How Much is Commercial Auto Insurance in Florida?
Running a business in Florida that relies on vehicles comes with its own set of challenges—and commercial auto insurance is one of the most important protections you can put in place. From contractors and delivery drivers to real estate professionals and landscapers, if your vehicle is used for work, you need the right coverage to meet legal requirements and protect your assets. But how much is commercial auto insurance in Florida? Who has the best policies? And what are the minimum legal requirements? This in-depth guide answers those questions and more.
What is Commercial Auto Insurance (and Why It Costs More in Florida)
Commercial auto insurance is designed for vehicles used in the course of business. Unlike personal auto insurance, it covers risks associated with business use, such as higher mileage, transporting tools or goods, multiple drivers, and more liability exposure.
Key Coverages:
- Liability Coverage (bodily injury/property damage)
- Collision & Comprehensive (for damage to your vehicle)
- Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage (for vehicles you rent or employees use)
In Florida, costs are generally higher due to:
- High accident and litigation rates
- Dense urban traffic in cities like Miami
- Hurricane and flood risks
- No-fault insurance laws requiring PIP
What is the Minimum Commercial Auto Insurance Required in Florida?
Florida sets specific requirements for commercial auto insurance based on vehicle use and weight.
Standard Florida Requirements:
- $10,000 Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $10,000 Property Damage Liability (PDL)
These are the minimums for any vehicle registered in Florida. However, commercial vehicles have additional mandates.
Florida Statute 627.7415 (For-Hire Vehicle Requirements):
- GVWR 26,000–34,999 lbs: $50,000 combined single limit (CSL)
- GVWR 35,000–43,999 lbs: $100,000 CSL
- GVWR 44,000+ lbs: $300,000 CSL
Federal Requirements (FMCSA):
- $750,000 Liability: Non-hazardous freight in vehicles over 10,000 lbs (interstate)
- $1,000,000–$5,000,000 Liability: Hazardous materials or specific freight types
Failing to meet these minimums can result in license suspension, fines, and denied claims.
How Much Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cost in Florida?
Average Premiums:
- $266–$270/month for a typical Florida small business
- $3,192 annually on average
By Business Type:
| Business Type | Avg. Monthly Premium | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor | $150–$300 | $1,800–$3,600 |
| Delivery/Logistics Company | $300–$600 | $3,600–$7,200 |
| Heavy Freight Operator | $600–1,000+ | $7,200–12,000+ |
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Vehicle Type & Use: Trucks, trailers, vans, frequency of use
- Driving History: Accidents, violations, claims
- Coverage Limits: Higher limits = higher premiums
- Location: Dense, high-risk areas like Miami cost more
- Employees/Drivers: Younger or high-risk drivers raise premiums
- Weather Exposure: Florida’s hurricanes increase underwriting risk
Some of our A++ Carriers
At Hotaling Insurance Services, we partner with a curated list of elite insurance carriers to deliver exceptional commercial auto coverage tailored to Florida businesses. Below are carrier options with typical monthly starting premiums:
- The Hartford — $285+/month. Includes fleet packages, roadside assistance, accident forgiveness.
- Chubb — $320+/month. Designed for high-net-worth and complex commercial fleets.
- Travelers — $265+/month. Competitive liability and physical damage coverage for contractors.
- CNA — $270+/month. Suited for mid-size real estate and construction fleets.
- AmTrust Financial — $250+/month. Affordable small fleet coverage with custom options.
- GNY Insurance Companies — $240+/month. Ideal for habitational and urban business use.
- Nationwide — $275+/month. Fleet programs and optional roadside support.
- Philadelphia Insurance Companies — $260+/month. Tailored policies for niche and nonprofit operations.
- Utica Insurance Group — $245+/month. Flexible regional options for small business autos.
- The Hanover Insurance Group — $255+/month. Broad form protection with small fleet tools.
- Berkley and Bekley — $285+/month. Transportation-focused programs and mobile asset protection.
- Merchants Insurance Group — $230+/month. Budget-friendly for local delivery and trades.
- Tradesman Program Managers — $260+/month. Built for artisan contractors with inland marine add-ons.
- Progressive Commercial — $215+/month. Affordable with telematics savings via Snapshot ProView.
Why Choose Hotaling?
We act as your family-office style risk advisor—not just a broker. Whether you operate a single truck or manage a fleet of 20 vehicles, our experienced team will match you with the right carrier, negotiate competitive rates, and manage your coverage as your business evolves.
Our advantage:
- Tailored risk management plans
- Access to 15+ national and regional carriers
- Dedicated commercial insurance advisors
- Local knowledge in Miami and South Florida
Why?
- Increased liability risk (employees, third-party injuries)
- Higher usage and mileage
- Special vehicle equipment
- More expensive claims (commercial repairs, cargo losses)
Sample Comparison:
| Policy Type | Monthly Premium | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Auto | $100–$150 | Covers commuting, not business use |
| Commercial Auto | $150–600+ | Covers business liability, more risks |
Note: If you use a personal policy for work and get into an accident, your claim can be denied for “business use.”
Real-World Use Case: Miami Contractor Fleet
Profile: 3 trucks, each under 10,000 lbs, local job sites, employees with clean records
Solution:
- $1M liability, $500 deductible collision
- Drivers enrolled in DriveEasy (GEICO) or Snapshot (Progressive)
- Workers’ Comp bundled via Hotaling
Premium: $575/month for all vehicles
Savings Tip: Multi-policy discount + telematics = 12% total reduction
Expert Tips for Florida Business Owners
- Bundle Policies: Combine commercial auto with general liability, workers’ comp, and property for better rates.
- Use Telematics: Programs like DriveEasy or Snapshot offer real-time driving behavior monitoring and premium discounts.
- Don’t Underinsure: Going with state minimums may not be enough for litigation-heavy Florida. Consider $1M CSL.
- Work With a Broker: Independent agents like Hotaling can shop across 15+ carriers and build layered risk strategies.
- Review Annually: As your business grows, your insurance should adapt. Annual audits can help you stay protected and avoid gaps.
Florida Commercial Auto Insurance FAQs
How much does commercial auto insurance cost in Florida?
Between $150 to $600+ per month, depending on business type, vehicles, and coverage.
What is the minimum insurance required in Florida?
$10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability. Higher limits apply for commercial and heavy vehicles.
Who offers the best commercial auto coverage in Florida?
Progressive and GEICO for affordability. Hotaling Insurance for comprehensive service and carrier access.
Is commercial insurance more expensive than personal?
Yes—due to business risks, liability, and higher vehicle use.
Can I use personal auto insurance for business?
Not recommended. It may lead to claim denials and coverage gaps.
Conclusion: Protect Your Business on the Road
Florida’s roads can be risky—from hurricanes and heavy traffic to distracted drivers and litigation-happy claimants. That’s why having the rightCommercial Auto Insurance in Florida is essential.
Whether you’re a solo contractor in Miami, a growing delivery business in Orlando, or a regional trucking operation, Hotaling Insurance Services can help. We partner with top carriers like Hartford, CNA, Chubb, Travelers, and Progressive to tailor your policy to your needs.
Contact Hotaling today to get a quote and learn how our family-office style risk management protects your fleet, your employees, and your future.
Fill out the form below for us to contact you!