The risks involved in personal as opposed to business use of a motor vehicle in and around Wilbraham are different. When circumstances and use aren't covered by your personal insurance, it's likely that you'll be needing commercial insurance. It helps to cover a wide range of vehicles, and a trusty local insurance agent can help you find the insurance that best suits your business.
The general rule is that if you're using a motor vehicle to carry people or property for a fare, fee, charge, or other compensation that's directly or indirectly connected to a business or endeavor intended for profit, you're engaging in a business purpose. Whether you're using your old Ford Explorer only in and around Wilbraham, or your new Honda Civic for purposes of a personal shopping and delivery business, you'll probably need a commercial policy which protects you more than your standard small business insurance
You're engaged in a commercial purpose even if you're baking pies at home and then delivering them to a local restaurant in Wilbraham for an intended profit. If you're operating a business that provides a service to New York, you're engaged in interstate commerce. It's highly likely that you'll be needing commercial coverage. Other examples of when you're probably going to need commercial vehicle coverage includes when:
Your business requires towing a trailer carrying equipment, machinery, or tools like a landscaper would
You're a corporation or a limited liability company or partnership
Employees are operating vehicles going to, from, or on job sites
You're a sole proprietor and have a business sign on your car or truck
Your business involves loading or unloading of goods
Although a commercial vehicle policy might appear to be similar to a personal vehicle policy, most commercial policies are different in the following respects:
There can be stricter eligibility requirements
Definitions are usually different
Coverage and exclusions can differ
Policy limits are ordinarily higher
Sometimes only drivers named on the policy can operate the covered vehicles
Unless you want custom additions that are individually suited to your particular business, just about all commercial polices are going to to cover these risks, subject to exclusions:
Liability - For bodily injury or death for which you or a named driver on your policy might be liable for in an accident
Property Damage - That you or a named driver on your policy might be liable for in an accident
Medical Payments - Coverage or personal injury protection in a no-fault state for you and your passengers
Collision Coverage - For repairs when you hit something or somebody hits you
Comprehensive Coverage - For damage by vandalism, flood, fire, or other covered risks
Uninsured and Underinsured - Motorist coverage for bodily injury caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist
Combined Single Limit - Coverage for both bodily injury and property damage liability
We love serving Wilbraham and we admire your enterprising New England spirit and your determination to succeed. Since commercial insurance coverage varies, it's important for you to discuss your coverage with us so we can talk about all of your needs. We understand how valuable your commercial vehicles and drivers are to your company.
This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provision, exclusions, and conditions of the applicable policy. For an actual description of all coverages, terms, and conditions, refer to the insurance policy.