Commercial Auto Insurance in San Diego
Get A Personalized Commercial Auto Insurance Quote For Businesses In California
H&M is family-owned, customer-oriented insurance agency offering commercial auto insurance policies to small businesses from San Diego, California. As business owner, you are probably aware how important it is to keep your drivers, employees, company vehicles, and assets safe from unexpected risks. Carrying commercial auto insurance is not only a wise decision because it saves you from financial pitfalls, but is also mandatory by law in the state of California. This policy insures all types of commercial vehicles, from cars and pick-up trucks to tow-trucks and truck fleets by providing robust coverage for the people and the goods being transported. To get top business auto insurance, contact our agents today on (619) 296-0005.
CALL (619) 296-0005
As leading brokers for commercial auto insurance in California, Herriott & Mijailovic agency has the expertise and knowledge to find you the most suitable commercial auto insurance coverage at affordable price. There are many agencies out there, but H&M has access to various suppliers giving us opportunity to find you the right insurance product which doesn’t cost a fortune. Our staff works hard to find you reliable coverage which will reduce the risks while protecting and preserving your future business success. We’re proud to represent major insurers such as Travelers, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, The Hartford, and others.
Why We Are Different
At H&M insurance agency, we understand how complex commercial auto insurance might seem and we’re not surprised that many business owners find it overwhelming. That’s why our skilled agents will help you find the right auto coverage for your unique business requirements. With over 50 years of combined experience in California market, we have what it takes to protect your employees, vehicles, passengers, and cargo.
- 5 decades of experience
- 5-star rated insurance services
- Offering packages for auto, fleet, and trucks
- Excellent coverage at competitive rates
- FREE, non-obligatory quotes
- Authorized to sell major national carriers
What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
If you own a business and a business vehicle, you’re required to obtain Commercial auto insurance which provides extensive coverage for property damage, bodily injury, and medical payments. Under California law, any motorized vehicle used to transport people or goods for money is considered commercial, thus it requires some type of commercial insurance. Company vehicles must at least carry auto liability coverage.
Commercial auto insurance protects your business vehicles by reducing financial risks associated with unexpected events and accidents.
California state law requires all commercial vehicles to carry a minimum of liability limits:
- $15,000 for bodily injury and death liability (per person)
- $30,000 for bodily injury and death liability (per accident; more than one person)
- $5,000 in property damage per accident
NOTE: As of January 1st, 2025, the minimum auto liability limits in California will increase in order to reflect the rising medical and repair costs. New limits are $30,000 for bodily injury (per person), $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Speak to your insurance agent about the changes to ensure you are up-to-date with the necessary coverage. For more information, visit California Department of Insurance – Section On Commercial Automobiles.
What’s Included in Commercial Auto Insurance
Below you can find some of the common types of commercial auto coverage available to small business owners in California:
- Bodily injury liability – It helps pay for medical costs of other driver if your company’s vehicle caused an accident.
- Property damage liability – Covers the costs or repair or replacement of damage to other people’s property.
- Collision coverage – This coverage helps cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle in case of collision.
- Drive other car coverage – Add this endorsement to your policy to extend your liability , physical damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance in cases when you borrow, rent or lease a car for professional reasons.
- Uninsured / Underinsured motorist coverage – This coverage handles the payment of medical or car repair bills if the other driver doesn’t have enough liability coverage or is uninsured.
- Medical payments – As the name implies, it helps settle medical bills of your employees and passengers.
- Hired and non-owned insurance – Acquire this coverage to protect yourself in instances when you are driving a personal, rented, or leased car for business purposes.
What’s Not Included
Before you commit to purchasing insurance, apart from knowing what’s included, it’s also important to understand what is not covered. There are several exclusions in your commercial auto policy, but they can be covered with endorsements or separate policies.
Below are several situations not covered:
- Unrelated medical expenses
- Vehicle contents damage
- Personal vehicle accidents
- Rental vehicle repairs
Commercial Vs Personal Auto Insurance
If you own a small business, there’s high probability that either you or your employees are using personal vehicles for business purposes, which is why the line between a personal and business vehicle is not clearly defined. For instance, your employees may use their car to transport good or equipment, or to travel to a third-party job-site. Furthermore, commercial coverage has higher liability limits.
Personal auto coverage typically excludes business use (with the exception of your commute), and does not protect you when you are driving for work (making deliveries or picking up supplies). This is why you are required by law to carry commercial coverage, whether your business has a pick-up truck, a van, or a whole fleet of trucks.
Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in California?
Any company in California that owns vehicles titled in their name must have complete commercial coverage. Businesses of all sizes, regardless if their vehicles are owned or leased, including one-person companies need to have this coverage:
- Architects and engineers
- Bakeries
- Beauty shops
- Bus companies
- Cleaners and janitors
- Consulting companies
- Contractors
- Electricians
- Food service & food trucks
- IT consultants
- Landlords
- Landscapers
- Personal trainers
- Photographers and videographers
- Retailers
- Restaurants
- Taxi companies
- Technology companies
- Transportation companies
- Trucking companies
- Wholesalers
Insurance Needs Based on Type of Vehicle You Use for Business
Since every business is different, so are their insurance needs. There are many factors that have to be taken into consideration when coming up with the insurance plan that’s just right for your company. Because of this, it’s essential to work with experienced insurance agents from H&M who will work closely with you to evaluate your situation and design a tailored policy that addresses your specific risks.
- Sedans and light trucks – If you are using sedans, SUVs, or pickups for business, our agents will help you suitable and affordable coverage that protects you from financial losses.
- Heavy trucks – If you operate specialized equipment and heavy trucks, tractor-trailers, or construction vehicles, look for Trucking insurance with higher liability limits.
- Buses – If you transport passengers using vans, shuttle buses, or buses, we’ll help you obtain enough liability coverage which is needed to safeguard you from injuries or uninsured motorists’ claims.
- Unique vehicles – Even if you are using a vehicle that is not typical of other industries, our insurance officers will provide you with suitable specialized insurance customized to your specific vehicle type.
How Much Is Commercial Auto Insurance in California?
There are several factors that determine the price of your premium, such as:
- Type and size of business
- Vehicle type
- Driving records
- Location
- Liability limits
When all this elements are taken into account, the premium amount tis calculated. On average, premiums are from several hundred a month to several thousand a year.
Looking For The Right Commercial Auto Coverage In San Diego? Call (619) 296-0005
The only way to ensure you have the right insurance for your company vehicle is to consult with professionals, such as Herriott & Mijailovic agents. We will assess all the major factors and provide helpful advice on which coverage is best for your needs. We will help you cover all the vehicles used in your business, ensuring they and their drivers are safe. Our tailored plans are designed to save you from unexpected risks and prevent financial losses. To talk to us further, give us a call today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of insurance do I need to get if my employees drive their own vehicles for my business?
If your employees drive their own cars or trucks for business purposes, it’s essential that they have enough liability on their own policy. This is due to the fact that their policy will pay up to its limits, in case they are involved in an accident. However, in case the driver of the other vehicle decides to sue your company, it’s good to have at least a “hired and non-owned vehicle (HNOA)” coverage to your commercial policy.
2. What is the difference between personal auto insurance and commercial insurance?
A personal auto insurance typically covers one individual driving its own vehicle, while commercial coverage is designed for the entire business as it covers multiple drivers and multiple vehicles. They also have higher limits and more coverage. Although these two plans have a lot in common, the main difference is that commercial auto protects you from uncovered liabilities caused by serious accidents. For this reason, if you use your personal vehicle for work, it is important to cover it under a commercial auto policy.
3. Who can be covered with my commercial auto insurance?
You can cover all employees with license as additional insureds, as long as they’re using a covered company vehicle to operate business.
4. Does this insurance cover tools and equipment in my vehicle?
Assets that are being transported are not covered under your commercial auto insurance policy, but you can get separate coverage for them. Talk to your insurance agent about getting Tools and equipment coverage along with Business Owner’s Policy (BOP).