Commercial auto insurance for auto services and dealers

In the automotive industry, it’s likely that your employees are among the safest drivers on the road. However, they spend a lot of time driving – and contending with other drivers.

An auto accident could cost your small business thousands of dollars, especially if another person is injured. Compare that to the cost of commercial auto insurance for automotive businesses, and it’s easy to see that insurance is the better deal.

Commercial auto insurance helps cover the cost of potential lawsuits, property damage, medical bills, and other expenses arising from an auto accident. It also pays for vehicle theft, vandalism, and weather damage.

Your policy can be tailored to match your business. For instance, an auto service truck that is seldom used may need less coverage than a dealership’s car that is driven daily.

Company-owned vehicles, such as a truck owned by a mobile mechanic or repair shop, must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

You may need commercial auto insurance if you:

• Operate an auto service vehicle
• Transport equipment and tools
• Send employees on errands during work hours

State regulations determine how much coverage you need. Your commercial auto insurance must meet your state’s liability insurance requirements.

You can customize your commercial auto insurance policy to match the needs of your auto service business or dealership. Your policy may cover:

If your gas station, dealership, or other auto service business is sued over an accident, legal defense fees can add up quickly. You could also end up having to pay a settlement or court-ordered judgment.

If an accident injures the driver of your auto service truck or dealership van, or any passengers, your policy can cover the cost of medical care.

Collision coverage pays for damage to a mobile mechanic van or other work vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.

This coverage pays for damage caused by drivers who don’t have insurance.

Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damages, including vandalism, theft, and fire.

Commercial auto insurance only covers business-owned vehicles, but sometimes employees drive their own cars for business errands. Personal auto policies almost always exclude coverage for business use.

Hired and non-owned auto insurance provides liability coverage for automotive employees who get into an accident while driving a personal vehicle to conduct company business. It also covers leased and rented vehicles.

While commercial auto insurance is crucial for small businesses that depend on a truck or van, it does not cover risks beyond those related to your vehicle. Automotive business owners should also consider:

General liability insurance: This policy can pay legal expenses related to customer property damage and injuries, along with advertising injuries such as slander.

Workers’ compensation insurance: Required in almost every state for auto service businesses and dealerships that have employees, workers’ comp can cover medical expenses for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Business owner’s policy: This policy combines general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, usually at a lower rate than if the policies were purchased separately.

Garage keepers insurance: This policy offers financial protection for business operations that service and store vehicles regularly. It covers your business in the event that a customer’s vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your care.

Are you ready to safeguard your auto service or dealership vehicle with commercial auto insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today. Once you find the right policy, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.