If you think commercial auto insurance is just for businesses, think again.

People often associate commercial auto insurance with businesses — rightfully so. When companies need to insure a fleet of vehicles that are used for business, they often purchase commercial auto insurance. However, commercial auto insurance isn't strictly for businesses. Individuals may also need a commercial auto policy to insure their vehicles depending on the types of vehicles they use and how they use them. Additionally, an individual may require a commercial auto policy depending on who is driving or riding in the vehicle.

Here are a few things to consider if you're thinking about purchasing a commercial auto policy for your vehicle.

What kind of vehicle do you drive?

You probably already know you'll need a commercial auto policy if you drive a semi, a tow truck or a dump truck, but did you know that you may not be able to purchase commercial auto insurance for some types of vehicles, even if they're used for business? Some types of vehicles, such as monster trucks, double-decker buses, emergency vehicles or other types of unique vehicles can't be insured under a Progressive commercial auto policy. Check with your insurance company to find out what restrictions exist for types of vehicles you can insure.

But what if you drive a van or a two-ton truck? Do you need a commercial auto policy for these? How you use your vehicle determines how it should be insured, explained below.

How do you use your vehicle?

If you simply cart your family around in your van or you drive your truck for normal daily use, which means you don't conduct business in it or use it during your normal course of business, you should be able to choose a personal auto policy. However, if you use your vehicle for business purposes, you may need a commercial auto policy.

Do you deliver pizzas, newspapers, food or other types of products in your vehicle? If so, you may need to insure it with a commercial auto policy. Your personal auto policy may specifically exclude these actions from coverage, which means an accident or other loss may not be covered by your insurance if it's not a commercial auto policy. These actions are considered part of conducting business, which is why they most likely would be covered by a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy.

If you transport people from one place to another for a fee, such as a taxi service, you also may need a commercial auto policy, as this type of action is not covered by a personal auto policy.

Do you car pool?

If you participate in a shared-expense car pool — one in which everyone in the car pool proportionately contributes to cover the actual travel expenses — you should still be able to insure your vehicle under a personal auto policy rather than a commercial auto policy. Check with your company for specifics around car pools.

Who drives or rides in your vehicle?

If you rent, lease or otherwise provide your vehicle to someone for compensation, your personal auto policy may not cover your vehicle if it's damaged in an accident. These actions most likely are specifically excluded in a personal auto policy.

Another consideration is who's riding with you. Let's say you use your car to meet clients and drive to worksites every day. Your coworker is riding in your car while you're doing business and you're involved in an accident that's your fault. Your coworker is injured in the accident and amasses $500 for medical care. Your personal auto insurance most likely would not cover your friend's injuries due to the nature of your vehicle use. However, a commercial auto policy most likely would cover the accident and related injuries and damage.

Check your policy for specific details.

As always, states may differ in how they define commercial auto and personal auto policies, so make sure you check your policy for details about what is and isn't covered.

Progressive offers both commercial auto insurance and personal auto insurance policies. For a commercial auto quote and answers to any questions you may have, call us at 1-888-806-9598.

You also can receive a personal auto insurance quote online 24/7, or you can call us 24/7 at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737).