Commercial Auto Insurance in Maryland Explained

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Commercial auto insurance in Maryland is a must-have for businesses that use vehicles for work.

In Maryland, commercial auto insurance is required by law for vehicles used for business purposes, including trucks, vans, and cars.

You can expect to pay an average of $150 to $300 per month for commercial auto insurance in Maryland, depending on your business needs and the type of vehicle you use.

To get the best rates, it's essential to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers.

Commercial Auto Insurance Basics

Commercial auto insurance is a must-have for business owners in Maryland.

Liability coverage is a standard component of commercial auto insurance policies, and it's required by law in Maryland.

In Maryland, the minimum liability coverage required is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident.

Businesses can choose from various types of commercial auto insurance policies, including fleet insurance and non-owned auto insurance.

Fleet insurance is designed for companies that own multiple vehicles, while non-owned auto insurance covers vehicles not owned by the business but used for business purposes.

Coverage and Types

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Commercial auto insurance in Maryland typically includes state-mandated coverage, which includes bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Bodily injury liability coverage protects your business if you or one of your drivers injures or kills someone else while driving a company-owned vehicle. Property damage liability coverage pays for any damage that you or one of your drivers cause to the property of others.

These coverages are essential for protecting your business and its assets. In addition to state-mandated coverage, insurance companies often offer other types of coverage, such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and towing and roadside assistance.

Here are some common types of coverage that may be included in a Maryland commercial auto insurance policy:

  • Collision coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle sustained in a collision, regardless of who was at fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
  • Towing and roadside assistance: Covers the cost of a service call if your company vehicle becomes disabled while on the road.

Coverage for Various Business Types

If you're a contractor, your business likely involves transporting tools and supplies between job sites, which means you'll need commercial auto coverage. This type of policy will protect your business in case of an accident.

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Food trucks and other food service businesses depend on their commercial vehicles, which often have expensive equipment attached. A commercial auto policy can cover these vehicles and their equipment.

Any vehicle used to transport people for a fee must be insured by a commercial auto policy. This includes taxis, limousines, and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) vehicles.

We're the #1 truck insurer in the nation, insuring everything from dump trucks to tractor trailers. Our network of truck repair shops and specialty claims services is accessible whether you're driving locally or outside of Maryland.

Some businesses may require commercial coverage for their ridesharing vehicles.

Here are some examples of professions we insure:

  • Contractors
  • Food trucks and food service businesses
  • Taxi and limousine services
  • Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services
  • Ridesharing services
  • Trucking companies (dump trucks, tractor trailers, etc.)

These are just a few examples of the many business types that require commercial auto insurance. It's essential to consult with an insurance agent to determine the specific coverage needs for your business.

Hired/Non-Owned Liability

Hired/Non-Owned Liability is a type of coverage that provides business insurance for liabilities arising from the use of a rented or leased vehicle, or a non-owned vehicle used on company business.

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This coverage can be added inexpensively to a business auto policy, or in some cases, a general liability policy.

Every business is unique, and this coverage can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your company.

Rented or leased vehicles, as well as employee-owned vehicles used for work, are typically covered under this type of policy.

You can talk to Northern Chesapeake Insurance to find out how to get the best business auto insurance, service, price and value.

Cost and Discounts

When you pay in full for your commercial auto insurance, you can save 15% or more on your Maryland policy.

Paying in full is just one way to get a better rate, and you can also take advantage of other discounts to get the best rate for your policy.

Discounts

Paying your commercial auto insurance premium in full can save you up to 15% on your Maryland policy. This is a great incentive to plan ahead and make a lump payment to reduce your costs.

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You can also save money by taking advantage of other discounts offered by your insurance company. Some common discounts include paying your premium in full, bundling multiple policies, and having a good driving record.

It's worth noting that insurance companies often have their own unique discounts and promotions, so it's always a good idea to shop around and compare rates to find the best deal.

Now Offers Higher Limits for Businesses

Maryland Auto now offers higher commercial auto limits for businesses, providing them with the vehicle coverage they need to qualify for more jobs. This includes government contracts that require higher coverage levels, up to $1 Million.

Over 750,000 small business owners across the nation trust Maryland Auto to protect their work vehicles and livelihoods. Each gets customized coverage to match their unique needs.

Businesses can now qualify for more jobs, including government contracts, with Maryland Auto's expanded commercial auto coverage. An authorized provider can assist customers with eligibility details and available liability limits for business needs.

Many small businesses in Maryland need commercial auto insurance to safeguard their livelihood from accidents and mishaps involving their business vehicles.

Requirements and Resources

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In Maryland, commercial auto insurance requirements are governed by state law. You'll need to have a minimum liability limit of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is also required, which helps pay for medical expenses resulting from injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers and hit-and-run situations.

The minimum liability coverage required by Maryland law is $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.

You'll also need to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which is set at $2,500 in Maryland.

Commercial vehicles that transport hazardous materials or a large number of people will have additional liability requirements, which will be determined by the vehicle's weight, cargo type, and usage.

To get started with commercial auto insurance in Maryland, you can download a Commercial Auto Brochure or 2-Sided Commercial Auto Information Card from the Maryland Auto website.

A fresh viewpoint: Uninsured Motorist Clause

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You can also visit the Maryland Auto website to find an authorized provider near you and get a quote for higher limits coverage, which is now available up to $1 million for eligible businesses and vehicles.

Here are the Maryland commercial auto insurance requirements at a glance:

Location and Professions

Location plays a significant role in determining commercial auto insurance rates in Maryland. Prices are usually higher in locations that experience more claims or more expensive settlements than other locations.

Areas susceptible to weather-related events, such as hurricanes and floods, are also factors to consider. Baltimore, being a large city, is likely to have higher insurance rates compared to smaller cities like Gaithersburg.

Here are some common professions that need commercial auto insurance in MD:

  • Food trucks
  • Caterers
  • Cleaning services
  • Wholesalers
  • Consultants
  • Contractors
  • Snow plow services
  • Event planners
  • Dry cleaners
  • Rideshare

Location

In a large city like Baltimore, you can expect to pay more for commercial auto coverage compared to a smaller city like Gaithersburg.

Prices tend to be higher in locations that experience more claims or more expensive settlements than other locations.

Areas prone to weather-related events, such as hurricanes and floods, also factor into your commercial auto rate.

The distance you routinely travel can influence your commercial auto rate, with local routes considered lower risk than regional routes that cover larger areas.

Professions That Need MD

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In Maryland, several professions require commercial auto insurance to operate their businesses safely and responsibly.

Food trucks, for instance, need commercial auto insurance to cover their vehicles, which are often used for business purposes.

Caterers, another common profession, also require commercial auto insurance to protect their vehicles and employees in case of an accident.

Other professions that need commercial auto insurance in MD include cleaning services, wholesalers, consultants, contractors, snow plow services, event planners, and dry cleaners.

Rideshare companies also require commercial auto insurance to cover their vehicles and drivers.

Here are some professions that need commercial auto insurance in MD:

  • Food trucks
  • Caterers
  • Cleaning services
  • Wholesalers
  • Consultants
  • Contractors
  • Snow plow services
  • Event planners
  • Dry cleaners
  • Rideshare

Policies and Quotes

Having the right commercial auto insurance policy is crucial for Maryland businesses. An independent insurance agent can help you obtain quotes and choose the one that offers the best coverage for your needs and budget.

You don't have to go it alone in finding the best commercial auto insurance quote in Maryland. An independent insurance agent can answer your insurance-related questions, offer trustworthy advice, and obtain customized quotes from multiple insurance companies.

If this caught your attention, see: Vehicle Insurance Agent Commission

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There are numerous insurance companies that offer commercial vehicle insurance in Maryland, including Progressive, Nationwide, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, and EMC Insurance Companies. These companies are highly rated for their mix of valuable coverage offerings and competitive pricing.

To find the best commercial vehicle insurance options in Maryland, consider working with an independent insurance agent who can help you find competitively priced coverage that is compliant with all state and federal laws and affordable for your business.

Here are some of the best commercial vehicle insurance companies in Maryland:

  • Progressive: Progressive is based in Ohio but offers commercial vehicle insurance across all 50 states, including Maryland.
  • Nationwide: Nationwide provides commercial auto insurance and other popular types of business insurance coverage in Maryland.
  • Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual is headquartered in Boston, MA, and has been offering business insurance since 1912.
  • Travelers: Travelers offers highly rated commercial vehicle insurance in Maryland.
  • EMC Insurance Companies: EMC is one of the top 60 business insurance companies in the United States.

Over 750,000 small business owners across the nation trust independent insurance agents to protect their work vehicles and livelihoods. Each gets customized coverage to match their unique needs.

Car and Business Information

In Maryland, over 639,000 small businesses operate, many of which rely on commercial auto insurance to protect their livelihood.

Commercial vehicles are typically exposed to more risk than personal autos, making specific coverages and limits necessary.

Small business owners across the nation trust us to protect their work vehicles and livelihoods, with over 750,000 owners putting their trust in us.

Each business gets customized coverage to match their unique needs, whether they operate in Rockville or Baltimore.

Personal and Business Use

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Maryland Auto has made it possible for business owners to qualify for more jobs by offering higher coverage limits, up to $1 Million, for commercial vehicles.

This is especially important for government contracts, where higher limits are often required. Maryland Auto wants to ensure that businesses aren't held back due to insufficient coverage.

An authorized Maryland Auto provider can help customers determine their eligibility and available liability limits for business needs.

Use of Personal

Using your personal vehicle for business purposes can be a bit tricky. Insurance policies for privately owned vehicles may not cover damage to your car or truck when it's used for business.

If you're using your vehicle for business, you should check your insurance policy to see if it's covered. Some policies may have special provisions for business use, but it's always a good idea to double-check.

Using your vehicle to sell cosmetics, jewelry, or even pizza delivery may not be covered by your standard insurance policy. You could end up with a big bill if your vehicle gets damaged while you're on the job.

Business use can also affect your vehicle's registration and licensing. Be sure to check with your state's DMV to see what's required.

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Using Personal Account for Work

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Using your personal vehicle for work can be a common scenario, especially if you're a small business owner. Your personal auto policy wouldn't cover you in the case of an accident.

You're only covered while driving to and from work, but not while making deliveries or picking up supplies for work. This is where hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) comes in.

HNOA covers accidents involving personal, leased, or rented vehicles used for work purposes. It helps pay for claims or lawsuits against your business.

Best Options and Companies

In Maryland, numerous insurance companies offer commercial vehicle insurance, each with its own strengths and competitive pricing.

Progressive is one of the top options, offering commercial vehicle insurance across all 50 states, including Maryland.

Nationwide provides commercial auto insurance and other popular types of business insurance coverage in Maryland, with independent insurance agents in 50 states.

Liberty Mutual has been offering business insurance since 1912, including commercial vehicle insurance, designed to meet the needs of any business.

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Travelers offers highly rated commercial vehicle insurance in Maryland, along with a variety of other business insurance options.

EMC Insurance Companies is one of the top 60 business insurance companies in the United States, specializing in designing well-rounded insurance programs.

Here are some of the top commercial vehicle insurance companies in Maryland:

  • Progressive
  • Nationwide
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Travelers
  • EMC Insurance Companies

An independent insurance agent can help you learn more about these companies and get competitive quotes for the coverage that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is $1 million commercial insurance?

A $1 million commercial insurance policy typically costs around $69 per month or $824 per year, but prices may vary depending on your business specifics. For an accurate quote, please contact us to discuss your unique needs.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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