Commercial Auto Insurance
What Is Vehicle Use Classification in Commercial Auto Insurance?
Vehicle use class describes how a vehicle is primarily used — service, retail, commercial, artisan, etc. Contractors typically fall under ‘artisan’ or ‘contractor’ use classifications.
What is vehicle use classification on a commercial auto policy?
Insurance carriers classify commercial vehicles by how they’re used to determine risk and rate accordingly. Key classes for contractors: Artisan (tradespeople going to/from job sites), Commercial (delivering goods for others), and Dump Truck/Contractor Equipment (specialized heavy use).
Accurate classification is critical. A truck rated as a service vehicle used for contractor hauling is misclassified — and a claim could be denied if the use at the time of loss doesn’t match the policy classification.
When getting quotes, describe exactly how your vehicles are used. Your agent should match each vehicle to the appropriate use class to ensure valid coverage.
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