If your business uses vehicles — owned, leased, hired, or employee-owned — you're exposed to auto liability. California's congested roads and high litigation rates make commercial auto one of the most active claims categories. And with nuclear verdicts pushing settlements into the millions, adequate limits are more important than ever.
Types of Commercial Auto Coverage
Commercial auto insurance covers liability (bodily injury and property damage you cause), physical damage (collision and comprehensive for your vehicles), medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. For businesses that don't own vehicles, Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage protects against liability when employees drive rental cars or their personal vehicles for work.
Fleet Management & Safety Programs
Carriers reward good fleet management with better rates. We help you implement driver screening, MVR monitoring, telematics programs, and safety training that reduce your risk profile and your premiums. For larger fleets, we can structure loss-sensitive programs that give you more control over your insurance costs.
Delivery & Last-Mile Exposures
The growth of delivery services has created new insurance challenges. Whether you're operating your own delivery fleet, using contracted drivers, or relying on gig economy platforms, the liability chain must be properly insured. We help you structure coverage that protects against gaps in the delivery chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need commercial auto if employees use personal cars?
Yes — at minimum, you need Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage. Your personal auto policy excludes business use, and your employees' policies may have limited coverage for work driving.
How are commercial auto rates determined?
Rates depend on vehicle type, driver records, annual mileage, radius of operations, cargo type, and claims history. Heavy vehicles and long-haul operations cost more to insure.
What are nuclear verdicts and why should I care?
Nuclear verdicts are jury awards exceeding $10M in commercial auto cases. They're increasing in frequency, especially in California. This trend means minimum auto liability limits ($1M) may be dangerously inadequate. We recommend evaluating umbrella/excess coverage.