Think You Don’t Need Commercial Auto Insurance? Think Again

Why Personal Auto Insurance May Not Be Enough

Let’s say your hygienist runs a work errand in their personal car and gets into a fender-bender. Their personal insurance may cover the initial damage—but if the injured party finds out the trip was for work? The injured party could sue your practice directly.

Here’s what can happen:

• The employee’s policy may deny or limit coverage

• The other driver’s lawyer finds out it was a business trip

• Your business gets pulled into a liability claim

• You end up footing legal bills and damages that your office policy doesn’t touch

The Solution: Commercial Auto and Hired/Non-Owned Auto Coverage

Dental offices that use vehicles (even just occasionally) should consider one or both of the following:

1. Commercial Auto Insurance

If your practice owns any vehicles—say, a branded SUV or a delivery van—this policy is essential. It covers:

• Liability for injuries or property damage

• Physical damage to your business-owned vehicle

• Medical expenses

• Legal fees related to an auto-related claim

2. Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) Coverage

This add-on (or standalone policy) covers vehicles not owned by the business but used for business purposes. It’s especially valuable if:

• Staff members run errands in personal vehicles

• You rent or lease a car for business travel

• You occasionally hire delivery drivers

This policy can help with:

• Liability if your employee causes an accident while driving their own car for work

• Supplementing personal auto coverage if limits are too low

• Legal defense costs if your practice is named in a lawsuit

Real-World Scenarios Where Coverage Saves the Day

Scenario 1: Staff Errand Accident

An employee runs to the supply store in their own vehicle and rear-ends another car. The other driver sues both the employee and the dental office.
HNOA coverage steps in.

Scenario 2: Conference Travel Mishap

Your practice rents a van to drive to a dental expo in Baton Rouge. During the trip, someone sideswipes a parked car.
Hired auto coverage kicks in.

Scenario 3: Bank Deposit Gone Wrong

An office manager is hit by an uninsured driver while taking a deposit to the bank.
HNOA coverage can help cover damages and legal defense if your practice is dragged into the claim.

What Commercial Auto Doesn’t Cover

While it’s a vital piece of protection, commercial auto doesn’t cover:

• Employee injuries (handled by workers’ comp)

• Physical damage to employee-owned vehicles (only liability)

• Personal use of company vehicles without proper endorsement

This is why it’s important to discuss exact vehicle usage with your insurance advisor to avoid gaps.

What Coverage Does Your Dental Practice Need?

Every dental office is different. Some only have staff on foot. Others rely on employees to make regular drives across town. Here’s how to start:

1. Audit your current activity—Do employees ever drive for the business? Do you rent vehicles for events or training?

2. Review your current policy—Does it include commercial auto or HNOA coverage?

3. Talk to your agent—Even if you don’t think you need this coverage, it’s worth reviewing your exposure.

A Quick Note About Louisiana Law

Louisiana is a “direct action” state. That means a third party can sue your business directly in an auto accident—without going through your employee or their insurer first. That increases the likelihood that you get named in the lawsuit, even if your practice doesn’t own the vehicle involved.

One Accident Could Open the Door to a Big Liability

You’ve worked hard to build a professional, trusted dental office. Don’t let a simple supply run turn into a legal and financial mess.

At Kastner Insurance, we help dental offices across Louisiana—from Lafayette and Baton Rouge to New Orleans and Alexandria—protect their businesses with commercial coverage that actually fits how they operate.

Let’s talk about whether commercial auto or HNOA protection makes sense for your office. You don’t need a fleet to need protection.

About Kastner Insurance Group