The Hartford does not currently offer this coverage online for small businesses, but we recognize that this is a coverage many businesses need. You may be able to get the coverage you're looking for through a local agency or with Tivly.
Finding the right type of car insurance can be confusing, but we’re here to help. Knowing the difference between commercial and personal auto insurance will help you understand the type of coverage you need. It’s important to make sure that you and your vehicles are protected, especially if you own any commercial vehicles or use a personal vehicle for work. Many small business owners need commercial auto insurance in addition to their personal car insurance policy.
Does My Personal Auto Insurance Cover Business Use?
Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover any property damage or bodily injury caused by an auto accident that happens while you’re driving your personal vehicle for work. Personal auto insurance covers only those vehicles that are being driven for personal use purposes, like running household errands or commuting to and from work. You’ll need commercial auto insurance to protect any vehicles you or your employees use for job duties.
Commercial Auto Insurance vs. Personal Auto Insurance
Commercial and personal auto insurance offer different levels of coverage and protection, so it’s important to know the differences between the two. Typically, commercial and personal auto insurance polices differ in terms of:
- Who owns the vehicle: If you own, lease or rent a car or truck for your business, it’s best to have a commercial vehicle insurance policy. Non-owned vehicle insurance can also protect you if you have any employees who drive their own vehicles for business purposes. A personal auto policy is most helpful for protecting you and your immediate family members when driving cars for personal use.
- Who drives the vehicle: All of your business employees with valid drivers’ licenses would be covered under your commercial auto insurance policy as additional insureds as long as they’re driving a covered company vehicle. If one of your family members drives your company-owned vehicle and are not employed by your business, they will not be covered by your commercial auto policy if they get into an accident.
- How the vehicle is used: If your personal vehicle is registered as a company vehicle, you can receive coverage for work-related driving tasks, like visiting job sites or delivering goods.
- Type of vehicles covered: Commercial auto insurance can protect a more extensive variety of vehicles used for business purposes, like cars, vans, pickup trucks, box trucks and service utility vehicles. On the other hand, personal auto coverage typically provides protection for cars, vans or pickup trucks you use for all non-business driving.
- Amount of liability coverage: Commercial vehicle insurance typically has more comprehensive liability coverages. This is because an accident involving your company cars, trucks, vans or other vehicles could put your business assets at risk.
- Policy limits: A commercial auto policy usually offers higher liability limits than a personal auto policy. Coverage limits within a personal auto insurance policy tend to be lower because they only cover you and your immediate family members.
Do I Need Both Commercial and Personal Auto Insurance?
In most cases, you will need both commercial and personal auto insurance. That’s because most personal car insurance policies do not cover incidents related to the business use of a vehicle. If you use your commercial vehicle for personal use, you will need personal car insurance to stay protected. Some sole proprietors may only need personal auto insurance depending on the situation. It’s best to check with your insurance company to find out what type of insurance is right for your business.
Get Insurance for Your Commercial Vehicle From The Hartford
We know that small business owners face unique risks on and off the road. We can work with you to customize your policy so that it meets the specific needs of your business. Call 855-860-9763 today to get a commercial auto insurance quote and learn how you can protect your business with The Hartford.
More Answers to Frequently Asked Commercial Auto Questions
Last Updated: August 27, 2026
** Costs, premiums, and coverages mentioned are estimates and are not guaranteed. Actual cost, premium, and coverage are determined at the time of quote or issue and are specific to an individual risk. Premiums are based on information provided to The Hartford, including, but not limited to, underwriting and rating criteria. All examples included on this website or in an advertisement are intended for informational purposes only and are not an offer or a guarantee of premium or coverage. Coverage and products described are subject to the terms and conditions found in the policy contract. Any educational information provided about available coverages does not modify the policy language or imply that any claim is covered. Products are not available in all states or for all businesses.
The Hartford does not currently have a product available to provide the coverage described on this page. You are being referred to Tivly in an effort to connect you with a carrier who may provide this coverage. This link will redirect you to a third-party website, owned and operated by an independent party ("Tivly"). Any link you make to or from the Tivly website will be at your own risk. Any use of the Tivly website will be subject to and any information you provide will be governed by the terms of the Tivly website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy and security. The Hartford and its affiliates (collectively "The Hartford") do not endorse or approve and make no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of the Tivly website. The Hartford assumes no liability for loss, damage and any other consequence resulting directly or indirectly from your access to the Tivly website or any information that you may provide on the Tivly website.
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