Commercial Auto Insurance

Whether you're a commercial driver or a business owner who uses commercial vehicles, you need to know about commercial auto insurance.

In some cases, it's to comply with the law. In others, it's to safeguard yourself or your business financially. Without the proper coverage, one accident can jeopardize a CDL driver's financial health or a company's future.

Use the information in this section to educate yourself about possible federal and state insurance requirements. Learn about the types of commercial insurance available. See what kinds of insurance filings apply to your situation. And, discover how to obtain cost-effective insurance protection.


In This Section

Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

No matter if you're a commercial driver or a business owner that employs CDL holders, you must be aware of the state and federal requirements that apply to truck drivers.


Each state sets its own commercial auto insurance requirements. State insurance laws cover matters such as the minimum amounts of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage that must be carried, with some states mandating additional types of auto insurance.

Meanwhile, federal CDL requirements apply to all commercial drivers regardless of location, and govern issues like minimum age limits, physical fitness, written and skills testing, driver licensing, traffic violations, and hazardous materials transportation.

Browse through our commercial auto insurance articles to see what may be required of you at both the state and federal levels.

Commercial Insurance Filing

As an owner or operator of commercial vehicles, you have plenty of legal responsibilities. And, at times, it's difficult to sort through―and remember―all of them.


Our overview on commercial auto insurance filings will help you understand what paperwork you may need to provide to various agencies to prove you have sufficient insurance for your work or business.

Whether it's commercial auto insurance filings at the federal or state government levels, or for interstate or intrastate trucking, we have you covered. And, we'll explain important matters such as certificates of insurance and the Uniform Carrier Registration Plan, too.

All to make your professional life a little simpler.

Types Of Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance provides broad protection that can be important to many people, including truck drivers, snow plow operators, tow truck drivers, couriers, business owners, and even pizza delivery guys.

Many of the common types of personal car insurance coverage apply to commercial insurance, such as bodily injury liability, property damage, comprehensive, collision, medical payments, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured/underinsured driver.

As a commercial vehicle driver or owner, you may be required to carry some or all of these coverages. Even if you're not, it's still wise to consider having them. A solid commercial auto insurance plan can save you from a financial disaster, no matter if you're an independent contractor or the CEO of a multi-million dollar company.

Take advantage of our information-packed articles on these types of commercial coverage to learn about the protection each provides, and read specific content related to certain vehicles, such as vans, pickup trucks, and box trucks.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance Discounts

Did you know that in addition to specialized discounts like lower premiums for having commercial business experience in areas like trucking and fleet vehicles, you also can save money on commercial insurance with many of the same kinds of discounts you’d use for personal auto insurance policies?

For example, commercial business owners and truck drivers can get discounts for purchasing multiple policies―also known as bundling―with the same provider. They can also take advantage of paid in full discounts, which means they can save money by paying their insurance premiums upfront and in full.

We’ve compiled information about an assortment of commercial vehicle insurance discounts. Jump in and discover how you can start saving money today.

Commercial Auto Insurance Quotes

Would you blindly purchase a personal auto insurance policy without taking some time to see if the rates are reasonable?

Of course not.

So, why not put the same effort into buying a commercial auto insurance policy?

Tips for Obtaining Commercial Auto Insurance Quotes

Whether you're simply insuring your one-person business or a company with dozens or hundreds of commercial drivers and commercial vehicles and trucks, you can save a substantial amount on your auto insurance―if you're willing to comparison shop.

Just like with personal policies, you can easily find the most affordable commercial coverages online. Some quote sites offer the convenience of comparing quotes from multiple providers at a glance.

However, you can visit the sites of individual insurers for a quick quote, too. This can be a good idea for those carriers whose rates aren't listed on independent quote sites―such as some smaller, commercial-only insurance companies.

Once you get a feel for the best rates, follow up with the carriers for details on their coverages. Insurers with the cheapest premiums may only provide protection that's inadequate and comes with truckloads of exclusions. Purchasing your commercial insurance through them could ultimately be a costly decision.

Do you have an independent insurance agent for business purposes? If so, put your agent to work to shop around for you. Keep in mind, though, your agent won't be authorized to sell insurance for every carrier. Thus, your best policy option may not be available.
Ask About Commercial Auto Insurance Discounts

One of the best money saving tips you can follow is to ask about commercial auto insurance discounts.

Most insurers covet commercial business, as it often results in large policies with fat premiums.

So, to entice you, many offer special commercial discounts, such as:

Multiple-policy

Experienced business

Experienced commercial driver


Each of these discounts can reduce your premiums by 5% or more; that means a considerable savings for companies with with big commercial insurance needs. Call the carriers directly to see what discounts your business might qualify for, or see if they're listed online.

And, you can trim your premiums further by choosing high deductibles or paying your insurance annually.

In short, the commercial insurance savings are there for your company―it's just a matter of acting like a smart business owner and finding them.

Commercial Auto Insurance Articles

Our database of commercial auto insurance articles provides business owners and CDL holders with everything they need to know about when to purchase commercial coverage, the kinds of commercial vehicles and trailers to insure, and how to get the most out of their commercial auto insurance policies.

Whether you’re responsible for a couple of commercial trucks or an entire fleet of business vehicles, take a moment to learn about shopping for and comparing commercial insurance quotes―including the kinds of information and documents required to obtain quotes―as well as tips for saving money on your commercial insurance premiums while still getting the right coverage for your drivers and vehicles.