Business insurance
Commercial auto insurance in Raleigh, NC
Coverage for vehicles that keep your business moving.
What it is
Commercial auto insurance covers cars, trucks and vans used for work, usually with higher liability limits than a personal policy. It can also protect you when employees drive their own cars on company business.
Every policy is different, and exact coverage depends on the insurance company and the options you choose. We’ll walk you through the details before you buy.
What we can help you cover
- Liability and physical damage for company-owned vehicles
- Higher limits suited to business exposures
- Hired and non-owned auto coverage for employee vehicles
- Medical payments and uninsured motorist options
When a personal auto policy stops covering you
Personal auto policies are written for personal use. A vehicle titled to your business, used to haul tools and materials, driven by employees or used to make deliveries usually needs a commercial auto policy. Getting this wrong can leave a claim uncovered.
What commercial auto covers
Liability for injuries and property damage your drivers cause, physical damage to your vehicles, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments. Options include coverage for tools and equipment, upfitting such as ladder racks and shelving, and rental reimbursement so a crash does not take you off the road.
Hired and non-owned auto coverage protects the business when employees run errands in their own cars or you rent a vehicle. Many service businesses with no company vehicles still need it.
Contractors, service trucks and growing fleets
Raleigh contractors, landscapers, HVAC and plumbing companies, caterers and delivery businesses often start with one truck and grow into a small fleet. Clients and general contractors may require certain limits on your certificate of insurance. We help you set limits that satisfy contracts and pair the policy with general liability and an umbrella.
Quick quote
Start your quick quote
Answer a few questions in our auto quick quote form. A Shadow Lake advisor reviews every request and follows up with you.
Form not showing? Open the auto quick quote form in a new tab.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need commercial auto if I use my own car for work?
Occasional business errands may be covered by a personal policy, but regular business use, hauling equipment or carrying employees often is not. Hired and non-owned auto coverage can also protect the business. We review how you actually use the vehicle.
Can employees drive company vehicles?
Yes. The insurance company will ask for a driver list and review motor vehicle records. We help you set up a simple process for adding new drivers.
What does Business Auto Insurance typically cover?
Commercial auto insurance covers cars, trucks and vans used for work, usually with higher liability limits than a personal policy. It can also protect you when employees drive their own cars on company business. Exact limits, deductibles and exclusions depend on the policy and the insurance company, so we review the details with you before you buy.
Do you only insure people in Raleigh or North Carolina?
Our office is in North Raleigh, and we work with neighbors across the Triangle every day. As an independent agency we also help clients nationwide when we have markets that fit.
How do I get a quote for business auto coverage?
Start the quick quote form on this page, call or text our office, or request a quote online. An advisor reviews every request and follows up — usually within one business day.
Will you compare more than one insurance company?
Yes. Shadow Lake is an independent agency, so we shop multiple top-rated carriers for you instead of selling a single brand. Availability depends on the coverage, your location and underwriting.
Do small businesses in North Carolina need workers’ compensation?
North Carolina generally requires workers’ compensation once you have three or more employees, with some exceptions. Rules vary by business type — ask us if you’re unsure how they apply to you.
What’s the difference between general liability and a BOP?
General liability focuses on third-party injury and property-damage claims. A business owners policy (BOP) often packages liability with business property. We’ll help you see which structure fits.
Business Auto Insurance near you
Our office is on Six Forks Road in North Raleigh, and we help households and businesses across the Triangle and nationwide.
Guides about business auto insurance
- Workers' Compensation Insurance in Raleigh, NC: What Small Employers Need to KnowWhen NC requires workers' comp, what it pays, how premiums come from payroll and class codes, and what Raleigh employers and contractors should check.
- Commercial Auto Insurance in Raleigh, NC: Work Trucks, Vans and Employee DriversWhen a Raleigh business needs commercial auto instead of a personal policy: titled vehicles, employee drivers, hired and non-owned auto, tools, and NC limits.
- Essential Business Insurance for Raleigh CompaniesThe core insurance most Raleigh small businesses need: general liability, a BOP, NC workers' comp rules, commercial auto, professional and cyber coverage.