Commercial Auto Insurance in Iowa
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Commercial auto insurance in Iowa

Commercial auto insurance covers the cost of bills and expenses if a business-owned vehicle is involved in an accident. It's required for any vehicles used solely for work purposes in Iowa.

Who needs commercial auto insurance in Iowa?

Any Iowa company that uses vehicles for business purposes must have commercial vehicle insurance, whether it’s the owner’s personal vehicle or a fleet of vehicles owned by the business.

Your personal auto insurance policy covers you while driving to and from work, but not while making deliveries, picking up supplies, and other work-specific uses. A business auto policy would cover you and your personal vehicle if you’re at fault for an accident during a work-related errand.

Any vehicles you own solely for work purposes must be covered by a commercial auto policy, whether you own a single pickup truck, a food truck, or a fleet of semi-trucks and tractor trailers.

Why is commercial auto insurance important?

Your business could be in legal and financial jeopardy without commercial auto insurance coverage. In Iowa, any business that has its own vehicles must carry auto liability insurance.

If one of your business vehicles is at fault in an accident, you could face an expensive lawsuit or settlement. You’d likely have to pay for damage to the other vehicle or property, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, plus other related expenses.

Additionally, you could face severe penalties for not carrying auto insurance. Driving without insurance in Iowa could result in a $250 fine, vehicle impoundment, vehicle registration suspension, and a one-year license suspension for damages that exceed $1,500.

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How does commercial auto insurance work in Iowa?

All vehicles in Iowa are required by law to have a minimum amount of auto liability insurance coverage, whether they’re for personal or business use.

These liability limits are:

  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Your insurance agency might recommend higher liability coverage limits based on the types of vehicles you own and how they’re used.

Semi-trucks, utility and cargo trailers, and other vehicles with an Iowa Department of Transportation serial number will have additional liability insurance requirements, depending on the type of vehicle and how it’s used.

You can see if your business needs these additional requirements by checking your USDOT number or docket number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

How much does commercial car insurance cost?

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In Iowa, commercial auto insurance costs an average of $77 per month, or $928 annually.

Your premium is based on several factors, including:

  • Number of vehicles
  • Type of business vehicle and value
  • Amount of coverage you need
  • Claims history
  • Employee driving records
  • Policy deductible and limits
  • Location (e.g., Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, etc.)

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What if I use my personal vehicle for work?

If you’re using your own vehicle for work-specific activities, your personal auto policy wouldn’t cover you in the case of an accident. That’s why many small business owners purchase hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA). This liability policy covers accidents involving personal, leased, and rented vehicles used for work purposes.

If you or an employee gets into an accident while driving a personal car for a work errand, your HNOA coverage would help pay for any claims or lawsuits against your business. It’s worth noting that this type of insurance would not cover damage to the vehicle used by your business.

What else does commercial auto insurance cover?

While every Iowa business owner must meet the minimum requirements for business auto insurance, this mandate only applies to liability coverage. This will protect you if one of your vehicles causes an accident, but it does not insure you against a mishap caused by someone else.

It’s worth considering these other commercial auto coverage options to make sure you’re fully protected:

  • Uninsured motorist coverage insures you against personal injuries and damage involving a company vehicle, in case whomever caused the accident is unable to cover the full cost of damages.
  • Medical payments coverage pays for medical expenses if employees and passengers are injured in a company-owned vehicle, regardless of who is at fault.
  • Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your company vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage covers the costs of non-collision damages such as vandalism, theft, flood, or fire.
  • Towing and labor coverage covers the cost of roadside assistance for company-owned vehicles.
  • Loading and unloading coverage insures against the damage of equipment and materials during transport, loading, or unloading.
  • Bobtail coverage is recommended when you’re using tractors without a trailer. It usually covers the insured vehicle at all times, even during non-work-related uses.
Commercial Auto Insurance Policy Coverages & Add-Ons

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Insureon makes it easy for business owners to get affordable Iowa commercial auto insurance.

Complete Insureon’s easy online application today to compare and get access to insurance rates from top-rated U.S. carriers and car insurance companies. You can also consult with an insurance agent on your business insurance needs.

Once you find the right coverage for your unique needs, you can get a certificate of insurance in less than 24 hours.

Updated: November 12, 2024

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