Commercial auto insurance in Florida

Do I need commercial auto insurance in Florida?

Yes, commercial auto insurance is required in Florida if your vehicle is used for work purposes.

In Florida, businesses need commercial auto when vehicles are titled to the company or regularly used for deliveries, service calls or rides for hire.

If your business vehicle is a typical sedan, pickup or van, the commercial auto insurance you’ll need closely resembles a personal auto policy. The commercial policy is needed because your work vehicle has higher risks (driven more, multiple drivers, etc.) than your personal car.

Expert Insight Weight and cargo impact risk, and it’s wise to carry coverage limits that appropriately reflect the risks. For example, if you haul equipment, higher liability limits often apply to certain weights in New Jersey.

Here are some questions that can help you determine whether you need to buy Florida commercial auto insurance. If you answer yes to any of them, you likely need a business or commercial auto policy.

Is my car used regularly for work activities?
Do I use my vehicle for deliveries, transporting people or goods?
Do my employees or I use the vehicle often for business purposes?
Are there multiple drivers (employees or contractors) operating the vehicle?
Do I drive to meet clients as part of my business?
Do I carry passengers for business reasons (clients, employees or rideshare work)?
Is the vehicle titled, leased or registered under the company’s name?
Do I already hold other business insurance policies (such as general liability or workers’ comp)?
Is my vehicle used to transport people or property for compensation, or does it meet weight thresholds for commercial motor vehicles? If so, you need a commercial policy and may need to meet higher required limits.

What are the minimum requirements for commercial auto insurance in Florida?

Florida requires at least $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and 10/20/10 liability limits on most vehicles, with higher liability minimums possible for certain commercial and for-hire operations.

A car, pickup truck or van requires lower limits than flatbed trucks, box trucks, tractor-trailers or heavy-duty construction vehicles. A vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) usually helps determine the classification it falls into.

Also, if you cross state lines and operate in interstate commerce, or haul regulated materials, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) financial responsibility rules and regulations are triggered. These insurance limits range from $300,000 to $5 million depending on your vehicle and cargo.

Type of vehicle	Minimum insurance requirements
Standard registered vehicles, such as: Cars Pickup trucks Standard vans	Liability: 10/20/10 which stands for: $10,000 per person of bodily injury liability $20,000 per accident of bodily injury liability $10,000 per accident of property damage liability PIP: $10,000 Uninsured motorist matching liability limits must be offered but can be rejected.
Commercial motor vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds to 34,999 pounds	Liability: a combined single limit of $50,000 for bodily injury and property damage per accident
Commercial motor vehicles with a GVWR of 35,000 pounds to 43,999 pounds	Liability: a combined single limit of $100,000 for bodily injury and property damage per accident
Commercial motor vehicles with a GVWR of 44,000 or more	Liability: a combined single limit of $300,000 for bodily injury and property damage per accident

What does commercial auto insurance in Florida cost?

The average cost of commercial auto insurance in Florida is $266, or $3,192, according to data from small business insurance agency Insureon.

What factors affect commercial auto insurance costs in Florida?

Commercial auto insurance costs are influenced by many risk factors. Common rating factors looked at by insurers include:

Driver history: Clean driving records help lower premiums.
Vehicle type & use: Heavy-duty trucks and long-haul vehicles cost more to insure than a standard pickup truck.
Annual mileage: More miles driven per year result in higher rates as insurers see it as your vehicle has more of a chance of being in an accident.
Location: Urban areas like Orlando and Tampa may see higher premiums due to more congestion and a higher likelihood of crashes.
Business industry: High-risk industries, like construction or trucking, pay more than a small local delivery van.
Claims history: Prior claims can increase rates.
Chosen coverage and limits: More coverage and lower deductibles will increase premiums.

People ask

If I am the only driver of a car for business purposes, like driving clients around, should I buy a commercial auto policy in Florida?

Yes, even if you are the only one operating the vehicle, you need a commercial auto policy in Florida because you’re using it for business purposes. Insurers won’t allow a personal auto policy to cover a work vehicle because work vehicles pose higher risks.

Who are the top commercial auto insurers in Florida?

These commercial auto insurance companies offer availability in Florida, solid financial strength and policy options for a wide range of commercial vehicles.

Allstate

Why it’s a strong option in Florida:

Local agents are available from Jacksonville to Panama City Beach to Miami to advise you on tailoring your policy to your needs

Highlights:

A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
Vast agent network
Offers 24/7 assistance and digital claims support

Read more about: Allstate commercial auto insurance

GEICO

Why it’s a strong option in Florida:

Has a large network of local agents who to provide guidance on Florida business and commercial auto insurance

Highlights:

A++ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
Offers DriveEasyPro, a commercial auto safe driving program

Liberty Mutual

Why it’s a strong option in Florida:

Liberty Mutual's large Florida network makes tailoring your business auto policy simple

Highlights:

A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating
Comprehensive tools for commercial auto claims management

Nationwide

Why it’s a strong option in Florida:

With 50+ Nationwide agents throughout sunny Florida, you’re likely to have a local one near you to advise you on coverage and limits

Highlights:

A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating
Strong bundling options for discounts

Progressive

Why it’s a strong option in Florida:

One of the largest commercial auto insurance companies in the U.S. by market share
Great online quoting and policy management tools
Offers Snapshot ProView telematics

Highlights:

A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
Offers specialized trucking coverage, great for contractors and delivery services

Read more about: Progressive commercial auto insurance

State Farm

Why it’s a strong option in Florida:
State Farm assigns agents to provide hands-on support for your Florida business auto policy

Highlights:

A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating, though worth noting, this is a downgraded rating from A++ (Superior)

Read more about: State Farm commercial auto insurance

FCCI

Why it’s a strong option in Florida:

Offers First Choice Auto Endorsement that packages together optional coverage to build a robust policy
Headquartered in Sarasota, agents understand the Florida business owners' needs

Highlights:

A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating

How can I get commercial auto insurance in Florida?

You’ve got options on how to buy commercial auto insurance. You can do it online, over the phone or by visiting an agent at an office. Once you know your business needs a commercial policy, here are the next steps to take:

Figure out your coverage needs. Decide if Florida minimum requirements are right for your needs or if you need more. An agent can help you sort out what coverage, limits and deductibles fit your needs.
Collect information to get accurate quotes. Gather together:

Your business information
Driver details (how many, driver license numbers and driving histories)
Vehicles information (VIN, GVWR, usage, and annual mileage)
Past claims history

3. Shop around. Because insurance providers calculate risks differently, shopping around can help you save. You’re looking for the company offering you the best coverage at the best price.

4. Purchase your policy. Once you’ve found the insurer providing the right mix of price and coverage, it’s time to buy the policy. It typically takes 24 to 48 hours for the policy to be effective.

Expert tips: How can I get better rates for commercial auto insurance in Florida?

Covering your business vehicles can be costly, but decisive planning and smart shopping can help you secure the best rates. Here are some tips to get better rates for commercial auto insurance.

Comparison shop. Insurance companies set their own rates and weigh risk factors differently. That means your location could drive up your rates at one insurer but not another. To find the best fit for your needs, it’s wise to get quotes from at least three companies.
Bundle business coverage. Begin your comparison shopping journey with the company your business owners' policy (BOP) is with and ask about bundling discounts.
Try out telematics. If you don’t mind an insurance company tracking your vehicles, you may be able to save with a telematics program. For instance, Progressive has a “SmartHaul” program for truckers who share their electronic logging device data. If they show a pattern of good driving behavior, a discount can be earned of 15% or more.
Contact an agent. Reach out to an agent to ask about ways to save. Commercial auto insurance agents can answer questions on coverage types that may be helpful to your business, and tell you about discounts to look for.

What types of vehicles are covered under commercial auto insurance in Florida?

Florida commercial auto policies commonly cover contractor trucks, landscaping vehicles, local delivery vans and service vehicles that log significant in-state miles.

If a vehicle is owned, leased, rented or used by your business, it is likely eligible for commercial auto insurance but may require additional coverage beyond standard coverage.

Vehicle type	Commercial use examples	Possible additional coverage needed
Passenger car	Client visits, real estate, small deliveries, ride share	Rideshare endorsement Hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) if employee-owned
Pickup truck	Construction, landscaping, hauling materials	Inland marine Higher coverage limits, depending on load weight
Passenger van	Shuttle services, daycares	Higher liability limits Possible endorsements depending on who is transported
Flatbed truck	Construction materials, hauling equipment	Cargo coverage Motor carrier/truck policy, depending on weight Higher liability limits
Service/utility truck	Electrical, HVAC, maintenance, pest control, plumbing	Inland marine Trailer or attached equipment endorsements
Tow truck	Towing, roadside assistance	Specialized tow-truck commercial coverage Coverage for customers’ vehicles
Food truck	Food service	Equipment coverage General liability Workers’ comp
Box truck	Moving companies, furniture delivery	Cargo insurance
Heavy truck (>26,000 lb)	Freight transport, long-haul trucking	Higher liability limits Cargo coverage Motor carrier coverage

What does commercial auto insurance in Florida cover?

Commercial auto insurance coverage is based on the options you select at purchase. Some coverage types are required, while others are optional and can be added to customize the policy to match your needs.

These coverages are required in Florida:

Bodily injury liability coverage: Pays for injuries to others outside your vehicle that you’re at fault for in an accident. It covers medical bills, legal expenses, loss of income and funeral expenses.
Property damage liability: Pays for damages you cause to another person’s vehicle or property, such as a pole, fence or mailbox.
Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments: Pays for injuries you or your passengers incur when involved in an accident, regardless of fault.

These coverage types are optional, but may be a good addition to your commercial auto policy:

Collision coverage: Pays for the repairs to your vehicle (up to the value of your vehicle) when damaged in an at-fault accident, single-vehicle collision or rollover. It comes with a deductible.
Comprehensive coverage: Pays for repairs to your commercial vehicle or its replacement if it’s damaged due to bad weather, vandalism, theft, fire, striking an animal or falling objects. It comes with a deductible.
Rental car coverage: Pays for a rental car to continue operations while your vehicle is being repaired.

What does commercial auto insurance in Florida not cover?

While commercial auto insurance is broad in scope, it doesn’t cover every type of loss. Some notable exclusions are:

Theft, damage or destruction of company inventory or equipment (typically covered by commercial property insurance policy)
Employee illnesses or Injuries covered by workers’ compensation
Accidents caused by employee drivers while intoxicated
Damage or destruction from pollutants
Intentional damage

Expert Advice

B. Patrick Agnew

A personal injury attorney in Forest, Va

Q: How important is it to check an insurer’s claims handling reputation?

“I often see clients struggle with denials or delays from providers known for poor claims handling. The time and money spent fighting improper denials can be monumental.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs): Commercial auto insurance in Florida

What is considered a commercial vehicle in Florida?

Florida law defines a commercial motor vehicle as any motor vehicle or combination used on the streets or highways that has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or is designed to transport more than 15 people, or is transporting hazardous materials.

Can I use my personal vehicle for business in Florida?

You can use your personal vehicle for business in Florida, but you will need a commercial auto policy and possibly a hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) endorsement.