For both the truck drivers and independents, self employed owner operators insurance is one of the biggest purchasing options they have to make. You might be familiar with 30 day temporary bobtail insurance but you wonder as to what it is and why do truckers require it. Bobtail insurance insulates truck drivers when they are not transporting cargo, which means they are using the truck without dragging a trailer behind them. This insurance can prove especially useful in those situations when you have been between jobs or are driving without any freight for a purpose. That being the case, why would you go for the temporary solution under the 30 days plan? Let’s dive deeper.

What do we mean by 30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance?

Bobtail insurance for thirty days implies that it is an insurance policy policy that insures a truck driver or owner of the body of the truck in as much as the vehicle is bobtailing not exceeding thirty days maximum. Often truck drivers require insurance during particular periods that the owner of the truck is operating the vehicle, but not on dispatch. Bobtail insurance is independent of primary liability insurance which comes into play for a driver when he’s carrying a cargo or shipment.

The best part of 30 day temporary bobtail insurance is that it is flexible. To clients who may only require insurance for a short time, there are short term policies that they can take thus are not restricted to long term policies. It is typical for many truck drivers to seek the service temporarily while they are searching for another dispatch job, or when they have a new contract in between waiting for the new period or after they have lost a job.

Why do we need Bobtail Insurance?

Many people incorrectly assume that there is no need to take bobtail insurance if they are already have primary liability insurance. However, that’s not the case. Primary liabilities often only cover you in the moment when you transport a load, or when you are under dispatch in the truck.

when off duty any injuries or damages that may occur or affect property then you find that the bobtail insurance takes an upper hand.

However, if there is an accident while driving the truck with an empty trailer you would be personally prejudiced in case there is an accident hence the importance of 30 day temporary bobtail insurance. Consequently, the damages themselves can be enormous, even if a truck is not pulling a trailer in terms of size and weight. This is why it is important for truck drivers, especially independent contractors who own their own trucks, to make sure they are shorthanded for every hour they spend behind the wheel, not just when they are moving freight.

How do Temporary Bobtail Insurance Work?

30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance is much like most insurance policies where the only big difference is that it only covers thirty days of bobtail delivery. It is used mostly by those drivers that require a car insurance policy for a short time, say, while waiting for a new job, or while looking for a better policy.

Temporary policies can easily afford to accommodate the unique needs of the trucker as they adjust the policies to suit his needs hence being very cheap. Truck driver for 30 days covers any accident or a damage that might occur when the truck is on the road without a load. However, let it be noted that bobtailed insurance is as a different category to other trucking insurance such as physical damage, non-truck liability and motor truck cargo insurance.

When Do You Need 30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance?

In the following, there are a number of situations that may call on the need for 30 day temporary bobtail insurance by a truck driver. For example, if you are an owner operator and the previous contract was just finished and until now you have not found a new job that will require the use of the truck, then you would need coverage should you drive the truck back home or to another location.

Another scenario is when you purchase another insurance policy and it takes a few weeks before it kicks into force. If you have found that you are without insurance at this time, there is an option for a temporary auto insurance policy that can last for 30 days so that you can be covered in the event that something happens. Some of the truckers also choose30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance because they always want a short break from the driving and they require insurance for a very short period only.

How to Select the Best Bobtail Insurance Company

Unfortunately, not all insurances cover the delivery area with 30 day temporary bobtail insurance so it’s important to make a right choice. Some companies may offer the policy as a temporary or short term policy whereas others may only offer a long term policy. It is especially important to discuss flexibility, premiums, and coverage when selecting a policy to ensure you are getting the best value for the price.

Before choosing a provider, check the following:

1. Flexibility of Coverage: Ensure the insurance policy flexibly meets your needs in the future in case you change them. Through some companies, the temporary insurance cover can be renewed if it is required further.
2. Premiums: Due to the fact that this is a short term policy, the premiums should be lower than a normal long term policy. Bear in mind that there are no additional costs that can appear and bring the expense up.
3. Claims Process: Another major factor is the ease of handling claims since the policy is temporary. Make sure the insurance company offers timely processing of claims.

30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance PPRE

Thus, the cost of 30 day temporary bobtail insurance is hardly fixed and depends for the following factors. Your record as a driver, the kind of truck you use and place of operation all dictate the extent of the premium to be paid. Essentially, temporary bobtail insurance costs less than permanent forms of insurances which is a major plus for anyone in search of short term bobtail insurance.

While 30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance policy refers to an insurance policy of one month, cost ranges from $50 -$200 of insurance cost. First of all, the more years of experience and having no accidents in this case will guarantee one a relatively low price. Moreover, the drivers having new generation trucks with enhanced safety features can avail more concessions.

Bobtail And Non-Trucking Legal Responsibility Coverage brilliant2016Frple2

Bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability insurance are two different things, though many truckers seem to get them confused. 30 day temporary bobtail insurance is for those instances where a driver is not dispatched but does have his truck without a trailer. Personal risk insurance on the other hand as the name suggests covers non commercial activities which include business activities in your rig such as driving to the store or going for a vacation with your rig.

If the truck is being used for non business use, then it is better to get nontruck liability insurance since bobtail insurance will only cover you in instances where the truck is empty but being used for business purposes. Some insurance companies offer 30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance and non trucking liability insurance for those who require both types to their vehicles.

Beginner’s Mistakes Many Truckers Make When Choosing Bobtail Insurance

It is often hard to know where and how to buy 30 day temporary bobtail insurance, particularly for new truckers or entrepreneurs who are inexperienced in insurance for trucking. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not Checking the Coverage Period: Make sure that the temporary policy will cover you up to 30 days and remember the date it will begin and the date it will end. Few drivers even assume they know the policy and in the process, they realize their coverage ran out on them.
• Choosing the Cheapest Policy Without Checking Coverage: Don’t just stick to the policy that you are charged the least for, it can give you a raw deal. Others can be left to your peril, and inadequate coverage means if you are involved in an accident, you will have to clear the costs.
• Not Clarifying Exclusions: It is always critical to learn about what is not covered, and every policy has riders regarding the same. For instance, bobtail insurance will not protect you circumstances where the truck is being used for personal use.

What Does This Mean if You Don’t Have Bobtail Insurance?

In the absence of 30 day temporary bobtail insurance and if you are involved in a collision while driving your truck that is not attached to a trailer, you can lose lots of money. In the worst-case scenario, you could be held legally responsible for the damages, or property repairs, medical bills, etc.

Also, many freight companies insist that the truckers should have bobtail insurance when they are not working. Lack of such coverage may lead you to lose contracts with your employer or get penalties from the freight company you conduct business with. 30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance protects you and guarantees full coverage all across your trucking profession.

How To Get 30 Days Temporary Bobtail Insurance

It is easy to apply for 30 day temporary bobtail insurance Most insurance companies will provide you with the application process online. In general, you will be asked about the name, driving experience, record and truck description, usage of the truck in the time of coverage.

Most insurance companies will give instant quote, and your policy can be active almost immediately most of the time within 24 hours. Do check the starting and ending dates of the application twice to avoid having a gap within the coverage period. One also needs to inquire about the possibility to have a temporary policy renewed, in the event you will need more than 30 days of insurance.

30 Day Temporary Bobtail Insurance Providers:

Conclusion

Insurance is an important segment of trucking as it helps the driver protect the vehicle and him or herself.Ideal for new truck drivers or drivers who need insurance for a short period of time when they are bobtailing, 30 day temporary bobtail insurance is a practical and cheap solution for everyone. If you’re a truck driver in between contracts, laid off or between jobs, bobtail insurance sees to it that you’re covered once on the road.

You have to be cautious when selecting the provider, be informed about all the specifications of your policy and make sure you are safe no matter the conditions. Indeed, ensuring that the best bobtail insurance policy is in place will help you avoid losing a lot of money if you are involved in an accident or other misfortunes.

FAQs

1. About what does 30 day temporary bobtail insurance?

30 day temporary bobtail insurance includes protection of the truck driver for his vehicle when he is not pulling a trailer or when he is not dispatched to do so. It protects against liability for mishaps that may occur within this period, eg; damaging other people’s property or even injuring them.

Unlike the physical damage insurance, which a trucker needs to secure in addition to this insurance plan, it provides third party liability. More importantly, it only pertains when you are not carrying any cargo and not on duty, meaning if you are using the truck for other purposes, may require other forms of insurance such as non-trucking liability coverage.

2. When do I need bobtail insurance, and when do I need non trucking liability insurance?

When comparing bobtail insurance and non-trucking liability insurance, it is easiest to do so by looking at how you operate. Bobtail insurance is required for getting your truck on the road for work, other than on dispatch but with the truck not towing any trailer. For instance when you are driving back home after delivering a load.

Non Operation of Trucking Liability Insurance focuses on the owner of the vehicle for occurrence while conducting his/her personal errands in the truck, shopping, traveling, business among others. If you have some doubt regarding which insurance type is best for you, ask yourself how you will be using the truck in the time span for which you intend to cover it with an insurance. For business use in operation of the vehicle without towing a trailer, it is best to take bobtail insurance. Non trucking liability insurance or non trucking cargo insurance is suitable for personal use if at all it is needed.

3. What pocket change is required to obtain thirty days temporary bobtail insurance?

The cost of 30 day temporary bobtail insurance depends on your past record, your type of truck, where you live and the insurer you go for. In most of the instances, a temporary health insurance policy is cheaper than a permanent one and the premiums vary between $50 and $200 depending on the time of thirty days. Company drivers with no violation history and with many years of practicing are eligible to be charged low amounts of premium. Moreover, if it is an old model of a truck or has precautions added, then the premium may vary in some companies. To get the optimal rate for your circumstances, it’s as well useful to conquer different quotes from different insurers.

4. Am I allowed to renew my 30 day temporary bobtail insurance if I need more insurances?

Indeed, in most circumstances, 30 day temporary bobtail insurance can be renewed if the policy holder requires it for over the initial 30 days. Certain companies allow the policy to be renewed or extend for another term but the condition varies depending on the insurance company. So if you believe you are going to need over 30 days, before proceeding one has to find out from the insurer if they offer extensible policies or not. Remember that if your status changes dramatically – for instance, if you transition from driving without a trailer to driving loads – you will have to alter your policy, or perhaps switch to another kind all together.

5. What are the conditions if I cancel my temporary bobtail insurance before the 30 days insurance is up?

If you cancel 30 day temporary bobtail insurance before the 30 days are up, you will receive your money back – or maybe not, depending on the policy that the company has. Some will provide prorated refund basis this is a situation where the insurer will refund part of your premium as the days are yet to be used. Some may not accept any refund once the insurance has been activated.

However, it is wise to discuss this with your provider before you purchase the policy because if you feel you may not need 30 days full coverage, you might be in for a surprise if you are charged for the full amount of days. Also, do not drive without insurance for your car since an accident can create big financial problems for you.