A Complete Guide to Commercial Auto Insurance in Washington

Operating a business in Washington that uses vehicles, whether it’s a delivery service, landscaping company, construction business or rideshare service, requires proper commercial auto insurance. Washington state mandates liability coverage on all vehicles.

This guide will explain everything business owners need to know about getting commercial auto insurance in Washington, including:

• Required coverages and limits
• Factors that affect costs
• Recommended additional protections
• How to get quotes and purchase a policy
• Top commercial auto insurers in WA
• Tips for getting the best rate

Washington Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

In Washington, all commercial and personal vehicles must carry the following minimum auto liability coverages:

• $25,000 Bodily Injury Liability per person
• $50,000 Bodily Injury Liability per accident
• $10,000 Property Damage Liability

This is referred to as a “25/50/10 split limit”. Higher liability limits are recommended for most businesses to provide better protection.

Additional coverages like collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, rental reimbursement, etc. are not legally required but highly recommended.

How Commercial Auto Premiums Are Calculated

Insurers consider these factors when setting rates for commercial auto policies:

• Type of vehicles – Makes, models, value, usage
• Driver histories – Employees’ ages, driving records, experience
• Business type – Industries with higher risk pay more
• Coverage limits and deductibles
• Location – Urban areas cost more than rural
• Annual mileage
• Years in business – New businesses often pay more

Maintaining a clean driving record and improving safety can help lower costs.

Average Cost of Commercial Auto Insurance in WA

The average cost for a commercial auto policy in Washington is around $1,650 per vehicle per year. However, rates can range from as low as $500 up to $4,500+ depending on the factors above.

For a small business with just one commercial work van or pickup, expect annual premiums around $1,200 for basic coverage. Larger fleets and trucks will be more expensive.

Core Commercial Auto Policy Coverages

Commercial auto policies bundle several standard coverages:

Liability – Pays for injuries or damage you cause others in an at-fault accident. Required in WA.

Collision – Covers damage to your own vehicle in accidents.

Comprehensive – Protects against theft, vandalism, weather damage and more.

Uninsured Motorist – Covers you if hit by a driver with no or low insurance.

Medical Payments – Covers medical expenses for drivers and passengers.

For the most protection, purchase these coverages with higher limits. Also consider added coverages like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.

Where To Get Commercial Auto Insurance Quotes

Shopping around with multiple insurers is key to finding the best rate. Obtain quotes from:

• Independent insurance agents – Access multiple carriers and compare. Local agents provide personalized service.

• Insurer websites – Quote right on the site of companies like Progressive, Geico, Travelers, etc.

• Online insurance marketplaces – Quote comparison sites like Insureon, CoverWallet, Next, etc.

Make sure to choose reputable insurers with strong financial ratings when selecting a provider.

Top Commercial Auto Insurers in Washington

The leading commercial auto insurance providers in Washington include:

• Progressive – #1 commercial auto insurer nationwide
• Travelers – Over 150 years experience insuring businesses
• Liberty Mutual – Discounts for safety tech and business affiliations
• Geico – Usage-based drive safe program available
• Nationwide – Policy discounts offered to new businesses
• State Farm – Large network of local WA agents

Start with quotes from one or more of these highly-rated insurers. Compare coverage options and pricing.

Tips for Getting the Cheapest Rates

Besides comparing quotes from multiple carriers, you can lower commercial auto premiums by:

• Maintaining clean driving records with no accidents or violations
• Taking defensive driving courses for discount
• Using telematics programs to score driving habits
• Raising deductibles to reduce premiums
• Adding safety features like backup cameras
• Bundling with other policies like general liability

Reviewing your policy annually and shopping rates allows getting the best price on Washington commercial auto insurance.

Questions About Commercial Auto Policies in WA

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about insuring business vehicles in Washington state:

What vehicles require commercial auto insurance?
Any vehicle registered to your business and used for business purposes needs a commercial policy. Personal vehicles used for business also need coverage.

Can I insure business and personal vehicles on the same policy?
No, commercial and personal vehicles need to be insured separately in Washington. Personal use vehicles go on your private policy.

What are the penalties for not having required insurance?
The penalty for driving uninsured in Washington is $250 or suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration.

How much liability coverage should my business carry?
Though WA only requires a 25/50/10 split limit, it’s wise to carry at least 100/300/100 limits or higher. Umbrella insurance also provides added protection.

Do I need commercial auto coverage as an independent contractor?
If using your own vehicle for commercial purposes like deliveries, transportation, etc. you need a commercial policy or hired/non-owned coverage.

Purchasing Your Washington Commercial Auto Policy

Once you’ve selected the best insurer for your business, you can purchase a policy:

• Online – Complete quote to buy directly on many insurer websites

• Through an agent – Agent will walk you through options and handle paperwork

• By phone – Call insurer to discuss needs and finalize purchase

Pay for convenient automatic bank withdrawals to avoid lapses. Provide accurate vehicle/driver info to avoid invalidating the policy later.

The Bottom Line on WA Commercial Auto Insurance

Washington state law mandates liability coverage but a full commercial auto policy offers the best protection. Work with reputable insurers and agents to secure suitable coverage at the cheapest rate for your business vehicles and drivers.

Following the guide above allows Washington business owners to navigate the commercial auto insurance process with confidence. Protect your company vehicles and operations by securing the right policy.