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Do I need a commercial auto policy or personal auto policy?

Written by CJ Hutsenpiller | January 22, 2025

If you're a business owner who depends on your vehicles, ask your agent if

 

your insurance policy provides the protection you need. A commercial policy

 

may be the solution and can be customized to fit your specific business needs. HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I REALLY NEED A COMMERCIAL AUTO POLICY? The definition of “commercial use” varies by company. You should talk with your agent about a commercial auto policy if:

 

• You have a trailer or permanently attached

 

equipment like ladder racks, shelving, etc.

 

• You have a commercial license plate

 

• You have other people drive your vehicles for work

 

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE TYPES OF BUSINESSES THAT WOULD REQUIRE A COMMERCIAL AUTO POLICY?

 
 
 

Generally, business classifications like sole proprietorships, partnerships or corporations would require a commercial auto policy. Some business type examples include pizza

 

and newspaper delivery, real estate, catering, door-to-door consulting services, landscaping or snowplowing services, and day care or church van services.

 
 
 

WHAT KIND OF LIABILITY LIMITS DO I NEED?

 

As a business owner, you may want higher liability limits. to meet contractual needs or just to better protect the business you've built. In general, a commercial auto policy can offer higher liability limits than a personal auto policy. DOES MY PERSONAL POLICY COVER ME FOR BUSINESS-SPECIFIC ISSUES?

 

Coverages can vary. For example, if a trailer attached to your vehicle damages another vehicle while on a job, your personal auto policy may not cover the repairs. A

 

commercial auto policy usually will.

 
 
 

DO THE PASSENGERS OR CONTENTS IN MY VEHICLE MATTER?

 

Historically, personal lines carrier policies exclude coverage when persons or property are being transported for a fee. We have a commercial program will fit the needs of taxi and

 

black cars, including full-time Uber and Lyft drivers.

 

WHAT ABOUT CERTIFICATIONS OR FILINGS?

 

Documentation requirements—like certificates of insurance or filings for trucking—are generally good indicators that a commercial policy is needed.

 
 
 
 

Want to chat with an agent about commercial auto?

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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