So, here’s the deal. You’re out there hustling – maybe you’re meeting clients, checking out job sites, or dropping off paperwork for your small biz. And you’re doing it all in your personal car. Seems harmless, right? Well… maybe not.

If you’re using your personal vehicle for business errands, it might be time to hit the brakes and double-check your Auto insurance. Because here’s a little detail that often gets overlooked: most personal Auto policies have a business use exclusion.

Yep, that’s insurance-speak for “we don’t cover it if you’re using your car for work stuff.”

Now, don’t panic just yet. This doesn’t mean your insurance vanishes the second you pull into a client’s driveway. But it does mean that if you regularly use your car for business – think sales calls, job site visits, or transporting work tools – you’re cruising in a gray zone. And if something happens while you’re out on a work-related errand? Your personal policy might just give you a polite “Nope” when you file that claim.

Simple: talk to your insurance agent or broker (hey, that’s us!) and be honest about how you use your car. Depending on your situation, we may recommend a Commercial Auto policy. It’s designed specifically to cover the business use of a personal vehicle, giving you the protection a personal policy simply can’t.

Think of it this way: if your car helps make you money, you want it protected like a business asset – not just a weekend grocery-getter.

A Commercial Auto policy typically includes:

• Higher liability limits (because businesses carry more risk)
• Coverage for multiple drivers or vehicles
• Protection for business equipment/tools inside the vehicle
• Coverage that aligns with your type of work

Plus, if you’ve got your company logo on the car or employees are driving it, that’s a major sign you should have something beyond a personal policy.

Great question! If you do end up needing a Commercial Auto policy, you’re not automatically giving up personal use of the car. In fact, many carriers give you options:

• Choose “business use only” if the car is strictly for work -like a vehicle used by multiple employees or only driven during business hours.
• Or select “business and personal use,” which covers both your work errands and that Sunday Target run.

Just remember – this choice can impact your premium. So, it’s important to be honest about how you actually use the vehicle. Your insurance agent can help you figure out the proper setup.

If you’re not sure where your driving habits fall, it’s better to ask now than be surprised after a fender bender. The right policy makes sure both you and your business stay protected.

Because let’s face it – business use of a personal vehicle and auto insurance don’t always go hand in hand. But with the right coverage, you’ll never have to worry about whether your drive to a job site is covered.