Our take

Allstate works with an agent model that keeps customers with a specific agent’s office for the life of their policy. This allows agents to learn more about customers’ commercial auto needs. The company is also in a strong financial position. However, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners finds the insurer has more customer complaints than other companies its size.

Pros:
  • One agent’s office services all policy needs.
  • AM Best gives Allstate one of its highest rankings for financial stability.
Cons:
  • Businesses must contact an agent to get a price quote.
  • The company has more customer complaints than other companies its size

Understanding commercial auto insurance

Commercial auto insurance is required for company-owned cars, trucks and vans and when a business uses a personal vehicle for work. Personal auto insurance will not cover claims that happen when an employee is behind the wheel on a job. 

A commercial auto insurance policy starts with liability, which covers damage and injuries when a business vehicle hits another car or private property. This component of commercial auto insurance is required by law in most states, with each state having minimum liability limits.

On top of liability coverage, you can also opt for comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle that occurs from non-collision events such as theft or natural disasters. Collision coverage will pay to repair your vehicle after an at-fault accident.

Allstate commercial auto insurance coverage

Allstate, which has been around for almost 100 years, is the sixth largest property and casualty insurance company, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the standard-setting and regulatory support organization overseen by the country’s top insurance regulators.

AM Best, a credit rating agency that measures financial strength, gives Allstate an A+, one of its highest ratings, indicating the company is in a great position to meet its financial obligations.

It’s essential to work with a company that has high financial ratings. It indicates that a company manages its assets well. 

Ryan McEachron of ISU Insurance Services in Victorville, California, advises insurance shoppers to look for companies with an A rating or better. 

Once you have a company with good ratings, he says, “choose companies with customized coverage options, not just cookie-cutter policies. The ability to tailor limits and add endorsements to your specific needs is key.”

Allstate has a full line of commercial auto insurance coverage that includes:

  • Liability: Pays for the damages to another vehicle or injuries passengers or pedestrians receive in an at-fault accident.
  • Comprehensive: Pays for repairs to your vehicle when it's damaged by something other than a collision, such as a storm or vandalism.
  • Collision: Pays for repairs to your vehicle after an at-fault accident.
  • Medical payments: Pays for injuries to drivers and passengers in your vehicle after an at-fault accident. 
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Pays for damages when another party hits you but doesn’t have any or enough liability coverage.
  • Rental car coverage: Allows you to rent a similar vehicle while yours is in the shop for repairs. 
  • Roadside assistance: Covers things like a battery jump, a tow or a tire change when you are stuck on the side of the road.

You can work with an Allstate agent to get the coverage you need to protect your business adequately. 

Types of commercial vehicles Allstate insures

Allstate insures a wide variety of commercial vehicles, including:

  • Cars and SUVs: These vehicles may transport employees, clients, equipment and small deliveries. 
  • Vans: Vans are used for delivery services, contractors and businesses needing to transport equipment.
  • Pickup trucks: These are common business vehicles used by construction workers and landscapers. 
  • Box trucks: These vehicles are often used for freight transport, moving services and other goods transport. 
  • Service utility trucks: These trucks are commonly used by electricians, plumbers, maintenance crews and other businesses that need a mobile workspace. 

Allstate commercial auto insurance benefits

While Allstate is one of the top P&C insurers, it’s not the market's largest commercial auto insurance company. Yet it’s no slouch, with more than $841 billion in commercial auto premiums written, as reported by NAIC. 

Allstate has several services that small business owners may find attractive:

  • 24/7 claims support and customer service call center
  • Assigned agents that “own” the relationship and work with customers directly
  • A Claims Learning and Development Center dedicated to improving adjuster knowledge and improving the claims process
  • Flexible billing and payment options

How Allstate stacks up against other commercial auto insurance companies

A good place to start comparing insurers is AM Best financial ratings. As mentioned above, Allstate has an A+ with AM Best. This isn’t the highest score (A++ is), but it is a very reputable score, suggesting the company has the financial resources to handle claims. 

Another good source to compare is the NAIC, which maintains a complaint index score on insurers based on the number of formal complaints a company receives in relation to its market share.  An average score is 1, with anything below that number being favorable.

It is rare to find an insurance company that doesn’t have disgruntled customers, such as when their claims get denied – even for valid reasons. Based on Allstate’s listed entities, its weighted average complaint index score is above average at 2.78. 

How does Allstate's commercial auto insurance pricing compare with the competition?

Allstate does not publish average prices for commercial auto insurance, so comparing it to other companies is difficult. 

If you want a data point to see how rates you get from Travelers stack up, small-business insurance broker Insureon pegs the average commercial auto premium at $147 per month, or $1,762 a year.

Pricing factors include vehicle details, location, driver experience and claims history. Hiring drivers without accidents or tickets on their record and maintaining a clean driving history are the best ways to keep costs down. 

Insurance experts recommend getting several quotes before making a purchase decision.

Tips to save on Allstate commercial auto insurance

There are a variety of discounts that you may be eligible for when purchasing Allstate’s commercial auto insurance:

  • Anti-theft device: You may get up to a 10% discount if you have an anti-theft device installed. 
  • New car: New cars tend to have more safety features and can help save you up to 10% on the policy.
  • EZ pay plan: You are eligible for up to a 5% discount when enrolling in automatic payments. 
  • Drivewise: A telematics program that provides discounts for safe driving. 
  • Safe driver: If you maintain a good driving record, you can cut your premium.
  • Vehicle safety features: Airbags, anti-lock brakes and other features also can help you save. 

Talk to an Allstate agent about what discounts you may be eligible for. 

How to get the deductible waived by Allstate

A deductible is the amount a business has to pay out of pocket when it files a claim. Allstate offers a deductible waiver program called Allstate Deductible Rewards. The way it works is that you receive a $100 bonus when you sign up for the program. You then get a $100 deductible reduction for each year you drive without an accident. The most you can save is $500. 

How to buy Allstate commercial vehicle insurance

Individual agents sell Allstate policies, so you’ll need to contact a local agent to get a quote and buy a policy. If you cannot find a local agent, visit the company’s website or call 800-726-6033. 

The quote process is simple. You provide the agent with the vehicle details, drivers’ license numbers and review any accidents or tickets you or your drivers may have received. The agent will then review your coverage options.

Remember that liability coverage is required just about everywhere. You also may elect optional coverages that protect your vehicle in a variety of incidents to ensure you have the resources to repair or replace the vehicle if something happens. 

Once the coverages are chosen, the quote will be offered. From there, you pay the initial premium to start the policy.

Bottom line: Why go with Allstate for commercial auto insurance?

Allstate personal service with an assigned agent is appealing to small businesses. The company is also in a strong financial position, which means it has the financial strength to back claims.