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Car Insurance Question  When should I consider commercial auto insurance instead of personal auto insurance?

We offer commercial auto insurance quotes and policies through a few of our partners and affiliates.

When you use your vehicle in business you need to notify the insurance company. In some scenarios it is better to have a "regular" personal car insurance policy with a business endorsement and in many cases you need "commercial car insurance". There are a few different types of policies to consider and here are some general guidelines to help you choose. You can either purchase a Personal Auto Policy or a Commercial Auto Policy (Business Auto Policy).

For a Personal Auto Policy (quotes available by entering your zip code above) with some carriers you can add a business endorsement. Typically, you want a Personal Auto Policy instead of a Business Auto Policy when the following applies:

  • The business is owned as a sole proprietor
  • No employees will be driving the vehicle for business purposes
  • You can purchase high enough limits to protect you and your company
  • There is only one vehicle that is identified for artisan use
    Every insurance company has their own specific distinctions for artisan use. This is not an exhaustive list, but artisan use is typically in one of these fields:
    • Aluminum Contractors
    • Interior Decorators
    • Air Conditioning/Heating
    • Painters
    • Bricklayers/Masonry
    • Plaster/Stucco Contractors
    • Cabinet Installers
    • Repair - Appliances
    • Carpenters
    • Repair - Handyman
    • Concrete Contractors
    • Screened Enclosure Erectors
    • Electrical Contractors
    • Surveyors
    • Fence Installers
    • Swimming Pool Installers
    • Glass Installers
    • Tree Surgeons

You should purchase a Business Auto Policy (quotes available by following this link for Commercial Auto Insurance Quotes) instead of a Personal Auto Policy when the following applies:

  • Need to be covered when you pick up or deliver goods and/or people
  • Need protection for any employees when they drive the vehicle or have employee-owned vehicles
  • Need higher coverage limits than what is offered through a personal auto policy
  • Coverage for any type of business ownership (Sole Proprietorship, Corporations, Partnerships, LLC, etc.)
  • Multiple vehicles used for artisan use (see above)
  • Equipment is permanently attached to the vehicle

The commercial auto insurance quote specialists will be able to help you determine your needs when you request a commercial auto insurance quote online or when you get a quote for a personal auto insurance policy.

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Question Details
This car insurance question was asked on 2/25/2008
This auto insurance answer was last updated on 3/21/2008
Craig S requested this car insurance solution.
Rated 10 out of 10 based on 1 vote.
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