Commercial auto insurance for pet care professionals

Your employees may be skilled drivers, but accidents can happen to anyone. A collision could lead to another motorist getting injured, or your pet care 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 helps pay for lawsuits, property damage, and medical costs that arise from an accident involving a company vehicle. It can also cover vehicle theft, vandalism, and damage from hail and storms.

This policy can be tailored to fit the needs of your pet care company. For example, a dog trainer who drives infrequently to see clients may need less coverage than a van belonging to a mobile pet groomer who visits clients every day.

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 dog grooming truck or other work vehicle
• Transport pets or pet supplies
• Send pet sitters or other employees to clients' homes

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 pet care company 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 pet care business'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 caused the accident.

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 work errands. For example, pet sitters often drive their own cars to clients' homes. However, personal auto insurance also won't provide coverage if you get into an accident while driving for work.

Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) provides liability coverage for pet care professionals who get into an accident while driving a personal, leased, or rented vehicle to conduct company business.

Commercial auto insurance covers the risks of driving for work, but it won't cover office injuries, cyberattacks, and other common risks. Other pet care insurance policies to consider include:

General liability insurance: This policy covers legal costs related to common accidents and lawsuits, including customer injuries and property damage.

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

Errors and omissions insurance (E&O): This policy helps pay for lawsuits related to your work performance. It's sometimes referred to as professional liability insurance.

Workers’ compensation insurance: Workers’ comp covers medical costs for work-related injuries. Most states require this coverage for pet care businesses that have employees.

Cyber liability insurance: This policy helps pet care businesses recover financially from cyberattacks and data breaches. It's recommended for any small business that stores personal information.

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