However you use vehicles in your business, one thing is clear: You need commercial auto insurance. And Farmers® can help with coverage options that reduce risk and improve operations.
Because Farmers agents are also small business owners, they understand the unique challenges of commercial driving in today’s increasingly distracted world.
Here are some typical commercial vehicle risks — and the coverage Farmers offers:
Risk:
Coverage:
While running a company errand in his own car, your employee rear-ends a church van. Injuries aren’t severe, but several people are hurt — and your employee’s low liability limits aren’t enough to cover medical costs.
Non-owned auto coverage can help if employees cause accidents in their own cars on company business.
You’re on your way to a business lunch when an uninsured driver runs a stop sign and hits your car. The impact is strong enough to fracture your wrist.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help when drivers who don’t have enough insurance are responsible for injuries or damage in an accident.
Your diesel cargo van overturns, spilling fuel onto the highway and a nearby grassy area. You discover that the government requires testing for environmental damage.
A Farmers commercial auto policy can help if fuels or lubricants from one of your company’s vehicles cause damage.
Risk:
While running a company errand in his own car, your employee rear-ends a church van. Injuries aren’t severe, but several people are hurt — and your employee’s low liability limits aren’t enough to cover medical costs.
Coverage:
Non-owned auto coverage can help if employees cause accidents in their own cars on company business.
Risk:
You’re on your way to a business lunch when an uninsured driver runs a stop sign and hits your car. The impact is strong enough to fracture your wrist.
Coverage:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help when drivers who don’t have enough insurance are responsible for injuries or damage in an accident.
Risk:
Your diesel cargo van overturns, spilling fuel onto the highway and a nearby grassy area. You discover that the government requires testing for environmental damage.
Coverage:
A Farmers commercial auto policy can help if fuels or lubricants from one of your company’s vehicles cause damage.
Useful coverage options and operational support
Accident damage might take your vehicle out of commission, but business must continue. To help minimize cost and inconvenience, Farmers offers a broad range of coverage options so you can select coverage that best fits your needs — from towing and labor to rentals and loss of use.
Other options worth considering:
- In some states, a telematics feature that uses GPS is available to help you monitor the locations and safe driving habits of your employees.
- Lease/loan coverage provides coverage for amounts you owe under the terms of a lease or loan agreement.
Highly specialized coverage for contractors
A contractor’s truck is usually filled with expensive tools and equipment — leaving you with the risk of damage or theft as it’s driven to job sites and parked for the day. Your Farmers agent can help as you choose personalized coverage for the tools of your trade.
Your agent can also explain options when indemnity agreements require something called primary and non-contributory coverage. With this insurance, the general contractor’s coverage won’t be responsible for covered damage caused by you — the subcontractor.
Coverage developed specifically for food trucks
Food trucks face unique risks while driving and operating, especially if they serve alcohol.
- Mobile business interruption coverage available on the auto policy is designed to indemnify you for income lost when a vehicle used as a mobile business is out of commission due to a covered loss.
- Farmers’ primary mobile food vendor insurance provides coverage for business property carried on your truck, equipment breakdowns, and money and securities.
- The premier package offers generous limits in coverage for food spoilage and food-borne illness.
Farmers has an insurance solution designed to fit the needs of food truck operators — from mobile weekend warriors to full-time vendors.
Some popular business insurance options
Commercial auto coverage is just one component in a full menu of business insurance options available from Farmers.
Your agent can also discuss coverage for other possible risks like:
Injuries
Risk:
A customer visiting your office is injured when she trips on a step in the hallway.
Coverage:
Business liability insurance can help with associated medical and legal costs, and judgments resulting from lawsuits.
Property damage
Risk:
You lose your ability to generate business income while your shop is closed to repair fire damage.
Coverage:
Business property insurance can help when a covered event interrupts your company’s income.
Farmers works to build strong customer relationships
Farmers has spent 90 years putting customers first. Are you shopping for coverage, or do you have a question about your policy? Maybe you’re ready to get a commercial auto insurance quote. Be sure to let a Farmers agent deliver personalized service and support.
You’ll experience a similar level of care from our knowledgeable claims representatives, who will provide assistance as quickly as possible.
Contact a Farmers agent today to explore what Farmers can do for you — whether you have a single business vehicle or a large fleet of trucks.
This material is for general informational purposes only. This material may not reflect your particular circumstances. None of the companies comprising the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, or their employees or agents provide tax or legal advice. Always consult your own accountant, attorney or tax adviser as to the tax, financial, or legal consequences or advice on any particular transaction. Not all products, coverages, & discounts are available in every state. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply.
What if I use one car for personal and business use?
Question Does my personal auto insurance policy cover liability if I am using my car for business?
Answer It depends. There are times when a personal auto policy may be perfectly adequate for limited business uses of your car. If someone is using their personal auto for business errands insurers usually allow them to be covered by a personal lines policy. When driving is an important part of your business activities, a commercial policy likely will be required.
Learn From Experience
Expand your knowledge base with articles relevant to you.
Seven Years, $40K in Debt, Three Trucks, a Few Flat Tires and One Huge Risk That Paid Off
I'm thinking about turning my online clothing boutique into a storefront, but I worry about the things that might go wrong. What type of insurance should I consider?
Who is Covered by My Business Insurance?
Your business policy can cover a wide range of people who have an interest in your company or perform work on its behalf. The coverage provided by your policy helps you protect yourself and others with an ownership stake in the company. In other words, a single business policy can cover the interests of all owners.
What Does Business Liability Insurance Cover?
Congratulations on the new business! Looking into business insurance options is a smart move. Business liability insurance coverage can help you pay legal costs when someone — such as a customer or visitor — is hurt or suffers property damage and blames you and your business. If your company is found to be at fault, your business is legally responsible for the costs.
