If your business owns or operates vehicles, insurance is essential. Commercial auto and fleet insurance protect your company, drivers, and assets from serious financial losses. The right coverage depends on several factors—like how many vehicles you have, how they’re used, and what type of business you run. Below are key types of insurance to consider for commercial vehicles and fleets:

Commercial Auto Liability Insurance

This is the most basic and necessary coverage. In most states, it’s required by law. It protects your business if one of your vehicles causes an accident. It includes two main parts:

  • Bodily Injury Liability: Pays for medical bills if your driver injures someone.

  • Property Damage Liability: Covers damage to another person’s car or property.

Without this coverage, one accident could lead to expensive lawsuits and settlements. Every commercial vehicle needs this protection.

Physical Damage Coverage

Your vehicles are business assets. Protecting them makes sense. Physical damage coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement if something happens to your vehicles. This includes two types of coverage:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, hail, and natural disasters. If a tree falls on a parked van, this coverage applies.

  • Collision Coverage: Pays for damage when your vehicle hits another object, regardless of who caused the accident. It covers crashes with cars, fences, or even curbs.

Both types of coverage help keep your fleet in service and avoid costly downtime.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Not every driver on the road carries enough insurance. Some carry none at all. This coverage protects your business if one of your vehicles gets hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. It pays for damages and injuries your primary coverage doesn’t cover.

If your vehicle is in an accident caused by someone with no insurance, this policy steps in. It helps avoid out-of-pocket expenses you shouldn’t have to pay.

Medical Payments Coverage (Personal Injury Protection)

Accidents can cause injuries, even in minor crashes. Medical payments coverage—also called Personal Injury Protection (PIP)—covers medical costs for your driver and passengers. It applies regardless of who caused the accident. It can pay for hospital bills, doctor visits, and even rehabilitation costs.

This type of coverage adds peace of mind. It ensures quick help for injured employees and reduces the risk of medical debt or legal issues.

Cargo Insurance

Do you haul goods or products? Then cargo insurance is a must. It protects the items you’re transporting in case of damage, theft, or loss during transit. If a truck carrying electronics is involved in an accident or the trailer is stolen, cargo insurance helps cover the value of the goods.

This coverage is especially important for delivery companies, logistics businesses, or any service that moves valuable items. It protects both your reputation and your bottom line.

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability (HNOA)

Many businesses rent vehicles or ask employees to drive personal cars for work. If something goes wrong, your business could be held responsible. Hired and non-owned auto liability fills this gap.

  • Hired Vehicles: Covers rented or leased vehicles used for business.

  • Non-Owned Vehicles: Covers personal cars driven by employees on company time.

If an employee runs errands in their own car and causes a crash, this policy helps protect your business from claims and legal costs.

Umbrella Insurance

Sometimes, standard liability limits aren’t enough. Umbrella insurance provides extra protection. It adds coverage above and beyond your other policies, including commercial auto. If a lawsuit or settlement exceeds your primary coverage, umbrella insurance steps in.

This is especially useful for companies with many vehicles, large trucks, or high-value assets. If your business faces greater risk on the road, umbrella insurance offers powerful peace of mind.

Final Thoughts
Every commercial vehicle on the road adds risk to your business. Accidents, weather damage, theft, or cargo loss can all lead to expensive problems. The right mix of coverage protects your business, your employees, and your customers.

Don’t leave your fleet exposed. Talk to a trusted insurance advisor who understands your business needs. At Combined Insurance Service LLC, we can help you build a custom plan that keeps your operation rolling—no matter what’s down the road.

Call us at 816-847-1911 to get started today.

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