Protect your vehicles with a New York commercial auto policy
Many of New York’s 2.2 million small businesses need commercial auto insurance to protect against accidents and other mishaps involving their work vehicles. Personal auto policies typically don’t cover vehicles used for business because they’re generally exposed to more liability than personal vehicles.
Over 700,000 small business owners across the nation trust us to protect their work vehicles and livelihoods. Each gets customized coverage to match their unique needs, whether they run a small cleaning service in New York City or a floral shop in Buffalo.
Commercial auto coverage for a variety of business types:
New York commercial auto insurance cost
There are several factors that affect the cost of your New York commercial auto policy, including your:
Profession
Some industries have more risk than others. A contractor who carries tools and equipment to various job sites every day can expect to pay more than a consultant who runs occasional errands.
Vehicle
Your vehicle’s size and use affect your rate. A large, heavy food truck with a grill and a deep fryer will have a higher premium than a small delivery van with minimal equipment.
Driving history
Your insurance provider will run a motor vehicle report on all drivers with access to your commercial vehicles. Drivers with accidents or violations on their driving record will usually cause your rate to increase. You can expect your insurance company to take the past three years of driving history into account.
Location
It’s common to pay more for commercial auto coverage in a large city like NYC than in a smaller city like Syracuse. Keep in mind, prices are usually higher in locations that experience more claims or more expensive settlements than other locations. This includes areas susceptible to weather-related events, such as floods and wildfires.
Travel radius
The distance you routinely travel can influence your commercial auto rate. A vehicle with a local route within Rochester’s city limits is considered lower risk than a vehicle with a regional route that covers all of Upstate New York.
Coverage needs
The amount of coverage you need affects your premium. Policyholders with the New York state minimum limits of 25/50/10 will pay less than a policyholder needing a combined single limit of $1M.
New York commercial auto insurance requirements
New York state law requires all commercial auto policies to have a minimum liability limit of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage (i.e., 25/50/10). Some policies are required to carry higher limits based on the types of vehicles listed on them.
The state also requires that you carry a minimum of $50,000 in basic personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage pays for the medical expenses of your drivers and passengers if they’re injured in an accident within New York state, regardless of who’s at fault.
New York is a “no-fault” state, meaning that you can only sue an at-fault driver for injuries after the coverage provided by the PIP has been exhausted. Additional PIP can be added to extend coverage outside of New York state.
New York also requires all commercial vehicles to have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This insurance helps pay for the medical expenses that result from injuries caused by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run situation.
It’s important to select limits that are best for your business in addition to what’s required by state law. Lacking adequate coverage for your level of risk could leave you responsible for an uncovered debt and threaten your business’s future.
Commercial auto resources for New York business owners:
Common professions that need commercial auto insurance in NY:
Browse more examples of professions we insure.
Commercial auto insurance anywhere in New York
We offer New York commercial auto insurance statewide, including these major cities:
- New York City
- Buffalo
- Albany
- New Rochelle
- Mount Vernon
- Rochester
- Yonkers
- Syracuse
- Schenectady
- Utica
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