Commercial or Personal Auto: Which is Right?

If, like many Americans, your family car is also used for purposes that could be considered commercial use, you may want to steer yourself into a chair and look over your insurance policy.

You'll need to consider buying a commercial policy or make sure your existing policy covers the vehicle for business use.  Every company has different guidelines and may surcharge for business-use coverage on a personal auto policy.

One thing to keep in mind when determining if you should have a commercial auto or personal auto policy is that it isn't where you drive, but why you are driving:

• Are you a sales manager who visits different stores/locations within your region?
• Are you delivering pizza or other goods to customers?
• Do employees drive your vehicle?
• Do you drive people for a fee?  (Rideshare such as Uber or Lyft)
• Does your vehicle have commercial license plates?
• Do you haul equipment such as trailers, ladders, etc. in or on your vehicle?
• Do you need more liability coverage than a personal auto policy provides?  
• Do you need special coverage for situations encountered while conducting business?  

If you are think that you might need a commercial auto policy, or have questions about what is covered under your personal auto policy, please give your helpful Absolute Insurance agent a call today at 515-279-2722 or email us at service@insaia.com.

You've Got Some Q's: We've Got the A's

Q:  I am a pizza delivery driver and I hit another vehicle.  My policy will cover the damage, right?

A:  NO.  A personal auto policy will not cover a vehicle being used for delivery purposes.  The same policy will also not cover paid-for snowplowing or people transportation (i.e. taxis).

You would need to have a commercial auto policy in order to cover this vehicle and the liability properly.

If you engage in these types of business, call your Absolute Agent today to ensure you have the right policy!


Q:  I failed to pay the renewal, but companies have a grace period, right?

A:  NO.  If the renewal payment has not been paid, then there is no coverage at that moment.  There are no grace periods on renewal payments as the policy period has expired.  These are handled differently than regular monthly bills that do have a short grace period.


Q:  How often should I get my jewelry appraised in order to keep it as a separate rider on my insurance policy.

A:  You'll want to get such things appraised about every 3-5 years.  This is in your best interest as the price of gold and precious metals and stones have increased drastically over the past 2 years.  For instance, if you had a ring appraised in 2002 and it came to a value of $2,000 and now it would appraise at $10,000 in order to replace, then the company would only be responsible for providing the $2,000 in coverage.  As you can see, given the vast increases in value on these types of things, it is very important to update these every 3-5 years.

Get Your Snow Plow Covered Correctly

As the winter months approach with the memory of last year's crazy long wintery months still vivid in our minds, some folks will consider adding a snowplow to their trucks and make a little extra money. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it could turn into a nightmare if you don’t first consider how to insure yourself properly.

The private passenger insurance policy you have for your vehicles is not meant for things such as transporting people for a fee, deliveries, or paid snowplowing.  Your personal auto policy is meant for the purpose of insuring you against the standard perils of to and from work and recreational activities.

Once you get paid for snowplowing, you’ve left the door open for many possible consequences and liability concerns that are not wrapped into a personal auto policy. In the case of snowplowing, or  even delivery driving, you’ll need a commercial policy in order to cover the risks associated properly. While the premium may be a little more, it is worth it in the event that a claim arises as your personal
auto policy will rightfully deny a claim if the vehicles are being used in a commercial manner.

As with most things, careful consideration should be given when thinking about either of these types of activities. Talk with your Absolute Agent to find the best and most affordable way to insure yourself properly before engaging in these types of business pursuits. Often times, a few minutes of going through the in and outs may end up saving you big in the event of a claim or liability concern.

Let us help you find the right policy and price for your needs.  Call us today at 515-279-2722 to ensure you are covered correctly.