The term ‘Artisan use’ in auto insurance means a carpenter or a landscaper who drives to different locations regularly and periodically as part of their business activities. When the vehicle is insured their tools, ladders or any other equipment will not be covered under this auto insurance policy. Insurance companies have different definitions for the word artisan use for the purpose of insuring vehicles for small businesses or contractors whose business involves use of his tools at the customer’s home or at the location of their business. Apart from the regular services the artisans may include those who provide piano tuning, interior design or tree surgery etc. To know if you qualify for a business endorsement on your car insurance policy on the artisan use of your vehicle, you can check with your insurance company.
If a vehicle is used by such artisans for carrying out activities of your business your policy should have an endorsement to that effect. This endorsement is optional. The endorsement is obtained to give protection to the artisans who operate your vehicle as part of the business activities. If the endorsement is required the vehicle owner has to buy a higher auto insurance coverage limit. It may be a personal car insurance policy or for a fleet of vehicles used in a business and their equipment is permanently attached to the vehicles.
The word ‘artisan’ is used in connection with auto insurance policy when you own or lease a vehicle and allow it to be operated by a named person who is insured or a member of the household. Artisan use comes into play when this vehicle is used to transport materials and tools related to the owner’s business or trade. The weight of the equipment must not exceed 500 lb. The vehicle should not be used for transporting inflammable material or explosives.
The list of occupations that fall under the description of ‘Artisan’ may include but not limited to the following:
- Landscapers
- Appliance repairers
- Photographers
- Carpenters
- Painters
- Plasterers
- Cabinet makers
- Furniture repairmen
- Electrician
- Roofers
- Fence installers
- Tree trimmers
- Pool cleaners
- Construction workers
- Drapery installers
- Carpet installers
- TV/Radio repairmen
- Upholsters
- AC / heating repairmen
- Welder,
- Interior decorators
- Janitorial services
Owners of trucks can avail specialized policies for covering their artisans.
The insurance program designed for artisan contractor is meant to package all the types of the standard coverage, like property and liability, but the vehicle owners also can opt to tailor certain coverage to suit their business enterprises. The business may be a sole proprietorship where the vehicle is not driven by employees. On the other hand the vehicle may be the one designated solely for artisan use.