Commercial auto insurance for media and advertising professionals

Your employees may be skilled drivers, but accidents can happen to anyone. A collision could lead to another motorist getting injured, or your advertising business's van or car being totaled.

An auto accident could cost your small business thousands of dollars, especially if someone is hurt. Compare that to the median premium of about $140 per month for small businesses, and it’s easy to see why commercial auto insurance is the better deal.

Commercial auto insurance can help pay for lawsuits, property damage, and medical costs that arise from an accident involving a company vehicle. It also covers theft and vehicle damage from weather events and vandalism.

This policy can be tailored to fit the needs of your media or advertising company. For example, a graphic designer who drives infrequently to see clients may need less coverage than a van belonging to a publisher that makes daily deliveries.

Company-owned vehicles must be covered by commercial auto insurance. It's the law in almost every state.

Commercial auto insurance may be required if you:

• Own a mobile billboard truck, production truck, or other work vehicle
• Transport broadcasting or video production equipment
• 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 tailor your commercial auto insurance policy to match your business's risks and its budget. This policy can cover:

If your PR firm or other media business is sued over an auto accident, legal expenses can pile up fast. You may also have to pay a settlement or court-ordered judgment.

If an accident injures the driver of your advertising agency's vehicle, or any passengers, your policy can cover the cost of medical care.

Collision coverage pays for damage to a company car or other work vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays for damage caused by drivers who lack insurance. Some states require this coverage.

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

Commercial auto insurance only covers vehicles that are owned by a business, 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 (HNOA) provides liability coverage for marketing professionals who get into an accident while driving a personal vehicle to conduct company business. It also covers leased and rented vehicles.

Commercial auto insurance protects against the risks of driving for work, but it's not the only coverage you need. Media and advertising professionals should also consider:

General liability insurance: This policy provides financial protection against the most common risks of media and advertising businesses, such as a client who trips and suffers an injury at your office.

Media liability insurance: This policy protects media and advertising professionals against lawsuits related to advertising injuries and work mistakes. It's sometimes referred to as professional liability insurance.

Business owner's policy: A BOP bundles general liability insurance and commercial property insurance at a discount. It helps pay for common lawsuits and property damage.

Workers’ compensation insurance: This policy is required in most states for businesses with employees. It covers medical expenses and partial lost wages if an employee is injured on the job.

Cyber liability insurance: Cyber coverage helps media and advertising agencies recover from cyberattacks and data breaches. It's recommended for any business that stores personal information.

Are you ready to protect your media or advertising business with commercial auto insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today to compare quotes from top U.S. carriers. Once you find the right policy, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.