Suppose you use your personal car for business. In that case, even if it is for a sideline or for a business you run from your home office, and especially if you drive across state lines in the course of business, you need business insurance. Whether you live in Muskegon, MI, or anywhere in Michigan, here are five things your agent at Janis-Shanta Insurance wants you to know about commercial car insurance.

• Your personal policy covers you when you drive to and from work, but not when you use your car for work. This includes running errands for your home office, driving to meet clients, and using your vehicle for hauling or as an Uber or Lyft.
• You need your own commercial coverage when leasing or borrowing a car for work. You can’t depend on a friend’s policy to replace hired and non-owned (HONA) coverage.
• If you are arrested for driving without commercial insurance in Michigan, you can face a misdemeanor charge with a potential fine of $500 and a possible jail sentence of up to one year. You can also lose your driver’s license for 30 days and be required to submit proof of insurance to get it back.
• Most importantly, when using your personal car for business, your auto policy will not cover you for collision, comprehensive, or liability. You can also be liable for personal injury or damage to another driver’s car if you are involved in an accident.

Michigan Insurance Requirements

Michigan requires personal injury protection plus:

• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per person involved in an accident
• $100,000 for bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $10,000 for property damage in another state
• $250,000 for personal injury protection for each person involved in an accident (or a lesser amount for individuals enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare)

Let Janis-Shunta Insurance get you ready for the road in Muskegon, MI, and beyond. Call us today!