Nov
09
Is commercial auto insurance necessary for self-employed company car?
ByAuto insurance company claims I need a different policy even though I would still be the only driver for the vehicle. The cost would be 50%+ than the normal price.
I perform consulting services and need a car to drive to their offices. I do not sell our haul products, this is solely used for commuting purposes.
5 Comments
November 9th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Well see this is how it works. Since you are the only person to drive the car, if you were to hurt anyone with out the insurance thy can sue then the company.
I having a company ( my company) truck to make house calls hav it just incase it happons.The person injured can sue the insurance company and you and your company to. Take my advice get it.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
first, what is your business? are you a tow truck? are you a traveling sales man? a real estate agent? a courier?
I can keep guessing, but basicly, if you are using your vehicle for your business than more than likely yes, you need a commercial auto policy, if you have a sign on the car, deffinatly yes, if its a super duty truck, yes, and if the car is titled in the name of your business then, yes.
If your a handyman, and you drive a 97 ford f150 from point a to point b, and the truck is registered in your personal name, you wont need it.
**but you should have increased limits of liability, you get into an at fault accident, the lawyers will clean you out.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
heres the problem;
most polices exclude coverage if it is used in the course of your business; does not matter if you are the only driver, they do this since you are on the road more and more likely to be exposed to an accident, at fault or not at fault;
that is the reason you need to inform your insurance company and add this endorsement which might be 50% more than you usually pay;
you might want to check around and see if an commercial policy might be less with more coverage;
you dont want to find out your insurance company denies a claims after it happens when they find out you were in the course of your business;
usually one of the 1st questions asked after an accident by an adjuster, what was the reason, or where were you going? that is how we find out about business use on a personal auto;
i have denied claims for a “kid” who was driving his personal auto and delivering pizza, so get my drift?
dont take the chance;
good luck
November 9th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
YES! Even though you are self-employed, your car is used for business purposes and if you should get into an accident during “working hours”, they will deny the claim!
Better be safe than sorry, get commercial auto insurance. If you’re in California, email me, I can get you a quote.
amedina@mcsins.com
November 9th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU NEED TO SIT DOWN AND DISCUSS WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
YES COMMERCIAL INSURANCE IS MORE EXPENSIVE BECAUSE YOU ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ON THE ROAD MORE AND DRIVING ALL OVER TOWN AND YOU ARE A BUSINESS.
TALK WITH SEVERAL COMPANIES AND SEE IF THERE IS A WAY THAT THEY CAN WORK AROUND THIS BUT AT THE SAME TIME DO NOT CUT CORNERS BECAUSE IT WILL COST YOU BIG TIME IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.