Commercial auto insurance for manufacturers

Your employees might be the safest drivers – but they still have to contend with other drivers on the road. An accident could lead to another person getting injured, or your delivery truck or other company-owned vehicle getting totaled.

An auto accident could cause lasting financial damage to a small manufacturing business, especially if it leads to a lawsuit. When you compare the potential cost of an auto accident to the premium for commercial auto insurance (about $145 per month for small businesses), it's easy to see which is the better deal.

Commercial auto insurance helps cover the cost of potential lawsuits, property damage, and other expenses arising from an accident. It can also cover the cost of replacement or repair if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized.

Your policy can be tailored to match your business. For instance, a candle maker's delivery van that goes out once a week may need less coverage than a beverage manufacturer's truck that makes daily deliveries.

Business-owned vehicles such as delivery trucks and company cars must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

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

Beyond your state's requirements, you can choose the extent of coverage for vehicles owned by your manufacturing business. Your policy may cover:

If your clothing factory or other manufacturing business is sued over an accident, legal defense fees can add up quickly – especially if someone was injured. You could also end up having to pay a settlement or court-ordered judgment.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your delivery truck or other work vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.

This coverage pays for damage caused by drivers who don’t have insurance, or who are carrying less than the required amount of coverage.

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

Commercial auto insurance only covers business-owned vehicles, but sometimes employees drive personal or rented vehicles for business errands. For example, the owner of a small metal manufacturing business might drive their own car to meet with clients.

Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) provides liability coverage for employees who get into an accident while driving their own car or truck to conduct company business. It also covers leased and rented vehicles.

Because personal auto policies almost always exclude business use, it's important to make sure any vehicles driven for work are covered.

Commercial auto insurance provides financial protection against auto accidents, but it's not the only protection you need. Other recommended insurance policies for small manufacturers include:

General liability insurance: This is often the first policy purchased by small business owners. It covers legal expenses related to customer property damage and injuries, and usually includes product liability insurance to cover harm caused by your products.

Business owner’s policy (BOP): This policy bundles general liability coverage with commercial property insurance, usually at a lower rate than if the policies were purchased separately.

Workers' compensation insurance: Workers' comp pays for medical bills and provides disability benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Most states require this coverage for businesses that have employees.

Cyber liability insurance: Any business that handles credit card numbers or other personal information should carry cyber insurance. It helps businesses recover from costly cyber attacks and data breaches.

Commercial umbrella insurance: Similar to excess liability insurance, this policy boosts coverage on a general liability, employer’s liability, or commercial auto insurance policy once the limit is reached.

Are you ready to safeguard your manufacturing business with commercial auto insurance or another type of insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application to compare quotes from leading U.S. insurers. You can also consult with an insurance agent on your business insurance needs. Once you find the right types of coverage for your small business, you can begin coverage and receive your certificate of insurance in less than 24 hours.