Commercial Auto Insurance

Keeping your business protected on the road.

Coverage provided through Thimble or another industry-leading carrier.

Protect Your Business With Commercial Auto Insurance

Whether you’re delivering goods, towing equipment, or simply traveling between job sites, you need commercial auto coverage you can count on.

Commercial auto insurance is designed to protect businesses that use vehicles for work purposes. It offers coverage for accidents, injuries, and property damage, ensuring your business stays protected on the road.

Why is this important? Unlike personal auto insurance, commercial auto insurance is tailored to the unique risks associated with using vehicles for business. Most states require automobile liability insurance and if you are still paying off your vehicle, the lienholder will require physical damage coverage. In other words, having auto insurance could be the key to staying compliant, securing contracts, and protecting your livelihood. This guide will help you understand what commercial auto insurance is, when you need it, and what (and who) it covers.

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What is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial auto insurance is protection for your small business against the many risks associated with vehicles owned, operated, or involved in your business’ practices. This type of insurance coverage accounts for various scenarios, from auto accidents to break-ins, and more.

It’s like personal auto insurance, but for vehicles owned by commercial entities OR used primarily for business purposes.

What does Commercial Auto Insurance cover?

We’ve partnered with America’s #1 commercial auto insurer* to offer an avenue for small businesses to get essential coverage for vehicles used for work purposes.

Here’s a breakdown of available coverages designed to help keep your business protected on the road.

Key coverages

Liability Coverage

Protect against bodily injury claims and damage to other people’s property caused by your vehicle.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

Covers your costs as a result of accidents and unforeseen damage (like vandalism or weather-related incidents) to your vehicle.

Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Protection

Keeps you covered when the other driver’s policy isn’t enough (or doesn’t exist).

Towing and Labor

You may be eligible for reimbursement for towing costs as well as roadside assistance so you’re never stranded.

Rental Reimbursement

Need a backup vehicle while repairs are underway? Rental coverage has you covered.

Medical Payments

Reduce financial stress with coverage for medical bills to you and your passengers after an accident.

Who needs Commercial Auto Insurance?

If you use vehicles for ANY business-related activities, you likely need commercial auto insurance. Here’s a quick look at popular professions who can benefit from it:

Contractors and Builders

Transporting tools and equipment? Protect your trucks and trailers while ensuring compliance for some contracts.

Delivery Services

Delivering goods like flowers, groceries, or packages? Stay covered for damages and injuries arising out of accidents while on the job.

Food Trucks

Serving great food? Make sure your vehicle and equipment are protected.

Landscapers

Hauling mowers, tools, and other gear? Get coverage for equipment transportation and road incidents.

Real Estate Agents

Heading to showings? Stay protected while driving clients or visiting listings.

If your business uses vehicles, commercial auto insurance keeps you protected, compliant, and ready to grow.

How Much Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cost?

The cost of your policy depends on several factors, including your business’s unique needs. Here’s what might affect your premium:

Your Driving History

A clean record means lower rates.

Vehicle Types

Larger vehicles like trucks or specialty vehicles may increase costs.

Use of Your Vehicle

The way your vehicle is used in your business may impact costs. Is it merely driven to a job site once a day, or on the road all day for deliveries?

Frequency and Distance

More driving or long-distance travel? Your risk factor increases.

State Requirements

Premiums can vary by state due to different coverage regulations.

Coverage Options, Limits and Deductibles

The higher your coverage limits and the lower your deductible, the higher your premium. What you choose to include as an option to your policy will also affect the cost.

Getting an accurate quote is easy. Complete an online application in minutes and find customized coverage tailored to your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need commercial auto insurance if I already have personal auto insurance?

Yes. Personal auto insurance typically doesn’t cover vehicles used for business purposes or registered in the name of commercial entities, leaving you exposed to risks and liabilities.

Does commercial auto insurance cover personal use of a business vehicle?

Yes, in most cases your policy will cover your personal use of business vehicles.

What if I rent, lease, or borrow vehicles for my business?

You’ll need hired and non-owned auto insurance, which can be added to your commercial auto policy for coverage. You may purchase both liability coverage and physical damage coverage for vehicles that are not owned.

Is commercial auto insurance required by law?

Yes, nearly all states legally require liability insurance for any vehicle used for business purposes. If there is a loan on any vehicle, the lien holder will also have insurance requirements.

What autos are covered?

The vehicles that commercial auto insurance covers fall into a variety of classes, such as “owned” or “not owned,” that determine coverage. What kinds of autos your plan covers comes down to a system of symbols you see on your policy.

Here is a breakdown of the various symbols and corresponding auto types covered by commercial auto policies:

Symbol 1 – Any auto. This symbol, used only for liability coverage (not physical damage), generally means every auto involved with your business, including those:

Owned (by you)
Leased, rented, borrowed (by you)
Non-owned (by you)

Symbols 2, 3, 4 – Owned autos. These symbols refer to autos you own, with certain distinctions:

Symbol 2: All owned vehicles
Symbol 3: Owned private passenger vehicles only
Symbol 4: Owned commercial vehicles only

Symbols 5, 6 – State-specific coverage. These symbols refer to certain coverages required by law in some cases and states:

Symbol 5: No-fault coverage
Symbol 6: Uninsured motorist coverage

Symbol 7 – Declared autos. This refers to autos specifically designated for coverage in the policy.

Symbol 8 – Hired autos. This refers to vehicles you rent, lease, or borrow for business use.

Symbol 9 – Non-owned autos. This refers to vehicles that your business uses but that are not owned by you or your business, such as:

Autos owned by employees, partners, etc. and used for business
Autos rented, leased, or borrowed by employees, partners, etc.

And… Symbol 19 – Mobile equipment. This refers to devices, such as machinery, that are installed on vehicles.

Secure Your Small Business on the Road

Don’t leave your business open to unnecessary risks. Whether you’re transporting equipment or traveling to job sites, commercial auto insurance ensures you stay protected, compliant, and confidently focused on growing your business.

We’ve partnered with trusted providers to deliver industry-leading coverage tailored to your needs.