Do I Need a Commercial Auto Policy?

Posted June 6 2013


Commercial Auto PolicyCar accidents happen every day and as a business owner, you need to make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in place to protect you, your employees, your assets and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. How do you know if you need a Commercial Auto policy? As a rule of thumb, if the vehicle is used primarily for business purposes or is titled in the company’s name, you should have a Commercial Auto policy regardless if you lease or own the vehicle. 


Commercial auto insurance policies exist not only for commercial vehicles such as semis, dump trucks, emergency vehicles and taxis, where it is apparent that business is being conducted in and out of these types of vehicles every day.

Here are several other situations in which a commercial auto insurance policy is the appropriate policy to secure for your vehicle – situations where a personal policy will not provide adequate coverage in the event of an accident:

  • If you use your personal vehicle for day-to-day business, such as a delivery person or courier.

  • For vehicles that are rented or leased and primarily used for or while conducting business.

  • If you are a realtor, have a similar job where you consistently travel in your personal vehicle for work to go on sales calls, or to transport clients or coworkers.

  • If you provide your personal vehicle to another person to use as a means of compensation or to utilize when running errands or picking up supplies on your behalf, such as a personal assistant or nanny.

These are situations where a commercial auto insurance policy is necessary, so that in the unfortunate event of an accident, your vehicle will be covered for damages. This policy also provides coverage for any other authorized drivers or passengers traveling in your vehicle who sustain injuries or medical costs incurred because of an accident.

A personal auto insurance policy would not adequately provide coverage in these instances, due to the nature in which the vehicle is being used, which is for business purposes. Commercial auto insurance policies can also play a key role in protecting your business. A type of liability coverage that can be built into your commercial policy serves to protect your business from monetary judgments in a case where your employee gets involved in an accident while conducting business for your company, even if he is driving his own vehicle. This type of liability coverage can protect your business from serious financial jeopardy.

The differences between personal and commercial auto insurance policies are not always clear-cut and easy to understand. That is why it is vital to work with an experienced, knowledgeable, independent insurance brokerage. MHG Insurance Brokers is dedicated to providing its clients with the most comprehensive coverage available on the market, tailored to accommodate the clients’ needs, at the most competitive rates. Call MHG Insurance Brokers today for assistance in evaluating your auto insurance needs with one of our brokers at 954-828-1819, or visit mhginsurance.com

Rest easy knowing that MHG Insurance Brokers will help you protect yourself and your business with the proper commercial auto insurance policy.