Commercial auto insurance protects your business from financial losses when you and your employees drive company-owned vehicles. These policies differ from personal auto insurance because they often have higher coverage limits, and they’re designed for businesses rather than individuals and families.1
But business auto policies help pay for the same type of costs related to lawsuits, property damage, and medical expenses after an accident.
Who needs commercial auto insurance?
Business owners need commercial auto insurance when they primarily use a vehicle for commercial purposes. So whether you’re a small-business owner, self-employed individual, or independent contractor, you generally need commercial coverage anytime you use a car to perform tasks you get paid for.
An insurance agent can help you determine if you need commercial insurance by helping you answer these questions:2
Best commercial auto insurance companies
When you’re shopping for a commercial auto insurance policy, get quotes from multiple insurers. Pay attention to details like average costs, coverage offerings, discount options, and customer satisfaction. The list below includes the three best commercial auto insurance companies based on these factors.
Nationwide: Best for customized coverage
Progressive: Best for discounts
GEICO: Best for insuring a wide range of vehicles
When selecting the best companies for commercial auto insurance, we considered each company’s IQ Score, discount menu, customer service, J.D. Power ranking, AM Best financial strength rating, and availability of coverage.
What commercial auto insurance covers
A standard business auto policy comes with the following coverages:
Cost of commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance policies cost more than personal insurance policies because they often provide more coverage. But several factors can affect the cost of business insurance, including:
The type of vehicle your business owns
Whether the car has safety devices, such as an alarm system
Where you park your vehicle
The ZIP code where your business operates
The number of insurance claims you’ve previously filed
The coverage limits you choose
Your policy’s deductible amount
The number of vehicles your business uses
The value of each company car
How much you drive the car
Your company’s industry
How to file a commercial car insurance claim
Filing a claim through a business auto insurance policy is very similar to filing a claim with a personal auto policy. Here are the general steps you’ll take:
Contact the insurance company. You may be able to file the claim online or over the phone. A representative can guide you through the process.
Submit the claim form. You’ll typically provide details such as the date and time of the incident, where it happened, who was driving, and a general statement of what happened.
Provide documentation. Include a police report (if applicable) along with photos of the accident scene, each vehicle involved, and any damage to vehicles and property.
Wait for the next steps. Your insurer will reach out to discuss next steps, and a claims adjuster will review the incident and the vehicle to determine the damage. The adjuster can also give you information about repair shops you can use.
Receive a payout. Your insurance company pays the repair shop up to your policy limits, minus your deductible. In some cases, the insurer may send you a check, which you can use to pay the shop.
How to save on a commercial car insurance policy
Taking the following steps can help lower your insurer’s risk, thereby reducing your commercial car insurance premiums:
Install anti-theft devices. Devices like car alarms may help prevent break-ins and theft.
Choose a car with safety features. A safer car — such as one with anti-lock brakes — improves your chances of survival in a car accident.
Park your business vehicle in a safe place. Parking in an indoor garage or a locked parking lot decreases the likelihood of theft.
Choose appropriate coverage limits. Generally, higher policy limits increase your premium costs. You may decide to choose lower limits to reduce your premiums. But make sure you still have enough coverage to protect your business.
Increase your deductible. Selecting a higher deductible helps lower your monthly premiums. Just be sure you have the funds to cover the higher deductible if you need to file a claim.
Commercial auto insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about commercial auto insurance, the following information may help you understand this type of policy.
What is the best insurance for commercial vehicles?
If you use a vehicle primarily for business purposes, you’ll need a business auto insurance policy. GEICO, Progressive, and Nationwide are all good options for this type of coverage.
Is commercial auto insurance more expensive?
Yes. Commercial auto insurance usually has higher limits, so it’s often more expensive than personal auto insurance.
What is the most common type of commercial auto insurance?
All commercial auto insurance policies have general liability coverage, which pays for your own legal costs and the other driver’s repair bills.
Which company has the cheapest commercial auto insurance?
Commercial car insurance rates depend on factors like the type of company you have, the number of vehicles you’re insuring, the policy limits and deductible, and how much you drive each car. To find the cheapest rate, compare quotes among multiple insurers.
What’s the difference between commercial and personal auto insurance?
A commercial auto policy generally costs more than a personal insurance policy because it often provides more coverage.