Coverage For Business
Autos
Many businesses are exposed
to the financial consequences of their ownership, use or maintenance of
vehicles that are used in their operations. Most coverage needs can be handled
by a business auto policy (BAP) or similar form. BAPs may cover a variety of
operations, including the following:
·
Product
or food delivery
·
Transporting
business products to wholesalers or retailers
·
Retail
product delivery to consumers
·
Carrying
persons for short, intermediate or long distance routes
·
Picking
up customer items for cleaning, repair, storage, etc.
Coverage is flexible. It
may be purchased as a separate policy or as part of a package of coverage that can
also protect buildings and business property (equipment, furniture, etc.). A BAP
generally offers:
Liability
Coverage -
protection for physical injury to other persons or their property because of an
accident related to your covered vehicle, including legal defense cost or
expense.
Comprehensive
Coverage - handles
loss from any cause except collision. A limited, less expensive option is
available. It only protects against a set of specific causes such as fire,
lightening, explosion, vandalism and several others
Collision – takes care of damage from crashes
with another object or overturn of the vehicle
Towing
And Labor Costs –handles
expenses for moving disabled vehicles
Loss of
Use—Rental Vehicle Coverage – if you damage a rental car, this option helps to reimburse the rental
company for income it loses because the vehicle is out of use. Also, there may
be limited coverage for injury or damage that you cause to others while using a
rented vehicle anywhere in the world.
Business Auto Policy Exclusions
Typically, a business auto (or similar form) will not provide coverage for the following:
·
any
injury/damage that you expected or intended
·
responsibility
for damage you assume under a contract
·
losses
that should be handled by a Workers Compensation, Disability Benefits or
Unemployment Compensation Law
·
Bodily
Injury to an employee caused by a Fellow Employee
·
Damage
to property that is in your Care, Custody and Control
·
Any
bodily injury or property damage that occurs because of Pollution
·
Any
loss that is related to racing, demolition or stunts
Other items that are not covered are the same as those found
with most types of policies, such as Nuclear Hazard or any type of War or
Military Action. Racing, Wear and Tear, Freezing, Mechanical or Electrical
Breakdown, Blowouts, Punctures or Other Road Damage to Tires are also excluded.
Are you protected against
business auto losses? Drive over and discuss your situation with an insurance
professional. The trip will be worth it.
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