Drive Your Car for Business? You Need a Florida Commercial Auto Policy
A common problem many Florida business owners face is knowing which type of auto insurance they should carry. It can be hard to know which to buy when the car is used for both personal errands like going to the grocery store and business use, like taking clients to lunch or delivering merchandise. Having one car for both could present some issues with coverage. It's essential to protecting you and your business; you understand the differences between personal and commercial auto insurance.
Personal Auto Policies vs. Commercial Auto Policies for Florida Drivers
As stated above, your personal auto policy protects you when using vehicle for daily activities like taking the kids to school, driving to the office, or running to the grocery store. Personal auto insurance policy offers coverage for cars and household drivers listed on the policy. Personal auto policies must be in the name of the person whom the car is titled to. If the business is the titled owner, it cannot be on a personal auto policy.
A commercial auto policy, on the other hand, is designed to cover business owners or companies that use their vehicles for business only. Examples would be, landscapers, a florist who delivers to customers, or other contractors that have trucks on the road. Florida commercial auto policies have similar coverages but provide higher liability limits and other comprehensive coverages unique to business use. This is the reason they are rated differently than a personal auto policy. Vehicles titled in the business name, or are trucks, vans, or buses used commercially, have a specific gross vehicle weight must be written on a commercial auto policy.
Some commercial uses have certain requirements that must be met. For example, drivers may need specialized licenses. Or vehicles used for transporting certain items may require state fillings. Commercial auto insurance takes these different types of exposures into consideration.
Florida Vehicle Insurance for the Self-Employed
Not all entrepreneurs who are self-employed need a business auto policy. So, if you are someone who works from home, as a logo designer or copywriter, you may drive your car to a client meeting, but other than that it is used for personal errands. A Florida personal auto policy should be enough. However, if you run a cookie business from home and use the car for delivering your items, a commercial auto policy is a must.
When in doubt, think of commercial auto coverage like this. If you carry goods or products, people, or have other unique business-related features or equipment in or on your vehicle; a commercial auto policy is necessary. You should also carry a Florida business auto policy if you allow employees to drive your car or if you rent or lease vehicles to others.
As a Florida business owner, you have a lot at stake. Be sure your auto insurance covers you adequately. Claim time is not when you want to find out you have no coverage because you are using your vehicle for business use and have a personal auto policy if you are involved in an accident with significant injuries and property damage you could bankrupt your business.
Our commercial insurance experts are ready to answer any questions you may have, give us a call today to see how we can help protect your business.