- Do I need commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
- What are the minimum requirements for commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
- What does commercial auto insurance in Indiana cost?
- Who are the top commercial auto insurers in Indiana?
- How can I get commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
- What types of vehicles are covered under commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
- What does commercial auto insurance in Indiana cover?
- What does commercial auto insurance in Indiana not cover?
- What our expert says
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs): Commercial auto insurance in Indiana
Do I need commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
If you use a vehicle for work purposes, commercial auto insurance is required in Indiana.
The weight of your work vehicle(s), along with usage will determine the liability limits your commercial auto policy must have in Indiana.
If your business vehicle is a standard-size sedan, pickup, or van, the commercial auto insurance policy required is similar to that for a personal vehicle. However, you need to buy a commercial auto policy because your risks are different when using a work vehicle than when using your personal car.
Expert InsightIt’s wise to carry higher liability limits than the minimum, especially for light-weight commercial vehicles, because in an accident, people can assume the business has deep pockets. Higher limits provide more protection in case of a lawsuit.
Here are questions to review to determine if you need commercial auto insurance in Indiana. If you answer yes to any of them, you’ll generally need a business or commercial policy.
- Do I use my car on a regular basis for work?
- Do I use my car for deliveries, transporting people or goods?
- Do I use my car to visit clients?
- Do my employees or I frequently use the vehicle for business purposes?
- Do multiple drivers, such as employees or contractors, drive the vehicle?
- Is the vehicle owned, leased or registered in the company’s name?
- Do I carry passengers for business reasons (clients, employees or rideshare work)?
- Do I already carry other business insurance policies (like general liability or workers’ comp)?
- Do any of my work vehicles weigh over 10,000 pounds GVWR?
This requires a commercial policy, and regulations mandate increased liability limits in Indiana.
What are the minimum requirements for commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
State-mandated minimum liability auto insurance requirements for most small businesses in Indiana are 25/50/25. The state determines insurance minimums based on how a commercial vehicle is used.
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:
| Liability: 25/50/25, which stands for:
Uninsured motorist matching liability limits must be offered but can be rejected. |
| For hire trucks with of 10,000 GVWR or less | Liability: a combined single limit of $300,000 for bodily injury and property damage per accident |
| For hire trucks with of 10,000 GVWR or more | Liability: a combined single limit of $750,000 for bodily injury and property damage per accident |
| Hazardous materials carrier | Liability: $1 to $5 million combined single limit (varies depending on cargo details) |
| Passenger carrier vehicles (buses, shuttles, etc.) | Liability: $1.5 million combined single limit if capacity is 15 or less Liability: $5 million combined single limit if capacity is 16 or more |
What does commercial auto insurance in Indiana cost?
The average cost of commercial auto insurance in Indiana is $135, or $1,620, according to data from small business insurance agency Insureon.
What factors affect commercial auto insurance costs in Indiana?
Commercial vehicle insurance premiums depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- Vehicle type, use and value: Heavy-duty trucks and long-haul vehicles cost more to insure, as do more expensive vehicles.
- Number of vehicles insured: The more vehicles insured, the higher your rates.
- Annual mileage: Higher mileage indicates more risk and increases costs.
- Driving record: Spotless driving histories of employee drivers can help lower costs.
- Claims history: Prior commercial auto claims cause an uptick in premiums.
- Selected coverages and limits: Higher limits and more coverage carried on the policy increase costs.
- Business industry: Industries with higher risks, such as construction or trucking, will pay more due to the nature of the business and type of cargo.
- Location: Metropolitan areas like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne may see higher rates than more urban areas.
People ask
If I own only one work van (not a fleet), do I still need a commercial auto policy in Indiana?
Yes, even if you own only one work van, you’ll need a commercial auto policy in Indiana. The state requires you to have motor vehicle insurance, and a personal auto policy won’t cover a work vehicle.
Who are the top commercial auto insurers in Indiana?
These commercial auto insurance companies offer availability in Indiana, solid financial strength and policy options for a wide range of commercial vehicles.
Allstate
Why it’s a strong option in Indiana:
- Allstate has a generous amount of agents in Indiana that can give clear guidance and tailor your coverage 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 Indiana:
- Easy to reach agents online (or local agents in Evansville and Indianapolis) to give support during the buying process
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 Indiana:
- Liberty Mutual's wide agent network in Indiana makes it easy to get advice on how to build the right policy
Highlights:
- A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating
- Comprehensive tools for commercial auto claims management
Nationwide
Why it’s a strong option in Indiana:
- Indiana businesses can access local agents statewide to help them customize their policy
Highlights:
- A (Excellent) AM Best financial strength rating
- Strong bundling options for discounts
Progressive
Why it’s a strong option in Indiana:
- 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 Indiana:
- State Farm's Indiana agents can provide local, personalized service
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
Cincinnati Insurance
Why it’s a strong option in Indiana:
- Provides a wide range of optional coverage so you can build out a policy to fit your needs
- Work independent agents in Indiana to receive customized coverage
Highlights:
- A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
- Offers a discounted rate fo RideWell Fleet, a fleet tracking program to monitor fleet performance and driver behavior
How can I get commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
You can buy commercial auto insurance online, over the phone or in person at an insurance office. Once you’ve decided you need commercial auto insurance for your business needs, the next steps to buy are:
Step 1: Determine your needs.
Be aware of Indiana’s minimum requirement for the types of vehicles you need to place on a commercial auto policy. Then decide if the minimum limits are enough or if you’d like to bump them higher. An insurance agent can help you assess your needs and decide on the coverage and limits.
Step 2: Gather information to get quotes.
You’ll need:
- Your business details
- Driver details (number of employee drivers, driver license numbers and driving histories)
- Details of vehicles used for business (VIN, GVWR, use, and annual mileage)
- Past claims history
Step 3: Compare quotes.
Insurance companies rate risks differently, so make sure to shop around with multiple commercial auto insurance companies.
Step 4: Buy your policy.
Once you’ve found the company offering the best rates and coverage for your needs, go ahead and buy it. Depending on the insurance company and required documents, 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 Indiana?
Commercial auto insurance is a necessary expense for Indiana businesses. Here are some expert tips and strategies to help you get lower prices on your policy.
- Bundle. Start shopping with the insurer you already have your business owners policy (BOP) through, and ask about bundling discounts for buying both policies with the same company.
- Shop around. Each company sets its own rates and weights rating factors differently. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different companies.
- Ask for discounts. While shopping around, ask agents about possible discounts you may qualify for.
- Adjust your coverage, limits or deductible. Make sure you don’t have any unnecessary coverage and consider increasing your deductible to lower your rates.
What types of vehicles are covered under commercial auto insurance in Indiana?
The types of vehicles that can be covered under commercial auto insurance in Indiana range from standard sedans to heavy-duty trucks. The insurance requirements vary depending on the type of vehicle, weight of the vehicle and how it is used.
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 |
|
| Pickup truck | Construction, landscaping, hauling materials |
|
| Passenger van | Shuttle services, daycares |
|
| Flatbed truck | Construction materials, hauling equipment |
|
| Service/utility truck | Electrical, HVAC, maintenance, pest control, plumbing |
|
| Tow truck | Towing, roadside assistance |
|
| Food truck | Food service |
|
| Box truck | Moving companies, furniture delivery |
|
| Heavy truck (>26,000 lb) | Freight transport, long-haul trucking |
|
What does commercial auto insurance in Indiana cover?
What your commercial auto insurance policy covers will depend on the coverage options you choose when buying your policy. There is certain coverage that is required, as well as optional coverage you can add on for a more robust policy.
These coverages are required in Indiana:
- 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.
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 Indiana not cover?
While commercial auto insurance is broad in scope, it doesn’t cover every type of loss. Some notable exclusions are:
- Intentional damage
- Damage or destruction from pollutants
- Employee illnesses or Injuries covered by workers’ compensation
- Theft, damage or destruction of company inventory or equipment (typically covered by commercial property insurance policy)
- Accidents caused by employee drivers while intoxicated
What our expert says
Frequently asked questions (FAQs): Commercial auto insurance in Indiana
Is commercial auto insurance required in Indiana?
Yes, if you use a vehicle or fleet for business purposes, Indiana law mandates commercial auto insurance.
Can I use my personal vehicle for business in Indiana?
You can use your personal vehicle for business in Indiana, but you will need a commercial auto policy and possibly a hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) endorsement.
What is considered a commercial vehicle in Indiana?
In Indiana commercial motor vehicles are defined by their gross vehicle weight rating and usage. If a vehicle is transporting passengers or property it is typically considered a commercial vehicle.
Is Indiana commercial car insurance tax deductible?
Commercial car insurance premiums are tax-deductible in Indiana. Keep all premium bills to properly deduct this expense.




