Independent Insurance Agency — Serving All of Texas  📞 (361) 248-3307

Commercial Auto Insurance for Texas Contractors

If you use vehicles for your contracting business — trucks, vans, trailers, anything that hauls tools, materials, or crews — you need commercial auto insurance. Most contractors think their personal auto policy covers them. It doesn't. Personal policies typically exclude business use, which means an accident on the way to a job site could leave you completely uninsured. We see this mistake all the time.

What It Covers

  • Liability for accidents where you're at fault
  • Physical damage to your vehicles (collision and comprehensive)
  • Medical payments for you and your passengers
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Hired and non-owned auto coverage (rental vehicles, employee personal vehicles)
  • Cargo and equipment in transit (with endorsement)

Who Needs This Coverage

  • Contractors who drive trucks or vans to job sites
  • Businesses with company-owned vehicles
  • Contractors who haul materials, tools, or equipment
  • Anyone whose personal auto policy excludes business use
  • Contractors with employees who drive company vehicles

Common Claims We See

A contractor's work truck rear-ends another vehicle on the way to a job site — $25,000 in damages
A van full of tools is stolen from a parking lot overnight
A trailer detaches on the highway and causes a multi-vehicle accident
An employee driving a company truck causes an accident — the business is liable

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my personal auto policy for business?

Most personal auto policies exclude business use. If you're in an accident while driving for work, your personal policy may deny the claim entirely. We've seen it happen — don't find out the hard way.

What's hired and non-owned auto?

This covers vehicles you rent or employees' personal vehicles used for business. It's an affordable add-on that fills a common coverage gap most contractors don't think about.

How much does commercial auto cost?

Costs vary based on number of vehicles, driver records, vehicle types, and coverage limits. A single truck might cost $1,200–$3,000/year. Fleets get volume pricing. We shop multiple carriers to find the best deal.

Does commercial auto cover my tools in the truck?

No — and this trips people up. Standard commercial auto covers the vehicle, not the contents. For tools and equipment, you need inland marine or a tools/equipment policy.

Ready to get covered?

Get your free quote from multiple carriers.