Commercial auto is whole different animal than personal auto when it comes to insurance. And when you’re trusting employees to drive a vehicle owned by your company, and increasing your risk by your fleet being out on the roads, you need to be sure you’re comfortable and confident in your insurance coverage.
A commercial auto policy covers vehicles that are owned, leased, hired or borrowed for business use. The coverage limits and deductibles can vary quite a bit, based on the size of the company, fleet, staff and needs of the business.
But if a vehicle is titled in your company name, driven to/from work related sites, used for work errands, or driven by employees during business hours… you need a commercial auto policy. Even some personal auto policies need a “business use” endorsement if used for work related tasks and we strongly advise that your employees do not drive their personal vehicles to or on a jobsite.
Auto accidents can add up very quickly, between vehicle/property damage and liability for injuries, so PLEASE don’t find yourself inadequately covered.
What drives the cost of commercial auto insurance?
Commercial auto premiums are built from your vehicles, your drivers and how you use them. The biggest factors are:
- Your vehicles. How many, what types, and their values.
- Your drivers. Their driving records and experience. Checking records at hire and every year helps you know who’s behind the wheel.
- Where vehicles are kept and how they’re used.
- The limits you carry. Including what your contracts and your umbrella insurance company require.
- Employees using their own cars on company business. Hired and non-owned auto coverage can protect your business from liability claims when that happens.
- Claims history.
Market context (CIAB Q2 2026 data, published Aug. 18, 2026): The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers reported that commercial auto renewal premiums rose 4.5% on average nationally in the second quarter of 2026. That’s a U.S. average, not a Florida figure, and it doesn’t predict what any one business will pay. Florida regulates commercial auto rates differently from personal auto rates. Personal auto rate filings go through the state’s review process, but commercial auto rates don’t. Commercial auto insurers notify the Office of Insurance Regulation of a rate change, including the average statewide percentage, within 30 days after it takes effect, and the state can examine their rate data later (section 627.0651(14), Florida Statutes). The personal auto rate decreases Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation announced in 2026 apply to personal auto policies, not business vehicles.
We can’t give a price without a few details. Here’s what we need.
How to get a quote
What we’ll need:
- Number and types of vehicles you own or lease
- Number of employees who drive for work
- Where the vehicles are kept
- Whether employees use their own cars on company business
- Your current limits and expiration date
We’ll collect driver details, such as names, dates of birth and license numbers, by phone or with a secure spreadsheet we’ll send you after we talk. Please don’t include license numbers or dates of birth in the online request form.
What happens next: A licensed member of our team will review your request and contact you by phone or email.
Why it isn’t instant: We compare options from multiple insurance companies, and coverage isn’t in place until it’s bound.
Request a quote: Request a quote · Call (352) 371-7977 · Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
McGriff-Williams Insurance · 3501 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
General information, not legal or coverage advice. Coverage depends on your policy’s terms. Figures were checked October 19, 2026.
Sources
- CIAB Q2 2026 P&C Market Survey, via Insurance Journal (Aug 20, 2026; commercial auto +4.5%): https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2026/08/20/882240.htm
- CIAB, Q2 2026 P&C Market Survey: https://www.ciab.com/resources/q2-2026-pc-market-survey
- Florida Statutes s. 627.0651(14) (commercial motor vehicle rates; notice to OIR within 30 days after a rate change takes effect), 2026: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/627.0651
- Florida OIR news release, Mar 5, 2026 (personal auto rate decreases): https://floir.gov/newsroom/archives/item-details/2026/03/05/commissioner-mike-yaworsky-announces-more-significant-auto-rate-decreases-for-florida-s-top-5-auto-insurance-groups
