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What Is The Best Way To Compare Commercial Auto Insurance?

Compare Commercial Auto Insurance to find the best coverage for your business needs. compare.edu.vn offers detailed comparisons of top providers, ensuring you get the right protection at a competitive price. Explore options for business vehicle insurance and commercial vehicle coverage to safeguard your assets and operations.

1. Compare Commercial Auto Insurance Companies

When searching for commercial auto insurance, Travelers stands out as a top choice, but Progressive, Geico, Erie, and State Farm also offer compelling options. Let’s delve into a comparison of these companies, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

1.1 Commercial Auto Insurance Provider Ratings

Here’s a comparison of the top companies for commercial vehicle insurance:

Business Auto Insurance Provider Our Rating (Out of 5) Company Award
Travelers 4.9 Best for Most Drivers
Progressive 4.7 Best for Safe Drivers
Geico 4.5 Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Erie Insurance 4.7 Best Customer Experience
State Farm 4.4 Customizable Commercial Coverage

1.2 Travelers: Best for Most Drivers

Travelers, founded in 1853, holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating a strong ability to settle claims. According to a poll conducted in January 2025, 76% of Travelers customers reported satisfaction with their provider. Travelers also boasts a low complaint index of 0.3, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, significantly fewer complaints compared to other companies of its size.

Pros

  • Dependable coverage for both personal and commercial vehicles.
  • Outstanding industry ratings.
  • Offers accident forgiveness and minor violation forgiveness.

Cons

  • Limited service area.

Travelers’ commercial auto insurance is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., covering passenger vehicles, vans, light trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and other business-related vehicles. They also offer industry-specific and fleet vehicle coverage.

1.3 Progressive: Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers

Progressive is known for insuring nearly any type of driver or vehicle, making it a solid option for commercial auto insurance. They protect a wide range of business vehicles, from food trucks to tractor-trailers. In the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study, Progressive scored slightly above the industry average, demonstrating a positive customer shopping experience.

Pros

  • Covers all types of commercial vehicles.
  • Approves most drivers.
  • Extensive coverage policies.

Cons

  • Subpar claims process.
  • Not always the lowest rates.

Progressive was the largest commercial auto insurer in the country in 2023, according to the NAIC, and has an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. Their technology offerings are notable, with high ratings for their app on both Google Play (4.6 stars) and the App Store (4.8 stars). Progressive’s NAIC complaint ratio is 1.1 for commercial auto, performing about average for the industry.

Progressive writes commercial auto insurance policies in all 50 states but not Washington, D.C., insuring vehicles like personal cars used for business, motorhomes, buses, limousines, trucks, and trailers. However, they do not cover exhibition or emergency vehicles.

1.4 Geico: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers

Geico offers business auto insurance at some of the lowest rates and has an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, ensuring they can easily cover claims. Geico consistently ranked in the top 10 for customer satisfaction across many regions in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Their mobile app has high ratings on both the App Store (4.8 stars) and Google Play (4.6 stars).

Pros

  • Typically cheap for coverage.
  • Superior financial strength.
  • Offers comprehensive coverage options.

Cons

  • Doesn’t cover tractor-trailers.
  • High NAIC complaint index.

Geico’s commercial auto insurance policies exclude coverage for tractor-trailers and semis. Their NAIC complaint index is 6.96 for commercial auto, meaning they receive about 7 times more complaints than other comparable companies. Geico offers commercial auto insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but the exclusions for tractor-trailers should be noted.

1.5 Erie: Best for Basic Insurance Coverage

Erie has a wide selection of discounts for everyday drivers and a variety of coverage options for commercial vehicle insurance. Besides standard liability and commercial coverages, Erie offers extras like daily earnings loss coverage, legal fee reimbursement, bail bonds, and airbag replacement coverage.

Pros

  • Comprehensive commercial coverage add-ons.
  • Unique insurance add-ons and coverage extras.
  • Positive industry reputation.

Cons

  • Not available in every state.
  • Low BBB customer rating.

Commercial auto customers can add transportation expenses, roadside assistance, and income protection. With Erie’s Business Auto Enhancement, drivers get medical evacuation reimbursement, lease/loan gap coverage, and worldwide hired auto coverage. Erie ranked highly in the regions where it operates in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, and its NAIC complaint index score is 0.44, meaning about 50% fewer customer complaints compared to the average.

Erie Insurance is only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

1.6 State Farm: Customizable Commercial Coverage

State Farm provides customizable insurance plans for personal vehicles, and their commercial auto insurance coverage is no different, offering a range from basic liability to comprehensive plans. State Farm customers can access an extensive network of local and regional insurance agents and file claims online. The company placed fourth in the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study, earning 695 out of 1,000 points.

Pros

  • Positive industry reputation.
  • Wide network of local agents.
  • Customizable commercial insurance coverage.

Cons

  • Mixed customer reviews.
  • No coverage available in Rhode Island or Massachusetts.

State Farm placed between first and fifth place in most regions of the United States in the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Survey. Its mobile apps are highly rated, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the App Store and 4.5 out of 5 on Google Play. State Farm’s NAIC complaint index score for commercial auto is 2.22, about twice the industry average.

State Farm commercial auto policies are available in 48 states (including Washington, D.C.) except Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

2. What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial auto insurance is the coverage required for vehicles regularly used to conduct business functions, including commercial trucks, large fleets, vehicles owned, leased, or hired for business use, delivery vehicles, construction vehicles, maintenance vehicles, food trucks, and agricultural vehicles.

2.1 Personal vs. Commercial Car Insurance

Commercial vehicle insurance covers damages during business use, whether the vehicle is driven by you or an authorized driver. Personal auto insurance policies only cover you when a car is used outside of commercial activities. Business car insurance often has higher coverage limits and can cover hired vehicles, personal employee vehicles when used for commercial purposes.

3. How Much Is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Most business owners can expect to spend at least $2,000 per year for full-coverage commercial auto insurance. However, policy premiums can vary widely depending on factors like your industry, vehicle type, and provider.

3.1 Commercial Car Insurance Quotes

Here’s an example of commercial auto insurance quotes for a 2020 Ford Transit-150 used by a painting business in Pittsburgh:

Auto Insurance Provider Estimated Monthly Rate Estimated Annual Rate
Geico $167 $2,004
Progressive $221 $2,646

To receive a business auto insurance quote, you can shop online or talk to an agent. Before getting quotes from multiple providers, have this information ready:

  • Basic driver information (name, insurance history, driving history)
  • Basic business information (name, location, type of business)
  • Vehicle make, model, location, and its use
  • Estimated number of daily trips and trip length
  • Current personal auto coverage information
  • Desired coverage level
  • Approximate values of tools, equipment, or valuables carried
  • USDOT Number (if applicable)
  • Other business insurance coverages
  • Number of additional drivers or waiver of subrogation holders
  • Any endorsements you want to purchase (blanket additional insured or waiver of subrogation)

3.2 Average Commercial Car Insurance Cost By Industry

The industry significantly influences the premium you receive. Here are average commercial auto insurance costs for small businesses by industry:

Business Industry Category Average Monthly Commercial Auto Insurance Cost Average Annual Commercial Auto Insurance Cost
Auto Services $69 $828
Media and Advertising $92 $1,104
Wholesale $102 $1,224
Building Design $122 $1,464
Nonprofits $123 $1,476
Real Estate $138 $1,656
Retail $138 $1,656
Professional Services $139 $1,668
Consulting $151 $1,812
Food and Beverage $152 $1,824
Cleaning Services $163 $1,956
Construction and Contracting $173 $2,076
Landscaping $180 $2,160
Installation Professionals $184 $2,208
IT/Technology $198 $2,376

*Cost information is according to aggregated Insureon customer data for all levels of coverage.

3.3 Is Commercial Auto Insurance More Expensive?

Commercial auto coverage typically costs more than personal auto coverage because business vehicles are generally at a higher risk of damage. This is especially true if you’re in an industry that requires you to drive often and/or for long distances. Commercial vehicles and the property in them also tend to have higher values, raising premiums due to larger replacement costs.

3.4 What Affects Commercial Car Insurance Costs?

Several factors impact car insurance premiums, and some apply specifically to commercial auto insurance:

  • Location: Those in cities usually pay higher rates than rural residents.
  • Type of vehicle: Higher-value vehicles will most likely cost more to insure.
  • Coverage limits: The insurance amount you put on the vehicle determines pricing.
  • Type of business: Contractors and landscapers carry heavy equipment and may pay higher rates than those who mainly use cars for food delivery.
  • Employees’ driving records: Insurance providers will consider the driving history of regular users and adjust premiums accordingly.
  • Vehicle load: If you’ll routinely be hauling supplies, that will be accounted for in rates.
  • Chosen deductible: If you choose a high deductible, you’ll receive lower premiums.
  • State regulations: Depending on the state your vehicle is registered in, you’ll have different coverage requirements that affect total costs.

4. Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage

Commercial auto insurance can cover bodily injury, property damage, collision, medical payment, and uninsured motorist coverage. Policies are also available with comprehensive and personal injury protection.

4.1 What Does Commercial Car Insurance Cover?

The types of commercial auto insurance coverage are similar to those from personal car insurance policies:

Type of Auto Insurance Description
Bodily injury (BI) liability insurance Liability car insurance that pays for the medical expenses of other drivers when you’re at fault for an accident
Property damage (PD) liability coverage Physical damage coverage that takes care of repairs for other vehicles after an accident you cause
Collision insurance Collision coverage that pays for damages to your vehicle caused by a car accident, regardless of fault
Comprehensive insurance Protects your vehicle against damages due to environmental factors, theft, and vandalism
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage Covers your medical and funeral expenses if you’re involved in an accident
Personal injury protection (PIP) Takes care of your medical expenses in no-fault car insurance states
Uninsured motorist coverage Covers medical bills and property damage from an accident caused by an uninsured driver

4.2 Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage Add-ons

Many car insurance companies offer additional types of coverage, such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and towing services. These commercial auto insurance add-ons are optional, but they may add peace of mind in the event of a mechanical breakdown.

5. Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Anyone who regularly uses their vehicle for business purposes must purchase commercial auto insurance. Here are a few situations when you’ll be required to carry a commercial policy:

  • You drive many miles for work: Those who commonly drive to various work sites, factories, and stores will need commercial auto insurance.
  • You transport work tools: If you’re often carrying work-related machinery or equipment in your personal car, personal car insurance won’t be enough.
  • You drive to make money: If you transport goods or people for a living, you must purchase a businessowners policy for your vehicle.
  • You have a fleet of trucks or vans: Business owners with vehicles used for work purposes must cover these company cars with commercial auto insurance.

Commercial auto insurance isn’t the same as rideshare insurance, which you’ll want to purchase if you drive for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. Commuting to work is considered personal use, so you won’t need commercial auto insurance for that activity.

If your company uses hired or borrowed vehicles, such as rental cars or an employee’s car, you’ll need non-owner car insurance. This basic coverage provides commercial vehicle insurance for short-term needs, typically paying for general liability and legal defense costs.

5.1 Do I Need Both Commercial And Personal Car Insurance?

You do need both a personal car insurance policy and a policy for commercial auto insurance if you own a business. Vehicles are generally considered at higher risk of damage when they’re used to perform business, which is why states have higher requirements for this coverage.

6. Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements By State

If you’ve decided that commercial auto insurance is right for you, it’s necessary to understand the regulations within your state since they vary widely. Here is a breakdown of state-by-state coverage requirements for commercial vehicles:

State Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements
Alabama 1-5 passenger capacity: 25/50/10• 6-20 passenger capacity: 50/200/30• 21+ passenger capacity: 100/500/50• If transporting non-hazardous materials: 100/300/50
Alaska $500,000 bodily injury and $200,000 property damage
Arizona 1-8 passenger capacity: $250,000 combined single limit (CSL) and $250,000 uninsured motorist coverage• 9-15 passenger capacity: $750,000 CSL and $300,000 uninsured motorist coverage• 16+ passenger capacity: $5 million CSL; $300,000 uninsured motorist• If transporting non-hazardous materials: Vehicle weighs 20,001-26,000 pounds you need $300,000 CSL coverage. If more than 26,000 pounds, you need $750,000 CSL coverage• If transporting hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million depending on substance
Arkansas 1-12 passenger capacity: 50/80/30• 13-20 passenger capacity: 50/120/30• 21-30 passenger capacity: 50/160/30• 31 or more passenger capacity: 50/200/30• If transporting non-hazardous materials: 50/100/30• If transporting hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million depending on substance
California 1-7 people: $750,000 CSL coverage• 8-15 people: $1.5 million CSL coverage• 16+ people: $5 million CSL coverage• Transport Vehicle Weight: Under 10,000 pounds needs $300,000 CSL coverage. Over 10,000 pounds needs $750,000 CSL coverage• If transporting home goods: 250/500/100 or $600,000 CSL• If transporting petroleum products/waste: 500/1,000/200 or $1.2 million CSL• If transporting hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million depending on substance
Colorado 1-8 people: $500,000 CSL coverage• 9-15 people: $1.5 million CSL coverage• 16-32 people: $3 million CSL coverage• 33+ people: $5 million CSL coverage• Home and vehicle movers:Towing carriers need $750,000 CSL coverage• Transporter weight: Less than 10,000 pounds needs $300,000 CSL and more than 10,000 pounds needs $750,000 CSL
Connecticut 1-7 people (Passenger non-livery): 50/100/10 or $100,000 CSL coverage• 8-12 people (Passenger non-livery): 50/150/10 or $150,000 CSL coverage• 13-20 people (Passenger non-livery): 50/200/10 or $200,000 CSL coverage• 21-30 people (Passenger non-livery): 50/250/10 or $250,000 CSL coverage• 31+ people (Passenger non-livery): 50/300/10 or $300,000 CSL coverage• Livery transporters: 1-14 person capacity needs $1.5 million CSL and over 15 person capacity vehicles need $5 million CSL coverage• Property carriers: 200/600/100
Delaware Taxis: $25,000 bodily injury and $10,000 property damage coverage• Limousines and charter buses: $100,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage coverage• School buses: $1 million CSL and 100/300 personal injury protection coverage
Florida Passenger vehicles: 100/300/50 or $300,000 CSL• Property carriers: 26,000-34,999 pounds needs $50,000 CSL. 35,000-43,999 pounds needs $100,000 CSL and 44,000 or more pounds needs $300,000 CSL coverage
Georgia 1-12 people (Limos): 100/300/50• 13+ people (Limos): 100/500/50• Intrastate carriers: 100/300/50
Hawaii 1-7 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/200/50• 8-25 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/500/50• 26+ people (Passenger vehicles): 100/1,000/50• Property carriers: 250/750/250
Idaho Passenger vehicles: Capacity of 1-24 people needs $1.5 million CSL and capacity of 25 or more people needs $5 million CSL coverage• Property carriers: non-hazardous transports need $750,000 in CSL coverage and hazardous carriers need anywhere from $1-$5 million depending on the substance
Illinois 10-13 people (Passenger vehicles): $1 million bodily injury and $100,000 property damage• 14-20 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million bodily injury and $100,000 property damage• 21-30 people (Passenger vehicles): $2 million bodily injury and $100,000 property damage• 31+ people (Passenger vehicles): $3 million bodily injury and $100,000 property damage• Medical transport vehicles and other for-hire transport: $250,000 bodily injury, $50,000 property damage or $300,000 CSL• Property carriers: $750,000 CSL• Tow truck operators: $500,000 CSL• Hazardous substance carriers: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance
Indiana 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Contract carriers transporting railroad employees: $5 million CSL• Fleet vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL• Fleet vehicles 10,001 pounds or more: $750 CSL• Hazardous substances transporter: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance
Iowa 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Taxis with fewer than 7 passengers: $1 million CSL• Vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL• Vehicles 10,001 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL• Hazardous substances transporter: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on the substance
Kansas Passenger vehicles: 100/300/50• Property transports: 100/300/50
Kentucky 1-7 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/300/50• 8+ people (Passenger vehicles): 100/600/50• Transport vehicles 18,000 pounds or less: 100/300/50• Transport vehicles over 18,000 pounds: 100/600/50• Carriers of petroleum or petroleum products under 10,000 pounds: 100/300/50• Carriers of other hazardous materials: $1 million CSL
Louisiana Passenger buses: 250/500/10• Trucks: 250/500/10• Passenger-carrying vehicles: 250/500/10• Tow trucks: $500,000 CSL
Maine School bus seating 1-30: $500,000 CSL• School bus seating more than 30: $1 million CSL• Interstate vehicles seating 1-3 people: 50/100/25 or $125,000 CSL• Intrastate vehicles seating 4-7 people: $300,000 CSL• Intrastate vehicles seating 8-15 people: $750,000 CSL• Intrastate vehicles seating 16-30 people: $1.5 million CSL• Intrastate vehicles seating more than 30 people: $2 million CSL• Interstate passenger vehicles: 1-15 people needs $1.5 million CSL and for 16 or more people you need $5 million CSL coverage• Property carriers: $350,000 CSL• Rental cars: 50/100/25• Rental trucks: 50/100/25 or $125,000 CSL
Maryland 1-7 people (Passenger vehicles): 50/100/20 or $120,000 CSL• 8-15 people (Passenger vehicles): 75/200/50 or $250,000 CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): 75/400/100 or $500,000 CSL• Taxis: 25/50/10• Hazardous material transporters: $1 million to $5 million CSL
Massachusetts 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Sightseeing or charters with seating for fewer than 32 people: $1.5 million CSL
Michigan 1-9 people (Passenger vehicles): $1 million CSL• 10-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $2 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL plus property protection• Limousines: $1 million CSL• Taxis: $300,000 CSL• Vehicles 10,000 pounds or over with nonhazardous materials: $500,000 CSL• Vehicles 10,000 pounds or over with hazardous materials: $1 million CSL• Vehicles under 10,000 pounds with nonhazardous materials: 100/300/50 or $1 million CSL
Minnesota 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16 or more people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Nonhazardous material carriers: 100/300/50• Hazardous material carriers: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance
Mississippi 1-15 people (Passenger carriers): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger carriers): $5 million CSL• Carriers under 10,000 pounds with nonhazardous materials: $300,000 CSL• 10,000 pounds or more with nonhazardous materials: $750,000 CSL• Carrier vehicles with hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance
Missouri Interstate for 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• Interstate for 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Intrastate for 1-12 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/300/50• Intrastate for 13+ people (Passenger vehicles): 100/500/50• Tow trucks: $500,000 CSL• Interstate carriers 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL• Intrastate carriers except hazardous waste: 100/300/50• Transporters of hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on materials
Montana 1-7 people (Passenger vehicles): $100,000 CSL• 8-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $500,000 CSL• 16-26 people (Passenger vehicles): $750,000 CSL• Carriers: Under 10,000 pounds needs $100,000 CSL and if 10,000 pounds or more you need $500,000 CSL coverage• Class A tow truck: $300,000 CSL• Class B tow truck: $500,000 CSL• Class C tow truck: $750,000 CSL
Nebraska 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Taxis and limousines: $500,000 CSL• Carriers of property: $750,000 CSL
Nevada 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Taxis and horse-drawn vehicles: 250/500/50• Nonhazardous material carriers: $500,000 to $750,000 CSL, depending on cargo specifics• Hazardous material carriers: 300/2,500/1,000 or 300/2,500/5,000, depending on cargo specifics
New Hampshire • 1-7 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/700/100• 8-12 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/1,500/100• 13+ people (Passenger vehicles): 100/5,000/100
New Jersey 1-12 people (Passenger vehicles): 25/100 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage• 13-20 people (Passenger vehicles): 25/200 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage• 21-20 people (Passenger vehicles): 25/400 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage• 31+ people (Passenger vehicles): 25/600 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage• Limousines: $1.5 million CSL• Jitneys (buses): 10/100/5• Carriers up to 26,000 pounds: $750,000 CSL• Carriers 26,000 pounds or more: $1 million CSL• Garage keepers liability: $100,000 CSL
New Mexico 1-6 people (Passenger vehicles): $1 million CSL• 7-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Household goods carriers: $750,000 CSL• Towing services: $750,000 CSL• Hazardous materials transport: $5 million CSL
New York 1-12 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/300/50• 12 or more people (Passenger vehicles): 100/500/50• Property carriers: 100/300/50• Hazardous materials carriers: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on materials
North Carolina 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 15+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• School buses: $1 million to $1.5 million CSL• Taxis: 100/300/50• Property carriers: 26,000 pounds or less needs 100/300/50 and over 26,000 pounds needs $750,000 CSL coverage
North Dakota 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Fleet vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL• Nonhazardous freight of 10,001 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL• Hazardous freight: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on substance
Ohio 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Intrastate carriers: $750,000 CSL• Hazardous material carriers: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on substance
Oklahoma 1-6 people (Passenger vehicles): $100,000 CSL• 7-9 people (Passenger vehicles): $750,000 CSL• 10-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1 million CSL• 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL• Carriers under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL• Carriers 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL•

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