Commercial Auto Insurance for Barbershops in Ohio: What You Need and What It Costs

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used for business purposes. Ohio barbershops that use vehicles to transport equipment, make supply runs, operate a mobile barbershop, or travel between locations need commercial auto coverage. Personal auto insurance policies typically exclude business use, leaving barbershop owners with no coverage when a vehicle is used for business and an accident occurs.

Quick Answer

Estimated commercial auto premiums for Ohio barbershops:

Vehicle Use	Estimated Annual Commercial Auto Premium
Single vehicle, supply and errand use	$850 to $1,800 per year
Mobile barbershop vehicle	$1,400 to $3,000 per year
Small fleet (2 to 3 vehicles)	$2,400 to $5,200 per year

Ohio commercial auto premiums are near the national average.

What Commercial Auto Covers for Ohio Barbershops

Liability Coverage

Covers bodily injury and property damage caused by your business vehicle to third parties in an at-fault accident.

Collision Coverage

Covers damage to your business vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or object.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers non-collision damage to your business vehicle, including theft, hail, and storm damage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Covers bodily injury to you or your employees when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.

Medical Payments Coverage

Covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers of your business vehicle regardless of fault.

Ohio-Specific Considerations

Ohio Commercial Auto Minimum Requirements

Ohio requires commercial vehicles to carry liability insurance. Ohio minimum liability limits are $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Most barbershop business vehicles should carry higher limits to protect business assets.

Ohio BWC and Commercial Auto

Ohio's BWC monopoly workers comp covers employee injuries, not vehicle accidents. Commercial auto is a separate coverage that addresses accidents involving business vehicles. Ohio barbershop owners need both if they have employees and business vehicles.

Mobile Barbershop Vehicles

Mobile barbershop operations in Ohio require commercial auto coverage for the vehicle. Ohio winters increase collision risk, and comprehensive coverage protects against hail damage common in the Midwest.

Personal Auto Exclusion

Ohio personal auto policies typically exclude coverage when a vehicle is used regularly for business purposes. Ohio barbershop owners using personal vehicles for business should obtain commercial auto coverage.

Hired and Non-Owned Auto

Ohio barbershop owners who use personal vehicles or rent vehicles for business should consider hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) coverage for liability exposure on non-owned vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ohio barbershops need commercial auto insurance?

Ohio barbershops that use vehicles for business purposes need commercial auto coverage. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use.

Does commercial auto cover equipment inside the vehicle in Ohio?

Not automatically. Standard commercial auto covers the vehicle, not equipment stored inside. Consider an inland marine policy for tools and equipment transported in your vehicle.

How much does commercial auto cost for an Ohio mobile barbershop?

Ohio mobile barbershop operators typically pay $1,400 to $3,000 per year for commercial auto insurance, depending on vehicle type, location, driving history, and coverage limits.

What is hired and non-owned auto coverage?

Hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) coverage extends commercial auto liability to vehicles you rent or employees' personal vehicles used for business purposes.

Does a personal auto policy cover business use in Ohio?

Typically no. Ohio personal auto policies exclude regular business use. Obtain commercial auto coverage for business vehicles.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Ohio Department of Insurance
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• Insurance Information Institute
• Professional Beauty Association