Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Why pay more for commercial auto insurance when I am just a small business? Do I really need commercial coverage?

Here are a few simple questions to ask to determine if you should get commercial auto insurance:

Is your vehicle larger than average? (Delivery van, dump truck, etc.)

Do you regularly transport clients in your vehicle?

Do you regularly keep a number of tools or equipment for work in your vehicle?

Is the vehicle registered in the name of your business?

Does your vehicle have a commercial license plate?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s time to speak to an agent about the benefits of switching to a commercial auto insurance policy. 

What’s the difference?

Personal auto insurance is there to cover you in day-to-day instances: you’re rear-ended at a stoplight, someone runs a light and T-bones you, your vehicle is broken into, etc. 

Commercial auto insurance covers you for those situations unique to business: You’re rear-ended while clients are in the vehicle with you, someone runs a red light and T-bones you while you are making a delivery of goods to a client or jobsite, your vehicle is broken into and tools or supplies specific to your business are stolen. 

The difference is both how much damage is covered AND who is covered under the policy. 

We are here to help

The last thing you need as a small business or a start-up is to have a client injured and you have to pay out of pocket or to have equipment stolen/damaged and you have to eat the cost and explain to the client. 

As with any insurance policy, there are numerous options out there with varying amounts of coverage. Not every commercial auto policy will cover the needs specific to your business.