,000 of coverage per accident. The advantages you’ll experience from this coverage include:
- Peace of mind knowing you’re covered in all circumstances when operating your truck
- Ability to use your truck for personal use
- Convenience of maintaining fewer vehicles thanks to using your truck for personal purposes
- More inclusive coverage than bobtail insurance
Disadvantages of Non-Trucking Liability Insurance
Non-trucking liability insurance is mostly beneficial. But some truck drivers find there are a few disadvantages to it.
- Adds to your total business expenses as another insurance product to pay for
- Does not cover cargo or anything you’re hauling
- Only provides coverage for third parties involved in an accident
Bobtail Insurance vs Non-Trucking Liability
Bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability insurance are similar in that they both provide added liability insurance but with one important difference. It specifically covers you for third-party liability when your trailer is detached from your truck. Non-trucking liability is more inclusive because you can drive it with or without the trailer for non-business purposes and still have liability coverage.
Liability Protection for Personal Use
Non-trucking liability insurance allows you to drive your truck for personal purposes with added peace of mind. Without it, you could end up paying for damage you cause while driving your truck for personal use, even if you don’t realize it’s a non-business trip.
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