Everybody loves their pickup trucks, but when the same pickup hauls groceries on a Saturday night and client signage on Monday morning, things change. For many in and near Burlingame, CA, side hustles have turned personal vehicles into part-time business assets. That’s great, isn’t it? Unfortunately, there’s a catch: the moment your truck, SUV or sedan is used for more than personal activities, your regular auto insurance will probably leave you hanging. Learn more from the professionals at Commercial One Insurance Service.
Why “Occasional Business Use” Isn’t Typically Covered
Let’s break this down. Personal auto policies are designed for personal risks: commuting, errands, soccer practice, and even weekend adventures. What’s not covered? Once you start using your vehicle to generate income, even if it’s only part-time, everything changes. And not for the better. Delivery runs, rideshare, client transport or mobile service calls all change the way insurance carriers look at your risk.
If you’re thinking about using your vehicle for:
- Real estate showings or client visits,
- Part-time delivery or courier work, or
- Trades, contracting, or local service jobs,
Your personal policy likely limits or denies your coverage for an accident happening while you’re “on the job.”
But no worries, that doesn’t mean you need a full-blown commercial fleet insurance policy. That would likely be overkill. You need the right blend of protection that reflects how you actually use your truck.
How to Build Smarter Coverage
Protecting yourself is not complicated. Our specialists at Commercial One Insurance Service will help you navigate your coverage options:
- Business-use endorsements added to your policy, covering limited commercial use without imposing commercial rates.
- Hybrid or commercial auto insurance for vehicles used regularly in your business operations.
- Non-owned vehicle coverage if your employees or contractors use their own personal cars.
These are simple adjustments that will buy you peace of mind no matter what hat you’re wearing today.
Keep Your Coverage in Step With Your Work
If you’re tired of navigating the dangerous gray area between personal and commercial use on your own, call Commercial One Insurance Service, serving Burlingame, CA and surrounding areas, today and let one of our experienced specialists help you find the right coverage.
