Commercial Auto Insurance

What it is

Commercial auto responds to accidents and losses involving vehicles you use for work, whether they are owned by the business, leased, or in some cases personally owned and driven on the job. A policy like this often includes liability for injuries and damage you cause, plus physical damage options for your own vehicles. Coverage can also extend to hired and non-owned vehicles, which is worth reviewing if employees run errands in their own cars.

What it may help cover

• Liability for bodily injury you cause
• Liability for property damage you cause
• Collision damage to your vehicles
• Comprehensive losses like theft, fire, and vandalism
• Medical payments for occupants
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection
• Hired and non-owned vehicle use

What it commonly excludes

Coverage depends on the policy wording. Some things a policy like this commonly does not cover:

• Personal use unrelated to the business
• Wear, tear, and mechanical breakdown
• Cargo or tools unless specifically added
• Intentional damage
• Vehicles or drivers not listed on the policy

Who should carry it

Any business that owns vehicles, or that has employees driving for work, should look closely at commercial auto. Contractors, delivery services, mobile trades, and sales teams often rely on it every day. Because personal auto policies frequently exclude business use, even a single work truck in Whittier or greater Los Angeles is worth reviewing so you are not caught without protection.

Common gaps we check for

• Relying on personal auto for business driving
• No hired and non-owned coverage for employee cars
• Tools and cargo not separately insured
• Liability limits too low for a serious accident
• New drivers or vehicles not added to the policy

What affects the cost

• The number and type of vehicles
• How the vehicles are used
• Driving records of your drivers
• Coverage limits and deductibles
• Where the vehicles are garaged and driven
• Your claims history