Commercial vs. personal auto
Personal auto is built for commuting and errands. If a vehicle is owned by the business, carries goods or tools, or is driven by employees, carriers may deny business-use claims under a personal policy.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Commercial auto coverage for every vehicle that works for you.
If you drive for business, a personal auto policy may not pay the claim. Gatson Life & Financial Group quotes commercial auto for single trucks, vans, and fleets nationwide.
Get a free quote Or call (945) 208-8372
What it covers
Liability
Injuries and property damage you or your drivers cause to others while using a covered vehicle for business.
Physical damage
Collision and comprehensive coverage to repair or replace your business vehicles after an accident, theft, or weather.
Hired & non-owned auto
Liability when employees use their own cars or rented vehicles for business errands. Often added to a policy.
Medical & uninsured motorist
Medical payments and protection if your driver is hit by someone with little or no insurance. Options vary by state.
Who needs it
Is this coverage for you?
- Contractors driving trucks or vans with tools and materials
- Businesses with vehicles titled to the company
- Delivery, courier, and hauling operations
- Businesses with fleets or multiple drivers
- Companies whose employees run errands in personal cars
Common exclusions
What it usually doesn't cover
- Tools and equipment stored in the vehicle (inland marine covers those)
- Drivers not listed or approved on the policy, depending on carrier
- Normal wear and tear and mechanical breakdown
- Using the vehicle for purposes not disclosed on the application
- Injuries to your own employees (generally workers' comp)
Exact exclusions vary by carrier and policy. We'll walk through yours before you buy.
Know before you buy
Commercial auto, explained simply.
Hired and non-owned auto
If you don't own business vehicles but employees drive their own cars or rentals for work, hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) can protect the business from liability.
Delivery and rideshare drivers
Many personal policies exclude delivery or rideshare use. Some carriers offer endorsements; larger operations usually need a commercial policy. Varies by carrier and state.
What affects the price
Vehicle types and use, drivers' records, radius of travel, garaging location, limits, and claims history. Rates vary by carrier and state.
FAQ
Commercial auto FAQ
Do I need commercial auto or is personal auto enough?+
If the vehicle is titled to your business, used to haul goods or tools, or driven by employees, you likely need commercial auto. Personal policies often exclude business use.
Who is covered to drive?+
Drivers listed on the policy, and sometimes other permitted drivers, depending on the carrier. Tell us about every regular driver so there are no gaps.
What is hired and non-owned auto coverage?+
It covers your business's liability when employees drive their own cars or rented vehicles for work. It doesn't repair the employee's car.
Do delivery drivers need commercial auto?+
Often yes. Many personal policies exclude delivery for pay. Some carriers offer delivery endorsements. Varies by carrier and state.
Can I insure a whole fleet on one policy?+
Yes. Fleet policies cover multiple vehicles and drivers under one policy, which can simplify billing and certificates.
What affects commercial auto rates?+
Vehicle type, how far and how often you drive, driver records, where vehicles are kept, limits, and claims history. Rates vary by carrier and state.
Are my tools covered in my work truck?+
Usually not by commercial auto. Inland marine (tools and equipment) coverage protects tools on the road and at job sites.
What are the minimum limits I need?+
States set minimum liability limits, and some industries and contracts require higher ones. Requirements vary by state and contract.
Put the right coverage behind the wheel.
Free quote, no pressure. Call (945) 208-8372 or send us your details.
Get a free quote