Many small business owners in Connecticut assume their personal auto insurance is enough to cover work-related driving. In reality, this is one of the most common — and costly — misconceptions.
If a vehicle is used for business purposes, personal auto insurance may not provide adequate coverage, even if the business is small or home-based.
When Personal Auto Insurance Isn’t Enough
Commercial auto insurance is typically required when a vehicle is owned by a business, registered to a company, or used regularly for work-related tasks. This includes transporting tools, equipment, products, or employees.
Even sole proprietors and independent contractors in Connecticut may need commercial coverage depending on how their vehicle is used. Simply driving to and from a job site can be enough to create a coverage gap under a personal policy.
Why Business Use Creates Coverage Gaps
In Connecticut, many personal auto insurance policies exclude claims that occur while a vehicle is being used for business activities. This means an accident during a delivery, client meeting, or job site visit could be denied, leaving the business owner financially responsible for damages and injuries.
These gaps often aren’t discovered until a claim is filed — when it’s too late to fix them.
Connecticut Businesses Most at Risk
Certain professions face higher exposure due to how often vehicles are used as part of daily operations. Contractors, landscapers, real estate professionals, home service providers, and businesses that travel between job locations should be especially cautious.
If your vehicle plays a role in running your business, reviewing your coverage is essential to protecting both your income and your assets.
How Commercial Auto Insurance Helps Protect Your Business
Commercial auto insurance typically offers higher liability limits and can be customized to fit the needs of your business. Coverage options may include protection for multiple drivers, business-owned vehicles, and industry-specific risks.
Most importantly, commercial coverage protects the business itself — not just the driver — helping prevent a single accident from becoming a major financial setback.
Review Your Coverage Before a Claim Happens
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle use qualifies as “business use,” it’s important to review your situation before an accident occurs. Connecticut insurance requirements and policy language can be complex, and the right coverage depends on how your vehicle is used day to day.
A quick conversation now can help avoid expensive surprises later.
Ready to Protect Your Business?
If you own or operate a small business in Connecticut and rely on a vehicle to get the job done, the team at Petruzelo Insurance can help you review your current coverage and determine whether commercial auto insurance is right for you.
Contact Petruzelo Insurance today to make sure your business — and your livelihood — are properly protected.