Tiffany had been juggling a packed schedule—three property showings, a closing, and two listing appointments. While racing to meet a client in Lafayette, she rear-ended a delivery van at a stoplight. No one was hurt, but the damage to both vehicles was enough to cause serious delays—not to mention a major headache. Her personal auto policy didn’t cover the incident because she was using her car for business. The worst part? Her client found another broker while she dealt with insurance fallout.
That was the moment Tiffany learned just how important commercial auto insurance can be for a real estate business.
If you're in the real estate business in Louisiana, you’re on the road—a lot. From Alexandria to Baton Rouge, brokers spend a big chunk of the day traveling between homes, offices, and closings. Most real estate professionals don’t think twice about using a personal car for work, but that can be a major insurance blind spot.
Commercial auto insurance is specifically designed to cover vehicles used for business. Without it, you could be left footing the bill after an accident—even if you weren’t at fault.
Commercial auto policies go beyond what a personal policy can offer when you're using a vehicle for business purposes. Here's what this type of coverage typically includes:
If you're found legally responsible for an accident, this helps pay for damages to other vehicles, property, or injuries.
This includes collision and comprehensive coverage to help repair or replace your vehicle, whether it's damaged in a crash or hit by a falling tree at a property you’re showing.
If you or your passengers are injured, medical costs can add up fast. This part of the policy helps cover those bills.
If you're hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage—or any at all—this keeps your real estate business from absorbing the financial impact.
Louisiana has its own quirks when it comes to road safety and insurance requirements. Real estate brokers here face everything from unpredictable weather and flooded roads to distracted drivers in high-traffic areas like Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Additionally, some clients request property showings in remote or rural locations, where cell service is unreliable and help may not arrive quickly after an accident. Having commercial auto insurance gives you a backup plan in those what-if scenarios.
Too often, real estate professionals assume their personal auto policy will cover any accidents they get into on the job. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.
Even if you’re just using your car to meet clients or drive to a closing, your insurance provider might consider that commercial use—and deny your claim.
If you’ve hired assistants or buyer’s agents who use their own cars, you could also be liable if they get into an accident while working under your business.
Not every agent or broker needs a full commercial auto policy, but if any of the following apply to you, it’s time to take a closer look:
You use your car regularly for showings, closings, or client meetings.
Your vehicle has branding (like a logo or signage).
Employees drive for business purposes.
You transport equipment or staging materials.
You lease or finance vehicles through your company.
If you answered yes to any of the above, commercial auto coverage might be the missing piece in your risk management strategy.
Working with an independent insurance advisor makes a big difference. They can help you:
Determine if you need a standalone commercial policy or can add a business use rider.
Understand coverage limits and deductibles.
Identify any gaps between your personal and commercial policies.
Find carriers that offer the best value for Louisiana-based brokers.
Your business needs may shift over time, so it's smart to review your policy annually or when you change vehicles, hire staff, or expand operations.
You can’t afford to gamble when you’re driving between listings or closings. Commercial auto insurance helps protect your real estate firm, your personal assets, and your reputation. It’s more than just another policy—it’s peace of mind that you won’t lose a deal (or a client) over a roadside mishap.
If you’re a real estate broker in Louisiana, especially in places like Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Alexandria, or Lake Charles, don’t wait until something happens to discover a coverage gap. Let Kastner Insurance help you protect your business every mile of the way.
Founded in 2017, Kastner Insurance Group is a full-service, independent insurance broker based in Lafayette, LA. Our insurance agents specialize in offering a variety of insurance products tailored to individual and commercial needs, making sure clients receive personalized and comprehensive coverage options from a variety of insurance companies/insurance carriers.
With over 43 years of combined experience, the team at Kastner Insurance Group is dedicated to providing expert advice and exceptional service. They proudly serve professional offices and businesses across Lafayette city/parish, Youngsville, Broussard, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Alexandria, Acadiana, and statewide in Louisiana.
Call us today or visit our website for a customized quote.
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