Commercial Auto Insurance in Illinois

If you run a business in Illinois and use vehicles for work, having commercial auto insurance is a must. Whether you're delivering goods, driving to job sites, or transporting tools, your vehicles play a big role in keeping your business moving. But accidents can happen at any time, and without the right insurance, your business could face big costs. Commercial auto insurance helps protect your vehicles, drivers, and company from financial loss.

In this article, we’ll explain why this type of insurance is so important for Illinois business owners and how it helps keep your business safe and running smoothly.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance in Illinois?

Commercial auto insurance is a type of coverage made for vehicles used for business purposes. It protects your business if one of your work vehicles is in an accident, stolen, or damaged. This insurance often covers more than personal auto insurance because business vehicles usually carry more risk.

For example, if you deliver products, transport equipment, or drive to job sites, commercial auto insurance helps cover costs if something goes wrong. Unlike personal auto insurance, which only covers everyday driving, commercial coverage is built to handle the needs of a business and may include higher limits and more options to protect your company. If you have employees or any other individuals who also drive your vehicle(s), it’s important to make sure that they’re listed on your commercial auto insurance policy too.

With GEICO’s commercial auto insurance, policyholders can also drive vehicles for personal use without needing a separate policy.

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in Illinois?

All businesses that use vehicles need commercial auto insurance, so it’s important that insurance companies offer flexible plans.

Every business is different—some may have employees using their own cars for small jobs, while others may have a whole group of delivery trucks on the road. That’s why GEICO offers coverage that can fit many types of work and vehicles. Whether your team uses personal cars or business vehicles, GEICO has flexible options to help keep your business protected:

• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC workers: Carry expensive tools and need protection in case of accidents or theft.
• Contractors like carpenters and painters: Travel often and haul materials, requiring coverage for their tools and any damage they might cause.
• Landscapers and snow plow services: Trucks and trailers carry heavy gear, which needs special protection.
• Caterers and food vendors: Have to deliver food on time and need insurance in case something goes wrong on the road.
• Long-haul truckers: Drive far and carry valuable cargo, so they need strong insurance that meets all legal requirements
• Other business types: Even using your personal car for work errands or meetings can be risky. Your regular car insurance may not cover business use, so commercial insurance is often required.

Minimum Illinois Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

FMCSA and USDOT Compliance in Illinois

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and the USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) are government agencies that help keep roads safe by making rules for companies that use large trucks or commercial vehicles. The USDOT gives each company a special number to track if they follow the rules, and the FMCSA makes sure they have the right safety and insurance coverage.

In Illinois, businesses that use commercial vehicles must follow these rules, including having enough auto insurance. Commercial auto insurance helps them stay legal by meeting the required coverage and sending proof to the government, so they can keep driving safely and avoid big money problems if there’s an accident.

Optional Commercial Auto Coverages & Add-Ons in Illinois

In Illinois, businesses have to follow certain minimum rules for commercial auto insurance, but they can also choose to buy more coverage if they want extra protection. Some common add-ons are comprehensive, collision, and MedPay coverage.

Comprehensive helps pay for damage from things like theft, storms, or fire. Collision covers damage to the vehicle if it crashes, no matter who caused the accident, and MedPay helps pay for medical bills after an accident for the driver and passengers.

GEICO offers all of these extra coverages, and business owners often add them to avoid big costs, protect their vehicles, and help take care of their workers if something goes wrong.

Standard Commercial Auto Insurance Coverages in Illinois

GEICO offers all the commercial auto insurance coverages that Illinois requires, plus extra options so business owners can make their policy fit their needs. No matter where you operate and whether you have one vehicle or many, GEICO lets you pick the coverage you want without paying for things you don’t need.

Coverages available for GEICO policyholders include:

• Liability Coverage: Pays for damage and injuries you cause to others in a crash.
• Collision Coverage: Helps fix your vehicle if it’s damaged in a crash, no matter who caused it.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers things like theft, vandalism, or weather damage, not just crashes.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Helps pay for medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if another driver hits you and doesn’t have enough insurance.

Types of Vehicles Covered in Illinois

GEICO provides coverage for many different types of work vehicles. Whether you use your vehicle for basic transportation, carrying equipment or goods, or running your business right from your vehicle, GEICO has options to protect your specific needs.

Types of vehicles covered by GEICO include:

• Business Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, or pickups used for deliveries or errands.
• Contractor Vehicles: Work vans or trucks that carry tools and supplies.
• Delivery & Service Vehicles: Vehicles used to bring goods or visit customers.
• Food Trucks & Catering Vehicles: Food trucks, catering vans, and vehicles used for food delivery are protected against physical damage and damage to permanently attached equipment. However, food spoilage, foodborne illness, equipment breakdowns, and allergic reactions are not covered. Food-related illnesses fall under General Liability, as the customer is considered “injured” by the business.
• Heavy Trucks: Big vehicles, tractor-trailers, dump trucks, box trucks, flatbeds, and cargo & freight
• Owner-Operator Trucks: Trucks or vans run by independent drivers.
• Non-Trucking Liability: For when your truck is not carrying cargo or on dispatch.
• Specialty Vehicles: Unique vehicles like refrigerated trucks or buses.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Illinois Commercial Auto Insurance

In Illinois, the average cost of commercial auto insurance is a bit higher than the national average because of things like bad weather and other state-specific risks. The size of an insurance settlement usually doesn’t affect your insurance costs, but factors like whether you were at fault in an accident do.

Your actual insurance price will depend more on personal details like your business’s industry, type of vehicle, and coverage choices:

• Your Job or Industry: Some jobs, like construction or delivery, typically experience higher rates.
• Type of Vehicle: Bigger vehicles or ones used to carry goods often cost more to insure.
• Driving Record: Drivers with no accidents or tickets usually pay less.
• How Much Coverage You Want: Choosing higher coverage limits will cost more but may give better protection.

How to Save on Commercial Auto Insurance in Illinois

The easiest way to save money on commercial auto insurance without giving up important coverage is by using discounts. That’s why GEICO offers a lot of different savings opportunities, so almost every business owner can find a way to lower their insurance costs. These discounts help you pay less while still getting the protection your business needs:

• Pay in Full: You can save money by paying your entire bill at once instead of in monthly payments.
• DriveEasyPro Rewards and Savings: A telematics program that can reward you with lower rates for safe driving. Designed to help you understand your driving habits and how you can improve your behaviors to unlock savings.
• Safety Features: Vehicles with safety features like anti-lock brakes or airbags may qualify for extra discounts.
• Bundling: Combine your business insurance plans (like property or workers' compensation) with your vehicle insurance to save more.
• Good Driving Record: Drivers with clean records may qualify for lower rates because they’re less likely to be involved in accidents.
• Military Discount: If you’re active duty, retired, or in the National Guard or Reserves, you may qualify for special savings.

Why Choose GEICO for Illinois Commercial Auto Insurance?

Even beyond its many discount opportunities, GEICO is the preferred insurer among Illinois business owners for many other reasons.

For instance, our flexible coverage fits a wide variety of industries and vehicle types, making it easy to find the right protection for your business. GEICO also provides strong customer support, with digital tools, helpful local agents, and a fast claims process. Plus, our decades-long reputation for reliable coverage means business owners can trust us to walk alongside them every step of the way.

No matter how you spin it, GEICO is the best choice for business owners in Illinois.

How to Get an Illinois Commercial Auto Insurance Quote from GEICO

Getting a free commercial auto insurance quote from GEICO is quick and easy, taking just a few minutes. You can choose to get your quote either online or by phone, making it simple to take the first step toward protecting your business.

Don’t wait—get your free commercial auto insurance quote today!