If you own a small business in Buckeye, Arizona, there’s a good chance you rely on vehicles to get the job done. Whether you’re making deliveries, transporting goods, or driving to meet clients, your business vehicles are essential to your daily operations. But did you know that your personal auto insurance might not cover you if you’re using your vehicle for business purposes?

That’s where commercial auto insurance comes in. This coverage is specifically designed to protect vehicles used for business activities. Let’s dive into why commercial auto insurance is a must-have for small businesses.

What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial auto insurance is a type of policy that provides coverage for vehicles used by a business. This can include cars, trucks, vans, and even specialized vehicles. Just like personal auto insurance, commercial auto insurance offers protection for:

Liability: Covers damages and medical expenses if you or one of your employees causes an accident.
Collision: Pays for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive: Protects against damage caused by non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or severe weather (which is especially important during Arizona’s monsoon season!).
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Covers your business if an uninsured or underinsured driver hits your vehicle.

What sets commercial auto insurance apart is that it’s tailored to the risks and responsibilities associated with running a business. It also offers higher coverage limits and can protect multiple drivers, making it perfect for businesses that have employees driving company vehicles.

Why Personal Auto Insurance Isn’t Enough

While personal auto insurance covers you during your everyday driving, it often doesn’t extend to business-related activities. If you or an employee gets into an accident while driving for work, your personal policy could deny the claim, leaving your business financially vulnerable. For Example:

Deliveries: If you use your car to deliver goods, such as products to customers or supplies to your business, your personal policy might not cover you if an accident occurs.
Employee Drivers: If you have employees using your vehicle—or their own—for business tasks, you could be held responsible for any accidents they cause while on the clock.
Business Liability: Commercial auto insurance provides higher liability limits to better protect your business assets if you’re sued after an accident.

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance?

If you use any vehicle for business purposes, you likely need commercial auto insurance. Some common examples include:

Delivery Services: If you deliver goods, food, or packages to customers.
Contractors and Tradespeople: If you use a truck or van to transport tools, materials, or employees to job sites.
Real Estate Agents: If you regularly drive to show homes or meet with clients.
Service Providers: If you or your employees drive to provide services, such as cleaning, landscaping, or pest control. Even if you use your personal vehicle, if it’s being driven for business purposes, it’s crucial to have the right coverage.

Benefits of Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your business. Here are a few key benefits:

Higher Coverage Limits: Business-related accidents can be costly, especially if they involve third-party injuries or lawsuits. Commercial policies typically offer higher limits to shield your business from significant financial loss.
Coverage for Multiple Drivers: If your employees use your vehicles, a commercial policy can extend coverage to them, reducing your liability.
Customizable Policies: Commercial auto insurance can be tailored to your business needs. Whether you need coverage for a single vehicle or an entire fleet, we can customize your policy to provide the right level of protection.

Let Stoller Insurance Help Keep Your Business Moving

At Stoller Insurance Agency, we understand how important it is to keep your business running smoothly. As an independent agency, we work with over 75 insurance carriers to find the right coverage for your business vehicles at the right price. Whether you’re driving across Buckeye or delivering across Arizona, we’ll help you protect your business every mile of the way.