Small businesses play a crucial role in Colorado: More than 700,000 small businesses operate in the Centennial State, employing nearly half of the state’s workforce.1
If you run a small business in the state that uses a car, truck, or van for your work — or are getting ready to launch your own company — you’ll need a commercial auto policy. Having one will allow you to meet state and federal guidelines and protect your business assets.
Here’s what you should know about the requirements for commercial car insurance in Colorado, what to expect in terms of cost, and how to find the best insurance coverage.
In Colorado, commercial car insurance ranges between $2,880 and $15,720 per year.
Commercial auto policies must meet 25/50/15 coverage minimums.
Due to the high percentage of uninsured drivers in the state, additional coverage may be necessary.2
Commercial car insurance requirements in Colorado
Whether you have a side hustle delivering groceries or run a business with a fleet of trucks, any business or person using a vehicle for company purposes will need a commercial auto policy that meets Colorado’s insurance minimums.3
Colorado’s insurance requirements for businesses are the same as its requirements for personal use policies.4 As a business owner, you’ll need a commercial auto policy that meets these minimum requirements:
$25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
$50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
$15,000 in property damage liability coverage
Some Colorado businesses will need additional coverage. If you have vehicles that seat 15 or more passengers, own box trucks, or have other vehicles that transport goods or hazardous materials, you’ll need policies that satisfy these Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations:5
Freight vehicles: $750,000 to $5 million of bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration coverage; $300,000 for non-hazardous freight vehicles weighing less than 10,001 pounds
Passenger vehicles: $5 million of bodily injury, property damage, and environmental restoration coverage; $1.5 million for drivers who operate vehicles that seat only 15 or fewer passengers
Optional commercial auto insurance coverages
Liability coverage is the only form of commercial vehicle insurance that the state requires. But you may need additional coverage to protect your business. The following coverages could be appealing based on your circumstances:
Do you need commercial car insurance in Colorado?
In Colorado, you likely need a commercial car insurance policy if you fit into any of the following categories:
You drive clients or employees.
You deliver food, goods, or equipment.
You drive a vehicle that’s titled under your business.
You have employees who drive company cars.
You may not need a commercial auto policy in the following scenarios:
You commute to and from work in your personal vehicle but don’t use it for business purposes (your personal auto insurance policy is likely sufficient).
You run occasional errands for your boss in your own vehicle (you’ll likely have coverage through your employer’s HNOA policy).
Your business is home-based and doesn’t require vehicle use.
If you’re unsure whether you need a commercial policy, talk to an agent; when in doubt, err on the side of caution. Because personal policies exclude any damages that occur if you use a vehicle for business use, a commercial policy can provide critical protection for small-business owners.
Best commercial car insurance companies in Colorado
Here, you’ll find three of the best commercial car insurance companies in Colorado based on their coverage options, discounts, and customer service. Compare these insurers to find one that could be right for you.
Progressive: Best for discounts
Farmers: Best for new business vehicles
Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance Company: Best for coverage add-ons
Regional insurers can sometimes be more affordable than big-name companies and offer more customizable insurance policies. Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance Company offers a broad range of business insurance products, including business owners policies and commercial auto.
With Colorado Farm Bureau, you can also get coverage add-ons that other companies don’t offer, such as HNOA insurance, garagekeepers insurance, and “drive other car” coverage, which extends your auto policy to include scheduled drivers. You can also get commercial excess liability insurance to protect your business with additional liability coverage.
Offers HNOA and garagekeepers coverage
Commercial excess liability insurance available
Multiple business products
Poorly rated mobile app
No online quotes
Limited agent network
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell commercial policies in Colorado to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
Average cost of commercial car insurance in Colorado
In Colorado, you’ll pay anywhere from $240 to $1,310 per month for commercial auto coverage. Commercial car insurance policies vary widely based on the following factors:
Business type: High-risk businesses, such as those in the trucking or construction industries, are more likely to file claims, so they pay more for coverage.
Driving history: People with clean driving records will pay less for insurance.
Typical vehicle use: Vehicles that haul expensive cargo or equipment will have much higher premiums.
Location: Your location and ZIP code also affect your premiums. Areas with higher rates of accidents and crime will have a higher cost.
What business owners should know about commercial auto insurance in Colorado
In Colorado, as in other states, commercial auto policies are usually more expensive because business owners opt for higher liability coverage limits and because of higher business-specific risks.
Key considerations include:
Risk: Your fleet size, driving frequency, mileage range, and cargo will affect what coverage you need and your cost.
Typical exclusions: Most policies exclude vehicles used for personal use, unscheduled drivers, or intentional damage. If you’re concerned about repair costs for your vehicles after an accident, you’ll also need comprehensive and collision insurance, as a basic commercial auto liability policy excludes damages to your vehicle.
Claims process: As a business owner, time is precious. You want an insurer that handles claims quickly and efficiently, so look for a company that has nearby agents and responsive customer support.
Tax implications: Although commercial auto premiums can be expensive, your premiums may be tax-deductible, helping to offset the cost.
How to get commercial car insurance in Colorado
To purchase commercial auto insurance in Colorado, follow these steps:
Assess your business needs. Think about how you use your vehicles, how many drivers you have, and any other unique risks, such as transporting specialized equipment.
Gather information. You’ll need your vehicles’ odometer readings, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and business registration documents.
Shop around. Get quotes from several companies, including both national and regional insurers.
Ask about discounts. Talk to your agent about potential discounts for your business to reduce your premiums.
Finalize your coverage. Double-check your policy coverage options, limits, and endorsements before signing your policy and paying your first premium.
Commercial auto insurance in Colorado FAQs
As a business owner in the Centennial State, the following information can help you find the necessary commercial auto insurance policy.
How much does commercial car insurance cost in Colorado?
Commercial auto insurance policies range between $240 and $1,310 per month, according to Insurify data.
What are the requirements for commercial auto insurance in Colorado?
In Colorado, business owners need to maintain commercial auto policies with at least $25,000 of bodily injury protection per person, $50,000 of bodily injury protection per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability.
What qualifies as a commercial vehicle in Colorado?
Under Colorado’s laws, a commercial vehicle is any motor vehicle that weighs 16,001 pounds or is designed to transport 16 or more passengers.6 But any vehicle that you use primarily for business purposes, such as delivery vans, pickup trucks, or cars, can qualify for commercial auto coverage.
What are the best car insurance companies in Colorado?
Top commercial auto insurance companies in Colorado include Progressive, Farmers, and Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance Company.