In an accident involving a commercial vehicle, the policyholder is financially protected against the cost of fixing the vehicle and any legal or medical fees from the accident. A small business auto insurance can cover any vehicle used for business, such as a food truck, delivery truck, or semi-truck.
Commercial auto insurance policies like car insurance in Albany Park Chicago, usually have higher limits because there is more chance of damage. On the other hand, personal auto insurance pays for claims related to personal use, such as commuting. In general, they cost less and have lower caps. But your auto insurance company might turn down your claim if the accident happened while you were working, so it’s best to get commercial auto insurance as well.
In this blog, we will cover all the details you need to know about auto insurance for small business owners. So, let’s begin.
When is commercial auto insurance necessary for a business?
Since not all businesses need to use cars, not all companies are required to have auto insurance. Still, if your business has a vehicle, you should get commercial auto insurance.
Most places also make it illegal to drive a car for someone else or rent a car without insurance. Any company that has a vehicle must have commercial auto insurance by federal law.
Who does auto insurance protect?
Business auto insurance is for company cars and other vehicles used for business that are essential to the company’s operations. Here are some examples of auto insurance for small business owners:
Injuries from a collision
If your car hits another car, or vice versa, the insurance company will pay for the damage.
Theft
If your car is stolen, full coverage insurance will pay you back the vehicle’s total value.
Accident-related medical costs
In the event of an accident involving a company car, medical costs for the driver and any passengers get covered under an auto insurance policy. Most of the time, this kind of protection kicks in, no matter who caused the accident.
Uninsured driver negligence
Many auto insurances for small business owners will pay for damage caused by a driver who is at fault but does not have insurance.
Extensive physical damage
Work vehicles are often damaged, even if they haven’t been in an accident. Comprehensive physical damage coverage will pay for damage to your asset caused by natural disasters or vandalism.
Liability
Suppose you or a coworker are in an accident with another driver while driving a company car. In that case, the other driver may sue your company. You can protect yourself and the company’s assets by getting auto insurance for small business owners.
What Types of Coverage Are Available?
There are various levels of protection available with auto insurance, just as with personal auto insurance. The following are some examples of insurance to think about purchasing:
● Liability insurance. This sort of insurance is typically mandated by law in most states. Suppose you had an accident and there are other people. In that case, this policy will ensure that others are covered n the policy. This insurance typically includes coverage for bodily injury (medical bills and related expenditures) and property damage (which pays for repairing the other vehicle).
● Medical payments. Thanks to this insurance, your workers and their passengers will not have to worry about how to pay for their medical treatment. Inquire with your broker about the availability of this policy in your area.
● Physical damage insurance. Your company car is safe with this policy. Consider getting this insurance if you are still making automobile payments or have a lease. Both collision and comprehensive policies protect you in the event of an accident or theft. At the same time, the latter also covers damage caused by colliding with or rolling over an object. You are even safer from fire and theft if you have liable risk.
● Uninsured or underinsured motorist. In the event of a collision between your company car and an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you will be responsible for paying the price. This policy will pay for their repairs if the other driver is at fault.
Conclusion
There are various levels of protection available with auto insurance for small business owners, just as with personal auto insurance. Liability insurance, medical expenses, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured driver coverage are all important types of insurance.
Small business auto insurance policies can be an excellent investment to protect your company and employees during an auto accident. Have the proper insurance, or you could end up spending more.
Meta: If you are a small business owner confused about using your auto insurance, here are some guidelines to help you. Please keep reading to learn about its usage and benefits.