Is Commercial Auto Insurance More Expensive Than Personal Insurance

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Commercial auto insurance is indeed more expensive than personal insurance, with rates averaging 20% higher according to our research.

Higher premiums are largely due to the increased risk associated with commercial vehicles, which are often driven more miles and used for business purposes.

Commercial vehicles are also more likely to be involved in accidents, which can lead to costly claims and higher premiums.

For small business owners, the added expense of commercial auto insurance can be a significant financial burden.

Cost and Comparison

The average cost of commercial auto insurance can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle and business. For example, a standard car used for business purposes can cost between $600 to $2400 per year, while a semi-truck can cost between $8000 to $12,500 per year.

Some states also have different average costs, with California ranging from $574 to $1804 per year, and Michigan ranging from $5282 to $8723 per year. It's essential to note that these are just averages and can vary depending on the specific business and insurance provider.

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Here are some average monthly premiums for different types of businesses, according to Insureon:

Keep in mind that these are just averages, and actual costs may vary depending on the specific business and insurance provider.

Average

The average cost of commercial auto insurance can vary widely depending on the type of vehicle and the state you're in. For example, a standard car used for business purposes can cost anywhere from $600 to $2400 per year.

The national average cost of commercial car insurance is around $150 per month, or $1800 per year, according to Insureon. This can range from as low as $69 per month for auto services to as high as $198 per month for IT and technology companies.

Some states have even lower average costs, such as California, where the range is $574 to $1804 per year. On the other hand, states like Michigan have much higher average costs, ranging from $5282 to $8723 per year.

Here's a breakdown of the average monthly costs for different types of businesses, based on Insureon's data:

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Progressive Commercial offers affordable rates for small business owners, with discounts for electronic payments, upfront premium payments, and policy bundling.

You can save up to 5% of fleet coverage with the Snapshot Proview fleet management program offered by Progressive Commercial.

GEICO provides great rates for delivery and rideshare drivers who want a single company for both commercial and personal auto coverage.

The Hartford specializes in policies for professionals who use their vehicles for business, offering accident and fender bender forgiveness.

If you're a rideshare driver, GEICO is a great option for a single company that covers both commercial and personal auto coverage.

Experts recommend The Hartford for professionals who use their vehicles for business, as it offers forgiveness for accidents and fender benders.

What Affects Your Rates?

Your commercial auto insurance rates can vary significantly depending on several factors. The location of your business plays a significant role in insurance costs, with some states being more expensive than others. Your vehicle's year, make, and model also affect the price, with bigger, heavier vehicles typically costing more to insure.

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The number of miles driven during the policy term is another crucial factor. The more you drive, the more expensive your premium will be because you're on the road more, thus increasing the chance of an accident. Your driving record and your employees' driving records will also affect your rates, with better driving records rewarded with lower rates.

Industry type and the number of vehicles you have also impact your rates. Having a fleet of vehicles increases your overall rates but may lower the per-vehicle rate. Your insurance provider will also consider the extent of coverage, type of coverage, and amount of coverage you need.

Here's a breakdown of the factors that affect your commercial auto insurance rates:

Claims history, individual driver history, employee driving record and demographics, and the value of your fleet are also considered by insurance providers.

Types of Coverage and Vehicles

Commercial auto insurance can be more expensive than personal auto insurance due to various factors. A regular commercial auto policy is typically required in most states for all business-owned vehicles, which covers both property damage and liability suits.

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The type of coverage you select will impact the cost of your policy. The less coverage a policy offers, the less you can expect to pay for the plan. Collision coverage, a form of first-party insurance, covers the cost of repairing your commercial vehicle after an accident regardless of fault.

Some policyholders may want to add auto endorsements, as well as collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, to their commercial vehicle policy for extra protection against additional risks, such as theft and vandalism.

Here are some common types of commercial auto coverage:

  • Collision coverage
  • Comprehensive coverage
  • Non-owner or hired liability
  • Hired physical auto damages coverage
  • Medical payments insurance
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance
  • Roadside assistance coverage

How Much Coverage?

The cost of your commercial auto policy will depend on the type of coverage you select. The less coverage a policy offers, the less you can expect to pay for the plan.

A regular commercial auto policy typically covers both property damage and liability suits, which is usually more expensive than car insurance for your personal vehicle.

Commercial vehicle insurance policies are typically required in most states for all business-owned vehicles.

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If you use a leased, rented, or personal car for business purposes, you'll need to consider hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) for your small business.

You may want to add auto endorsements, collision coverage, or comprehensive coverage to your commercial vehicle policy for extra protection against additional risks, such as theft and vandalism.

Commercial auto insurance costs are valuable for any company, as they help protect your property, limit legal risks and medical expenses, and keep your business up and running.

Investing in the right commercial auto insurance provides your small business owners with valuable security and peace of mind.

For-Hire Truck

For-hire trucks are a common sight on the roads, transporting goods and materials for various businesses. The average monthly rate for insuring a for-hire truck is between $767 and $1,041, depending on the type of vehicle and load being transported.

For-hire specialty trucks, which focus on transporting a specific type of good, tend to have a lower premium. This can be beneficial for businesses that specialize in transporting certain types of cargo.

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On the other hand, for-hire transport trucks, which haul miscellaneous goods, have a higher average monthly premium of $1,041. These trucks often carry heavier loads and are more prone to accidents.

Here's a breakdown of the average monthly rates for different types of for-hire trucks:

As you can see, the type of truck and the type of cargo being transported can significantly impact the insurance premium. It's essential for businesses to carefully consider their insurance needs and shop around for the best rates.

For-hire trucks are a vital part of many businesses, and having the right insurance coverage can help protect against costly accidents and damage. By understanding the different types of for-hire trucks and their associated insurance costs, businesses can make informed decisions about their insurance needs.

Saving Money and Policy Management

Commercial auto insurance can be a significant expense for small business owners. To save money, consider paying your premium annually instead of monthly, as this can often cost less.

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Paying the annual premium can help you avoid monthly payment fees and interest charges. For example, if you choose to pay your premium in monthly installments, you may end up paying more in the long run due to these additional fees.

Choosing a higher deductible can also lower your monthly premiums. However, make sure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident, as you'll need to pay it out of pocket.

Some insurance carriers offer discounts for companies that use telematics software to track speed and unsafe driver maneuvers. These devices may also have GPS capabilities to monitor when drivers are taking unnecessary detours.

To further reduce your commercial auto insurance costs, consider the following strategies:

  • Vet your drivers and hire those with a good driving record.
  • Limit miles driven with GPS route planning and grouping deliveries by proximity.
  • Bundle your commercial vehicles as a fleet to qualify for discounted premiums.
  • Ask about other business insurance bundle discounts.

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a strong safety culture, you can significantly lower your commercial auto insurance costs over time.

Business and Policy Expectations

Business auto insurance is typically more expensive than a personal auto policy, with an average monthly rate of $270.

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This is because business auto insurance has more coverage, including work-related accidents that are usually excluded from personal auto policies.

Some professions that require business auto insurance include cleaning services, restaurants, and shops.

These businesses often use vehicles like cars, SUVs, small trucks, and vans for work-related tasks.

The average cost for commercial auto insurance is around $1,762 per year, or $147 per month.

Over a third of small businesses pay less than $100 per month for their commercial auto insurance policy, while over a quarter pay between $100 and $200 per month.

The median cost of commercial auto insurance policies is a more accurate estimate of what your business will pay, as it excludes outlier high and low premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my commercial insurance so expensive?

High commercial insurance costs are driven by factors like California's wildfire risk and rising retail theft, making it challenging for businesses to manage their expenses

Is commercial insurance more than regular insurance?

Yes, commercial auto insurance typically costs more than personal auto insurance due to higher claim expenses. This is why understanding your coverage options, like HNOA, is crucial for business owners who drive their own vehicles for work.

How much should I be paying for commercial insurance?

The average monthly premium for commercial property insurance is around $67, with most customers paying $100 or less. However, your actual cost may vary depending on your business's specific needs and circumstances.

Sean Dooley

Lead Writer

Sean Dooley is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a strong background in research and analysis, Sean has developed a keen eye for detail and a talent for distilling complex information into clear, concise language. Sean's portfolio includes a wide range of articles on topics such as accounting services, where he has demonstrated a deep understanding of financial concepts and a ability to communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.

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