Monday 22 February 2016

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage?


In Houston, TX, Commercial Auto Insurance is needed for a plethora of different drivers. Many people who are just starting this process may not know who needs it. Other people who may not know are ones who are looking into a bigger rig or type of vehicle than their normal one. At Mercury Insurance Houston TX, we’re able to prove the best commercial auto insurance for those who need it. To find out if you need commercial auto insurance, read further.

Difference between Commercial auto insurance and Personal Insurance

People who drive cars do not have nearly the same type of insurance versus their commercial driving counterparts. When it comes to using a vehicle for a business, there’s more to insure and protect. Because of this, commercial auto insurance is needed and personal car insurance is not valid. If a business you’re associated with involves:

  • Work gear
  • Passengers
  • Employees
  • Equipment


Commercial car insurance typically covers the above costs when something happens. Normal car insurance will not cover the above.

Who needs commercial auto insurance?

There are three ways you may need to determine if you need commercial auto insurance and not just normal auto insurance. Do you own your own business? Does your job require you to drive? What purposes do you use your vehicle for? Depending on the answers to these questions, you may need higher liability insurance to help fully cover if something happens.

It’s not just about the size of the vehicle; it’s what’s inside. If the vehicle you own is for business purposes, then you’ll need commercial auto insurance. If you deploy vehicles for your personal business, you’ll also need car insurance, despite not having a large truck. Instead of a big rig or a box truck, commercial auto insurance can cover regular vehicles like:

  • Cars
  • Mini-vans
  • Pick-up trucks
  • Sports vehicles


This isn’t the only thing it covers, as the following are also included on commercial auto insurance:

  1. Dump trucks, box trucks, refrigerator trucks, bucket trucks, catering trucks
  2. Vehicles that use work equipment on them
  3. Utility vans
  4. Limos, taxi’s and other transport vehicles
  5. Flatbeds
  6. Anything rented or leased
  7. Any other type of vehicle owned or leased by a business, affiliation or partnership


In more simple terms, if the vehicle is used for anything business related, small or large, you should obtain commercial auto insurance for the purpose of insuring your work items and preventing loss of money out of your pocket.

Commercial truck insurance typical covers equipment, employees, and business assets in the vehicle in case of a lawsuit.

Add-Ons for commercial auto Insurance

There are other types of insurance to consider when purchasing commercial auto insurance including:

  • Uninsured motorist insurance – this is for those who are uninsured normally but will be driving the vehicle you’re providing them. If you own a business that deploys vehicles, this is a great add-on for you

  • PIP and medical payments coverage – Any expenses for the person injured will be covered and even wage loss


While these aren’t the only types of add-ons, emergency roadside insurance can also help bridge the gap. These are not mandatory when purchasing commercial auto insurance from your local Mercury Insurance provider but should be highly considered for full coverage.