So many
people use their cars for work that they probably don’t think about insurance
consequences. Make sure you know what’s
covered the next time you take your auto on the road for business.
As long as
you purchased physical damage insurance for your vehicle, you have the same
coverage if you get in an accident when using your car for work.
Liability
You
receive the same liability protection when using your auto for business as you
would for personal use. But there are a
few nuances you should know about:
1.
Your personal auto must be a car. It cannot be a commercial auto, like a dump
truck, 18 wheeler, or pick-up truck.
These types of vehicles should be on a commercial auto policy
instead. There may be an exception for
your van or truck; talk to your independent agent about how you use your auto.
2.
If
the business you work for sells, repairs, services, stores, or parks vehicles,
including road tests and delivery, your personal insurance policy will not cover
liability protection for your own car.
3.
Your
employer might offer some liability insurance for you in your personal car if
you’re using it for work. If that’s the
case, your insurance and theirs will both cover a liability claim-proportionately-if
you’re in an accident. For example, if
you have a $25,000 limit and your employer offers $75,000, your employer’s
insurance will cover 75% of the claim.
Medical Payments
As with liability
protection, you’re likely covered. The
only exception is that your personal auto must not be a commercial vehicle.
Generally
speaking, most insurance companies cover you in these situation. But, as always, you should read your policy
carefully or call your independent agent to know exactly what’s covered.
