Commercial auto insurance is essential in Virginia if you use vehicles to operate your business. Not only does the state require you to have either auto insurance or another form of financial responsibility, but the right coverage can save your business from financial devastation.
You’ll have plenty of coverage options and companies to choose from when you’re shopping for commercial auto coverage in Virginia.
Here’s what you should know about commercial auto insurance, the average cost, how to get a policy, and a few of the top insurers for Virginia businesses.
Virginia requires businesses to either have liability insurance or another form of financial responsibility to operate vehicles.
Nationwide, Progressive, and GEICO are three of the top commercial auto insurers in Virginia.
Your commercial auto insurance could cost between a few hundred dollars and more than $1,000 per month, depending on your business’s unique needs.
Commercial car insurance requirements in Virginia
Virginia’s car insurance requirements are unique in that you don’t necessarily have to buy insurance for your personal or company cars.[?] Instead, the state requires you to show you can pay for any damages you’re responsible for.
You can prove your financial responsibility in one of two ways:
Buy insurance in the following amounts:
$25,000 per person of bodily injury liability coverage
$50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
$20,000 of property damage liability coverage
$70,000 of single-limit liability insurance, if applicable
$25,000/$50,000/$25,000 of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Self-insure your business or purchase surety bonds.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates businesses, recommends that businesses buy liability insurance at limits higher than the state requires.[?] Some businesses that must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the Motor Carrier Division of the Virginia DMV may also need higher limits.
If you or one of your employees is at fault for a serious accident, the damages could exceed the state’s minimum limits. If you don’t have enough insurance to cover all damages, you could end up paying for them yourself, which could be financially damaging.
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Optional commercial auto insurance coverages
In addition to liability and uninsured motorist coverage, plenty of optional coverages are available for your commercial vehicle insurance policy. While they’ll come with an added cost, these coverages can enhance your policy and provide more financial protection.
Do you need commercial car insurance in Virginia?
You likely need a commercial car insurance policy if you regularly use a personal or company-owned vehicle for business purposes. And if your business owns and uses any vehicles, you almost certainly need commercial auto insurance.[?]
Even if you personally own the vehicle you use, you may still need a business auto policy if you regularly use it for business purposes. If you’re in an accident, your personal auto insurer may refuse to cover the damages if you were using your vehicle for business.
You likely don’t need a commercial auto insurance policy if you (or one of your employees) use a personal vehicle for business purposes just once or very rarely. You should check with your insurer to find out if you would have coverage in those situations.
Best commercial car insurance companies in Virginia
The best commercial auto insurance companies in Virginia will be very familiar to personal car insurance buyers. Here’s a closer look at each company and a reason they might be a top choice.
Nationwide: Best for coverage options
Progressive: Best for discounts
GEICO: Best for a variety of vehicles
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell commercial policies in Virginia 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 Virginia
The cost of commercial car insurance spans a wider range than personal car insurance. This is because rates vary depending on factors like the type and number of vehicles your business needs coverage for, your coverage needs, your driving history (and that of your drivers), and more.
Virginia business owners generally pay between $220 and $1,180 per month for commercial auto coverage, according to Insurify data. This is on par with the national average. The more vehicles you’re insuring and the higher the value of those vehicles, the more you’ll pay for coverage.
What business owners should know about commercial auto insurance in Virginia
Shopping for commercial auto insurance in Virginia can be a very different process from shopping for personal coverage. The quote process might be more complicated than when getting a personal insurance quote.
Commercial auto insurance policies tend to be more expensive for several reasons. Depending on the nature of your business, your vehicles may be spending far more time on the road (as is the case with delivery drivers or long-distance drivers). Not to mention, liability limits are often higher to protect businesses and account for the greater potential damages.
When you’re shopping for a policy, it’s important to analyze factors like your fleet size, the number of drivers you have, and how you use your vehicles to determine your risk and how much coverage you feel comfortable with.
You should also understand the common exclusions and limitations of commercial auto insurance. For example, you may find that commercial policies have fewer optional coverages than personal policies.
The good news is that, as with your other business expenses, you can deduct the cost of your commercial insurance premiums when you’re filing your business taxes.[?]
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How to get commercial car insurance in Virginia
If you’re preparing to buy commercial car insurance for your business in Virginia, follow these steps:
Consider your coverage needs. Before shopping, decide on the type of coverage and coverage limits you need. Consider any unique characteristics of your business that could affect your insurance needs.
Research your options. With plenty of commercial auto insurers on the market, it’s a good idea to spend some time researching and making a list of potential companies. This will serve as your starting point when you’re ready to start getting quotes.
Shop around for quotes. Get auto insurance quotes from a handful of companies — either by shopping directly on their websites or by working with an independent agent, a broker, or an insurance-comparison site.
Choose the best policy. Once you’ve seen quotes from several different insurance companies, choose the best fit for your business and sign up for a policy. Pay close attention to your policy’s effective date, coverage types, limits, and deductible.
Commercial auto insurance in Virginia FAQs
If you’re shopping for commercial auto insurance for your Virginia business, the additional information below can help as you research your coverage options.
How much does commercial car insurance cost in Virginia?
Commercial car insurance in Virginia ranges from roughly $220 to $1,180 per month. Because each business has different needs, costs can span a wide range. The amount you’ll pay depends on the number of businesses you’re insuring, the types of vehicles you’re insuring, your coverage amounts, and more.
What are the commercial auto insurance requirements in Virginia?
Virginia businesses are held to the same car insurance requirements as other drivers on the road. You’ll either need 25/50/20 liability insurance or to self-insure.
What vehicles qualify as commercial in Virginia?
Commercial vehicles can include many different types, including cars, vans, pickup trucks, box trucks, utility vehicles, and more. Whether a vehicle counts as commercial depends on both its type and its primary use. Each insurer may also have a slightly different list of vehicle types they insure.
What is the best insurance for commercial vehicles?
There’s no best insurance commercial auto insurance company for every business, but Nationwide, Progressive, and GEICO are a few that stand out. When choosing the best insurance company for your business, consider your coverage needs, eligible discounts, the nature of your business, and other factors.
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