Commercial Auto Insurance in Georgia

From the traffic of Atlanta to the small businesses operating in Savannah and beyond, companies in Georgia rely on their vehicles every day. Whether you’re a contractor traveling to job sites, a food truck serving local events, or a traveling sales professional, commercial auto insurance helps keep your business protected on the road. GEICO’s commercial auto insurance offers flexible options to businesses across Georgia.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance in Georgia?

Commercial auto insurance protects vehicles used for business purposes. Unlike a personal auto policy, which covers everyday driving activities, a commercial auto policy accounts for the additional risks associated with driving a business vehicle. These policies typically offer higher liability limits and the ability to insure multiple vehicles and drivers under one policy.

If an accident occurs while an employee is using your business vehicle, commercial auto insurance helps pay for the damages. To ensure you’re financially covered, list all employees who drive your company vehicles on your policy.

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in Georgia?

If you use a vehicle for work-related tasks in Georgia, a personal auto policy likely isn’t enough. However, every policy is different, so confirm with your insurer what tasks are allowable under your personal auto policy. Vehicles titled in a business name that exceed a certain weight, or are used for business activities, usually require commercial auto insurance. Common professions that benefit from commercial auto insurance in Georgia include:

• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals who drive to customers with tools and equipment.
• Long-haul trucking: Drive far and carry valuable cargo, so they need strong insurance that meets all legal requirements.
• Carpenters, painters, and other contractors who transport supplies to job sites.
• Landscapers and plow services that operate trucks and trailers for projects.
• Caterers and food vendors, including food trucks, need protection for their vehicles and permanently attached equipment. Food spoilage, food-borne illness, product liability, equipment breakdowns, and allergic reactions are not covered.
• Individuals, like real estate agents and sales professionals, who regularly drive to work appointments.

Minimum Georgia Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

In Georgia, as in most states, businesses are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to protect the people on its roads. Georgia’s state minimum liability limit is known as a split limit, meaning the dollar amounts payable by your insurer for bodily injury and property damage are split into the category groups below.

Optional Commercial Auto Coverages & Add-Ons in Georgia

The commercial auto insurance minimums required by Georgia law are a solid starting point, but they don’t cover every situation you might face. Many business owners add coverages like the following to their policies for greater protection:

• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle from a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Helps with medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with too little or no insurance.

Federal Compliance for Business Vehicles in Georgia

Georgia businesses that rely on larger commercial vehicles may need to meet federal safety and registration requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) require companies to obtain a USDOT number if their vehicles weigh 10,001 pounds or more.

FMCSA rules may also mandate routine vehicle inspections, up-to-date driver qualification files, and adherence to hours-of-service guidelines. Depending on your industry, Georgia businesses may also be required to keep detailed records and implement drug and alcohol testing programs for their drivers.

Types of Vehicles Covered in Georgia

GEICO’s commercial auto policies cover multiple types of vehicles in Georgia, including:

• Business Vehicles: Company cars, SUVs, and pickups used for business errands or deliveries.
• Contractor Vehicles: Work vans and trucks for transporting tools and equipment.
• Delivery & Service Vehicles: Vans or trucks for deliveries, repairs, or client visits.
• Food Trucks & Restaurant Vehicles: Food trucks, catering vans, and vehicles used for food delivery. These vehicles may want to consider adding a General Liability policy for coverage that moves with them.
• Heavy Trucks: Includes tractor-trailers, dump trucks, box trucks, flatbeds, and cargo & freight trucks.
• Owner-Operator Trucks: Independently operated trucks or vans, including those leased to a company.
• Non-Trucking Liability : Coverage for trucks when not hauling cargo or under dispatch.
• Specialty Vehicles: Refrigerated trucks, buses, or other unique vehicles as needed.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Georgia Commercial Auto Insurance

The cost of commercial auto insurance in Georgia depends on several factors, including your industry, the vehicle you drive, and what your vehicle is used for. Your driving history and coverage limits also help determine your premium. However, the size of any previous claim settlements generally doesn’t impact the cost of your insurance.

GEICO offers commercial auto insurance payment plans to help Georgia businesses get the protection they need without stretching their budgets.

How to Save on Commercial Auto Insurance in Georgia

Looking for ways to lower your premium? GEICO offers various commercial auto insurance discounts and savings opportunities in Georgia, including:

• Pay in Full: You can save money by paying your entire bill at once instead of monthly payments.
• DriveEasyPro Rewards and Savings: Our telematics program can reward you with lower rates for safe driving. DriveEasy Pro is designed to help you understand your driving habits and may help you unlock savings.
• Vehicle Equipment Features: Business vehicles with certain safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, anti-theft devices, or auxiliary running lamps may qualify for lower rates.
• Good Driving Record: Drivers with clean driving records may qualify for lower rates because they’re less likely to be involved in accidents.
• Defensive Driving Discount: Eligibility varies by state, but completing a defensive driving course may help you save even more.
• CDL Experience Discount: Based on the number of drivers with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), your business may be eligible for extra savings.

Why Choose GEICO for Georgia Commercial Auto Insurance?

Georgia business owners trust GEICO because we make commercial auto insurance simple, affordable, and reliable. With our tailored coverage options, you’ll get protection that fits the way you use your vehicles, whether you’re in Augusta, Athens, or anywhere in between.

GEICO partners with trusted carriers to offer optional coverages like General Liability (GL) and Business Owner’s Policies (BOPs), providing you with the flexibility to protect your business on and off the road. With competitive rates and a history of helping drivers across the nation, GEICO is a wise choice for keeping your business moving.

How to Get a Georgia Commercial Auto Insurance Quote from GEICO

Ready to protect your business vehicles in the Peach State? Get a fast, free Georgia commercial auto insurance quote from GEICO, or contact us for guidance you can count