Commercial Auto Insurance — Protect Your Business on the Road
Whether you run a single service van or a small fleet, commercial auto insurance is the backbone of your liability protection on the road. We help contractors, delivery services, professional firms, NEMT and last-mile operators compare coverage for owned, hired, and non-owned autos, with the right limits, filings, and endorsements to satisfy landlords, vendors, and contracts—without overpaying.
Coverage Snapshot (Built for Business Use)
Commercial policies are designed for business mileage, employees behind the wheel, and contract requirements. Here’s a quick look at the core protections and options:
| Line / Feature | What It Protects | Common Options |
|---|---|---|
| Liability (CSL) | Injury or property damage you cause while driving for business. | $1M CSL common; higher limits available or via Umbrella |
| Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist | Helps if an at-fault driver has too little or no insurance. | Match liability up to policy maximums (varies by state) |
| Medical Payments / PIP | Medical expenses for you and passengers (state-specific). | Optional; limits vary |
| Comprehensive & Collision | Vehicle damage (theft, hail, animal strike, collision, etc.). | Deductible choices; glass options |
| Hired Auto (Symbol 8) | Autos you rent for business. | Liability; optional hired auto physical damage |
| Non-Owned Auto (Symbol 9) | Employee-owned vehicles used for business. | Liability only (employee’s PD on personal policy) |
| Any Auto (Symbol 1) / Scheduled (Symbol 7) | Scope of autos covered—any, or only listed units. | Choose based on fleet size and risk tolerance |
| Drive Other Car (DOC) | Personal-auto-like protection for execs without a PAP. | Endorsement for key owners/executives |
| Roadside / Towing | Assistance for breakdowns, flat tires, dead batteries. | Package options; weight/length limits apply |
| Trailer / Interchange / Cargo | For certain classes (e.g., motor carriers). Cargo is separate. | Trailer interchange & motor truck cargo when eligible |
| Commercial Umbrella | Excess limits above Auto/GL/Employers Liability. | $1M–$10M+ subject to underwriting |
Availability varies by state, class of business, and carrier. We’ll map symbols, limits, and endorsements to your actual operations.
Who Typically Needs Commercial Auto
Contractors & Trades
Service vans and trucks for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, landscaping, painting, etc.
Delivery & Last-Mile
Local couriers, routes, small box trucks; confirm HNOA for driver-owned cars.
Professional Firms
Real estate, consultants, property managers—sales calls and site visits.
NEMT & Specialty
Non-emergency medical transport and special-use vehicles with class-specific requirements.
Auto Services
Tow trucks, body shops, dealers may require specialized forms (ask about Garage coverage).
Multi-State Ops
Vehicles crossing state lines; coordination of filings and higher umbrellas.
What Affects Cost
- Vehicles & Use: vehicle class/weight, business purpose, radius of operation.
- Drivers: MVRs, years licensed, claims; driver training and MVR standards help.
- Garaging & Territory: where vehicles park overnight; theft/weather exposure.
- Loss History: prior claims and severity; clean loss runs are powerful.
- Limits & Deductibles: higher limits cost more; deductibles reduce premium.
- Filings & Class: USDOT/MC, special endorsements, and higher-risk classes can add cost.
- Safety Program: telematics, dashcams, cell-phone policies, and maintenance logs may earn credits.
COIs, Filings & Endorsements (What Contracts Ask For)
We issue Certificates of Insurance (COIs) quickly and can add standard wording as required by many contracts and leases. Depending on your operation, you may need:
- Additional Insured / Primary & Non-Contributory / Waiver of Subrogation — when an upstream party requires status on your policy.
- Auto Symbols set correctly (1/7/8/9) to match owned, hired, and non-owned exposures.
- State/Federal Filings such as Form E or federal MCS-90 for certain motor carrier operations.
- Hired Auto PD when renting vehicles; HNOA for employee-owned vehicles used for work.
- Trailer, Interchange, Cargo when your contracts require them (class-eligible only).
How to Get Covered (Fast)
- Tell us about your vehicles and drivers: Use our Commercial Auto Quote Form (VINs, drivers, garaging, radius, losses).
- Share contract or lease requirements: We’ll match the endorsements and limits.
- We shop carriers & refine: Compare pricing, symbols, deductibles, roadside, and umbrella.
- Bind & issue COIs: Certificates and ID cards issued promptly; we schedule annual reviews.
Service Area (Licensed States)
- AZ Arizona
- AL Alabama
- TX Texas
- CA California
- NY New York
- OH Ohio
- FL Florida
- NC North Carolina
- VA Virginia
- GA Georgia
- OK Oklahoma
- NM New Mexico
- IA Iowa
- KS Kansas
- MI Michigan
- NE Nebraska
- SC South Carolina
- SD South Dakota
- WV West Virginia
Commercial Auto Insurance FAQs
What’s the difference between Symbols 1, 7, 8, and 9?
1 = Any Auto, 7 = Scheduled Autos (listed only), 8 = Hired (rented), 9 = Non-Owned (employee-owned used for business). The right mix depends on your fleet and risk.
Do I need commercial auto if employees use their own cars?
Yes—add HNOA (Symbol 9) for liability arising from employee-owned cars used for work. Employees should keep their personal policies active for physical damage.
Can I rent vehicles and still be covered?
Yes—add Hired Auto (Symbol 8) for liability, and consider hired auto physical damage to protect the rental.
Are federal filings like MCS-90 required for my business?
Only for certain motor carrier operations. Share your routes, cargo, and weights and we’ll confirm if filings apply.
Can you issue Certificates of Insurance quickly?
Yes. Send the COI holder details and required wording (AI, PNC, Waiver). We’ll issue promptly after binding.
Related Guides & Add-Ons
- Business Insurance (GL, BOP, Property, Workers’ Comp)
- Commercial Umbrella Insurance
- Boat & RV Insurance
Licensed insurance producer (NPR/NPN 16944666). Features and eligibility vary by carrier and state. This page is general information and does not modify any policy.
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Blake Insurance Group
Phone: (888) 387-3687
Email: info@blakeinsurancegroup.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
Blake Nwosu
Owner & Principal Agent