What commercial auto insurance covers
- Injuries and damage you cause to others while using a work vehicle
- Damage to your own truck or van, with collision and comprehensive
- Medical payments for you and passengers
- Uninsured and underinsured drivers who hit you
- Hired and non-owned auto, for rented trucks or employees' cars used for errands
What commercial auto insurance does not cover
- Tools and equipment stored in the vehicle (add tools and equipment cover)
- Normal wear and mechanical breakdown
- Personal trips in a vehicle insured only for business use, depending on the policy
How much does commercial auto insurance cost?
Average for construction businesses buying through Insureon, per vehicle policy. Heavier trucks, trailers, and more drivers cost more.
Source: Insureon, construction business insurance cost (updated July 2026). A typical figure, not a quote.
When personal auto stops covering you
Personal policies usually exclude regular business use. If your truck is titled to the business, carries ladders or a trailer, or moves crew between jobs, you likely need commercial auto. One denied claim costs more than the difference in premium.
What sets the price
The vehicle type and weight, who drives it, their driving records, how far you travel, and where the vehicle is parked overnight. Heavier trucks and towing trailers raise the price.
Trailers and equipment
List any trailer on the policy, and pair commercial auto with tools and equipment cover so the gear inside is protected too.
Which trades need commercial auto insurance?
How often each trade needs this coverage, based on what clients, GCs, and states usually ask for.
| Trade | How common | Why |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC insurance | Usually required | Most HVAC work runs out of service trucks |
| Landscaping insurance | Usually required | Trucks and trailers hauling equipment |
| Concrete insurance | Usually required | Heavy trucks and trailers |
| Fencing insurance | Usually required | Trucks and trailers hauling panels |
| Electrician insurance | Most carry it | Service vans and trucks |
| Plumber insurance | Most carry it | Service vans loaded with parts |
| General contractor insurance | Most carry it | Trucks, trailers, and crew transport |
| Carpenter insurance | Most carry it | Trucks hauling lumber and tools |
| Drywall insurance | Most carry it | Hauling sheets and crew |
| Pressure washing insurance | Most carry it | Trucks and trailer rigs |
| Handyman insurance | Depends | If you travel to jobs in your vehicle for work |
| Painter insurance | Depends | If you haul ladders and crew |
| Flooring insurance | Depends | If you haul material in a work vehicle |
| Janitorial insurance | Depends | If you use a work vehicle |