Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance for My Business?

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If you use a vehicle for business purposes, such as deliveries or transporting employees, you may need commercial auto insurance. This type of insurance is designed to protect your business in case of an accident or other damage.

The main difference between commercial and personal auto insurance is the level of liability coverage. Commercial auto insurance typically offers higher liability limits to protect your business in case of a lawsuit. For example, if you're involved in an accident and someone is injured, commercial auto insurance can provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.

Most states require commercial auto insurance for businesses that use vehicles for business purposes. Check with your state's department of motor vehicles to see if you're required to have commercial auto insurance.

Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

You may be required by law to have commercial auto insurance in most states, which means your business-owned vehicles need to be insured for certain types of accidents with commercial auto coverage.

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Some states require liability insurance for injuries and property damage, while others require uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage and medical payments coverage, also known as personal injury protection.

Everyone in the US except Virginia and New Hampshire needs to insure the cars they own for businesses, including delivery trucks, service vans, construction companies, and any other business that transports goods or employees.

What Is It?

Commercial auto insurance is a type of insurance policy specifically designed for businesses that use vehicles in their operations. It's essential for any company that relies on vehicles to get the job done.

You need an auto insurance policy customized for your business, regardless of whether your vehicle is essential for daily operations or just used occasionally for work.

Commercial auto insurance helps protect your business from financial losses due to vehicle repairs, injuries, and other expenses.

You May Be Required by Law to Have

You may be required by law to have commercial auto insurance, as most states require that your business-owned vehicles are insured for certain types of accidents with commercial auto coverage.

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This includes liability insurance for injuries and property damage, which is a common state requirement. Many states also require uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage and medical payments coverage, also known as personal injury protection.

The specifics of what kind of insurance you need will depend on the types of vehicles your business is using, how they are being used, and who is using them.

Protection

Protection is a top priority when it comes to commercial auto insurance. Most states require commercial auto insurance for business-owned vehicles to help pay for medical expenses and property damage.

Commercial auto insurance can help pay for medical expenses, property damage, underinsured motorists, collision repairs, rental reimbursement, and towing. This is especially important if you have employees who drive the vehicle for your company.

If you're using the vehicle for business use, such as transporting goods or people, commercial auto insurance is necessary. This includes purposes like delivering products, transporting housekeeping tools, and using the vehicle as a tow-for-hire vehicle.

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You may be able to get away with a standard car policy if you only use your car for occasional business use, such as selling products part-time or using it for a part-time job with less than 500 miles per week. However, if you're using your car regularly for business, a commercial auto insurance policy is the way to go.

A commercial auto insurance policy has different coverages that are designed to address particular business needs. For example, you can add collision coverage to protect your car from damage, no matter who is at fault.

Types of Vehicles and Coverage

Commercial auto insurance covers a wide range of vehicles used for business purposes, including delivery vans, trucks, and vehicles for hire.

Your business may require commercial auto insurance if you use vehicles like compact vans, light-duty pickups, or heavy-duty semis for transportation, construction, or other business tasks.

Whether you have a small local delivery service or a large logistics operation, your vehicles are protected under a commercial auto insurance policy.

Here are some examples of vehicles covered under commercial auto insurance:

What Isn't Covered

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Commercial auto insurance policies have certain exclusions, so it's essential to understand what's not covered. Intentional damage or injuries caused by your actions are not covered by the policy.

Racing is excluded from coverage, which means if you're involved in a racing incident, you won't be protected by your commercial auto insurance.

Liability associated with the use of mobile equipment like a forklift or crane is not covered by commercial auto insurance. This is something to consider if your business uses heavy machinery.

Injuries addressed by a workers' comp policy are not covered by commercial auto insurance. You'll need to check your workers' comp policy for coverage in these situations.

Only vehicles listed on the policy are covered. If you get a replacement vehicle, you have 30 days to replace it on the policy.

Types of Vehicles

We cover a wide range of vehicles under our commercial auto insurance policy. Our coverage extends to delivery vans, which are essential for small local delivery services or large logistics operations.

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Delivery vans come in different shapes and sizes, from compact vans to larger cargo vans. We protect them all.

Trucks are also covered, including light-duty pickups and heavy-duty semis. Whether your company uses trucks for transportation, construction, or other business tasks, we've got you covered.

Vehicles for hire, such as taxis, limousines, or rideshare vehicles, are also included in our low-cost commercial vehicle insurance policies. If your business involves transporting passengers or goods for hire, our policies can meet your needs.

Utility vehicles, which include pickup trucks, service vans, and special equipment vehicles, are also protected under our insurance coverage. This extends to landscaping companies and utility service providers.

Here are the types of vehicles we cover:

  • Delivery Vans
  • Trucks
  • Vehicles for Hire
  • Utility Vehicles

Non-Owned Vehicles

Non-Owned Vehicles are a common concern for businesses. Employee-owned cars that are used for business will not be covered.

If employees use their own cars for work, they may need hired and non-owned auto insurance to protect them from liability. This is often a requirement for companies to ensure they're not held responsible for accidents or damages.

Low-Cost Vehicle Options

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If you're looking for ways to save on commercial vehicle insurance, consider opting for lower-cost vehicle options.

One way to do this is by choosing a vehicle with a lower insurance group rating. However, this may not always be possible, especially if you need a specific type of vehicle for your business.

To get the best rates, compare quotes from different insurers. This can help you find the most competitive rates and save money on your insurance premiums.

By choosing the right vehicle, you can also lower your insurance costs. For example, if you opt for a higher deductible, you can lower your premium costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need regular insurance if I have commercial insurance?

Commercial insurance may be sufficient, but it's essential to review your policy to ensure you're adequately covered for personal use

Who is insured under a commercial auto policy?

Under a commercial auto policy, the business that owns and operates the vehicle is the primary insured entity, but other individuals may also be covered

How important is commercial insurance?

Commercial insurance is crucial to protect your business from costly lawsuits and financial ruin in case of accidents, injuries, or property damage. Without it, a single liability claim can be devastating to your business's financial stability

What is considered business use of a vehicle for insurance purposes?

For insurance purposes, business use of a vehicle typically involves transporting people or goods, making deliveries, towing trailers or other vehicles, or driving for a living. If you engage in these activities, you may need a business auto policy for adequate coverage.

Is car insurance for business use more expensive?

Yes, car insurance for business use is often more expensive due to increased risk factors from driving longer and more frequently on unfamiliar roads. This higher cost is a result of the unique coverage needs of business policies compared to individual policies.

Sean Dooley

Lead Writer

Sean Dooley is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a strong background in research and analysis, Sean has developed a keen eye for detail and a talent for distilling complex information into clear, concise language. Sean's portfolio includes a wide range of articles on topics such as accounting services, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of financial concepts and a ability to communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.

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