Questions answered.
Do I need commercial auto if I only use my personal vehicle for work sometimes? +
If your personal vehicle is regularly used for business purposes (driving to client sites, making deliveries, transporting equipment), your personal auto policy likely excludes those trips. At minimum, you need a Hired & Non-Owned Auto policy.
What's the difference between Hired & Non-Owned Auto and a commercial auto policy? +
Hired & Non-Owned (HNOA) only covers liability — not physical damage to the vehicle itself. A full commercial auto policy covers both liability and damage to company-owned vehicles. HNOA is typically added to a BOP for businesses without company-owned vehicles.
Can I add employees to a commercial auto policy? +
Yes — employees who drive company vehicles are typically listed as covered drivers. We recommend listing all regular drivers by name and reviewing your policy when drivers change.
Does commercial auto cover rideshare drivers? +
No — rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft) need specialized rideshare coverage. Standard commercial auto policies exclude rideshare operations.
How is commercial auto priced? +
Premiums are based on the type of vehicles, their use (delivery vs. transport vs. sales calls), driver history, radius of operation, and annual mileage. Fleets may also be subject to Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) for all listed drivers.
Is commercial auto required in California? +
Yes — any vehicle registered for business use in California must carry at least the state minimum liability. The minimums for commercial vehicles are often higher than personal auto requirements, and lenders may require higher limits.