Commercial Auto FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Auto

Can I buy commercial auto insurance by itself?

Yes. You can buy commercial auto by itself, but we recommend buying liability insurance along with your commercial auto insurance. General liability insurance can protect your business from certain costs including injuries to people who are not employees and damage to someone else’s property. We typically offer a discount when policies are purchased together.

Can I combine a commercial auto policy with my existing NEXT Insurance liability policy?

You can add additional lines of insurance through your online customer account. To apply for a new policy, follow these steps:
  1. Log in to your online customer account using your email address or phone number
  2. Once you’re logged in, scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click “+ Add now” next to the kind of coverage you’re interested in
  3. Complete the application
After you’ve filled out the application, you’ll be presented with a few quotes for different coverage plans. If you like what you see, you can purchase and have your policy documents available within a few minutes. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our customer service team at support@nextinsurance.com.

Can I drive out of the state where my vehicle is registered?

Yes, you certainly can! This policy will cover you if you need to drive out of state for your business operations. However, if you regularly drive more than 100 miles from your business location, this policy may not be right for you at this time.

Can I insure my motorcycle with this insurance if I use it for my business?

No, at this time motorcycles are not included for commercial auto coverage.

Do I need to have my car serviced at specific auto repair locations?

No, we do not specify specific repair locations for our policyholders.

Do you offer personal auto insurance?

No, we are solely focused on business insurance. It’s important to know that a commercial auto policy can be used to insure your personal vehicle if that vehicle is used for your registered business.

Does my vehicle need to be registered to my business? Can it be registered under my name? Can it be registered to a member of my family?

The vehicle listed on your commercial auto policy can be registered to your name or the name of your business. Note that anyone who regularly drives your vehicle should be listed on your NEXT commercial auto policy. Other drivers can occasionally use the vehicle and still be protected by your coverage, but they might not be covered if it is revealed they regularly use the vehicle for your business.

How is the “Actual Cash Value” of my vehicle determined?

The actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle is determined when the vehicle is appraised following an accident. The ACV is calculated by deducting the “wear and tear” costs of the car from the replacement value of the car. We all know that if you paid $30,000 at the dealership your new car is worth substantially less as soon as you drive it home, so your replacement value almost certainly wouldn’t be $30,000. How far you’ve driven it, how old it is, the make and model, and how many other accidents it’s been in will also be subtracted from the replacement value.

I don’t feel comfortable providing my driver’s license number online. Can I still buy this insurance policy?

We understand that an entirely online process is new, and can be surprising for some people. To get a commercial auto policy, we will need your driver’s license number. You will be unable to buy your policy without one. We use the industry standard AES-256 encryption algorithm to make sure your data is safe, and we use a high level of encryption on the client side (SSL).

I use my personal vehicle for my business. Can I insure it with this policy?

If you use your personal vehicle for business purposes, we can insure it under our commercial auto policy. It’s important to note that certain high-end vehicles, and vehicles larger than standard trucks or SUVs will be excluded from this type of coverage.

In the event of a claim, how is the value of my vehicle determined?

In the case of a claim on your commercial auto policy, the value of your vehicle will be based on the actual cost value (ACV) or the cost of repair at the time of the incident. However, if you have a vehicle loan, there may be coverage for the difference between the remaining balance of the loan and the ACV of the vehicle.

Is an insured vehicle covered if I rent or lend it out to someone who is not an employee of my business?

Vehicles on this policy will remain covered if you as the named insured give express permission to the other driver of the vehicle.

My business is run out of my vehicle (e.g. food truck, mobile services, mobile photobooth van). Can I insure my vehicle with this policy?

No. Unfortunately, our current policy cannot cover these specific types of vehicles. We certainly hear the need for customers to be able to purchase commercial auto policies for these services, however.  We plan to offer this in the future - please continue to check back as we roll out new options!

What does liability coverage for an auto insurance policy mean?

Under a commercial auto policy, liability coverage is intended for any third-party bodily injury and property damage that may occur on a per accident basis. This could cover medical expenses that arise from an accident in which you were at fault. It could also include reimbursement for any property damage resulting from that accident.

What is the coverage area of this insurance policy? Can I drive outside of the U.S.?

Beyond the United States, the coverage territory also includes Canada and Puerto Rico. Mexico is not included for this commercial auto policy.

What types of vehicle(s) can I insure? How many vehicles can I insure under one policy?

With our policy, you can cover up to ten vehicles and fifteen drivers. These vehicles can be owned by the driver or the business being insured. This policy will cover vehicles used for your business. Certain high-end cars or particularly large types of vehicles will not be covered at this time. We are constantly working on expanding our coverage and plan to offer more options in the future. The following types of trucks are excluded: Dump Truck, Tow Truck/Wrecker, Truck-Tractor, Agricultural Hopper, Armored Car, Bucket Truck, Cherry Picker, Bus, Emergency Vehicle, Fifth Wheel Pick-up, Garbage Truck/Garbage Truck (Front loader), Military Vehicle, Motor Home, Refrigerated Box Truck, Tank Truck, Tilt Bed Truck, Trailer

Who can drive the car that’s insured? Who is insured by this policy?

The person who is named on the policy can drive the vehicle(s) that is insured. If the vehicle is listed under the business, the business owner can drive the vehicle. The policy will also cover other drivers in instances where they utilized the named insured's vehicle, as long as they do not regularly drive the vehicle and have the explicit permission of the business or vehicle owner. Please note that if an unlisted driver is involved in an accident, the deductible may increase.

Will my premium change or my policy be cancelled if I file a claim?

No, we will not alter your premium or cancel your policy for the duration of your policy term due to a claim. It is important to note that the premium displayed is a deposit premium for the policy period. At the end of your policy period we reserve the right to review the details of your business and vehicle activity within that time. If either has changed since you applied, we reserve the right to adjust your previous year’s premium up or down accordingly, and refund or withdraw funds as applicable.

Will this policy cover any cars that I need to rent?

This commercial auto policy will cover some rental reimbursement fees following an accident; however, it will not provide coverage for damage to the rental cars themselves.

Are the items (equipment, valuables, business property) that I transport with my insured vehicle covered by this policy?

A commercial auto policy will cover the vehicle used to transport items, but not the items themselves.

What does medical payment and personal injury protection cover?

“Medical payments” coverage reimburses you for your own medical bills in the event of an accident.  Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is similar and can also cover lost wages and other expenses which vary by state.
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© 2024 Next Insurance, Inc. 975 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States
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Issuance of coverage is subject to underwriting. Not available in all states. Please see the policy for full terms, conditions and exclusions. Coverage examples are for illustrative purposes only. Your policy documents govern, terms and exclusions apply. Coverage is dependent on actual facts and circumstances giving rise to a claim. Next Insurance, Inc. and/or its affiliates is an insurance agency licensed to sell certain insurance products and may receive compensation from insurance companies for such sales. Policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the issuing insurance company. Refer to Legal Notices section for additional information.

Any starting prices or premiums represented before an actual customer quote are not guaranteed and are representations of existing premiums of active policies as of December 6, 2023. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten, not all applicants may qualify. Individual rates and savings vary and are subject to change. Discounts and savings are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. Certain discounts apply to specific coverages only.