Commercial Auto Insurance Brandenton, Palmetto, St. Petersburg
What is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial vehicle insurance is a policy of physical damage and liability coverages for amounts, situations, and usage not covered by a personal auto policy. Knowing the difference between a personal auto insurance policy and a commercial auto policy (and when you need which) is important business—for your business.
This type of business insurance covers a variety of vehicles—from automobiles used for business, including company cars, to a wide variety of commercial trucks. Box trucks, food trucks, work vans and service utility trucks are just a few examples of larger commercial vehicles which also require coverage, including coverage for employees operating the vehicle and possibly the equipment inside. You may have heard of this coverage referred to as commercial auto insurance, commercial car insurance, truck insurance, or fleet insurance.
Why do you need commercial vehicle insurance?
If you use a vehicle regularly for commercial purposes, you most likely will need commercial auto insurance. While every business is different, this statement rings true.
That said, getting the right coverage for your operation requires a bit of preparation. Before you get a policy, you should examine your business, and the roles vehicles and drivers play in it.
Often, business owners are the primary policyholders for commercial insurance policies. When it comes time to buy commercial auto insurance, the owners should insure all known vehicle risks.
Owners should take stock of vehicle ownership. Are the vehicles owned or leased by the company? Or do individuals own the vehicles? Even if business owners use their personal vehicles for business purposes, this usage may trigger the need for commercial coverage.
Employees also play important roles in commercial auto insurance coverage. Every employee who drives a business vehicle should be covered under a commercial auto insurance policy. Some companies provide individual policies for each driver. However, others cover all of their drivers and vehicles on a single policy. The route a company chooses in this regard often depends on specific functions of the drivers and vehicles.
Optional Car Insurance in Florida
If an employee uses a personal vehicle for business, they usually need commercial auto insurance coverage. A good example is an employee who works as a consultant or traveling inspector. However, employees may not universally need commercial auto coverage for their personal vehicles. For example, an employee who runs a single errand or makes a single delivery usually does not need this type of coverage.
Self-employed businesspeople often have to consider the benefits of commercial auto insurance. They might not use their vehicles enough to warrant a commercial auto policy. For example, a self-employed person who occasionally drives to business meetings may not need this coverage.
However, commercial auto insurance might be essential for other self-employed workers. For example, an independent realtor who drives long distances for work may need this policy. And an independent shipper likely needs this coverage as well.
Getting a Policy
When it comes time to get a commercial auto insurance policy, factor in the needs of your business and your drivers. Then consider the types of coverage you should purchase.
Standard coverage often has to meet minimum state coverage requirements. But policyholders often have leeway to further adjust their coverage to better meet their needs. They might consider including:
Most auto policies are for six months or a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it’s time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.
- Comprehensive Coverage: A commercial vehicle may face damage from more hazards than just collisions. Fires, theft, vandalism and weather may damage the vehicle. Comprehensive coverage may provide the funds to repair the vehicle and replace lost items.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL) covers you for damages you cause in a car accident to someone else’s property, such as homes or buildings. Florida law requires you to have PDL coverage.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage: This coverage can help a driver cover losses if they've involved in an accident where the at-fault driver doesn't have adequate coverage.
- Property Damage Liability (PDL) covers you for damages you cause in a car accident to someone else’s property, such as homes or buildings. Florida law requires you to have PDL coverage.
We've got you covered.
Your insurance agent can help you get the commercial auto coverage that your business needs. Since every business and driver will need specialized coverage, it is best to work with a professional who can get you the correct policy.
