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Commercial auto insurance in Washington
Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of bills and expenses if a business-owned vehicle is involved in an accident. It's required for all vehicles owned by businesses in Washington state.
Who needs a commercial auto insurance policy in Washington state?
Any Washington company that uses vehicles for business purposes must insure them appropriately. Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned by your business but it won't cover personal, rented, and leased vehicles used by your business.
Your personal auto insurance policy covers you while driving to and from work, but not while making deliveries, picking up supplies, and other work-specific uses. A business auto policy would cover you and your personal vehicle in case you’re at fault for an accident during a work-related errand.
Any vehicles you own solely for work purposes must be covered by a commercial auto policy, whether you own a landscaping pickup, a food truck, or a fleet of company cars.
Why is commercial auto insurance important?
Your business could be in legal and financial jeopardy without commercial auto insurance coverage.
If one of your business vehicles is at fault in an accident, you could face an expensive lawsuit or settlement. You’d likely have to pay for damage to the other vehicle or property, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, plus other related costs.
Additionally, you could face penalties for not carrying auto liability insurance. In Washington, all vehicles are required to carry this coverage. Driving without insurance could result in a fine of up to $250.
What if I use my personal vehicle for work?
If you’re using your own vehicle for work-specific activities, your personal auto policy wouldn’t cover you in the case of an accident. That’s why many small business owners purchase hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA). This liability policy covers accidents in personal, leased, and rented vehicles used for work purposes.
If you or an employee gets into an accident while driving a personal car for a work errand, your HNOA coverage would help pay for any claims or lawsuits against your business. It’s worth noting that this would not cover damage to the vehicle used by your business.
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How does commercial vehicle insurance work in Washington state?
From Seattle to Spokane, all vehicles in the state of Washington are required to have a minimum amount of auto liability insurance coverage, whether they’re for personal or business use. Washington's insurance requirements are:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
Your insurance agency might recommend higher liability coverage limits based on the types of vehicles you own and how they’re used.
Semi-trucks, cargo trailers, utility trailers, and other vehicles with a Washington State Department of Transportation serial number will have additional liability coverage requirements, depending on the type of vehicle and how it’s used.
You can see if your business needs these additional requirements by checking your USDOT number or docket number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
How much does commercial auto insurance cost in Washington?
Commercial auto insurance costs an average of $163 per month.
Your cost is based on a few factors, including:
- Number of vehicles
- Vehicle type and value
- Level of risk involved
- Claims history
- Employee driving records
- Policy deductible and limits
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What else does commercial auto insurance cover?
While every Washington business owner must meet the minimum requirements for business auto insurance, this mandate only applies to liability coverage. This can protect you if one of your vehicles causes an accident, but it does not insure you against a mishap caused by someone else.
It’s worth considering these other commercial auto coverage options to make sure you’re fully protected:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage insures you against personal injuries and damage involving a company vehicle, in case whomever caused the accident is unable to cover the full cost of damages.
- Medical payments coverage pays for medical expenses if employees and passengers are injured in a company-owned vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
- Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your company vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage covers the costs of non-collision damages such as vandalism, theft, flood, or fire.
- Towing and labor coverage covers the cost of roadside assistance for company-owned vehicles.
- Loading and unloading coverage insures against the damage of equipment and materials during transport, loading, or unloading.
- Bobtail coverage is recommended when you’re using tractors without a trailer. It usually covers the insured vehicle at all times, even during non-work-related uses.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage helps cover necessary expenses after a car accident, such as medical bills. It is strongly recommended, but not required.
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You can also contact one of our licensed insurance agents if you have questions about auto insurance options or other commercial policies, such as general liability or a business owner's policy.
Updated: July 15, 2025
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