Bobtail Insurance for Hot Shot Truckers
Bobtail insurance covers your liability when you\u2019re operating your truck without a trailer — between loads, repositioning, or deadheading. It fills the gap your motor-carrier policy leaves open when you\u2019re off dispatch and not hauling freight.
What it covers
- Bodily injury liability when driving bobtail (without a trailer)
- Property damage liability during non-dispatch truck operation
- Driving to and from a pickup or delivery without a load attached
- Deadhead miles — returning empty after a delivery
- Repositioning your rig between loads or terminals
- Personal use of your truck when not under a dispatch agreement
Who it's for
- Owner-operators leased to a motor carrier whose policy only covers you under dispatch
- Hot shot carriers who drive significant miles deadheading between loads
- Truckers who use their commercial truck for some personal driving
- New carriers whose motor carrier policy has strict on-dispatch requirements
Why CCA
- We explain exactly when bobtail vs. non-trucking applies so you\u2019re never confused
- Bobtail policies pair with your motor carrier policy to eliminate liability gaps
- Affordable premiums — bobtail coverage is one of the least expensive lines in hot shot
- We review your lease agreement to confirm what your motor carrier covers and what they don\u2019t
Common questions about bobtail insurance
Bobtail covers you when operating without a trailer, regardless of whether you\u2019re on or off dispatch. Non-trucking liability specifically covers personal use when you\u2019re not under dispatch for a motor carrier. Many truckers need both, depending on their operating agreement.
Typically no. Most motor carrier policies cover you only when under dispatch with a load. Deadhead miles, repositioning, and personal use fall into the gap that bobtail and non-trucking policies fill.
If you have your own MC number and auto liability policy, you\u2019re covered under that policy whenever you operate — with or without a trailer, on or off dispatch. Bobtail is primarily needed when you\u2019re leased to another carrier whose policy has dispatch restrictions.
Yes. Contractors Choice Agency is licensed in all 50 states and actively writes hot shot trucking programs nationwide. Your agent can write your policy regardless of where you\u2019re based or which states you operate in.
Contact your carrier\u2019s claims department directly using the number on your policy documents, or call us at 844-967-5247 and we\u2019ll assist with the process. We aim to acknowledge all claim contacts within 2 hours during business hours.
Many of our carrier partners offer monthly payment plans, sometimes with a small finance charge. We\u2019ll present payment options when you review your quote so you can choose what works for your cash flow.
NPN 8608479 is the National Producer Number for Contractors Choice Agency — our license identifier with state insurance departments. You can verify our license at the NIPR website using this number.
Call or email us anytime. Mid-term changes — adding a trailer, updating cargo limits, or adding a driver — are processed quickly and we\u2019ll issue updated certificates the same day in most cases.
We work with multiple A-rated commercial trucking carriers and select the best fit for your operation, driving record, and cargo type. We\u2019re not captive agents — we shop the market on your behalf.
Contractors Choice Agency is located at 12220 E Riggs Road, Suite #105, Chandler, AZ 85249. We serve clients nationally by phone and email.
Our agents are available Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Mountain Standard Time. You can also submit quote requests online at any time and we\u2019ll respond the next business day.
Yes. Once your policy is bound, we issue your certificate of insurance immediately. Most carriers also provide digital policy documents same-day.
We work with carriers who specialize in non-standard and high-risk trucking accounts. A poor MVR or prior loss history will affect your premium, but we have markets for most situations. Be upfront about your record when requesting a quote.
Yes. Trucks under 26,001 lbs GVWR don\u2019t require a CDL in most states, and many hot shot operators run legally without one. We write programs for both CDL and non-CDL carriers.
Property damage liability (part of your auto liability) covers damage you cause to someone else\u2019s property with your truck. Cargo coverage protects the freight you\u2019re hauling — a different exposure entirely. Both are essential for a complete hot shot program.
If you\u2019re hauling for compensation across state lines, you need an MC number. Intrastate carriers may only need a USDOT number depending on the state. We can help you determine the right authority type for your operation.
Yes. We can pair your trucking program with business owner\u2019s policy (BOP), umbrella, or occupational accident coverage. Bundling can simplify renewals and sometimes reduce overall premium.
Pair it with related coverage
Get a Hot Shot Insurance Quote
FMCSA filings, cargo, and physical damage — quoted fast and bound same-day.