Key Takeaways
- Commercial auto insurance policies provide specific protection for vehicles used in commercial or business settings.
- According to quotes we received, business owners can expect to pay at least $2,000 per year for full-coverage commercial auto insurance.
- Drivers using personal auto insurance policies for business vehicle use could face penalties or denied coverage claims.
If you have a vehicle that’s used for business, it’s critical that you cover it with commercial auto insurance. A personal auto insurance policy isn’t enough, so you could find yourself in legal trouble if you don’t purchase a separate policy for business functions.
We at the MarketWatch Guides team have researched the best car insurance providers to find out which ones offer the strongest commercial auto insurance policies. We also dug into the details of commercial insurance to reveal exactly what coverage you’ll need on your vehicles.
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What Is the Best Commercial Auto Insurance Company?
In our review of auto insurance providers, we believe that Travelers is the best company overall for personal and business vehicle policies. The company offers great pricing, customer service and plenty of coverage options to choose from. We also believe State Farm, Erie Insurance, Geico and Progressive are great options to consider as well.
Compare Commercial Auto Insurance
Below, you can compare ratings for our top companies for commercial vehicle insurance:
| Business Auto Insurance Provider | Our Rating (Out of 10) | Company Award |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | 9.5 | Best For Most Drivers |
| Progressive | 9.4 | Best For Tech-Savvy Drivers |
| Geico | 9.3 | Best For Budget-Conscious Drivers |
| Erie Insurance | 9.2 | Best For Basic Insurance Coverage |
| State Farm | 9.2 | Best Customer Service |
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Best Commercial Auto Insurance Companies
Below, we’ll detail the pros, cons and more for each of our top companies.
1. Travelers
Best for Most Drivers
9.5/10
Travelers has a long history, having been founded in 1853, and an outstanding industry reputation, boasting an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best. Travelers earned our award for Best for Most Drivers thanks to its coverage options, reasonable rates and discounts for bundling different types of policies.
Keep reading: Travelers Insurance Review
Pros and Cons
Pros Dependable coverage for personal and commercial vehicles Outstanding industry ratings Offers accident forgiveness and minor violation forgiveness Cons Limited service area
Customer Reviews
Our team conducted a poll of almost 2,000 policyholders in April 2024. In that poll, 1.6% of those respondents were Travelers customers, and they gave the provider a 4.1 out of 5-star rating for overall satisfaction. Its mobile app is also rated highly with a 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store and 3.5 out of 5 on Google Play.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) calculates a complaint index score based on the number of customer complaints a provider receives compared to its market share. The average score is 1.0. For commercial auto, Travelers’ commercial auto policy score is 0.37, meaning it receives fewer complaints about its commercial auto insurance than other companies its size.
Industry Reputation
The Travelers insurance company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which means the company has transparent business practices.
Availability
Travelers commercial auto insurance is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Its commercial policies can cover passenger vehicles, vans, light trucks, heavy-duty trucks and other types of vehicles commonly used for business. Industry-specific and fleet vehicle coverage is also available through the provider.
2. Progressive
Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers
9.4/10
Overview
Progressive is known for insuring nearly any type of driver or vehicle, making it a good option for commercial auto insurance. From food trucks and sedans to tractor-trailers, Progressive will protect most business vehicles.
Progressive also scored slightly above the industry average on the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study℠. This shows most customers had a positive experience when shopping from the provider.
Progressive Pros and Cons
Pros Covers all types of commercial vehicles Approves most drivers Extensive coverage policies Cons Subpar claims process Not always the lowest rates
Customer Reviews
While Progressive has an A rating from the BBB, customers on the platform rate the provider 1.1 stars out of 5. We reached out to Progressive for comment on this rating, and haven’t received a response. That said, this customer score is fairly typical for the insurance industry. The A rating shows Progressive responds to complaints on the platform in a timely manner.
We think Progressive stands out for its technology offerings. The company has high ratings for its app on Google Play (4.6 stars) and the App Store (4.8 stars) from nearly half a million customers between the platforms.
Industry Reputation
Progressive was the largest commercial auto insurer in the country in 2023 according to the NAIC. This shows many companies large and small trust it to cover auto claims. Progressive also has an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. This means the company has strong finances and is able to cover its claims obligations without an issue.
Progressive’s NAIC complaint ratio is 1.11 for commercial auto, which means it performs just about average for the industry.
Availability
Progressive writes commercial auto insurance policies in all 50 states but not Washington, D.C. It can insure many vehicles including personal cars used for business, motorhomes, buses, limousines, trucks and trailers. It doesn’t cover some vehicles like exhibition or emergency vehicles.
3. Geico
Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
9.3/10
Overview
Geico offers exceptional auto insurance for businesses, typically at some of the lowest rates. The company has an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, so it can easily cover insurance claims in the event of an accident.
Be aware that Geico’s commercial auto insurance policies have exclusions that prohibit coverage for tractor-trailers and semis. Our team reached out to Geico for a comment on these exclusions but did not receive a response. Those who need protection for food trucks, pickups or fleets of vans should reach out to Geico insurance agents.
Geico Pros and Cons
Pros Typically cheap for coverage Superior financial strength Offers comprehensive coverage options Cons Doesn’t cover tractor-trailers
Customer Reviews
Geico consistently rated in the top 10 across many regions for customer satisfaction according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study℠. Customers seem to enjoy its mobile app as well — it has 4.8 out of 5 stars on the App Store and 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google Play.
While Geico has good customer ratings on other platforms, its NAIC complaint index is 7.01 for commercial auto, meaning it receives about 7 times more complaints about its commercial auto products than other comparable companies.
We reached out to Geico for comment on these complaints, but have not yet received a response.
Industry Reputation
Geico has an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, so it can easily cover insurance claims in the event of an accident. It has also been in the industry for 88 years and has an A+ rating from the BBB.
Availability
Geico has commercial auto insurance available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Geico’s commercial auto insurance policies have exclusions that prohibit coverage for tractor trailers and semis.
4. Erie Insurance
Best for Basic Insurance Coverage
9.2/10
Erie has a wide selection of discounts for everyday drivers as well as a variety of coverage options for those in need of commercial vehicle insurance. In addition to its standard liability and other commercial coverages, the company offers extras like daily earnings loss coverage, legal fee reimbursem*nt, bail bonds and air bag replacement coverage.
Commercial auto customers can also add coverages to their plan, including transportation expenses, roadside assistance, income protection and more. Plus, with Erie’s Business Auto Enhancement, commercial drivers get medical evacuation reimbursem*nt, lease/loan gap coverage and worldwide hired auto coverage.
Erie Insurance Pros and Cons
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
Customer Reviews
Reviews of Erie Insurance are typically strong, and the company has received high industry ratings as well. The company ranked highly in the regions where it operates on the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study.
Erie’s NAIC complaint index score is 0.44, meaning it receives about 50% fewer customer complaints about its commercial auto insurance than average for a company of its size.
Industry Reputation
The company has an A+ rating with the BBB and is responsive when answering customer complaints on their website. It also ranked in first place overall on the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study.
Availability and Requirements
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. There are no restrictions for coverage on vehicles and all policies are customizable.
5. State Farm
Best Customer Experience
9.2/10
State Farm has customizable insurance plans for personal vehicles, and the company’s commercial auto insurance coverage is no different. State Farm lets businesses choose the level of coverage they need, from basic liability through comprehensive coverage plans.
State Farm customers can access an extensive network of local and regional insurance agents and file claims online. The company also placed fourth in the J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study, which measured customer satisfaction, earning 695 out of 1,000 possible points.
State Farm Pros and Cons
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
Customer Reviews
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 also highly rated, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on the App Store and 4.6 out of 5 on Google Play.
State Farm’s NAIC complaint index score for commercial auto is 2.24, which is about twice the industry average.
Industry Reputation
State Farm has been providing property and casualty insurance for over 100 years. It also has an A++ rating from AM Best for financial standing. The BBB gives State Farm a C- rating, however, because it has failed to resolve 35 complaints on the platform. You can read more about the company’s response to that rating when we reached out for comment in our full State Farm insurance review.
Availability
State Farm commercial auto policies are available in 48 states (Including Washington, D.C.) except Rhode Island and Massachusetts. There are also no restrictions on the types of vehicles it can insure.
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What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is the coverage required on all vehicles that are regularly used to conduct business functions. This includes the following vehicles:
- Commercial trucks
- Large fleets
- Any vehicles that are owned, leased or hired for normal business use
- Delivery vehicles
- Construction vehicles
- Maintenance vehicles
- Food trucks
- Agricultural vehicles
Personal vs. Commercial Car Insurance
Commercial vehicle insurance only covers damages during business use of a vehicle, 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 is more expensive than personal policies.
Another difference is commercial auto policies can cover hired vehicles. In other words, if you rent or lease a vehicle to perform business for a specific time, your policy can cover that. Commercial auto policies can also cover personal employee vehicles when used for commercial purposes.
How Much Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Most business owners can expect to spend at least $2,000 for full-coverage commercial auto insurance based on quotes we received from insurers. However, your business car insurance policy premium can vary widely depending on many factors like your industry, vehicle type, and provider you choose.
Commercial Car Insurance Quotes
We reached out for commercial auto insurance quotes for a 2020 Ford Transit-150 that’s used by a painting business in Pittsburgh, as one example. Below are the rate estimates we received:
| Auto Insurance Provider | Estimated Monthly Rate | Estimated Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $167 | $2,004 |
| Progressive | $221 | $2,646 |
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How Do You Get Commercial Auto Insurance Quotes?
You can receive a business auto insurance quote by either shopping online or talking to an agent. Before getting quotes from multiple providers you’ll need this information:
- Basic driver information (like name, insurance history and driving history)
- Basic business information (like name, location and type of business)
- Vehicle make, model, location and what it’s used for
- Estimated number of daily trips and trip length
- Current personal auto coverage information
- Desired coverage level
- Approximate values of tools, equipment or valuables carried in your business’s vehicle
- USDOT Number (If you have one)
- Other business insurance coverages
- Number of additional drivers or waiver of subrogation holders
- Any endorsem*nts you want to purchase (blanket additional insured or waiver of subrogation)
If you’re looking for commercial auto insurance quotes, you can use our free tool to get pricing and compare multiple companies:
Average Commercial Car Insurance Cost By Industry
The industry you’re in is one of the major influences on the final premium you receive. To help you understand what pricing you may get, we’ve broken down 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 |
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Is Commercial Auto Insurance More Expensive?
You’ll typically pay more for commercial auto coverage than personal auto coverage because business vehicles are generally at a higher risk of damage than personal vehicles on the road. This is especially true if you’re in an industry that requires you to drive the vehicle often and/or for long distances. Commercial vehicles and the property in them also tend to have higher values, which raises premiums due to larger replacement costs.
What Affects Commercial Car Insurance Costs?
Certain factors almost always impact your car insurance premiums, and some apply specifically to commercial auto insurance. Below, we’ll look at what may affect your rates:
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.
You’ll want to consider multiple commercial auto insurance quotes before picking a policy. That way, you can find extensive coverage policies at affordable rates.
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Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage
Commercial auto insurance can cover various things, including bodily injury, property damage, collision, medical payment and uninsured motorist coverage. Policies are also available with comprehensive and personal injury protection.
What Does Commercial Car Insurance Cover?
The types of commercial auto insurance coverage are similar to those from personal car insurance policies. We’ll run through the most common types below:
| 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 |
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Read more: Types of Auto Insurance Policies
Commercial Auto Insurance Coverage Add-ons
Many car insurance companies offer additional types of coverage, such as roadside assistance, rental reimbursem*nt 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.
Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
Anyone who regularly uses their vehicle for business purposes must purchase commercial auto insurance. Below 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 on the job 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, and it typically pays for general liability and legal defense costs.
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.
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. Below is a breakdown of state-by-state coverage requirements for commercial vehicles.
Keep in mind that coverage limits in format (example: 10/20/5) are in thousands of dollars. Coverage limits they stand for, from left to right: bodily injuries per person, bodily injuries per accident and property damage per accident.
| 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 • Household goods carriers: $750,000 CSL • Restricted property carriers: $350,000 CSL • Hazardous material carriers: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the specifics |
| Oregon | • All Oregon passenger carriers: $750,000 CSL • All Oregon property carriers: $750,000 CSL |
| Pennsylvania | • 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): 15/30/5 • 16-28 people (Passenger vehicles): $1 million CSL • 29+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL • Property carriers: $300,000 CSL |
| Rhode Island | • Public motor vehicles: $1.5 million bodily injury; $100,000 property damage • Common and contract: 250/500/25 • Public livery: $300,000 CSL or 250/500/100 split limit • Jitneys: $300,000 CSL or equivalent split limit |
| South Carolina | • 1-15 people (interstate passenger vehicle): $1.5 million CSL • 16 or more (interstate passenger vehicle): $5 million CSL • 1-7 people (intrastate passenger vehicle): 25/50/25 • 8-15 people (intrastate passenger vehicle): 25/100/25 • 16+ people (intrastate passenger vehicle): 25/300/25 • Nonhazardous freight under 10,000 pounds (intrastate): $500,000 CSL • Hazardous freight under 10,000 pounds (intrastate): $5 million CSL • Nonhazardous freight 10,000 pounds or more (interstate): $750,000 CSL • Hazardous freight 10,000 pounds or more (interstate): $5 million |
| South Dakota | • 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL • 16 or more people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL • Fleet vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL • Nonhazardous materials vehicles 10,000 pounds or greater: $750,000 CSL • Hazardous material carriers: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
| Tennessee | • 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL • 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL • Nonhazardous carriers under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL • Nonhazardous carriers 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL • Hazardous material carriers: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
| Texas | • 16-26 people (Passenger vehicles): $500,000 CSL • 27+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL • Household goods carriers 26,000 pounds or less: $300,000 CSL • Household goods carriers over 26,000 pounds: $500,000 CSL • Hazardous material carriers: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
| Utah | • 1-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL • 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL • Nonhazardous carrier vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL • Nonhazardous carrier vehicles 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL • Hazardous material carriers: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance |
| Vermont | • 1-7 people (Passenger vehicles): 50/100/50 • 8-12 people (Passenger vehicles): 50/250/50 • 13-20 people (Passenger vehicles): 50/300/50 • 21-30 people (Passenger vehicles): 50/350/50 • 31+ people (Passenger vehicles): 50/300/50 • 1-9 people (School busses): 100/300/50 • 10 or more people (School busses): 300/500/50 |
| Virginia | • 1-6 people (Passenger vehicles): $350,000 CSL • 7-15 people (Passenger vehicles): $1.5 million CSL • 16+ people (Passenger vehicles): $5 million CSL • Vehicles more than 7,500 but less than 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL • Vehicles 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000Intrastate property carriers: $750,000 CSL |
| Washington | • 1-15 people (Passenger vehicle): 100/300/50 • 16 or more people (Passenger vehicle): 100/500/50 • Private nonprofit bus transportation for 1-15 people: $500,000 CSL • Private nonprofit bus transportation for 16 or more people: $1 million CSL • Nonhazardous materials on truck under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL • Nonhazardous materials on truck 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL • Hazardous materials on truck under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL • Garbage and refuse collection vehicles: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance |
| Washington, D.C. | • Taxis: 10/20/5 • Carriers with a seating capacity of up to 15: $1.5 million CSL • Carriers with unrestricted seating capacity: $5 million CSL |
| West Virginia | • 1-5 people (Passenger vehicle): 100/200/25 • 6-12 people (Passenger vehicle): 200/500/25 • 13-20 people (Passenger vehicle): 200/600/50 • 21-30 people (Passenger vehicle): 200/750/50 • 31+ people (Passenger vehicle): 200/900/75 • Interstate passenger vehicles: 1-15 people needs $1.5 million CSL while 16 or more people needs $5 million CSL coverage • Nonhazardous intrastate carriers: 200/600/100 • Interstate nonhazardous carriers: Vehicles less than 10,000 pounds need $300,000 CSL and vehicles 10,000 pounds or more need $750,000 CSL • Hazardous material carriers: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on specifics |
Wisconsin | • 1-7 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/300/50 • 8-12 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/350/50 • 13-20 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/400/50 • 21-30 people (Passenger vehicles): 100/450/50 • 31+ people (Passenger vehicles): 100/500/50 • School buses with 37 or more people: $1 million CSL • Passenger vehicles for hire: 10,000 pounds or less needs $300,000 CSL, more than 10,000 pounds with up to 15 people needs $1.5 million CSL and 10,000 pounds with 16 or more people needs $5 million CSL coverage • Exclusive interstate passenger carriers: 15 or fewer passengers: $500,000 CSL 16 or more passengers: $1 million CSL • Nonhazardous carrier vehicles: 10,000 pounds or less: $300,000 CSL • Nonhazardous carrier vehicles: more than 10,000 pounds: $750,000 CSL • Hazardous transport vehicles: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on the substance |
| Wyoming | Bodily injury/property damage for all passenger and carrier vehicles: $750,000 CSL |
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Commercial Vehicle Insurance: The Bottom Line
Commercial auto insurance can provide coverage for business use vehicles and those that get injured in accidents with them. Costs for policies vary widely based on a variety of factors that include location and type of vehicle. If you need commercial vehicle coverage, we suggest you compare quotes and weigh your options in order to get the best deal possible.
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Commercial Car Insurance: FAQ
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about commercial car insurance:
Commercial car insurance covers any vehicle that’s regularly used for business purposes. It’s important for small-business owners and those with fleets of vans or trucks to have commercial auto insurance coverage.
Commercial vehicles are used more often and typically during peak traffic hours, which means they may be more prone to accidents. For this and other reasons, these vehicles are considered a higher risk to insure than many personal passenger automobiles. Insurers typically charge higher premiums to make sure coverage remains dependable.
Commercial auto insurance can cover everything from personal cars used routinely for business to food trucks, van fleets and tractor-trailers.
Business auto insurance will typically cover vehicles that are used to perform regular tasks around town for the company. Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles used for specific purposes such as hauling equipment.
How We Rate Auto Insurance Companies
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Coverage (30% of total score): Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Cost and Discounts (25% of total score): Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities are both taken into consideration.
- Industry Standing (20% of total score): Our research team considers market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Experience (15% of total score): This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also consider the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
- Availability (10% of total score): Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements score highest in this category.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 130+ companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at [email protected].
