What Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover?

If your business owns or operates vehicles, commercial auto insurance is one of the most important coverages to consider. Whether you run a single delivery van, manage a fleet of trucks, or occasionally use your personal vehicle for work purposes, having the right protection may help safeguard your vehicles, employees, and bottom line.

This guide explains what commercial auto insurance typically covers, what it may exclude, and why partnering with Cornerstone Insurance helps you navigate the details confidently.

What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial auto insurance provides financial protection for vehicles used for business purposes. It covers liability for property damage or injuries caused in an accident, as well as damage to your own business vehicles from theft, weather, or collisions.

If a vehicle is being used for business beyond ordinary commuting, it should be insured under a commercial policy.

Businesses that may need this type of coverage include those that:

• Own company vehicles
• Use personal vehicles for business tasks
• Rely on employees to drive as part of their job
• Operate trucks, vans, or service vehicles

Key Coverages in a Commercial Auto Policy

Liability Coverage

Covers damages or injuries you or your employees cause to others while driving a business vehicle.

Collision Coverage

Helps pay for repairs or replacement of your business vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

Protects your vehicle against non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, hail, or falling objects.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Helps cover your costs if your vehicle is hit by a driver with little or no insurance.

Medical Payments (MedPay) / Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault (availability varies by state).

Hired & Non-Owned Auto Insurance (HNOA)

This coverage is often overlooked but critical. If employees use their personal vehicles for work errands, or if your business rents or leases vehicles, HNOA helps protect the company in the event of an accident.

What Vehicles May Be Covered?

Commercial auto insurance can apply to a wide range of vehicles used for business purposes, including:

• Pickup trucks
• Delivery vans
• Box or dump trucks
• Service utility vehicles
• Passenger vehicles (if used for business)
• Commercial trailers
• Food trucks or specialty vehicles

Coverage depends on how the vehicle is titled, how it is used, and the policy terms.

What’s Typically Not Covered?

Commercial auto insurance is broad but not all-inclusive. Common exclusions include:

• Personal Use – If an employee uses a company vehicle for personal errands, coverage may be limited.
• Intentional Damage or Illegal Activity – Claims from criminal acts are excluded.
• Cargo or Tools – Items transported in the vehicle usually aren’t covered under auto; these can often be insured separately through inland marine or cargo insurance.
• Wear and Tear – Routine maintenance or mechanical breakdowns aren’t included.

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s impossible to give an exact price without knowing your business details, since cost depends on many factors such as:

• Type and number of vehicles
• How vehicles are used (local deliveries vs. long-haul)
• Driving history of employees
• Location and claims history
• Coverage limits and deductibles

To make this process simple, we’ll send you a questionnaire about your business details, drivers, and vehicles. With that information, we can provide accurate quotes quickly and efficiently.

Why Work With Cornerstone Insurance?

The price of insurance matters—but the coverage is just as important. As an award-winning independent agency with over 21 years in the business, Cornerstone is designed to help you, the customer. We care about protecting your business, and we know how to navigate the details to make sure you’re covered the right way.

We work with the best-rated and most competitively priced commercial auto insurers in the country. With Cornerstone, you get both expertise and value, backed by a team that will support you from A to Z.

Protect Your Business Vehicles With Confidence

Don’t wait until an accident reveals a gap in your coverage. With Cornerstone Insurance, you’ll get expert guidance, access to top carriers, and a policy built around your business needs.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation commercial auto insurance quote.

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