Businesses and other organizations that have commercial vehicles in Massachusetts usually need to insure those vehicles. Rather than using personal auto policies to do so, businesses typically purchase commercial auto insurance policies.
Commercial auto insurance is similar to personal auto insurance, but it’s adapted to meet the unique needs of businesses. Commercial policies sometimes have higher limits than personal policies, and their coverage definitions may differ slightly from those of personal policies. Additionally, commercial policies might be used to insure anywhere from a single vehicle to a whole fleet of vehicles.
Massachusetts law requires almost all vehicles driven on public roads to be insured, so most businesses and other organizations in the state that have vehicles need to carry business auto insurance. This includes, but certainly isn’t limited to, the following:
Additionally, businesses that don’t own vehicles but rely on others’ vehicles in the course of their operations might need a form of business auto insurance. Hired and non-owned auto policies may provide liability protection while personal vehicles are used for commercial purposes. For example, restaurants that have employees make deliveries using their personal vehicles might get this specialized form of coverage.
Offering rideshares, regardless of how much and how often, usually departs from the types of situations that personal auto insurance policies are meant to cover. As a result, drivers may need to supplement their personal coverage with some sort of coverage.
Depending on the specifics of their personal auto policy and rideshare driving situation, drivers might be able to purchase coverage through their ridesharing provider, add on a rider to their personal policy or get a business auto policy. For help sorting through these options, drivers should talk with a knowledgeable insurance agent who’s familiar with both personal and business auto policies.
Many of the coverages included in business auto insurance policies are similar to those found in personal auto policies, although terms, conditions and exclusions are often adjusted. Some of the more common coverages that business auto policies typically offer include:
There are many other coverages available in addition to these. A knowledgeable agent can help businesses and organizations select the right combination of coverages that’s right for their situation.
For help finding commercial auto insurance, contact Keefe Insurance. Our independent agents have helped many different businesses in Massachusetts find auto insurance, and we’re here to assist your business as well. Because all of our agents are independent, they can help you compare quotes from multiple insurance companies and choose the best policy option regardless of what insurer offers it.
