Commercial auto insurance for nonprofits

An auto accident could have a lasting financial impact on a nonprofit organization, especially if another person is injured. When you compare the potential cost of an auto accident to the average annual premium for commercial auto insurance (about $123 per month for nonprofits), it's easy to see why commercial car coverage is the better deal.

Commercial auto insurance is required in most states for business-owned vehicles, which makes this policy indispensable.

Commercial auto insurance helps cover the cost of lawsuits, property damage, medical bills, and other expenses arising from an accident. It also provides coverage if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by weather or vandalism.

Your policy can be tailored to match your business needs and budget. For example, you can choose a comprehensive policy that covers vehicle damage from all causes, or damage from collisions specifically.

Nonprofit-owned vehicles, such as a van used for animal rescues or a charter bus for a church youth program, must be covered by commercial auto insurance.

State regulations determine how much coverage you need. Your commercial auto insurance policy must fulfill your state’s requirements for auto liability insurance.

Beyond your state's requirements, you can choose the extent of coverage for company vehicles at your nonprofit. Your policy may cover:

If your counseling center is sued over an auto accident, legal fees can get out of hand fast. You may also end up paying for a settlement or court-ordered judgment out-of-pocket if not insured.

If the driver of your nonprofit's vehicle is injured, along with any passengers, this policy can cover the cost of medical care.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your organization's car, truck, SUV, or any other type of vehicle, no matter who is at fault.

Underinsured motorist coverage / uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for damage caused by drivers who are carrying less than the required amount of insurance, or who do not have any coverage.

A comprehensive business auto insurance policy can pay for non-collision damages, including vandalism, theft, and fire.

Commercial auto insurance only covers nonprofit-owned vehicles, but sometimes employees drive their own cars for business purposes.

Business use is the main exclusion for a personal auto insurance policy. Hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) offers liability coverage for nonprofit employees or volunteers who get into an accident while driving their personal vehicle to conduct business for the organization. It also covers leased or rented vehicles.

While commercial auto insurance covers many risks, it doesn't provide complete protection. Other nonprofit insurance policies to consider include:

General liability insurance pays for legal expenses related to client property damage and injuries, along with advertising injuries such as slander.

A business owner's policy (BOP) bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance, often at a lower rate than if the policies were purchased separately.

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, helps cover legal expenses if your nonprofit is sued for mistakes or negligence.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required in most states for organizations that have employees. Even when it's not required, it's a wise investment as it'll cover medical costs for work-related injuries, which could be denied by personal health insurance.

Directors and officers (D&O) insurance protects board members and officers if they are sued for a decision they made on behalf of your nonprofit that led to financial loss.

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) covers legal costs if a nonprofit is sued for violating employee rights. Both D&O and EPLI can be purchased in a bundle since they're both a type of management liability insurance.

Are you ready to safeguard your nonprofit organization's vehicles with commercial auto insurance? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today. You can also consult with an insurance agent on your business insurance needs. Once you find the right, affordable policy, you can begin coverage and get your certificate of insurance in less than 24 hours.