Commercial Auto for Pool Techs — Why Your Personal Policy Won’t Cut It

Think your personal auto policy covers your work truck? Think again. Pool contractors need commercial auto insurance to protect their business and avoid costly claim denials. 

 If your pool service business uses a pickup truck, van, or utility trailer to carry tools and chemicals — your personal auto insurance probably won’t cover a claim. And that can be a nightmare when an accident happens on the way to a job. 

Unfortunately, many pool contractors don’t realize they’re exposed until it’s too late. 

Why Personal Auto Insurance Isn’t Enough 

Most personal auto policies exclude “business use” in the fine print. That means if you or an employee crashes while: 

• Driving to a client’s house 

• Towing a trailer with pumps or gear 

• Hauling chemicals like chlorine 

• Making deliveries or service runs 

…your personal insurer can deny the claim. No repairs. No liability coverage. Just a big bill — and possibly a lawsuit. 

We’ve seen this firsthand. One local contractor had a fender bender while en route to a maintenance job. The truck had a wrap with his business name on it, and the adjuster asked one question: “Were you working?” That was all it took to deny the claim. 

What Commercial Auto Covers That You Need 

A commercial auto policy is designed to protect you, your drivers, your vehicles, and your tools in the real world. 

It includes: 

• Liability coverage if you injure someone or damage property 

• Collision & comprehensive for your vehicle’s physical damage 

• Medical payments or PIP for injured passengers or drivers 

• Uninsured motorist coverage 

• Rental reimbursement and towing 

• Optional equipment or cargo protection 

• Hired/non-owned auto coverage (if your employees drive their own vehicles) 

Even if you’re a solo owner-operator, if your vehicle is branded, used for business errands, or stores work equipment — you’re much safer (and often contractually required) to have commercial auto. 

Signs You Definitely Need Commercial Auto 

If you say “yes” to any of these, your personal policy could leave you exposed: 

• Do you drive to more than one jobsite a day? 

• Do you store tools or pumps in your truck? 

• Does your vehicle have your company name on it? 

• Do you tow a trailer with equipment? 

• Do you deduct mileage or expenses for business? 

• Do employees ever use the vehicle? 

A personal auto policy was never designed for this kind of use — even if your insurance rep says “you should be fine.” When a claim hits, “fine” isn’t enough. 

What About Cost? 

Commercial auto doesn’t have to break the bank. We work with pool service companies to find coverage that fits their operations — whether you’ve got one truck or a small fleet. The right policy can protect your vehicles, tools, and the people driving them every day. 

We also help contractors: 

• Choose proper vehicle classifications 

• Add or remove drivers quickly 

• Get proper additional insured or certificates for commercial clients 

• Structure deductibles to balance risk and premium

Don’t Wait for a Denied Claim to Learn This Lesson 

If you’re on the road every day, you’re not running a personal vehicle — you’re running a business asset. Treat it like one. 

McKnight Insurance works with pool builders, service pros, and water feature installers across Texas. We speak your language and know which carriers give you the most bang for your buck — without gaps that lead to heartburn later. 

 

Ready to Protect Your Work Truck the Right Way? 

Let’s make sure you’re covered before your next job.
Call McKnight Insurance for a quote — or book a 15-minute checkup. 

You work hard. Don’t let one accident on the way to a jobsite cost you everything.