Your motor carrier’s liability policy covers you when you’re hauling under dispatch. The moment you’re off the clock — driving home, running to the shop, using the truck personally — that protection ends. Non-trucking liability (NTL) fills exactly that gap for leased owner-operators.
What NTL Covers
- Liability claims from accidents during personal, non-dispatched use of your truck
- Bodily injury and property damage to third parties
- Legal defense costs for covered claims
What It Doesn’t Cover
NTL never applies under dispatch or while hauling a load — that’s your carrier’s primary liability. It also doesn’t cover damage to your own truck (that’s physical damage) or trailer-off scenarios under dispatch (see bobtail insurance — related but different, and your lease agreement usually specifies which one you need).
Who Needs It
Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier. Most lease agreements require NTL or bobtail coverage before you turn a wheel. If you run your own authority, your primary auto liability already follows the truck and you can skip standalone NTL.
Start your quote or call 855-586-7467 — most operators get numbers the same day.
Non-Trucking Liability FAQs
What does non-trucking liability cover?
Non-trucking liability (NTL) covers bodily injury and property damage you cause while using your truck for non-business purposes — running personal errands, driving home, or any time you’re not under dispatch for your motor carrier.
Is non-trucking liability the same as bobtail insurance?
No. NTL is about business use: it covers you when you’re not under dispatch, whether or not a trailer is attached. Bobtail covers you when no trailer is attached, even under dispatch. Lease agreements name one or the other — matching the requirement matters.
How much does NTL cost?
Typically $30–$50 per month for a $1,000,000 limit, making it one of the most affordable policies a leased owner-operator carries.