Why personal auto policies don't cover work trucks
Almost every personal auto policy contains a 'business use' exclusion. If you have an at-fault accident in your pickup while hauling materials to a job site, the personal carrier can — and frequently does — deny the claim. The injured party's medical bills and the damaged third-party vehicle become your personal responsibility. Commercial auto exists specifically to cover business use, and most general contractors require their subs to carry it before allowing trucks on the job site.
What commercial auto covers
A standard commercial auto policy includes liability (bodily injury and property damage to third parties), physical damage on owned vehicles (collision and comprehensive), uninsured/underinsured motorist, and medical payments. Hired and non-owned auto liability extends coverage when employees use their personal vehicles for work errands or rent vehicles in the company's name. For roofing contractors, hired and non-owned is critical — your sales rep using their own truck to drive to an estimate is exposing the company to liability that only this endorsement covers.
Cargo and equipment in the truck
Commercial auto covers the truck itself but does not cover the contents — your tools, ladders, and materials. Coverage for what's IN the truck comes from inland marine (tools and equipment) coverage, which is a separate policy line. Insurers usually quote both at the same time, but they're priced and underwritten independently.
What roofers should look for
Limits of $1,000,000 combined single limit are standard for roofing contractors. Lower limits (like $300,000 or $500,000) save a small amount on premium but rarely meet GC contract requirements and rarely cover a serious bodily injury claim. Add hired and non-owned auto if any employee ever uses their personal vehicle for work. Add a tools and equipment endorsement or a separate inland marine policy to cover the contents of the truck.