Commercial Auto Insurance

Keep your business moving with coverage for Fleets, Work Trucks, and Long-Haul Trucking.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial Auto Insurance provides liability and physical damage protection for vehicles used for business purposes.

While it looks similar to your personal car insurance (it has liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage), it is built to handle the unique risks of a business—including higher liability limits, specialized equipment, and complex regulatory filings.

If your vehicle is the tool that makes you money, it needs a Commercial Auto policy.

Commercial vs. Personal Auto Insurance

"My agent knows I use my truck for work."
We hear this often, but it is one of the most dangerous misconceptions in business.

Personal Auto Insurance policies have a specific "Business Use Exclusion." This means that the moment you use your vehicle for commercial purposes—delivering goods, hauling heavy tools to a job site, or transporting clients—your personal coverage often stops.

The Risks of Using Personal Insurance:

• Denied Claims: If you get into an accident while on a job, your personal carrier can deny the claim, leaving you to pay for the damages and medical bills out of pocket.

• Policy Cancellation: If your personal carrier discovers unlisted business use, they may cancel your policy entirely.

• Asset Exposure: Personal policies usually have low liability limits (e.g., $50,000). If your work truck causes a serious accident, a lawsuit could bankrupt your business.

Who Needs Commercial Auto?

You don't need to own a semi-truck to need commercial auto. You likely need this coverage if:

• The vehicle is registered in the business name.

• Employees drive the vehicle.

• You carry equipment, tools, or hazardous materials.

• You deliver goods or transport people for a fee.

• You need higher liability limits (e.g., $1 Million) required by a general contractor.

Industries We Serve

We partner with top-rated carriers to provide coverage for a wide range of industries, from local tradesmen to interstate trucking.

Trucking & Transportation Specialists

We understand that trucking is more than just driving; it’s about compliance and timing. We offer:

• Filings: Immediate processing of federal (FMCSA/ICC) and state (DMV/MCP) filings.

• Long-Haul & Local: Coverage for interstate cross-country routes or local dirt/gravel hauling.

• Motor Truck Cargo: Protecting the freight you are hauling.

• Bobtail / Non-Trucking Liability: Coverage for when you are off the clock.

Construction & Contracting

• Heavy-duty pickups and work vans.

• Utility trailers and dump trucks.

• Contractors who move tools and crew between job sites.

Delivery & Service

• Courier services and "Last Mile" delivery.

• Food and wholesale distributors.

• Sales fleets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does my Commercial Auto policy cover tools left in my truck?

Generally, no. A standard auto policy covers the vehicle. Tools and equipment are usually covered under a separate Inland Marine or Tools & Equipment policy. However, we can often bundle this coverage or find a policy with an endorsement to cover personal property.

What is "Hired and Non-Owned" Auto coverage?

This is crucial coverage if your employees drive their own personal cars for your business (e.g., sending an admin to the bank or a salesperson to a meeting). If they cause an accident while working for you, you can be sued. Hired & Non-Owned Auto protects the business in these situations.

I just bought a truck. How fast can I get a Certificate of Insurance?

Speed is our priority. Once the policy is bound, we can typically issue Certificates of Insurance (COI) immediately so you can get on the job site or pick up your load without delay.

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Can you insure drivers with bad driving records?

Yes. We have access to "non-standard" commercial carriers. If you or your drivers have tickets, accidents, or a DUI, we can still secure coverage to keep you on the road, though premiums will be higher.

How much liability coverage do I need?

While state minimums are low, most businesses should carry at least 1,000,000 in Combined Single Limit (CSL)liability. This is the industry standard required by most general contractors and prevents a single accident from wiping out your business assets. Truckers often require 1,000,000 depending on what they haul.

Do I need a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) to get insurance?

Not necessarily. A CDL is required by the DMV for vehicles over 26,000 lbs, but you can get insurance for lighter commercial vehicles (like cargo vans or F-250s) with a standard driver's license.

Keep Your Fleet on the Road

Jesus Galvan

Authorized Partner of Bearstar Insurance Services

Phone

(888) 601-0088 Ext 108

Email

jesus@bearstarins.com

Get a Commercial Auto Quote