Summer is a busy time for drivers—and that includes business drivers. Delivery trucks, service vans, and work vehicles are out on the road more often during the warmer months. With traffic increasing and longer travel times, the chances of accidents go up too.
If your business uses company vehicles, it’s important to review your commercial auto insurance before the season gets into full swing. A strong policy can protect your business from costly accidents—but only if it’s current and includes the right coverage.
This article is a simple, helpful guide for business owners and managers. It outlines what to check in your commercial auto policy before summer gets too busy. From reviewing your drivers to double-checking how your vehicles are used, this checklist can help your business stay safe and protected.
Need help reviewing your policy? Contact Kelstar Insurance or call 307-316-8240 to speak with a licensed agent.
Key Takeaways
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Summer Increases Risk: More driving, seasonal hires, heavy traffic, and extreme weather all contribute to higher accident risks for commercial vehicles.
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Update Driver Lists: Every employee who drives a company vehicle—including seasonal or part-time workers—must be listed on your insurance policy to avoid claim issues.
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Check Vehicle Usage: Changes in how or where your vehicles are used (e.g., interstate travel or heavier loads) must be reported to your insurer for proper coverage.
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Review Liability Limits: Higher summer traffic and accident potential mean your existing coverage may not be enough—consider increasing your liability limits.
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Ensure Full Coverage: Verify that collision, comprehensive, towing, and roadside assistance coverage are active and appropriate for every business vehicle.
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Trailer and Equipment Coverage Is Not Automatic: If you use trailers or mounted tools, check that they are listed and covered in your policy.
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Consider Hired & Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) Coverage: This is critical if employees drive personal cars or if your business rents vehicles.
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Cargo and Pollution Liability May Be Needed: Businesses transporting goods, tools, or chemicals should ask about coverage for spills or cargo loss.
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Stay Compliant: DOT filings, state permits, and commercial vehicle documentation must be current to avoid fines and operational delays.
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Prepare Drivers for Accidents: Train employees on how to handle accidents and keep insurance ID cards and reporting instructions in all vehicles.
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Schedule a Mid-Year Policy Review: A quick mid-year check-in with your agent helps you adjust to seasonal changes in staffing, routes, and fleet use.
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Use Telematics Tools When Possible: GPS tracking and dash cams help reduce claims, protect your drivers, and may lead to lower premiums.
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Benchmark Your Coverage: Make sure your limits and protections align with industry standards in contracting, trucking, or delivery services.
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Plan Ahead: Small updates now can prevent big problems later. A proactive review helps your business stay protected all summer long.
Why Summer Puts Your Business at Higher Risk
Summer creates several changes that affect how your vehicles are used—and how your insurance should respond:
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More Driving: Many businesses take on more jobs and deliveries in the summer.
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Temporary Drivers: You may bring on part-time or seasonal help who use company vehicles.
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Busy Roads: Families on vacation, young drivers, and extra traffic can increase the chance of a crash.
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Hot Weather: Heat can lead to tire blowouts, engine issues, and more breakdowns.
These factors raise the risk of accidents and claims. That’s why reviewing your commercial auto policy before the season begins is a smart move.
Your Commercial Auto Insurance Checklist for Summer
Use this checklist to make sure your business is ready before your vehicles hit the road.
1. Are All Drivers Listed on Your Policy?
Every person who drives a company vehicle should be listed on your policy—even part-time and seasonal workers.
If someone causes a crash and they’re not listed, your claim might be denied.
You should also check their Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) to make sure they have a safe driving history.
Example: A contractor hires a summer worker to help on jobs and run errands. The helper crashes a work van. If that driver wasn’t added to the insurance, the business might have to pay the full cost of the accident.
➡️ Add a driver to your policy
2. Are Your Vehicles Being Used Differently Now?
Insurance companies need to know how your vehicles are used. If anything changes, your policy should reflect that.
Ask yourself:
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Is this vehicle now crossing state lines instead of staying local?
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Is it being used more often than earlier in the year?
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Is it carrying larger or heavier loads?
Let your insurance agent know about these changes so your policy stays accurate. If your vehicles are misclassified, a future claim might be delayed—or denied.
3. Are Your Liability Limits High Enough?
Summer often means more drivers on the road—and more accidents. That means your insurance limits may need to be increased.
Look at your limits for:
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Bodily Injury – if someone is hurt
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Property Damage – if another vehicle or object is damaged
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance
If you only carry the minimum limits, your business could be responsible for any costs that go beyond that amount.
4. Do You Have Full Coverage for Your Vehicles?
Not all policies include physical damage coverage. If you want your insurance to pay for repairs to your own vehicles, make sure you have:
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Collision Coverage – damage from accidents
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Comprehensive Coverage – damage from things like fire, hail, or theft
Also check:
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Are the vehicles valued correctly?
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Are your deductibles reasonable?
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Do you have extra coverage for towing, glass repair, or roadside help?
These protections matter more during summer when vehicles are on the road longer and face more wear and tear.
Extra Coverage You Might Need This Season
5. Do You Use Trailers or Work Equipment?
Some businesses haul trailers, machines, or tools. These items may not be covered under your standard auto policy.
Ask your agent:
Example: A landscaping crew’s trailer comes loose and causes damage. If that trailer isn’t listed, the business could have to pay for everything out of pocket.
6. Do Employees Use Their Own Cars or Rentals for Work?
Even if your company doesn’t own the vehicle, you may still be responsible during business use.
Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage helps protect your business when:
This coverage fills an important gap that many business owners don’t think about.
7. Do You Haul Goods or Hazardous Materials?
If your business transports products, supplies, or chemicals, you may need extra protection.
Your commercial auto policy may not include:
Example: A painter’s van crashes, and several cans of paint leak into a storm drain. Cleanup costs can be very high—sometimes over $30,000—and may not be covered by a basic auto policy.
8. Do You Have Roadside Assistance?
With long trips and summer heat, breakdowns become more common.
Make sure your policy includes:
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Towing
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Tire changes
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Battery jumps
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Lockout service
This is especially useful if your drivers work in rural or remote areas.
Compliance and Claim Preparation
9. Are Your Filings and Permits Current?
If you travel across states or carry goods for pay, you may need permits and filings such as:
Check that all documents are active. Expired or missing paperwork can cause delays, fines, or even force your business off the road.
10. Do Your Drivers Have the Right Documents?
Every company vehicle should carry:
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A current insurance ID card
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Emergency claim instructions
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A Certificate of Insurance (COI), if needed for job sites or contracts
These documents help during inspections, accidents, or customer visits.
11. Do Your Drivers Know What to Do After an Accident?
Good training leads to better claim results. Make sure drivers understand:
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Who to contact right away
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What photos and notes to collect
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How to report the accident to your agent or insurer
Keep an accident guide and basic report form in every vehicle.
Smart Steps for Business Owners
12. Have You Done a Mid-Year Policy Review?
Summer is the perfect time to check your coverage with your insurance agent. Discuss:
A simple review now could save you major trouble later.
➡️ Schedule a policy review
13. Do You Use GPS or Dash Cameras?
Fleet tools can improve safety and save money.
Some insurance companies even offer discounts for using these tools.
14. Are Your Limits Competitive in Your Industry?
Ask your agent if your coverage is typical for your type of business.
This is important if you operate:
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A delivery service
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A trucking company
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A contracting business
Having the right coverage helps you stay competitive and protected.
Conclusion: Be Ready Before You Hit the Road
Summer brings more jobs, more miles, and more risks. It’s the season when your vehicles and drivers are busiest—and when problems are more likely to happen.
By reviewing your commercial auto insurance now, you can make sure your business is covered. Check your driver list, vehicle use, coverage limits, and any extra protection you may need. Even small changes to your policy can help you avoid big problems later.
Kelstar Insurance is here to help you make smart updates to your policy before summer is in full swing.
👉 Visit kelstarinsurance.com/contact
📞 Or call 307-316-8240 to speak with a commercial insurance expert today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why should I review my commercial auto insurance before summer?
A: Summer often brings more driving, extra drivers, busier roads, and hotter weather—all of which increase the chance of accidents or breakdowns. Reviewing your policy now helps you catch coverage gaps before problems happen.
Q2: Do I need to list all my drivers on the policy—even part-time or seasonal workers?
A: Yes. Every person who drives a company vehicle should be listed. If an unlisted driver causes a crash, your insurance company may not pay the claim.
Q3: What changes in vehicle use should I report to my agent?
A: Tell your agent if your vehicles are:
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Driving longer distances or crossing state lines
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Being used more often during summer
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Carrying heavier loads or equipment
Q4: What is a liability limit, and how much do I need?
A: A liability limit is the maximum amount your insurance will pay if you cause damage or injury. Higher limits offer more protection. Many businesses raise limits in summer due to higher risk and more traffic.
Q5: Do I need collision and comprehensive coverage for my business vehicles?
A: Yes, if you want your insurance to help pay for damage to your own vehicles. Collision covers accidents. Comprehensive covers fire, theft, hail, and other non-crash events.
Q6: Are trailers and equipment automatically covered?
A: No. You need to list trailers and mounted equipment on your policy. If they’re not listed, damage or loss may not be covered.
Q7: What is Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage?
A: HNOA covers vehicles your business doesn’t own—like employee-owned cars used for work or vehicles you rent. It protects your business if there’s an accident involving one of those vehicles.
Q8: Do I need cargo or pollution coverage?
A: If your business hauls tools, goods, or chemicals, you may need these coverages. Regular commercial auto insurance often does not include them.
Q9: What roadside assistance coverage should I have?
A: Roadside coverage should include towing, battery jumps, flat tire help, and lockout service—especially useful for businesses that travel in rural areas.
Q10: What documents should drivers keep in company vehicles?
A: Each vehicle should have:
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A current insurance ID card
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Accident reporting instructions
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A Certificate of Insurance (COI), if needed for job sites
Q11: How can I help drivers report accidents the right way?
A: Give them clear instructions and a basic report form. Teach them what to photograph, who to call, and what to say (or not say) after a crash.
Q12: When should I review my commercial auto policy?
A: At least once a year—preferably before the busy summer season. A quick review can help avoid problems and keep your policy up to date.
Q13: Can using GPS or dash cams help my business?
A: Yes. These tools can lower your insurance costs, help in accident disputes, and improve driver safety.
Q14: What if I’m not sure if my coverage matches what others in my industry have?
A: Ask your insurance agent to compare your policy to similar businesses. You may need to increase your limits or add coverage to stay competitive and protected.
This article has been a collaboration between Kelstar Insurance and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on July 11, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with Kelstar Insurance's expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.