As a business owner in Massachusetts, you know how important it is to protect your company's assets, including its vehicles. In Massachusetts, commercial auto insurance is mandatory for any business that uses vehicles for work purposes.
Commercial auto insurance in MA can be customized to fit your business needs, with coverage options for liability, collision, and comprehensive damage. The cost of commercial auto insurance in MA can vary depending on the type of vehicle, driver experience, and business size.
If you have a small business with a limited fleet, you may be able to save money on premiums by choosing a policy with lower coverage limits. However, it's essential to ensure that your coverage limits are adequate to protect your business in case of an accident.
Commercial Auto Insurance Basics
Massachusetts businesses that own commercial vehicles need to have a commercial auto policy, as state law requires most vehicles taken on public roads to be insured. This includes vehicles used for commercial purposes.
Without a policy in place, businesses may face legal penalties and expose themselves to substantial risk. Selecting the right type of commercial auto policy can be an involved process, as commercial policies are often more complex than personal auto policies.
Businesses need to talk with an insurance agent who specializes in commercial lines to find the right policy for their situation. A specialized agent will know what coverages are available and how those coverages can help protect against the specific risks that a business faces.
Here are some common coverages included in business auto insurance policies:
- Personal Injury Coverage, which might cover injuries to a vehicle’s driver and passengers
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, which may cover injuries to people outside a vehicle
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverages, which might cover damage to a vehicle
- Property Damage Liability Coverage, which may cover damage to others’ property
- Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage, which might cover accidents caused by other drivers who aren’t insured
What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is a type of insurance that Massachusetts businesses need if they own commercial vehicles. State law requires most vehicles taken on public roads to be insured, including those used for commercial purposes.
Businesses that own commercial vehicles need a commercial auto policy to avoid legal penalties and exposure to risk. This is because commercial policies are more complex than personal auto policies.
Most vehicle-owning businesses need a commercial auto policy, but there isn't a single policy that's right for every business. Businesses need to find a policy that's well-suited for their particular situation.
A specialized insurance agent who specializes in commercial lines can help businesses find the right type of commercial auto policy. They know what coverages are available and how those coverages can help protect against specific business risks.
Businesses that rely on employees' vehicles, such as pizzerias, may need a specific type of business auto insurance called "hired and non-owned" coverage. This coverage provides liability protections while vehicles the business doesn't own are used for work-related driving.
What Businesses Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
Most Massachusetts businesses that own commercial vehicles need a commercial auto policy to comply with state law. State law requires most vehicles taken on public roads to be insured, including those used for commercial purposes.
Businesses that fail to get a policy may face legal penalties and expose themselves to substantial risk. Without a policy, businesses can't protect themselves against accidents, damages, and other risks.
Businesses that need help finding the right type of commercial auto policy should talk with an insurance agent who specializes in commercial lines. A specialized agent will know what coverages are available and how they can help protect against specific business risks.
Businesses in Massachusetts can contact the team of independent insurance agents at Flavin & Flavin Insurance for help finding commercial auto insurance.
Coverage and Policy Options
In Massachusetts, commercial auto insurance policies typically include multiple coverages, such as liability insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance.
Some common types of coverage include personal injury protection, which covers medical payments, lost wages, and other expenses, as well as medical payments insurance, which covers medical treatments for company drivers or passengers.
Liability insurance covers property damage or bodily injury to third parties, while collision insurance covers damage to company vehicles from collisions with other drivers, regardless of fault. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to company vehicles from non-collision events, such as floods or theft.
Here are some of the standard and optional coverages that may be included in a commercial auto policy:
- Bodily Injury Coverage: Covers injuries to people not inside an insured vehicle
- Personal Injury Coverage: Covers injuries to people inside an insured vehicle
- Property Damage Liability Coverage: Covers damage to other vehicles and property
- Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage to an insured vehicle
- Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Covers hit-and-runs and accidents caused by improperly insured drivers
Businesses in Massachusetts must have at least the following types and amounts of commercial auto insurance by state law:
- Bodily injury liability insurance: Coverage of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
- Property damage liability insurance: Coverage of at least $5,000 per incident
- Personal injury protection insurance: Coverage of at least $8,000
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance: Coverage of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident
These requirements ensure that businesses have adequate protection in case of accidents or other incidents involving company vehicles.
Cost and Discounts
Commercial auto insurance in Massachusetts can be quite affordable, with an average cost of just under $150 per month. However, your business's specific rates will vary based on several factors, including the number of company vehicles you have and how much coverage you need.
A key factor in determining your business's auto insurance rates is the number of vehicles being insured. The more vehicles you have, the higher your premium will likely be. Additionally, the type of driving your vehicles are used for and the number of miles they are driven each year will also impact your rates.
Businesses with a good claims history can also qualify for discounts, but a claims history is just one of several factors that insurance companies consider when setting premiums. The make and model of the vehicles being insured, the location where vehicles are kept when not being used, and the driving records of employees are all also taken into account.
Businesses can also qualify for various discounts on commercial auto policies. Some of these discounts include:
- Paying a policy’s premium in its entirety at the start of the policy
- Only hiring drivers who have a commercial driver’s license
- Avoiding an auto insurance claim for a set amount of time
- Bundling commercial auto coverage with one or more additional coverages
- Being in business for a minimum number of years
Average Cost
The average cost of commercial vehicle insurance in Massachusetts is a crucial factor to consider when running a business. Massachusetts commercial auto insurance costs an average of just under $150 per month.
Several factors can influence your specific business's rates, including the number of company vehicles you have. The amount of coverage you need is also a significant factor.
Your business's claims history can also impact your insurance rates. A good claims history can lead to lower premiums, but a history of accidents or claims can increase your costs.
The size and location of your business can also affect your insurance rates. For example, a larger business or one located in a high-risk area may pay more for insurance.
Here are some of the key factors that can influence your Massachusetts commercial auto insurance rates:
- The number of company vehicles you have
- How much coverage you need
- Your business's claims history
- The size and location of your business
- Where and how often company vehicles are operated
Business Discounts
Business Discounts can make a big difference in your bottom line. By paying your policy's premium in full at the start of the policy, you can save money.
You can also qualify for a discount if you only hire drivers who have a commercial driver's license. This is a great way to ensure that your drivers are experienced and qualified.
Avoiding an auto insurance claim for a set amount of time can also earn you a discount. This is a great incentive to drive safely and responsibly.
Bundling commercial auto coverage with one or more additional coverages is another way to save money. This can include coverages like liability insurance, collision insurance, and comprehensive insurance.
Here are some specific business discounts that you might qualify for:
- Paying the premium in full at the start of the policy
- Only hiring drivers with a commercial driver's license
- Avoiding an auto insurance claim for a set amount of time
- Bundling commercial auto coverage with additional coverages
- Being in business for a minimum number of years
Sources
- https://www.trustedchoice.com/l/massachusetts/commercial-auto-insurance/
- https://lighthouseins.net/commercial-auto/
- https://www.garrity-insurance.com/commercial-auto-insurance-massachusetts
- https://www.plymouthrock.com/insurance/commercial-auto/ma/coverage-policy-options
- https://flavinandflavininsurance.com/commercial-auto-insurance-massachusetts/
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