Facts About Commercial Auto Insurance?
Let’s look at some of the issues that may come up to help you understand the need for a Commercial Auto policy.
➤ Is the vehicle titled in a business name or an individual? If your vehicle is titled and owned by a business you’ll need some form of Commercial Auto insurance. If personal automobiles are used for business purposes, it is wise to have Non-Owned Auto coverage as part of your Commercial Auto policy. That’s because there are Personal Auto policies that exclude business use. So, a coverage gap may exist if the business coverage is not extended to handle non-owned vehicles. What’s more, there may not be enough Liability coverage under the employee’s Personal Auto policy and the claimant will look to the business owner’s Auto policy, which typically includes higher limits.
➤ The type of the vehicle. The vehicle’s weight and size will determine if you need commercial insurance. Obviously if you have an 18-wheeler you will need a Commercial Auto policy but what about a subcompact car? In a case like this, again, it depends on how that car is being used. If it’s for business-related activities, you should cover the vehicle under your Commercial Auto insurance.
➤ Required by contract or regulation? Many business contracts specify vehicle coverage type and the amount of liability limits. The coverage and required limits may only be available in a Commercial Auto policy. State and federal transportation agencies have specific insurance requirements for certain classes of business and/or vehicles.