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- Best Commercial Auto Insurance Companies
Advertiser Disclosure Updated: Sep 3, 2024, 8:26am
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
Written By
Jason MetzLead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others mak...
Lead Editor, Insurance
Amy DaniseManaging Editor, Insurance
Amy Danise is the managing editor for the insurance section at Forbes Advisor, which encompasses auto, home, renters, life, pet, travel, health and small business insurance. She is a highly experienced editor, writer and team leader with an extensive...
Amy DaniseManaging Editor, Insurance
Amy Danise is the managing editor for the insurance section at Forbes Advisor, which encompasses auto, home, renters, life, pet, travel, health and small business insurance. She is a highly experienced editor, writer and team leader with an extensive...
Amy DaniseManaging Editor, Insurance
Amy Danise is the managing editor for the insurance section at Forbes Advisor, which encompasses auto, home, renters, life, pet, travel, health and small business insurance. She is a highly experienced editor, writer and team leader with an extensive...
Amy DaniseManaging Editor, Insurance
Amy Danise is the managing editor for the insurance section at Forbes Advisor, which encompasses auto, home, renters, life, pet, travel, health and small business insurance. She is a highly experienced editor, writer and team leader with an extensive...
Reviewed
& 1 other
Updated: Sep 3, 2024, 8:26am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
We found that Acuity, Auto-Owners, Axis, Federated Insurance, The Hartford, Nationwide and Sentry are the best commercial auto insurance companies. Each scored five out of five stars in our analysis.
We evaluated 28 large business insurance companies based on complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to help you find the best options.
Our top seven picks all have low complaint ratios and customizable coverage to fit your business needs. If you need a commercial policy, consider these highly rated insurers.
Read more
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A.M. Best financial strength rating
A- (Excellent)
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Show Summary
- Summary: Commercial Auto Insurance Companies of September 2024
- Acuity A Mutual Insurance Co.
- Auto-Owners Insurance
- Axis Insurance
- Federated Insurance
- The Hartford
- Nationwide
- Sentry
- AmTrust Financial
- Old Republic Insurance
- Travelers
- What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
- What Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover?
- Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
- How Much is Commercial Auto Insurance?
- 50 Largest Commercial Auto Insurance Companies by Market Share
- Methodology
- Other Commercial Auto Insurance Companies We Rates
- Best Commercial Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Summary: Commercial Auto Insurance Companies of September 2024
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Complaint level | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acuity |  | 5.0 |  | Very low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| Auto-Owners |  | 5.0 | | Very low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| Axis |  | 5.0 | | Extremely low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| Federated |  | 5.0 | | Very low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| The Hartford |  | 5.0 | | Very low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| Nationwide |  | 5.0 | | Very low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| Sentry |  | 5.0 | | Very low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| AmTrust Financial |  | 4.5 |  | Low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| Old Republic |  | 4.5 | | Very low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. | |
| Travelers |  | 4.5 | | Low | Compare Quotes | Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website. |
How We Chose the Best Commercial Auto Insurance
Best Commercial Auto Insurance Companies
Acuity A Mutual Insurance Co.
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
A.M. Best financial strength rating
A+
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Very low
A+
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
We like that Acuity has low complaint levels across the board for its commercial auto, liability and property insurance. Acuity insures construction, manufacturing, trucking and retail businesses. Its commercial auto insurance has many supplemental coverage offerings, such as coverage for bail bond payments, temporary substitute vehicles and fire department service charges
Pros & Cons
- Online commercial auto insurance quotes available.
- Covers employees for after-hours personal use.
- You can file commercial auto claims online.
- Financial strength rating is lower than some top competitors, but still solid.
Auto-Owners Insurance
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
AM Best financial strength rating
A++
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Very low
A++
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
We found that Auto-Owners Insurance has a very low level of complaints about its business auto insurance. Ways to save on Auto-Owners’ commercial auto insurance include a discount for paying in full, buying multiple policies and using a telematics program to monitor your fleet of vehicles.
Pros & Cons
- Road trouble service is included and covers problems such as flat tires, dead batteries and running out of gas.
- Includes coverage for additional expenses—such as a rental car, food and lodging—if your work vehicle is undriveable after an accident.
- Offers loan/lease gap coverage.
- Need to contact an agent to get a commercial auto insurance quote.
Axis Insurance
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
A.M. Best financial strength rating
A
(Excellent)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Very low
A
(Excellent)
Our Expert Take
Axis Insurance isn’t one of the larger insurers on our list but we found it worth a look because of its lack of commercial auto insurance complaints in 2021. Its business targets commercial and consumer product manufacturers, commercial contractors, the hospitality industry and retail. Complaints made to state regulators about Axis’s commercial liability and commercial property insurance were also low.
Pros & Cons
- Very low level of commercial auto insurance complaints.
- No option to file a claim online.
- Does not offer online quotes for commercial auto insurance.
Federated Insurance
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
AM Best financial strength rating
A+
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Very low
A+
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
Federated Insurance stands out to us for having no complaints to state regulators last year for its commercial auto insurance. However, its commercial liability and commercial property insurance businesses received complaint levels above the industry average. Federated Insurance serves industries such as contractors, dealerships, automotive repair, retailers and wholesalers.
Pros & Cons
- Very low level of commercial auto complaints.
- Agents will meet with you to customize a commercial auto policy that fits your specific business needs.
- Offers online claims filing.
- Does not offer online commercial auto quotes.
The Hartford
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
AM Best financial strength rating
A+
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Very low
A+
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
We like that if your business vehicle is in a crash, commercial auto insurance from The Hartford can cover lost business income. The Hartford’s commercial auto policies include gap coverage for leased and loaned vehicles and coverage for electronic devices.
Pros & Cons
- Pays an additional 10% (up to $2,500) of your coverage limit if you replace a totaled work vehicle with an electric, hybrid or natural gas vehicle.
- Offers online business insurance quotes and claims filing.
- Offers liability insurance for rental cars if you or your employees drive a rental vehicle for work purposes.
- Financial strength rating is lower than some top competitors, but still solid.
Nationwide
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
AM Best financial strength rating
A+
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Very low
A+
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
We’re impressed by Nationwide’s very low level of complaints and also its telematics program for fleet vehicles. Nationwide Vantage 360 lets you view drivers’ locations and how well they drive. It also offers a rewards program for drivers to earn points for safe driving and redeem points for gift cards.
Pros & Cons
- Can get online business insurance quotes.
- Offers online claims filing and a repair shop locator.
- Provides coverage for big businesses, such as construction and manufacturing as well as small businesses, such as retail stores.
- Financial strength rating is lower than some top competitors, but still solid.
Sentry
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
AM Best financial strength rating
A+
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Very low
A+
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
We like that Sentry has an excellent track record for low complaints about its commercial auto insurance. Sentry primarily serves large businesses, including auto dealerships, construction and manufacturing companies, and motor carriers.
Pros & Cons
- Offers non-trucking liability insurance to cover you when you’re driving for non-business purposes.
- You can work with safety services consultants to implement a fleet safety program.
- Does not offer online claims filing—you’ll need to contact Sentry.
- Does not offer online commercial auto insurance quotes.
AmTrust Financial
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
AM Best financial strength rating
A-
(Excellent)
Compare rates from participating partners via SmartFinancial's website.
Very low
A-
(Excellent)
Our Expert Take
We like that AmTrust has a single deductible if you have claims on multiple vehicles from one event. It also offers decent add-on coverage, such as downtime loss coverage if your vehicle is being repaired. AmTrust’s commercial auto insurance business focuses on contractors (such as electrical, HVAC and plumbing), distributors (such as food and beverage), energy and appliance repair.
Pros & Cons
- Low level of complaints for commercial auto insurance.
- Offers coverage for towing and rental reimbursem*nt while your work vehicle is being repaired due to a problem covered by the policy.
- Online commercial auto insurance quotes are available.
- Offers a diminishing deductible.
- Does not offer online claims filing for commercial auto, but you can download a form and submit a claim via email.
- Does not offer online commercial auto insurance quotes.
Old Republic Insurance
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Very low
AM Best financial strength rating
A+
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via SmartFinancial's website.
Very low
A+
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
We found that Old Republic’s subsidiary Great West Casualty Co., is worth a look because of its very low complaint level if you’re in the trucking business. Great West specializes in services and insurance for truckers.
Pros & Cons
- Very low level of complaints for commercial auto insurance.
- Coverage is geared toward truckers and trucking companies.
- Offers online truck insurance quotes.
- Does not offer online claims filing.
Travelers
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Complaint level
Low
AM Best financial strength rating
A++
(Superior)
Compare rates from participating partners via Simply Business' website.
Low
A++
(Superior)
Our Expert Take
With a track record of low complaints and a large selection of other business coverages, we find Travelers is worth consideration. Travelers’ commercial auto insurance spans a broad range of customers, from small businesses to commercial trucking to municipal emergency services.
Pros & Cons
- Superior financial strength rating from AM Best.
- Offers industry-specific coverage for the public sector (such as fire trucks and ambulances) and the oil and gas industry.
- Offers online commercial auto insurance claims filing.
- Some top competitors have a lower level of commercial auto insurance complaints, but Travelers’ track record is solid.
- Does not provide online commercial auto insurance quotes.
What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is a form of small business insurance for vehicles used for work purposes. It provides liability insurance and can also include other coverages for the vehicle, driver and passengers. It’s necessary because personal car insurance typically won’t cover an accident you (or an employee) get into while driving for business.
Commercial auto insurance can cover everything from company cars to food trucks to delivery vans.
What Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover?
Here’s a look at the types of coverage available with commercial auto insurance:
- Property damage liability pays for damages to another person’s property, such as their car, when you are at fault in an accident.
- Bodily injury liability pays for the injuries you cause another person when you’re responsible for an accident.
- Combined single limit (CSL) offers one limit for property damage claims and bodily injury claims.
- Collision insurance pays for damage to your business vehicle when it hits another car or an object, such as a pole.
- Comprehensive insurance pays for damage caused by weather, fire, falling objects (such as tree branches) and other problems. It also covers vehicle theft.
- Medical payments and personal injury protection (PIP) pay for the cost of medical care for you and your passengers, no matter who was at fault.
- Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your and your passengers’ injuries if your vehicle is struck by an uninsured driver.
Do I Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
If you are driving a vehicle for business purposes, you will need commercial auto insurance. Your personal car insurance policy won’t pay a claim if you get into an accident while driving your car for work.
Here are some examples when you need a commercial auto insurance policy:
- The vehicle is solely used for work (for example, a company car).
- You transport goods or people in your vehicle.
- You transport tools or equipment in your vehicle.
- Your employees drive your business vehicle.
- The vehicle is owned by the company.
- You conduct a business service with your vehicle.
Related: How commercial auto insurance works
How Much is Commercial Auto Insurance?
The average cost of commercial auto insurance is $147 per month, according to Insureon. More than a third (37%) of Insureon customers pay less than $100 per month, about a quarter (26%) pay between $100 and $200 per month and 37% pay more than $200 per month for commercial auto insurance.
Factors Impacting the Cost of Commercial Auto Insurance
Here’s a look at the pricing factors for commercial auto insurance.
 | Company BusinessThe type of business you run impacts the commercial auto insurance rates that you’ll pay. If you mainly work at your office, you’ll pay less than someone who carries tools and equipment in a work van and makes customer calls all day. |
 | Coverage ChoicesYour coverage choices and insurance limits impact your rate. |
 | Driving HistoryDrivers with good driving records are rewarded with better rates. |
 | LocationIf you work in a bigger city, expect to pay more for your commercial auto insurance than a business that operates in a small town. Drivers in areas with low accident frequency and few car thefts pay less. |
 | MileageHow much you typically drive a commercial vehicle impacts rates. |
 | VehicleThe type and size of the company vehicle affect the insurance rate. |
Methodology
We evaluated 28 companies based on commercial auto insurance complaints made to state regulators in 2021. We used complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Each state’s department of insurance is in charge of logging and monitoring complaints against companies operating in their states.
Other Commercial Auto Insurance Companies We Rates
| Company | Forbes Advisor Rating |
|---|---|
Canal Insurance |
4.0 stars |
EMC Insurance |
4.0 stars |
The Cincinnati |
4.0 stars |
AIG |
3.5 stars |
Clear Blue |
3.5 stars |
Erie |
3.5 stars |
RLI |
3.5 stars |
The Hanover |
3.5 stars |
CNA |
3.0 stars |
Progressive |
3.0 stars |
Zurich |
3.0 stars |
Liberty Mutual |
2.5 stars |
Great American |
2.0 stars |
Allstate Corp |
1.0 star |
American Transit |
0.5 stars |
Berkshire Hathaway |
0.5 stars |
Chubb |
0.5 stars |
State Farm |
0.5 stars |
Best Commercial Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vehicles are covered under commercial auto insurance?
Commercial auto insurance generally covers work vehicles that are owned, rented or leased by a business and used for work-related purposes, such as delivering goods and transporting tools and equipment. This includes vehicles such as cars, box trucks, pickup trucks, dump trucks, food trucks, vans, funeral home vehicles and courtesy vehicles for repair shops.
Why is commercial insurance so expensive?
Commercial auto insurance costs more than personal auto insurance because insurance companies see driving for work-related purposes as riskier than driving for personal use. For example, a business consultant who drives to meet with several clients every week is more likely to have an accident than someone who drives to work once a day.
Business insurance covers many situations and has high limits, which can also make the policy pricey compared to personal insurance policies.
How is commercial auto insurance different from personal auto insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is intended specifically for vehicles used for business purposes. Because of the extra risks associated with business use, commercial car insurance is generally more expensive than a comparable personal auto policy.
You’ll find business-specific coverage options and sometimes discounts for using a telematics program to track your fleet of vehicles.
What is the difference between commercial and business auto insurance?
Many insurance companies use the terms commercial auto and insurance and business auto insurance interchangeably. Both describe the insurance policy you should have on a business-owned vehicle or a car, truck or van used for commercial purposes.
Some insurers offer a business-use endorsem*nt you can add to a personal car insurance. This endorsem*nt covers your personal car for minor business use, such as if you’re a consultant and drive to meet clients. A separate commercial auto policy is normally needed if you use the car for other business purposes.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
Lead Editor, Insurance
As a former claims handler and fraud investigator, Jason Metz has worked on a multitude of complex and multifaceted claims. The insurance industry can be seemingly opaque, and Jason enjoys breaking down confusing terms and products to help others make well-informed decisions.
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