Commercial Auto Insurance in Louisiana

From the bustling streets of New Orleans to the rural areas of Catahoula Parish, vehicles play a crucial role in keeping Louisiana businesses moving. Whether you’re a contractor hauling equipment, a food vendor on the go, or a sales professional attending meetings, the right coverage helps protect your business on the road. GEICO’s commercial auto Insurance offers protection for cars, vans, trucks, and other automobiles used for work, with flexible options designed for small and mid-sized businesses across Louisiana.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance in Louisiana?

Commercial auto insurance protects vehicles used for work. Unlike a personal auto policy, which covers everyday driving, a commercial auto policy accounts for the added risks that come with driving a business vehicle. These policies typically offer higher liability limits and the ability to insure multiple vehicles and drivers under one policy. Every policy is different, so confirm with your insurer what tasks are allowable under your personal auto policy.

If an accident occurs while an employee is on the job, commercial auto insurance helps pay for the damages. To make sure your business is fully covered, list every employee who drives your company vehicles on your policy.

Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in Louisiana?

If you use a vehicle for business purposes in Louisiana, a personal auto policy may not be enough. Vehicles titled in a business name, exceeding a certain weight, or used for work-related tasks typically require commercial auto insurance. Common professions and businesses that benefit from commercial auto insurance include:

  • Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals who drive to customers with tools and equipment.
  • Carpenters, painters, and other contractors who transport supplies to job sites.
  • Landscapers and plow services that operate trucks and trailers for outdoor 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 Louisiana Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

Like most states, Louisiana requires business owners to carry a minimum amount of commercial auto insurance to protect the people on its roads. Louisiana’s state minimum liability limit is referred to as a split limit, meaning the dollar amounts payable by your insurer for bodily injury and property damage are split into the groups below:

Coverage Type Minimum Requirement in Louisiana
Bodily Injury Liability $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability $25,000 per accident

Optional Commercial Auto Coverages & Add-Ons in Louisiana

The commercial auto minimums required by state law are a solid place to start, but they won’t cover every risk or situation you face. Many Louisiana business owners add coverages like the following to their policies for greater protection:

Federal Compliance for Business Vehicles in Louisiana

Louisiana businesses that rely on larger or commercial vehicles may need to meet federal safety and registration requirements in addition to carrying the right insurance. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) require many companies to obtain a USDOT number if their vehicles have a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more.

FMCSA rules may also require routine vehicle inspections, up-to-date driver qualification files, and adherence to hours-of-service guidelines designed to reduce fatigue. Depending on your industry, Louisiana businesses may also be required to maintain detailed records and implement drug and alcohol testing programs for commercial drivers.

Types of Vehicles Covered in Louisiana

GEICO’s commercial auto policies cover many types of vehicles used for business purposes in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana Commercial Auto Insurance

The cost of commercial auto insurance in Louisiana depends on many factors, including your industry, the type of vehicle you drive, and how you use your business vehicle. Your driving history and coverage limits also impact your premium. Note, however, that the size of any previous claim settlements generally does not impact the cost of your insurance.

GEICO offers commercial auto insurance payment plans to help Louisiana businesses get the protection they need at an affordable price.

Why Choose GEICO for Louisiana Commercial Auto Insurance?

Louisiana business owners trust GEICO because we make commercial auto insurance simple, affordable, and reliable. With flexible coverage options for small and mid-sized businesses, you’ll get protection that fits the way you use your vehicles, whether you’re in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, or anywhere in between.

GEICO Insurance Agency also partners with trusted carriers to offer options such as 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 Louisiana drivers, GEICO is a wise choice for keeping your business moving forward.

How to Get a Louisiana Commercial Auto Insurance Quote from GEICO

Ready to protect your business vehicle in The Pelican State? Get a fast, free Louisiana commercial auto insurance quote online from GEICO, or contact us for guidance you can count on.

Louisiana Commercial Auto Insurance FAQs

  • Are personal vehicles used for business covered under commercial auto insurance?

    With GEICO, personal vehicles listed on commercial auto policies can be covered for both business and personal use. This eliminates the need for two separate policies.

  • Can commercial auto insurance cover multiple vehicles under one policy in Louisiana?

    Yes, a commercial auto policy in Louisiana can insure multiple business vehicles under the same policy. This makes it easier to manage coverage and simplifies billing for businesses that rely on more than one vehicle. It may also unlock a multi-vehicle discount.

  • Does commercial auto insurance cover vehicles outside of Louisiana if I travel for business?

    Yes, GEICO’s commercial auto insurance provides coverage throughout the United States, not just within Louisiana. This gives business owners peace of mind, especially if their work requires them to operate across state lines.

  • Does my policy cover equipment or inventory stored in my business vehicles?

    Commercial auto insurance covers the vehicle itself and any permanently attached equipment. It does not cover tools, inventory, or business property stored inside. To insure those items, consider adding business personal property coverage to a General Liability policy.