Over 12 years writing about insurance and personal finance
Emily is a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer and former educator who makes complex financial topics easy to understand. She specializes in the science behind money habits and has written for outlets like The Huffington Post, Business Insider, and The Washington Post.
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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If you operate a vehicle for business in New York, state law requires you to have commercial auto insurance. Understanding what business auto insurance covers and how it differs from personal vehicle insurance can help you find the best auto policy for your needs.
Here’s what you need to know about commercial car insurance in New York.
Quick Facts
Commercial auto insurance costs more than personal car insurance in part because it has higher liability limits to protect your business’ assets from potential lawsuits.
Progressive, State Farm, and Travelers have the best commercial auto insurance in New York.
Business owners may need to use an independent insurance agent to compare commercial car insurance quotes.
Commercial car insurance requirements in New York
Businesses with one or more commercial vehicles, self-employed rideshare drivers, food trucks, tow trucks, and workers using personal vehicles for business use all need to purchase a commercial auto insurance policy.
New York City rideshare drivers for Uber and Lyft have to abide by the Taxi & Limousine Commission’s (TLC) insurance requirements for commercial vehicle insurance. Relying on personal auto insurance can lead to a fine and license suspension.[1]
New York has the following minimum liability requirements for commercial auto insurance:[2]
$10,000 in property damage liability
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage
$50,000 in personal injury protection (PIP)
But the state has higher minimum liability coverage requirements for for-hire vehicles dispatched through TLC-licensed bases. This includes community cars, black cars, and luxury limousines.
Below, you can see how specific coverage requirements vary depending on the number of passengers a vehicle can hold.[3]
Vehicle Size
Minimum Liability Coverage for Bodily Injury
Minimum Liability Coverage for Death
Up to seven passengers
$25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
$50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident
Eight or more passengers
$1.5 million combined single limit
$1.5 million combined single limit
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Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Optional commercial auto insurance coverages
In addition to the required coverage, New York business owners and professional drivers may also want to add these optional coverages to their commercial auto insurance policy.
Collision
Collision coverage will help pay for property damage to your vehicle if you’re in an at-fault accident.
Comprehensive
If a non-collision incident damages your vehicle — like theft, vandalism, a falling object, or extreme weather — comprehensive coverage will help pay for repairs.
Hired and non-owned auto (HNOA)
HNOA coverage can provide protection if your company uses hired or non-owned vehicles for business purposes. Examples of hired or non-owned vehicles include rental cars during business trips, leased or rented vehicles such as vans or trucks to move equipment, and personal vehicles employees use for business purposes.
Roadside assistance
Adding this coverage can potentially give your business access to 24/7 roadside assistance if one of your commercial vehicles breaks down. But roadside coverage may have limits, depending on the size and type of vehicle.
Rental reimbursement
If you need to rent another vehicle while your business truck is in the shop, this kind of coverage will help reimburse you for the cost of renting the replacement vehicle. Some insurers will also help you locate a reasonable replacement commercial truck.
Cargo
Also known as motor truck cargo coverage, this coverage type protects for-hire truckers from liability in the event they damage, lose, or destroy goods in transit.
Best commercial car insurance companies in New York
The best commercial car insurance company for your needs will depend on what type of business you run, the number and kinds of vehicles you operate, your location, and other factors. That’s why it’s important to request quotes from multiple insurance companies.
It can be difficult to find commercial auto insurance policy options online in New York. Some major insurers don’t even offer commercial auto insurance in the state. If you’re having a hard time finding coverage, you may benefit from working with an independent insurance agent.
Consider starting your search for coverage with three of the best commercial car insurance companies available in New York.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.7 /10
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (7,004)
Malinda
Verified Review
My Opinion
Reviewed in Indiana on August 2025
When I ask questions, they answer them quickly. I love the online chat as well. Prices are decent compared to others.
Cynthia
Verified Review
I was looking for a lower rate, I didn't find one so I will stick with Progressive
Reviewed in Georgia on August 2025
Love the company. I have had only Progressive for my last vehicles over many years. I would tell a friend the best way to go with this company is 6 months at a time. You can unlock discounts faster, but if you slip on monthly payments, you start over on your discount cycle. Forget Snapshot; it doesn't send good information in rural areas like where I live in the Okefenokee Swamp, and Snapshot was not accurate at all. This can end up costing you in the long run.
Debbie
Verified Review
Progressive Insurance
Reviewed in Missouri on August 2025
They have always been great when I call to have them mail my cards and policy. I have never been in a situation where a claim needed to be filed, however.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company
Progressive has a robust menu of commercial auto policy options for a wide range of vehicles, including for-hire livery, contractor vehicles, ice cream trucks, mobile food trucks, heavy trucks, and delivery vans. Progressive also offers a number of discounts to commercial auto insurance customers, including a telematics programthat can save new truck customers an average of $1,056 annually.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.3 /10
4.1
Best choiceBased on 11,427 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (6,091)
Bobby
Verified Review
Not Happy
Reviewed in Oregon on August 2025
The price just keeps going up.
Megan
Verified Review
Horrible
Reviewed in Michigan on August 2025
They only care about money and they increase my insurance every 6 months. I started out at $120 and now my insurance is over $200 a month.
Dale
Verified Review
SOS
Reviewed in Nevada on August 2025
Like all auto insurance policies, it starts low but increases annually.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
With a large network of local insurance agents, small businesses can receive personalized service when putting together the exact business auto policy they need. State Farm has a good list of coverages to choose from to make sure you get the right protection for your business vehicles.
Pros
Many local New York agents
Customizable policy options
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Cons
Must manage policy through an agent
Many customer complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.5 /10
4.7
Best choiceBased on 918 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Travelers
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
How drivers feel about Travelers
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Numerous discounts
Gap insurance
Rideshare coverage
Reviews (477)
David
Verified Review
Car insurance: A necessity
Reviewed in New Jersey on August 2025
It's fine, but every year they increase too much.
Salvatore
Verified Review
Travelers have the best rates
Reviewed in Florida on August 2025
Best rates for auto insurance by far for myself and my wife with our situation and where we live. Rates don't get much better if we bundle our home, so I have a separate policy with a different insurer for my home. Customer service is almost non-existent; 95% of any contact has been through the app or online. I haven't needed to make any claims yet, so I can't comment on that aspect. I have shopped coverage with the competition and have found them to cost more and offer less coverage. So I'll put up with the lack of agent contact to save on premium and stay with Travelers for auto insurance.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
616
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
Businesses that insure their commercial vehicles with Travelers get access to educational resources. The Travelers brand includes cost-effective risk assessment and management tools, workplace safety education and training, and online risk classes and control tools.
Travelers has a range of commercial auto offerings to insure cars, trucks, and vans, including add-ons for auto lease gap, employee hired, and blanket additional insured coverage.
Pros
Access to Travelers’ risk control educational resources
Online claims process
Few customer complaints filed with the NAIC
Cons
Quotes only available through an agent
Unspecified exclusions to standard policy
Doesn’t list any available discounts
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell commercial policies in New York to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
Average cost of commercial car insurance in New York
The average monthly cost of commercial car insurance in New York ranges from $320 to $1,770. For comparison, the national average ranges from $220 to $1,200.
Commercial auto insurance premiums vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the type of business you have, the size of your vehicle fleet, your business’ specific coverage needs, and where you drive and park your vehicles. The type, size, and age of the vehicles you’re insuring, as well as the driving records of the drivers you employ, will also affect insurance costs.
What business owners should know about commercial auto insurance in New York
You should keep several important considerations in mind while shopping for the best commercial auto insurance policy in New York:
Cost: Commercial car insurance policies typically cost more than personal ones due to the increased risk of business use. Commercial auto policies also have a higher liability limit to protect the business assets from potential lawsuits.
Risk assessment: To determine your coverage needs, consider the size of your fleet, the driving history and experience of your employees, the purpose of your vehicles, the vehicle age and condition, and the location of the vehicles.
Exclusions and limitations: Make sure you’re clear on what your policy might exclude or limit. For example, your coverage may not cover the tools in your commercial vehicle or extend coverage to a non-employee driver.
Claims process: To file a claim, contact your insurer to guide you through the claims process.
Tax implications: In many cases, commercial auto insurance premiums may be tax-deductible. Hold onto your premium paperwork to discuss it with your tax professional.
Find a New York Commercial Auto Insurance Policy
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How to get commercial car insurance in New York
Here’s how to get commercial car insurance in New York.
Contact an independent insurance agent. This is the easiest way to compare quotes from multiple insurers, since commercial auto insurance is more difficult to compare online.
Gather necessary documents. You’ll likely need a number of documents about your business vehicles, including vehicle types and uses, vehicle registration and ownership information, your employees’ driver’s licenses and driving records, and any current insurance information. Your insurance agent can let you know of any other necessary information to gather.
Select coverage. Make sure you identify your business’ coverage needs and liability limits. It may be tempting to decrease coverage amounts to cut costs, but remember that insurance protects your business in case of an emergency.
Purchase a policy. The insurer will send you an insurance certificate (also known as a certificate of insurance or COI) that summarizes coverage. You may have to display this certificate to do business with some clients.
Commercial auto insurance in New York FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about commercial auto insurance in New York.
Do you need commercial car insurance in New York?
Yes. New York requires businesses that use vehicles as part of their operation to have commercial car insurance. This includes rideshare vehicles, florist delivery vans, tow trucks, limousines, and more.
How much does commercial car insurance cost in New York?
On average, commercial car insurance in New York ranges from $320 to $1,770 per month. The cost range varies widely since commercial vehicle use can differ greatly from one business to another.
Which company has the cheapest commercial car insurance?
The cheapest commercial car insurance option will be different from one company to another. Underwriting will depend on the number and type of vehicles insured, the driving and insurance history of the employees using the vehicles, what the vehicles are used for, and the location where the vehicles are driven.
What qualifies as a commercial vehicle in New York?
In New York, any vehicle used for business purposes — including ridesharing — is a commercial vehicle.
Why is commercial car insurance more expensive?
Commercial car insurance is more expensive than personal auto insurance because it typically has a higher liability limit. Businesses need higher limits to shield their assets against potential lawsuits and a greater risk of accidents.
Emily Guy Birken is a former educator, lifelong money nerd, and a Plutus Award-winning freelance writer who specializes in the scientific research behind irrational money behaviors. Her background in education allows her to make complex financial topics relatable and easily understood by the layperson.
Her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Kiplinger's, MSN Money, and The Washington Post online.
She is the author of several books, including The 5 Years Before You Retire, End Financial Stress Now, and the brand new book Stacked: Your Super Serious Guide to Modern Money Management, written with Joe Saul-Sehy.
Emily lives in Milwaukee with her family.
Emily has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
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