When you need commercial auto
- The vehicle is owned or leased by a business
- It carries tools, equipment, materials or goods for your work
- Employees drive it
- It is used to visit job sites or customers, or to make deliveries
- It has signage, racks or special equipment
What a commercial auto policy includes
Commercial vehicles in Ontario are insured using the same standard auto policy as personal vehicles, so they include third-party liability, accident benefits and uninsured automobile coverage. Commercial policies are rated and underwritten for business use, and often add:
- Higher liability limits, often required by contracts
- Collision and comprehensive for the vehicle and installed equipment
- Coverage for hired or non-owned vehicles
- Multiple drivers and vehicles on a single fleet policy
Tools and materials inside the vehicle are usually not covered by the auto policy. They are normally insured under a tools and equipment floater on your business policy. See contractor insurance.
Heavier trucks
Trucks with a registered gross weight over 4,500 kg generally require a Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) in Ontario and are placed with trucking insurers. See trucking and fleet insurance.
What to have ready
- Vehicle details and how each vehicle is used
- Driver list and licence history (collected by phone)
- Radius of operation and annual kilometres
- Current policy and claims history
Coverage descriptions are general. Your policy wording, limits and exclusions determine what is covered. Availability and premiums vary by insurer and by your circumstances.