Commercial auto insurance is liability and physical damage protection for vehicles used for business, such as cars, trucks, and vans. Commercial vehicles require a separate policy because they're typically exposed to more risk than personal ones.
Progressive provides special benefits, including custom policies, competitive rates, discounts, exceptional claims service, and more. Get a commercial auto insurance quote to find the best coverage for your business.
Commercial Auto insurance from Progressive protects your business vehicles when they're being used for work. They need their own policy because they're typically exposed to more risk than personal vehicles.
Businesses like contractors, landscapers and truck drivers usually need a commercial auto policy. Businesses, like shops and restaurants, that use a car to run errands or transport clients might also need commercial auto insurance.
Commercial vehicles can include cars, light trucks, SUVs, vans and heavy trucks like semis and dump trucks.
Several factors can affect how much you pay for commercial auto insurance including your profession, coverage needs, vehicles and location.
But don't worry. Progressive Commercial has customizable coverage options to keep your payments down and your business protected, including primary liability, uninsured motorist and more.
Keep your business rolling with Progressive Commercial. Call us or start a quote online today.
Businesses that use vehicles for their operations usually need commercial auto insurance. This includes companies that own or lease cars, trucks, vans, or other vehicles for the purpose of transporting goods, equipment, or people.
Common professions that purchase commercial auto insurance include:
Contractors: Contractors, landscapers, construction companies, and other tradespeople that use trucks or vans to take tools and equipment to job sites typically need commercial vehicle insurance.
Delivery companies: Businesses that use cars or trucks to deliver goods to customers should have commercial auto insurance to protect their drivers, vehicles, and cargo.
Transportation services: Companies that use cars or vans to transport passengers, such as taxis, limousines, and other livery services, need protection for their commercial cars.
Food services: Restaurants, food trucks, and caterers that use vehicles for delivering food or operating mobile kitchens usually require a commercial auto policy.
Non-profit organizations: If you use buses or vans to drive volunteers or clients, commercial auto insurance might be necessary for your business.
It's important to note that personal auto insurance policies typically do not cover vehicles that are used for business purposes. If vehicles are necessary to your work, get commercial auto insurance to protect them.
Get customized commercial auto coverage for your business
Choosing commercial vehicle insurance coverages that meet your specific needs can protect your business and income after an accident. A commercial auto insurance quote typically includes:
Liability: Protects against injuries to other people or damage to their property if you're at fault for an accident.
Collision: Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it strikes another object, overturns, or rolls.
Comprehensive: Helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged by something other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or severe weather.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): Helps with costs if you're in an accident with someone who doesn't have enough liability coverage to pay for the bodily injury and property damage they caused.
Medical payments: Also known as MedPay, protects you and your passengers if you're injured in an accident, regardless of who's at fault.
Your business type, number of vehicles, state, and level of risk can affect your commercial auto insurance recommendations. There are different protections available for liability, drivers, vehicles, heavy trucks, and more. Explore our commercial auto coverages directory for more information.
Types of commercial vehicles we insure
Commercial auto insurance can protect vehicles your business owns, rents, or leases. We insure several vehicle types, including:
Business autos
Includes company cars, light trucks, SUVs, vans, and more. Business auto insurance customers enjoy advantages, including discounts and access to network shops throughout the country.
Trucks
From dump trucks to tractor trailers, we have the experience you're looking for. We offer 24/7 claims service with an extensive truck repair network, discounts, and more.
Trailers
We cover a wide range of commercial trailers ranging from pickup truck utility trailers to large dump body trailers pulled by a tractor.
How much does commercial auto insurance cost?
In 2023, the national median monthly cost for commercial auto insurance through Progressive ranged from $207 for contractors to $211 for business auto customers. The average monthly cost was $257 and $270, respectively.‡‡ Most customers find their monthly premium to be closer to the median price.
Commercial Customer
Median Cost
Average Cost
Business Auto — Like cleaning services, restaurants, and shops
$211/month
$270/month
Contractors — Like carpenters, electricians, landscapers, and painters
Several risk factors contribute to your premium, including your profession, coverage needs, vehicles, drivers, driving history, and location. You can expect to pay more than the average rate if your business requires more protection or has a history of claims.
The best way to find out what you'll pay is to get a commercial auto insurance quote. Call us or start a quote online.
Why choose Progressive Commercial?
It's easy to see why we're America's #1 commercial auto insurer*, insuring more than 1.9 million commercial vehicles. Our custom policies offer flexible and convenient benefits so you can focus on what matters most: your business.
Some advantages of having a Progressive commercial auto policy are:
New customers save an average of 10% by enrolling in Snapshot ProView††, an exclusive benefit for Progressive Commercial customers. Enrollees with an established safety record can save between 8% and 20%, and businesses with three or more vehicles can gain insight into driving habits with free fleet management tools.
Common questions about commercial auto insurance
Get quick answers to some of the most asked questions about commercial auto insurance.
Does commercial auto insurance cover personal use?
Yes. While personal auto insurance doesn't cover a vehicle being used for business purposes, commercial auto insurance covers your vehicle for both commercial and personal use.
What drivers are covered under commercial auto insurance?
Drivers with regular access to your commercial vehicle should be named on your policy. Additional drivers may be covered, but restrictions apply for anybody not listed on the policy.
Are tools and materials in my vehicle covered under a commercial auto policy?
It depends. Permanently attached tools and equipment are covered by a commercial auto policy, but any additional tools require inland marine insurance. You can add inland marine insurance to your general liability policy.
Do I need commercial auto insurance to drive for a rideshare company, like Lyft or Uber?
In most cases, no. Rideshare companies typically offer insurance when you're driving for them, but it may have restrictions. To make sure you're well protected, you can add coverage to your personal auto insurance through policy amendments called endorsements. You could also get commercial for-hire livery insurance. Learn more about your rideshare insurance options.
Do I need special insurance to deliver pizza or other goods for a fee?
Yes, most likely. Most personal auto insurance policies won't cover losses while delivering for a fee, including pizza delivery and most other delivery services. Your claim might be denied if you don't have commercial auto insurance and get into a work-related accident. You could also be held personally responsible for the damages. A commercial auto policy can prevent this from happening.
How much will my insurance go up if I'm involved in an accident with my commercial vehicle?
It depends. An accident doesn't affect the rate of your current policy, but it could affect your rate at renewal. Your policy is rewritten every time it expires to reflect your current situation. Accident-related rate changes are determined by various factors, such as who was at fault, the cost of the claim, and your accident history. So, accidents are considered when determining your rate, but an increase isn't guaranteed.
Does commercial auto insurance cover theft of personal items?
Not necessarily. A commercial auto policy covers the vehicle and any permanently attached items, such as a ladder rack or a truck bed toolbox, but it doesn't cover the ladders and tools themselves. For the contents of your vehicle to be covered, you'd need a general liability policy with an inland marine endorsement.
Does Progressive offer commercial auto insurance in my state?
Yes. Progressive insures commercial vehicles in all 50 states. However, we don't currently write policies in Washington, D.C.
