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A personal car insurance policy usually has a number of exclusions when it comes to accidents that take place while you’re on business. That’s where commercial car insurance comes in. Policies can be shaped to fit your business size, coverage needs and more so you get the right protection for the right price.
Compare multiple quotes for business auto insurance to find the cheapest rates from this online commercial insurance broker.
When accidents happen on the job, personal car insurance won’t cover business vehicles, so you might be on the hook for any damages. Commercial car insurance is designed to protect any vehicle used for commercial purposes, including fleets, tractors and trucks.
Commercial car insurance provides many of the same types of coverage as personal auto insurance, but often includes much more, like higher liability limits and coverage for hired vehicles and employees.
The main factor that separates personal and commercial car insurance is what you’re transporting and why. Designed to protect both businesses and employees, commercial car insurance policies are available in many industries, including:
Joe, like many pizza delivery drivers, uses his own vehicle for work. His personal car insurance covers him on his commute to work, but coverage stops as soon as he clocks in.
If he gets in an accident on the job, damages won’t be covered because the insurance company deems his job as a delivery driver an unapproved use of the car. He could have to pay out of pocket for damages.
Adding a commercial rider or taking out a commercial car insurance policy protects his vehicle while at work.
Just like personal car insurance, there are a handful of different types of commercial car insurance coverage.
While availability may vary by insurer, location and other factors, these common additional extras can help increase your coverage:
Compare commercial car insurance
The cost of commercial car insurance can vary depending on your choice of provider and many other factors. For example, a simple cargo van for a local caterer or restaurant might cost less than $1,000 annually to insure, while a cab company or limo service could pay $5,000 to $10,000 per vehicle.
Reduce your risk in these areas if you can and you’ll reduce your premiums.
As with any major financial decision, it’s important to compare your options before deciding which policy is right for you. Consider these factors:
Every state has different requirements for trucks, much like personal auto insurance. And you’ll also have to contend with your class of truck and sometimes federal regulations on top of that.
State | Passengers (Seating capacity) | Property / Non hazardous | Hazardous |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 1 to 5: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 5 to 20: $50,000/$200,000/$30,000 21+: $100,000/$500,000/$50,000 | $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 | |
Alaska | B.I. $500,000; P.D. $200,000 | B.I. $500,000; P.D. $200,000 | |
Arizona | 1-8: $250,000 CSL; UM $250,000 9-15: $750,000 CSL; U.M. $300,000 16+: $5 million CSL; U.M. $300,000 | 20,001-26,000 lbs.: $300,000 CSL More than 26,000 lbs.: $750,000 CSL | $5 million CSL or $1 million CSL, depending on substance. |
Arkansas | 1-12: $50,000/$80,000/$30,000 13-20: $50,000/$120,000/$30,000 21-30: $50,000/$160,000/$30,000 31+: $50,000/$200,000/$30,000 | $50,000/$100,000/$30,000 | $1 million to $5 million, depending on specifics |
California | 1-7: $750,000 8-15: $1,500,000 16+: $5 million | Household goods carriers: 250/500/100 or $600,000 CSL Vehicles less than 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 liability Vehicles 10,000 lbs. or more: $750,000 single limit | Intrastate motor carriers petroleum/waste petroleum products: $500/1,000/200 (other than property being transported) or $1.2 million CSL |
Colorado | 1-8: $500,000 single limit 9-15: $1.5 million single limit 16-32: $3 million single limit 33+: $5 million single limit | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 Vehicles of 10,000 lbs. or more: $750,000 | |
Connecticut | 1-7: $50,000/$100,000/$10,000 or $100,000 single limit 8-12: $50,000/$150,000/$10,000 or $150,000 single limit 13-20: $50,000/$200,000/$10,000 or $200,000 single limit 21-30: $50,000/$250,000/$10,000 or $250,000 single limit 31+: $50,000/$300,000/$10,000 or $300,000 single limitLivery services:1-14 passengers: $1,500,000 single limit 15+ passengers: $5 million single limit | Intrastate property carriers: $200,000/$600,000/$100,000 | |
Delaware | Taxicabs: B.I. $25,000; P.D. $10,000 Limousines and charter buses: B.I. $100,000; P.D. $50,000 School buses: B.I./P.D. $1 million CSL; PIP 100/300 | ||
District of Columbia | Taxicabs: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 Seating capacity 15 or less: $1.5 million Unrestricted seating capacity: $5,000,000 CSL | ||
Florida | Nonpublic sector buses: $300,000 CSL or 100/300/50 | 26,000 to under 35,000 lbs.: $50,000 single limit 35,000 to under 44,000 lbs.: $100,000 single limit 44,000 lbs. or more: $300,000 single limit | |
Georgia | 1-12: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 13+: $100,000/$$50,0000,000/$50,000 Intrastate motor carriers: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 | ||
Hawaii | 1-7: $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 8 – 25: $100,000/$500,000/$50,000 26+: $100,000/$1,000,000/$50,000 | $250,000/$750,000/$250,000 | |
Idaho | 1-24: $1,500,000 single limit 25+: $5 million single limit | $750,000 | $1 million or $5 million, depending on specifics |
Illinois | 10-13: B.I. $1,000,000; P.D. $100,000 14-20: B.I. $1,500,000; P.D. $100,000 21-30: B.I. $2,000,000; P.D. $100,000 31+: B.I. $3 million; P.D. $100,000Other for-hire passenger vehicles, including medical transport: B.I. $250,000; P.D. $50,000 or $300,000 CSL | Property carriers: $750,000 CSL Tow truck operations: $500,000 CSL | $1 million to $5 million, depending on specifics |
Indiana | 1-15: $1,500,000 single limit 16+: $5 million single limit Contract carriers that transport railroad employees: $5 million Also check federal regulations | Vehicles 10,001 lbs. or greater: $750,000 CSL Vehicles GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or less: $300,000 CSL | $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
Iowa | 1-15: $1,500,000 single limit 16+: $5 million single limit Taxicabs 1-6 passengers and not operating on a regular route or between specified points: $1,000,000 Also check federal regulations | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 single limit Vehicles 10,001 lbs. or greater: $750,000 CSL | $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
Kansas | $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 | $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 | |
Kentucky | 1-7: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 8+: $100,000/$600,000/$50,000 | Motor vehicles with a GVW of: 18,000 lbs. or less: $100,000/$300,000/50 Over 18,000 lbs.: $100,000/600/50 | Motor carriers of petroleum or petroleum products in amounts less than 10,000 lbs.: $100,000/300/50 Motor carriers of hazardous materials other than above: $1 million CSL |
Louisiana | Passenger buses: 250/500/10 Trucks and passenger carrying vehicles: 250/500/10 | Tow trucks or wreckers: $500,000 CSL | |
Maine | School buses 1-30: $500,000 single limit Intrastate vehicles 1-3: $125,000 single limit or 50/100/25 Interstate vehicles 1-15: $1,500,000 single limit | Property carriers: $350,000 single limit Rental vehicles: 50/100/25 Rental trucks with a registered gross weight of 26,000 lbs. or less, rented or leased for fewer than 30 days: $125,000 single limit or 50/100/25 | |
Maryland | 1-7: $50,000/$100,000/$20,000 or $120,000 CSL 8-15: $75,000/$200,000/$50,000 or $250,000 CSL 16+: $75,000/$400,000/$100,000 or $500,000 CSLTaxicabs: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 | $1 million to $5 million, depending on specifics | |
Massachusetts | 1-15: $1,500,000 single limit 16+: $5 million single limit 1-32 passengers, sightseeing or charter bus: $1,500,000 single limit | ||
Michigan | 1-9: $1 million CSL 10-15: $2 million CSL 10-15: $1.5 million CSL 16+: $5 million CSL, personal and property protection also requiredLimousines: $1 million CSLTaxicabs: $300,000 CSL | Non-hazardous: $500,000 CSL Non-hazardous: 100/300/50 | Freight vehicles of 10,000 lbs. or more: $1 million CSL Freight vehicles under 10,000 lbs, hazardous: $1 million CSL |
Minnesota | Passenger carriers (must be at least equal to 49 C.F.R. 387.33): 1-15: $1,500,000 (including limousines) Limousines: Minimum aggregate $1.5 million BI; $100,000 PD | Non-hazardous: 100/300/50 | $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance (as prescribed by 49 CFR 387.7) |
Mississippi | Limits shall be no less than requirements of 49 CFR 387: 1-15: $1,500,000 single limit | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs. : $300,000 single limit Vehicles 10,001 lbs. or greater: $750,000 CSL | Hazardous Substances: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
Missouri | Interstate passenger carriers: 1-15: $1,500,000 Intrastate passenger carriers: 1-12: 100/300/50 | Interstate property carriers: Gross weight of 10,000 or more: $750,000 Intrastate property carriers: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 Tow trucks: $500,000 CSL (MO ST 304.154) | Hazardous substance carriers: $1 million or $5 million depending on substance 7 MO ADC 265-10.030; 10 MO ADC 25-6.263(4)(A) |
Montana | Passenger carriers: 1-7: B.I. & P.D. $100,000 | Under 10,000 lbs.: B.I. & P.D. $100,000 Over 10,000 lbs.: B.I. & P.D. $500,000 Tow trucks Class A: $300,000 | |
Nebraska | 1-15 passengers: $1,500,000 CSL 16+ passengers: $5 million CSLTaxis and limos: $500,000 CSLBus K1 – 1-15 $1.5 million Bus K2 – 16+ $5 million | Carriers of household goods (group 2): $750,000 | |
Nevada | 1-7: $1,500,000 CSL 8-15: $1,500,000 CSL 16+: $5 million CSLHorse-drawn vehicles/taxicabs: 250/500/50 | $500,000 or $750,000 CSL, depending on specifics GVW 10,001 to 26,000 lbs.: $300,000 CSL GVW 26,001 to 80,000 lbs.: $750,000 CSL | Hazardous: 300/2,500/1,000 or 300/2,500/5,000, depending on specifics |
New Hampshire | 1-7: $100,000/$700,000/$100,000 8-12: $100,000/$1500,000/$100,000 13-20: $100,000/$5000,000/$100,000 21-30: $100,000/$5000,000/$100,000 30+: $100,000/$5000,000/$100,000 | ||
New Jersey | 1-12: B.I. $25,000/$100,000; P.D. 10/25 13-20: B.I. $25,000/$200,000; P.D. 10/25 21-30: B.I. $25,000/$400,000; P.D. 10/25 31+: B.I. $25,000/$600,000; P.D. 10/25Autocabs (limousines or livery service): $1,500,000 CSLJitneys (shared taxis that are for hire): 10/100/5 | Tow trucks: GVW up to 26,000 lbs.: $750,000 CSL Must maintain garage keepers liability ins. of at least $100,000 and on-hook coverage of at least $100,000 (auth. ins. only) | |
New Mexico | 1-6: $1 million CSL 7-15: $1.5 million CSL 16 or more: $5 million CSL | $750,000 | $5 million |
New York | 1-12: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 12+: $100,000/$500,000/$50,000 | $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 | $1 million or $5 million single limit |
North Carolina | 1-15: $1,500,000 CSL 16+: $5 million CSLSchool buses: $1 million to $1,500,000 CSL, depending on specificsTaxis: 100/300/50 | Household goods GVW 26,000 lbs. or less: 100/300/50 (or a higher amount as may be required by federal law) Household goods GVW over 26,000 lbs.: $750,000 CSL | |
North Dakota | 1-15: $1,500,000 CSL 16+: $5 million CSLAlso check federal regulations | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs. : $300,000 single limit Vehicles 10,001 lbs. or greater: $750,000 | $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
Ohio | 1-15: $1,500,000 16+: $5,000,000Intrastate for-hire carriers, no passengers: $750,000Specified federal regulations apply | $1 million or $5 million, depending on specifics | |
Oklahoma | Intrastate: 1-6: $100,000 CSL | Under 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 CSL Over 10,000 lbs.: $750,000 CSL Carriers of restricted property, including sand, rock, gravel, etc.: $350,000 CSL | $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the specifics (as specified in 49 CFR 387.9) |
Oregon | $750,000 CSL | $750,000 CSL all types | |
Pennsylvania | 1-15: $15,000/$30,000/$5,000 CSL 16-28: $1 million CSL 29+: $5 million CSL | $300,000 CSL | |
Rhode Island | Public motor vehicles (excludes charter carriers): $1,500,000 BI; $100,000 PD Common and contract: 250/500/25 Taxicabs and public livery: $300,000 CSL or 250/500/100 split limit Jitneys: $300,000 CSL or equivalent split limit | Common and contract: 250/500/25 Public motor vehicles: 1.5 million BI; 100,000 PD Federal requirements apply when not in conflict with Rhode Island laws | |
South Carolina | Interstate passenger carriers seating capacity: 1-15: $1,500,000 Intrastate seating capacity: 1-7: 25/50/25 | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs.: $500,000 single limit Vehicles over 10,000 lbs. or more GVW: $750,000 single limit Property: $300,000 | $1 million or $5 million depending on substance |
South Dakota | Passenger carriers: 1-15: $1,500,000 single limit 16+: $5 million single limit | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs. : $300,000 single limit Vehicles over 10,000 lbs. : $750,000 combined single limit | $1 million or $5 million combined single limit, depending on substance |
Tennessee | 1-15: $1,500,000 CSL 16+: $5 million CSL | $750,000 CSL Under 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 CSL | $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on specifics. |
Texas | 16-26: $500,000 single limit 27+: $5 million single limit | 26,000 lbs. or less: $300,000 single limit Over 26,000 lbs.: $500,000 single limit | $1 million or $5 million single limit, depending on specifics. |
Utah | 1-15: $1,500,000 CSL 16+: $5 million CSL | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs. : $300,000 single limit. Vehicles over 10,000 lbs. : $750,000 combined single limit | $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
Vermont | 1-7: $50,000/$100,000/$50,000 8-12: $50,000/$250,000/$50,000 13-20: $50,000/$300,000/$50,000 21-30: $50,000/$350,000/$50,000 31+: $50,000/$300,000/$50,000School bus seating capacity:1-9: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 10+: $300,000/$50,0000/$50,000 | ||
Virginia | 1-6: $350,000 7-15: $1,500,000 16+: $5 millionTaxicabs: $125,000 | Intrastate property carriers: $750,000 Vehicles with GVW in excess of 7,500 but less than 10,000: $300,000 Household goods carriers: $750,000 | |
Washington | 1-15: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 16+: $100,000/$500,000/$50,000Auto transportation companies1-16: $1,500,000 CSL 17+: $5 million CSLPrivate nonprofit bus transportation providers1-15: $500,000 CSL 16+: $1 million CSL | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 CSL Vehicles over 10,000 lbs.: $750,000 CSL | Under 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 CSL Garbage and refuse collection: $1 million or $5 million, depending on substance. |
West Virginia | 1-5: $100,000/$200,000/$25,000 6-12: $200,000/$50,0000/$25,000 13-20: $200,000/$600,000/$50,000 21-30: $200,000/$75,0000/$50,000 31+: $200,000/$900,000/$75,000 | $200,000/$600,000/$100,000 | Freight GVWR 10,000 lbs or more: $1 million or $5 million depending on specifics |
Wisconsin | 1-7: $100,000/$300,000/$50,000 8-12: $100,000/$350,000/$50,000 13-20: $100,000/$400,000/$50,000 21-30: $100,000/$450,000/$50,000 31+: $100,000/$500,000/$50,000 | Vehicles under 10,000 lbs.: $300,000 CSL Vehicles over 10,000 lbs.: $750,000 CSL | $5,000,000 or $1,000,000, depending on type of substance |
Wyoming | BI/PD $750,000 CSL or greater as required by federal law |
The steps to purchase coverage are different with every provider, but purchasing commercial car insurance isn’t too different than personal car insurance.
Compare commercial car insurance
Commercial car insurance is a great way to protect your employees and vehicles, but there are still a few things to watch out for.
Commercial car insurance is necessary for any business that relies on the use of vehicles for everyday operation. It can protect your vehicles on and off the road and, with the right add-ons, provide additional coverage for other essentials for your business.
But just like any other type of insurance, you’ll get the best rates and policy by comparing your options.
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