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Where to Get a Commercial Auto Insurance Policy in Florida

Where to Get a Commercial Auto Insurance Policy in Florida

Dec 20, 2021

As a responsible business owner, you should also be aware of the need to purchase commercial auto insurance in South Florida. Understanding commercial auto insurance and how it can benefit your business is crucial to getting the right coverage for your policy.

So, let’s dive into commercial auto insurance coverage, where to find the best insurance agencies, and who should consider investing in a policy. 

What a Commercial Auto Insurance Policy 

Commercial auto insurance is similar to a personal auto insurance policy; however, it covers your vehicle and its drivers when an accident happens to a car or truck that is being used for commercial purposes. You should understand that even if you have a personal car insurance policy, your insurance agency reserves the right to deny your claim if damages occur while you operate the vehicle for business-related objectives. 

Among these objectives could be making deliveries, transporting inventory, or driving to see a client. For this reason, registering your car as a company vehicle and informing your auto insurance agency of your vehicle usage is the best way to protect yourself from unseen financial stress. 

The term commercial auto insurance is also known as commercial car insurance, truck insurance, fleet insurance, and business auto insurance. When you hear any of these terms, remember that they usually refer to the same thing.

What is Covered by Commercial Auto Insurance in South Florida?

Suppose you wish to purchase commercial auto insurance in South Florida. In that case, you need to evaluate your needs and your company’s needs. Of course, your overall coverage will vary depending on your specific policy. If you are unsure of how much coverage you should get, our advice is to talk to your local insurance agent, as they are qualified to help you make the best decision for your unique needs.

Commercial Liability Auto Insurance in Florida

Commercial liability auto insurance is required for every driver to hold in the state of Florida and all other 49 states in the U.S. In the event of injury or damage to other persons and property, liability insurance covers the legal costs and payouts incurred by the insured party. However, intentional damage and contractual liabilities are generally not covered by liability insurance policies.

Also, liability insurance protects against medical expenses and wages lost by injured victims when they are out of work due to their injuries. Furthermore, if a fatality occurs, funeral expenses may be covered.

Collision Insurance in South Florida

Commercial auto collision insurance in South Florida reimburses the insured if their automobile is damaged due to negligent driving. However, it does not cover damage caused by theft or vandalism, and it does not cover damage caused by another driver’s policy. In some cases, collision coverage extends to accidents that do not involve other vehicles. For instance, suppose you have a collision policy. As a result, you will also be covered if you hit a tree, pole, or guardrail.

Comprehensive Physical Damage

Damage to your vehicle caused by factors other than collisions is covered by comprehensive commercial insurance. Comprehensive insurance, for example, protects against theft, vandalism, and damage caused by weather events such as tornadoes, hailstorms, and mudslides. In addition, comprehensive insurance covers what collision insurance does not, such as fire damage, breakage from falling objects, and dents from hitting a deer.

Note: you may think that the damage that occurs when you hit a deer is covered by collision. However, most policies are clear that it is a comprehensive policy issue.

Uninsured Motorist

Medical treatment is provided to policyholders with uninsured motorist coverage (UM). As an add-on to a standard auto insurance policy, the policy works if the policyholder is in an accident with someone who does not have insurance and cannot afford to pay for the treatment. 

In the event of an accident caused by another driver who is legally responsible but uninsured, the policy pays for the injuries suffered by the policyholder. It will also help cover their passengers and sometimes the damage to their property.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

A personal injury policy is similar to a liability policy but covers the policyholder instead of others. PIP will cover medical expenses, out-of-work costs, and funeral costs. You must carry at least $10,000 in PIP insurance in Florida state law. The amount of coverage you will receive depends on your policy. 

Your commercial auto insurance policy in South Florida can provide this to you, or you can have coverage through your medical insurance. In either case, each of your drivers must meet the Florida minimum requirements. 

Best Insurance Companies 

When it comes to getting commercial auto insurance, you want to make sure you are investing in a quality insurance agency. Think of your policy supplier as a business partner. You do not want just to hire anyone; you want someone qualified to protect your company!

Here is a list of great insurance companies for commercial auto insurance policies. 

  • Del Toro Insurance
  • The Hartford
  • Nationwide
  • Sentry

How Else to Decide What Auto Insurance Company to go With

Your current personal insurance provider may offer commercial auto insurance policies, according to investopedia. Keeping all your policies connected to one agency can help you keep them all in order. For example, suppose you have a positive and long-standing relationship with your current agency. In that case, you can negotiate an affordable premium or get a discount on your new commercial policies. 

A quick decision can cost you more than you should and may even leave you without the proper coverage for your company vehicles. It is, therefore, wise to always shop around when it comes to insurance; some agencies may be able to offer you better deals than others.

Vehicles Covered by Commercial Auto Insurance

Box trucks, food trucks, work vans, and service utility trucks all require commercial auto insurance policies. Commercial vehicle insurance is typically associated with trucks or other work vehicles, but it may also apply to regular cars and automobiles used for business.

Who Is Covered with Commercial Auto Insurance in South Florida?

Commercial Auto Insurance in Florida will cover any driver who is added to the policy. That said, it is crucial that you inform your auto insurance agency of the number of drivers you will have using your company vehicles. Additionally, it is possible to have a personal car registered as a commercial vehicle. In that case, you can still have family and friends (people not employed by your company) assigned to your commercial auto insurance policy. 

How Much Does Commercial Auto Insurance?

It is estimated that commercial auto insurance costs $142 a month or $1,704 a year on average. However, this median price varies based on the factors above. You can, therefore, be well above or below it based on your company’s risk profile. The easiest way to find a affordable and suitable policy for your company vehicles is to talk directly to an insurance agent. With their help, you can ensure that you have the coverage you need without overpaying.

Factors in How Much Commercial Auto Insurance is

The cost of commercial Auto Insurance in Florida is dependent on the following factors:

  • Company business: If you work primarily from your office, your commercial auto insurance rates will be lower than those who drive around the city all day and carry tools and equipment in a van.
  • Vehicle: Company vehicles vary in size and type, which affects insurance rates.
  • Driving history: Good drivers are rewarded with lower rates.
  • Location: Drivers in areas with low accident frequency and few car thefts will pay less for commercial auto insurance than those in larger cities.
  • Mileage: Rates are affected by how much you typically drive a commercial vehicle.

The Takeaway

Insurance can be a tricky concept to understand. There are loads of different policies out there, making it hard to determine which ones are a good fit for you. However, suppose your company uses a variety of vehicles for business. In that case, commercial auto insurance can provide you with plenty of benefits and provide you with an affordable financial safety net. In this case, purchasing a commercial auto policy is highly recommended because it is more cost-effective than the alternative of paying out of pocket.

Contact a professional if you’re unsure if commercial auto insurance should be on your list. Insurance agencies are always your best bet when it comes to determining what policies your business needs and what ones are unnecessary.

Another problem you may be facing is finding the perfect insurance agency. As mentioned above, you want someone knowledgeable and ready to tackle your insurance needs. With that said, we can not stress the importance of shopping around and gauging what type of coverage you should invest in.

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