Commercial auto for the vehicles your work depends on
One work van or a fleet, and the people behind the wheel. Start a commercial auto insurance review with who owns each vehicle, who drives it and how your business uses it.
What it usually covers
Policies vary; your policy wording decides. Depending on the vehicles and coverage selected, it may include:
- Liability arising from insured business vehicle use.
- Damage to insured vehicles.
- Liability involving rented or employee-owned vehicles, if included.
Coverage can differ by vehicle; review which autos and uses the policy includes.
Common causes of loss
Driving situations to review for company vehicles, rentals and employee-owned cars. California road-crash figures cover all road users, not business-auto claims alone. The vehicles, uses and coverage selected in your policy decide.
Speeding-related crashes
A rushed trip between jobs can put people and property at risk. Los Angeles County recorded 299 speeding-related deaths in 2023. Check whether schedules leave enough travel time and review driver safety expectations.
Distracted driving
Dispatch messages can wait until the driver is safely stopped. Los Angeles County recorded 151 serious injuries in distracted-driving crashes in 2023. Agree on a stopped-vehicle check-in process and silence notifications on the road.
Crashes during employee errands
A supply run in an employee's car still needs an insurance discussion. One insurer's guide describes non-owned auto liability coverage for employees using personal vehicles for business. List who drives for work and review hired and non-owned auto coverage.
Crashes involving rented vehicles
A rented van may not fit the same coverage arrangement as a company-owned truck. One insurer's guide distinguishes hired-auto coverage for rented vehicles from non-owned coverage for employee cars. Check the rental agreement and discuss liability and vehicle-damage coverage before pickup.
What to have ready for a quote
- Vehicle details, ownership and where vehicles are kept.
- Drivers and the work each vehicle is used for.
- Typical routes, travel distances and deliveries, if any.
- Rented or employee-owned vehicle use and current auto policy details.