---
title: How to determine business versus personal auto insurance
---

# How to determine business versus personal auto insurance

March 2018

## business auto insurance vs personal insurance

Not sure whether you need a personal or business auto insurance policy?

Here are 4 things to consider when deciding what kind of insurance policy you need, but first we need to introduce you to the word _Commercial Auto Insurance_ as that is insurance industry geek speak for what most business owners refer to as business auto insurance.

1. **Who Owns and Drives the Vehicle** - If your vehicle is owned by a business, most likely, you'll need a commercial auto insurance policy. If you're a sole proprietor, you might only need a personal auto insurance policy. The type of policy you need also depends on how often the vehicle is used and what it's used for.
2. **How the Vehicle is Used** - If you use your vehicle for business purposes, you'll probably need a commercial auto insurance policy. If you're a sole proprietor who only travels to 1 or 2 job sites a day, or just use your vehicle for commuting, you might only need a personal auto insurance policy.
3. **The Type and Weight of the Vehicle** - If the vehicle you drive is heavier than a normal size pickup or SUV, like a dump truck, tow truck, or semi truck and commercial trailer, you might require a commercial auto insurance policy. Heavy duty vehicles can cause more damage if they're involved in an accident and sometimes require special insurance coverages.
4. **Required Business Liability Limits** - If your business vehicle requires higher liability limits, you will probably need a commercial auto insurance policy. Commercial auto insurance policies typically offer higher limits than personal auto insurance policies.

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