For more than 50 years, Pepper, Johnstone & Company has been trusted with insuring families and businesses. We partner with 60+ insurance companies so that you can consider options that provide the most appropriate protection.

Commercial Auto Insurance

from Pepper, Johnstone & Company

Commercial auto insurance can cover a combination of vehicle types (trucks, cars) and drivers, as well as some types of motorized equipment. It provides for bodily injury liability and property damage while operating a company automobile, and medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for the driver and passengers of the policyholder's car.

Hired/Non-owned Auto Liability

Are you renting cars, or are your employees using their vehicles? This particular coverage applies when you or your employees use a rental vehicle for business purposes. It provides business insurance coverage for certain liabilities arising from the use of a rented or leased vehicle (hired), or a non-owned vehicle (employee using their vehicle on company business). Rental car coverage can help protect your business from liability and damages when using rental vehicles, ensuring your operations continue smoothly after an accident or damage.

It's important to note that not all situations are covered by a commercial auto insurance policy—while liability and damages to a rental vehicle used for business may be included, personal use or excluded vehicle types may not be covered. Coverage availability for hired and non-owned auto liability, including rental car coverage, may vary by state and insurer. Oftentimes, this coverage can be added inexpensively to a business auto policy, or in some cases, a general liability policy.

Use of Personal Vehicles

A personal vehicle used for business purposes may not be covered by a personal auto insurance policy, which typically excludes business use. Insurance policies for privately owned vehicles may not cover damage to your privately owned car or truck when it is used as a business vehicle, even when it’s a business such as selling cosmetics, jewelry, or pizza delivery.

There is a key difference between personal car insurance and commercial car insurance: Personal car insurance is designed for everyday personal use, while commercial car insurance is intended for business vehicles and covers risks associated with business operations. A commercial auto policy provides coverage tailored to the specific needs of businesses, including those using personal vehicles for work-related tasks. It is important to have the right coverage for any business vehicle used for company operations to ensure comprehensive protection.

Every business is unique – talk to Pepper, Johnstone & Co. today to find out how to get the best business auto insurance, service, price, and value.

Frequently Asked Questions
about commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance coverage is designed for businesses that own or operate vehicles, providing essential protection for company-owned cars, trucks, and motorized equipment. A commercial auto insurance policy offers coverage for a range of risks, including liability, physical damage, and medical expenses. Commercial auto insurance coverage typically includes bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, medical payments coverage, and underinsured motorist coverage. Policy limits and liability limits can be customized to fit the specific needs of your business, ensuring sufficient protection for your vehicles and operations.

Commercial auto insurance costs and commercial auto insurance rates depend on the types of coverage selected, vehicle usage, and the size of your business. Both small businesses and large businesses can benefit from customized commercial auto insurance tailored to their unique requirements. Obtaining an auto insurance quote from a reputable insurance company is the first step to securing the right insurance policy for your business. Commercial auto insurance coverage also helps pay for medical expenses resulting from covered accidents, providing comprehensive protection for your business assets and employees.

Hired and non-owned auto liability coverage is important for businesses that do not own a business vehicle or commercial vehicle but still need protection when employees drive rented, leased, or personally owned vehicles for company purposes and are involved in an accident. Commercial auto insurance policies from a reputable insurance company can include this coverage, helping pay for third-party injuries or property damage. If your business owns or operates vehicles, you should review commercial auto insurance FAQs to understand your coverage options and ensure you have the right protection in place. This coverage can often be added at a low cost to a commercial auto or general liability policy.

In most cases, no. Personal auto insurance typically excludes coverage when the vehicle is used for business purposes, such as delivering goods or transporting clients, and may not provide coverage for a covered accident that occurs during business use. This can leave you exposed to liability. A commercial auto insurance policy is necessary to help pay for medical bills and damages resulting from business-related accidents, ensuring you have the right protection. If you regularly use your vehicle for business, you should consider adding commercial auto coverage.

Commercial car insurance is highly recommended for any business that owns or operates a commercial vehicle or company vehicle. Not all businesses need it, but if your company owns vehicles or employees drive a business vehicle for work-related purposes, commercial auto insurance is essential. Commercial auto insurance coverage can be tailored to the specific needs of your business, ensuring comprehensive protection for your commercial vehicle or company vehicle. Keep in mind that coverage availability may vary by state and insurer. It ensures your business is financially protected in case of accidents, injuries, or damage involving business-related vehicle use. Pepper, Johnstone & Co. can help determine the right level of coverage for your specific business needs.