can an employee insure a company car

[StLucille]

Yes, an employee can often insure a company car on their personal auto policy, but it is generally not recommended and is typically a last-resort solution. The company that owns the vehicle is almost always considered the primary insurer. Your personal policy is designed for vehicles you own or lease personally. Insuring a car you don't own can lead to complications with claims, potential coverage gaps, and policy cancellation.

The standard and correct procedure is for the employer to provide the insurance. The company should have a commercial auto policy that covers all owned vehicles and any employees driving them for business purposes. This policy is the primary coverage. If you are involved in an accident while on company business, the company's commercial policy responds first. Your personal insurance might only act as secondary coverage if the commercial policy's limits are exhausted.

Some employees, especially those who take a company car home regularly, might consider a non-owner car insurance policy. This is a specific type of liability coverage for people who frequently drive vehicles they don't own. It provides an extra layer of protection but does not replace the company's primary commercial policy.

Before considering any personal coverage, you must have a clear conversation with your employer's HR or fleet management department. Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate for the vehicle to verify that adequate coverage is in place. Relying on your personal policy can be risky. Insurers may deny a claim if they determine the vehicle was used for business purposes and should have been covered under a commercial policy, leaving you personally liable.

Scenario	Recommended Insurance Approach	Key Consideration
Regular use for company errands	Company's Commercial Auto Policy	Employer is legally responsible for primary coverage.
Taking car home nightly	Company Policy + Possible Non-Owner Policy	Non-owner policy adds personal liability protection.
Using car for personal errands	Clarify "Permissive Use" in Company Policy	Most policies allow incidental personal use, but limits apply.
Ridesharing/Delivery with company car	Specialized Commercial Endorsement	Personal policies and standard commercial policies often exclude this.
Employee's personal car used for work	Personal Policy + Employer's Hired/Non-Owned Coverage	Employer's policy should cover liability when using your car for their tasks.

[OJameson]

Talk to your boss or HR first. The company should be handling the insurance on their cars—that’s standard practice. Putting it on your own policy is asking for trouble. If you get in a wreck, your insurance company might say it’s not your car to insure and deny the claim. Then you’re stuck. Always get proof of insurance from your company before you even drive the car off the lot.