Commercial Auto Insurance
Real fleet accident claims and lessons learned
Understanding how commercial auto claims unfold helps you improve fleet safety and manage incidents more effectively when they occur.
These scenarios show how commercial auto coverage responds to real accidents, from minor fender-benders to serious collisions. Each includes lessons for prevention and claims handling.
Multi-vehicle accident in intersection
What Happened
A delivery driver ran a red light and caused a chain-reaction accident involving three vehicles. Two people were seriously injured, requiring hospitalization.
Coverage Response
Commercial auto liability covered all third-party injuries and vehicle damage up to the $1M policy limit. Defense costs were covered separately. The claim settled for $875,000.
Key Takeaway: Distracted driving was a factor—the driver was checking a delivery app. The company implemented hands-free device requirements and in-cab cameras after this incident.
Work truck backs into parked vehicle
What Happened
A crew leader backing a work truck in a crowded job site struck a subcontractor's new pickup, causing $15,000 in damage to the other vehicle.
Coverage Response
Commercial auto liability covered the property damage claim in full. No deductible applied to liability claims.
Key Takeaway: Backing accidents are among the most common fleet claims. The contractor added backup cameras to all trucks and implemented a spotter requirement for tight spaces.
Company car totaled by uninsured driver
What Happened
An uninsured driver crossed the center line and struck a sales rep's company car head-on. The employee suffered whiplash, and the vehicle was totaled.
Coverage Response
Uninsured motorist coverage paid for the employee's medical bills. Collision coverage paid the actual cash value of the totaled vehicle ($35,000) less the $1,000 deductible.
Key Takeaway: Uninsured motorist coverage proved critical—the at-fault driver had no assets to pursue. The company increased UM limits to match liability limits after this claim.
Trailer detachment causes highway accident
What Happened
An improperly secured trailer detached from a landscape truck on the highway, striking two vehicles. No serious injuries, but significant vehicle damage occurred.
Coverage Response
The trailer was covered under the auto policy. Liability coverage paid for damage to both third-party vehicles ($45,000 combined). The landscape company's trailer was also repaired under collision coverage.
Key Takeaway: Pre-trip inspections are essential. The company implemented a checklist system and trailer inspection training after DOT cited them for the incident.
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