Off-Dispatch Protection

Non-Trucking Liability Insurance

When you're not under dispatch, your motor carrier's liability policy stops covering you. Non-trucking liability fills that gap — protecting you during personal use, deadhead miles, and any time you're not hauling a load for a carrier.

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Hot shot truck driver off dispatch

What NTL Covers

Non-trucking liability insurance provides bodily injury and property damage liability protection when you're operating your commercial truck for personal or non-commercial purposes — not under a carrier's dispatch.

Driving your truck to and from home (personal use)
Deadheading — returning empty after a delivery
Running errands or personal trips in your commercial vehicle
Operating between loads while not dispatched by a carrier
Bodily injury and property damage to third parties
$1M minimum limit (matches most carrier lease requirements)

Who Needs NTL

If you're leased to a motor carrier and operating under their authority, you almost certainly need non-trucking liability insurance. Most carrier lease agreements legally require it.

You need NTL if:

  • You're an owner-operator leased to a motor carrier
  • Your carrier requires NTL in your lease agreement
  • You drive your commercial truck for any personal use
  • You deadhead between loads

Typical Annual Cost

$800 – $2,400

Based on driving record, experience, and vehicle type. Get your exact rate with a free quote.

Common Questions

Is non-trucking liability the same as bobtail insurance?
They're similar but not identical. Bobtail technically refers to operating without a trailer. NTL covers all personal use — including deadheading with an empty trailer attached. Make sure your policy includes both scenarios.
Does my carrier's insurance cover me when I'm off dispatch?
No. Your carrier's primary liability only covers you while you're actively under their dispatch on a covered load. The moment you're done with a load, their coverage ends and you need your own NTL policy.
How much NTL coverage do I need?
Most motor carriers require leased operators to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in NTL coverage. Some require more. Check your lease agreement for the exact requirement.
What does NTL not cover?
NTL does not cover you while under dispatch (that's your carrier's primary liability), it doesn't cover your cargo, and it doesn't cover physical damage to your own truck. You need separate policies for those.

Get Your NTL Quote Today

Same-day certificates available. Most NTL policies bind within hours.

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