Commercial Auto Insurance insures your vehicles for physical damage and liability coverages for amounts, situations, and usage not covered by a personal auto policy. This type of business insurance covers a variety of vehicles and is also referred to as commercial car insurance, truck insurance, or fleet insurance. Our agents at Stampede Insurance will help you find the best coverage you need for your business.
You need California Commercial Auto Insurance
In general, if an auto is used in tasks related to the operator's occupation, profession, or business, other than commuting, a commercial policy is necessary.
- If you are using your auto to transport goods or people for a fee or if you use your auto to conduct a service, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy.
- A commercial auto policy may be appropriate if you need higher limits of liability because of the nature of your work.
- Hauling a considerable weight in tools or equipment or towing a trailer used to conduct your business may require a commercial auto insurance policy.
- A commercial insurance policy may be needed if employees operate the auto or if ownership is in the name of a corporation or partnership.
Commercial Auto Insurance coverage
Commercial auto insurance, like your personal auto policy, provides similar coverages such as liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments (or personal injury protection), and uninsured motorists coverage to California businesses. However, there are also differences between a commercial auto insurance policy and your personal auto policy that may include eligibility, definitions, coverages, exclusions, and limits.
Most Commercial auto policies are "named driver only" policies, meaning only those drivers listed on the policy can operate a covered auto.
- Bodily injury liability coverage – pays for bodily injury or death resulting from an accident for which you are at fault and provides you with a legal defense.
- Property damage liability coverage – provides you with protection if your car accidentally damages another person's property. It also provides you with a legal defense.
- Combined single limit (CSL) – Liability policies typically offer separate limits that apply to bodily injury claims for property damage. A combined single limits policy has the same dollar amount of coverage per covered occurrence whether bodily injury or property damage, one person or several.
- Medical payments, no-fault, or Personal Injury Coverage – usually pays for the medical expenses of the driver and passengers in your car incurred as a result of a covered accident regardless of fault.
- Uninsured motorist coverage – pays for your injuries and, in some circumstances, certain property damage caused by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver. In some cases, underinsured motorist coverage is also included. This is for cases in which the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.
- Comprehensive physical damage coverage – pays for damage to or replacement of your car from theft, vandalism, flood, fire, and other covered perils.
- Collision coverage – pays for damage to your car when it hits or is hit by another object.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about commercial auto insurance you should know about before getting one:
What affects car insurance prices?
State coverage requirements, age, and the brand and model of the car are the most important elements that influence car insurance premiums. The more coverage your state requires and the higher the value of your vehicle, the more you'll pay for auto insurance.
How can I make commercial insurance cheaper?
The first step to getting cheaper commercial insurance is to look around. Next, compare several insurers' coverage and quotes for business insurance. Another good alternative is to combine policies since insurance coverage can be combined with savings.
Ensure your policy is unique by selecting cost-cutting choices for your insurance policies.
Lastly, take care of your dangers and review your auto and equipment schedules.
Can you put car insurance on your tax return?
If you use your car solely for personal purposes, you will most likely be unable to deduct your car insurance costs on your tax return. You are unlikely to be able to claim your auto insurance premium on your tax return unless you use your automobile for business reasons.
Do I have to tell my insurers about an accident if I'm not going to claim?
You should be able to report the collision to your insurance carrier without filing a claim. Some insurance carriers require it. If you don't disclose it and the other driver files a claim, your situation may grow more problematic.
Does your small business need commercial auto insurance?
No, but it's highly encouraged because you can notify your insurance carrier without submitting a claim that a collision occurred. However, It is required by some insurance carriers for small businesses to get a policy.
Get A Commercial Auto Insurance Quote At Stampede Insurance
With many different options, commercial car insurance can be confusing. We can help you with your commercial vehicle insurance needs in multiple states. Contact one of our agents at Stampede Insurance for your commercial auto insurance needs.
