10 largest commercial auto insurers
Most major insurers offer commercial auto policies in addition to personal insurance. If you're using a vehicle for business purposes — even if you also use the car for personal needs — you likely need a commercial policy.
To help you find the right coverage, we reviewed the top 10 commercial auto insurers based on direct premiums written, as recorded by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), an insurance regulatory organization.
They are:
1. Progressive
Our Take
Progressive is a standout choice thanks to its coverage options and packages. It insures a variety of vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks and trailers. It also has insurance product packages for certain professions, such as contractors. These packages provide comprehensive insurance protection for everything from a contractor's pickup truck to their tools and equipment.
Progressive is one of the only commercial auto insurers that allows customers to get quotes and purchase business coverage entirely online, making it a good choice for those who want to shop around on their own or buy coverage quickly.
You can also buy coverage over the phone or by visiting an agent in person, but pricing varies based on the purchase method.
Progressive, however, isn't available everywhere; if you live in Washington D.C., you'll have to get commercial auto coverage from another provider.
- Offers online quotes
- Broad range of insurance options
- Packages for certain fields, such as contractors
- Prices vary by purchase method
- Policies aren't available in Washington D.C.
Company Overview
Although Progressive is known for its pervasive commercials with spokesperson "Flo," the company has been around for decades. It was launched in 1937 and has expanded to offer personal and commercial insurance products.
Cost
Unlike most companies that require you to contact an agent to get details about policies and pricing, Progressive allows commercial auto insurance customers to get quotes and purchase insurance online.
Policies range from $257 to $1,041 per month for commercial auto coverage depending on the type of insurance you need.
Company Ratings
Progressive has an "A+" rating from AM Best, indicating that the insurance credit rating agency believes the company has a strong financial outlook and is likely to be able to pay out its future claims.
The company received a "C" rating from The Crash Network, which issues a report that scores insurers based on surveys completed by mechanics and body shop workers. Large insurers tend to score poorly on this report; Progressive has one of the highest ratings for a large insurer.
Company Reviews
Reviews of Progressive’s commercial auto business are mixed.
Its NAIC complaint index, which is based on the number of complaints filed against the company with state insurance regulators compared to that company’s market share, is a 1.11, which is about average for a company of this size.
On TrustPilot, the review website, Progressive has a 1.2 TrustScore, putting it in the "bad" category. However, reviews are mainly from personal insurance customers rather than commercial customers, so those reviews may not reflect the typical experience.
2. Travelers
Our Take
Travelers is a leading provider of commercial auto insurance in all 50 states. Besides standard commercial auto insurance products like liability coverage, physical damage protection and collision insurance, it also has a variety of optional add-ons.
Depending on your needs, you can purchase auto lease gap coverage, liability and physical damage coverage for employees who rent vehicles in their own names and blanket additional insured protection — a useful perk that provides protection for all of your drivers that eliminates the need to list each covered person.
However, Travelers doesn't offer online quotes, and you can only get additional pricing details by working with an agent.
- Available in all states
- A++ financial rating from AM Best
- Multiple coverage add-ons
- No online quotes
- Coverage only available through an agent
Company Overview
Travelers has a long-standing reputation. It was founded in 1864, and today, it's one of the largest providers of commercial and personal insurance products.
Cost
Travelers doesn't disclose its pricing, nor does it have an online quote tool.
Company Ratings
Travelers has a stellar "A++" rating from AM Best, indicating that it's a financially sound insurer, and it has a "C' rating from The Crash Network — a better-than-usual rating for such a large insurer.
Company Reviews
On TrustPilot, Travelers has a TrustScore of 1.5 out of five, but that score is based mainly on reviews that concern personal insurance products.
With the NAIC, Travelers' commercial auto complaint index was 0.3 for 2023, meaning the company received fewer complaints than is typical for a company of its size.
3. Liberty Mutual
Our Take
For business owners with several vehicles or larger fleets, Liberty Mutual offers robust coverage options and industry-specific insurance packages to properly protect your business. It also provides tools like guides on creating a fleet safety program and telematics. Plus, the insurer has received fewer-than-usual complaints for its commercial auto segment.
However, those used to a digital insurance experience may be frustrated by the insurer. It has limited online functionality, and all claims must be submitted over the phone; you can't file online.
- Fewer customer complaints
- Industry-specific coverage packages
- Lower-than-usual ratings
- Claims must be submitted via phone
- Quotes only available through third party or an agent
Company Overview
Liberty Mutual was launched in 1912 as a workers' compensation provider. Since then, it has grown to issue policies in all 50 states, and it's a leading provider of personal and business policies.
Cost
Liberty Mutual doesn't offer online quotes through its own site, nor does it disclose typical costs.
Company Ratings
Liberty Mutual has an “A” rating from AM Best, but its other ratings are less positive. The Crash Network gave the company a “D+” rating — a lower-than-usual grade — indicating that body shops and mechanics found the insurer to be slow to respond and handle claims efficiently.
Company Reviews
According to the NAIC, Liberty Mutual’s commercial auto complaint index was 0.72 in 2023, so it received fewer complaints than is typical for its size. However, it has a TrustScore of 1.1 out of five based on more than 400 reviews.
4. Old Republic Group
Our Take
Old Republic Group is a leading commercial insurer that offers auto coverage through its subsidiaries. For large fleet owners or those who operate freight vehicles, it’s a useful option since it has specialty coverage options, including bulk commodity insurance, cargo insurance and excess limits for catastrophic losses.
Coverage options, limits and customer service will vary by the subsidiary issuing your policy, and the company doesn't offer online quotes or pricing.
- Specialty coverage options
- Large fleet and freight insurance
- Coverage varies by subsidiary
- No online quotes
- Higher number of complaints
Company Overview
Old Republic Group is a major commercial insurer that offers commercial auto policies through five subsidiaries: Bitcoin Insurance Companies, Great West Casualty Company, Old Republic Risk Management, Old Republic Specialty Insurance Underwriters and PMA Companies.
It was launched in 1923, though some of its subsidiaries are even older.
Cost
Old Republic and its subsidiaries do not offer online quote tools or make pricing information public; you must work with an agent to receive quotes.
Company Ratings
The Old Republic Group has an A+ rating from AM Best, but it was not evaluated or graded in the The Crash Network report.
Company Reviews
The Old Republic Group doesn’t have a TrustScore on TrustPilot, but it has an NAIC complaint index of 3.97 for 2023. That number means the company received nearly four times the number of expected complaints for an insurer of its size.
5. Zurich Insurance Group
Our Take
Zurich specializes in coverage for larger businesses and corporations. As an international insurer, it's best for companies that operate in multiple countries or have international clients and may need help navigating international insurance issues.
Zurich has some specialty insurance products, including suites of insurance coverage for car rental businesses and other industries, such as airport shuttles and garage liability protection.
Zurich provides very little information about its policies online; since it mainly focuses on larger companies, it doesn't list detailed policy information for small business owners, and online quotes aren't available.
- An A+ financial rating from AM Best
- Car rental business coverage
- Limited policy information online
- No online quotes
Company Overview
Zurich was founded as a marine insurer in Switzerland in 1872, making it one of the oldest insurers on our list. Today, it offers a range of commercial insurance products, including marine, auto, pollution liability and umbrella policies.
Cost
Zurich doesn't have an online quote tool, nor does it disclose its typical pricing online.
Company Ratings
Zurich has high ratings for financial stability; AM Best issued it an “A+” rating. However, Zurich was not evaluated or graded in The Crash Network report.
Company Reviews
Zurich has a slightly higher-than-usual complaint index for its size, and customer reviews tend to be negative. On TrustPilot, it has a TrustScore of 1.2 out of five based on more than 300 reviews.
6. Berkshire Hathaway Group
Our Take
Berkshire Hathaway has a lengthy list of commercial auto coverage options and add-ons through its subsidiaries, and several of its subsidiaries offer online tools and quotes. The company has stellar financial stability ratings — important when choosing an insurer since it reflects the company's ability to pay out claims — and has received fewer complaints than is typical for such a large company.
However, coverage options, functionality and pricing varies by the subsidiary issuing the policy.
- Fewer customer complaints
- Stellar financial stability ratings
- Broad coverage options
- Online quotes not available from all subsidiaries
- Coverage and options vary by subsidiary
Company Overview
Berkshire Hathaway is a financial holding company; initially launched in 1888 as a manufacturing and textile company, it merged with financial institutions to create Berkshire Hathaway in 1955. Today, under the leadership of Warren Buffett, the company owns dozens of companies, and it offers commercial auto insurance through its subsidiaries, including Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, Guard Insurance Companies, Three and biBerk.
Cost
We were able to get quotes through biBerk, one of Berkshire Hathaway's subsidiaries. In general, it was more expensive than other options, with a basic policy for a single sedan costing more than $300 per month.
Company Ratings
Berkshire Hathaway has an “A++” rating from AM Best, the best possible rating for financial stability.
It was not evaluated or graded by The Crash Network.
Company Reviews
The Berkshire Hathaway auto insurance segment is not rated on TrustPilot. However, the company has a complaint index of 0.53 with the NAIC, so it received about half the expected number of complaints for its size.
7. Auto Owners Group
Our Take
The Auto Owners Group is an excellent choice for small business owners, solopreneurs and independent contractors. It has several coverage options, including specialty products like gap coverage, and business owners can take advantage of the insurers discount programs to reduce their premiums. Discounts include paid-in-full discounts, fleet monitoring discounts and group or affinity discounts.
Auto Owners Group isn't available in all states, and it doesn't offer online quotes, so those who prefer a digital insurance experience may be frustrated by the company's offerings.
- Better-than-usual ratings
- Multiple discount programs
- Not available in all states
- No online quotes
Company Overview
Auto Owners Group was founded in 1916, and it's a provider of personal and commercial auto insurance. The company has agents and issues policies in 26 states.
Cost
The company doesn't have an online quote tool.
Company Ratings
The Auto Owners Group has an AM Best rating of “A++” — the highest possible rating. And the insurer received a “B” grade from The Crash Network, the best grade among the top commercial auto insurance companies.
Company Reviews
Although the company’s TrustScore is relatively low — 2.3 out of five — it scored better than average for a major insurer.
Plus, the company has a lower-than-usual complaint index with the NAIC, showing that it receives fewer complaints than other large insurers.
8. State Farm
Our Take
State Farm has robust coverage options and customizable insurance products, making it a good fit for landscapers, contractors and others that need to insure expensive equipment along with their vehicles. It offers coverage in all 50 states, and business owners may qualify for special discounts on their policies.
However, State Farm has a mixed reputation for customer support for its commercial auto business, with a higher-than-usual number of complaints and a lower grade from The Crash Network.
- Customizable insurance options
- Nationwide coverage
- Higher-than-usual number of complaints
- Lower rating for repairs and service
- No online quotes
Company Overview
State Farm is one of the largest insurers in the country. It was launched in 1922, and it offers a range of personal and commercial insurance products.
Cost
State Farm doesn't have an online quote tool, nor does it release pricing information online.
Company Ratings
State Farm has the best-possible rating for financial stability from AM Best, but it has a lower-than-usual grade from The Crash Network.
Company Reviews
On TrustPilot, the company has a TrustScore of 1.6 out of five, and it has an NAIC complaint index of 2.26, so it received more than double the expected number of complaints.
9. W.R. Berkley Corporation Group
Our Take
W.R. Berkley has specialty coverage options, including garage liability, motor truck cargo and excess auto liability protection, and it offers coverage for large fleets.
Online quotes aren't available, and policy options and customer service will vary by the issuing subsidiary.
- Specialty coverage options
- Complete insurance packages
- No online quotes
- Coverage must be purchased through an agent
- Coverage available through subsidiaries
Company Overview
W.R. Berkley is a younger company compared to some of the other insurers on our list; it was
founded in 1967. Today, it's a Fortune 500 company offering a broad range of insurance products.
Its commercial auto policies are issued through its subsidiaries, including Berkley Southeast Insurance Group, Berkley Technology Underwriters and Berkley Entertainment.
Cost
Online quotes aren't available.
Company Ratings
W.R. Berkley has an "A+" rating from AM Best, but it was not rated by The Crash Network.
Company Reviews
Berkley doesn't have any ratings on TrustPilot, and it doesn't have an NAIC complaint index either.
10. Nationwide Corporate Group
Our Take
For business owners with several company vehicles, Nationwide is a good choice. Not only does it have a range of coverage options, but it also offers optional add-ons like new vehicle replacement cost and roadside assistance.
Plus, fleet owners can take advantage of the company’s telematics program. Through this program, a device tracks vehicle use and driver habits, and business owners can qualify for a 10% discount.
As is common with commercial auto insurance, online quotes aren’t available, and policy details are only available through an agent.
- Telematics program
- Safe driving resources
- Multiple coverage options
- No online quotes
- Coverage must be purchased through an agent
Company Overview
The company was initially launched as the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company in 1926. It changed its name to Nationwide in 1955, and it issues policies in 47 states.
Cost
Nationwide doesn’t disclose typical pricing for commercial auto coverage, and it doesn’t have an online quote tool.
Company Ratings
Nationwide has an “A” rating from AM Best, and The Crash Network gave the company a “C” rating, a typical grade for such a large insurer.
Company Reviews
On TrustPilot, it has a TrustScore of 1.6 out of five.
Our Methodology
To identify the top commercial auto insurance companies, we reviewed data released by the NAIC on the amount of direct premiums written for the previous year. The companies listed above had the highest volume of direct premiums written for commercial auto coverage, and we also looked at company financial stability ratings, ratings from The Crash Network, customer reviews and complaint information from the NAIC.
FAQs
Are their other major commercial auto insurers besides the top 10?
Yes. Chubb, Hartford, American International, American Financial, Selective Insurance, Fairfax Financial, Tokio Marine, Sentry, Erie and Cincinnati Financial round out the top 20 commercial auto insurance companies by market share.
What is the average cost of commercial auto insurance?
The cost of commercial auto insurance varies significantly based on vehicle type, location and number of drivers, so providing an average cost is challenging, and most insurers do not offer online quotes.
Based on the pricing information we were able to get from eight insurers and marketplaces, you can expect to pay about $180 per month for a single car policy, and about $800 per month for larger commercial vehicles or box trucks. Can I add drivers to my commercial auto insurance policy?
A commercial auto policy can cover several drivers. Typically, you have to submit a list of all drivers who have access to your business vehicles. However, some insurers sell blanket policies that cover any employee driving a company vehicle, eliminating the need to submit individual names.
What types of vehicles can be covered under commercial auto insurance?
Commercial auto policies are available for a broad range of vehicles, including:
- Box trucks
- Cars
- Food trucks
- Limousines
- Heavy trucks
- Minivans
- Pickup trucks
- SUVs
- Taxis
- Tow trucks
- Trailers
How does the claims process work?
The claims process for a business auto insurance policy is very similar to filing a claim with a personal auto policy. You can usually submit a claim online, and must include information about the date and time of the incident, who was driving at the time and a police report (if applicable).
Once you submit a claim, the insurer will reach out to you to discuss next steps, and a claims adjuster will review the incident and the vehicle to determine the damages.
You can choose any repair shop you like, though your insurer may have recommendations. If the claim is approved, the insurer will cover the cost of repairs — up to your policy maximum — after you meet your deductible.
How is commercial auto insurance different from personal auto insurance?
Commercial auto insurance is required if you use any vehicle for business purposes or a fee. Even if you only use your own car occasionally to make deliveries, commercial auto is a must since personal insurance won’t cover any accidents that occur while the vehicle is used for business.
In general, commercial auto policies have higher coverage limits than personal auto policies, and, as a result, they tend to be more expensive.
