Commercial auto insurance for retailers

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 your small shop, 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 florist's delivery van that goes out once a week may need less coverage than a furniture store's truck that makes daily deliveries.

Business-owned vehicles such as delivery trucks and mobile boutiques 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 retail store. Your policy may cover:

If your clothing store or other retail 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 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 personal or rented vehicles for business errands. For example, a vending machine operator might drive their own car to check on their machines.

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 is a must-have for stores that own a delivery truck or van, but it doesn't cover risks beyond those related to your vehicle. Other recommended insurance policies for retailers include:

General liability insurance: This policy can pay legal expenses related to third-party property damage and injuries, copyright infringement, and more.

Business owner’s policy (BOP): This policy bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance to protect against third-party risks, property damage, and theft.

Workers' compensation insurance: Stores with employees are usually required by state law to buy this coverage. It covers medical expenses for work-related injuries.

Cyber liability insurance: This policy is crucial for retailers who handle credit cards or conduct business online. It helps cover the cost of a data breach or cyberattack.

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

Liquor liability insurance: If your shop sells alcohol, you likely need this policy to comply with your state's dram shop laws and protect against lawsuits.

Are you ready to safeguard your business vehicle with commercial auto insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application to compare quotes from leading U.S. insurers. Once you find the right policy, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.