Commercial Auto Insurance in Maryland

Commercial auto insurance is essential for Maryland business owners who use vehicles to keep their work running smoothly. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, service calls, or travel, you need the right protection. That’s where commercial auto insurance comes in—it helps cover costs from accidents, damage, or legal problems involving your work vehicles.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance in Maryland?

Commercial auto insurance is a specialized type of coverage designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes. It covers things like property damage, injuries, medical expenses, and more in the event of an accident or loss.

Unlike personal auto insurance, which only covers regular driving like commuting or leisure, commercial insurance handles the extra considerations that come with work use, like carrying tools, delivering goods, or visiting clients. If your vehicle is owned by your business, driven by employees, or used for work tasks beyond just getting to and from a job, you probably need commercial auto insurance.

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 Maryland?

Many types of jobs rely on vehicles to keep their business moving, from contractors and landscapers to caterers and delivery drivers. GEICO offers flexible commercial auto insurance plans that fit businesses, big or small, whether you have one vehicle or many.

Some examples of those who need commercial auto insurance include:

• Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC workers: Need protection for their work vans and expensive tools when traveling to different job sites around Maryland.
• Carpenters, painters, and other contractors: Need coverage to protect their equipment and cover liability when driving between homes and businesses.
• Landscapers and plow services: Rely on insurance to cover their vehicles and equipment, especially during tough Maryland weather conditions, like snowy winters.
• Caterers and food vendors: Use insurance to protect their vehicles, food, and equipment while serving events throughout the state.
• Long-haul trucking companies: Need commercial insurance that meets interstate rules and covers their cargo on long trips along highways like I-95.
• Other businesses: Real estate agents and salespeople also benefit from commercial auto insurance when using cars for client visits, whether personal or company vehicles.
• Main street retailers that make deliveries and restaurants that deliver may also benefit from commercial auto insurance.

Minimum Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

FMCSA and USDOT Compliance in Maryland

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and USDOT (United States Department of Transportation) are government agencies that help regulate commercial vehicles to keep roads safe. If a business in Maryland uses vehicles for transporting goods or services across state lines—or operates certain types of large or heavy vehicles—it may need a USDOT number and must follow FMCSA rules.

Commercial auto insurance plays a key role in staying compliant with these regulations by providing the required liability coverage and helping businesses meet minimum safety and financial responsibility standards. Having the right insurance helps Maryland business owners avoid fines, stay legal, and protect their operations.

Optional Commercial Auto Coverages & Add-Ons in Maryland

Maryland law requires certain coverages for commercial auto insurance to make sure all drivers have basic financial protection on the road. However, business owners can also add additional coverage, like collision, comprehensive, and Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance, for enhanced protection. These add-ons cover things like theft, weather damage, and medical expenses, which exceed the minimum legal requirements.

For business owners in busy cities like Baltimore or those relocating valuable equipment throughout the state, these additional coverages can help mitigate financial risks and keep their operations running smoothly without interruptions. GEICO offers a full range of optional coverages, allowing you to customize your policy to fit your specific business needs.

Standard Commercial Auto Insurance Coverages in Maryland

GEICO includes all the state-required commercial auto insurance and also offers optional coverage like collision, comprehensive, and MedPay coverage. This gives business owners the chance to create a policy that fits their work perfectly, covering what’s important without paying for things they don’t need.

Some coverages available in GEICO’s commercial auto insurance are:

• Liability Coverage: Pays for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident.
• Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle from a crash, no matter who is at fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against things like theft, vandalism, or weather damage that aren’t from a collision.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if another driver causes an accident but doesn’t have enough insurance.

Types of Vehicles Covered in Maryland

Commercial auto insurance protects many kinds of business vehicles, from small cars used by salespeople to large trucks used for construction or hauling. No matter how many vehicles you have or what they are used for, commercial coverage helps protect your business with the right kind of insurance.

Vehicles that usually need commercial auto insurance include:

• Business Vehicles: Company cars, SUVs, and pickups used for errands or deliveries.
• Contractor Vehicles: Work vans and trucks that carry tools and equipment.
• Delivery & Service Vehicles: Vans or trucks used for deliveries, repairs, or client visits.
• Food Trucks & Restaurant 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, product liability (e.g., hot beverages), equipment breakdowns, and allergic reactions are not covered. Food-related illnesses fall under General Liability, since the customer is considered “injured” by the business.
• Heavy Trucks: Big vehicles like tractor-trailers, dump trucks, box trucks, flatbeds, and cargo & freight
• Owner-Operator Trucks: Trucks or vans run by independent drivers, including those leased to companies.
• Non-Trucking Liability: Insurance for trucks when they are not hauling cargo or on dispatch.
• Specialty Vehicles: Refrigerated trucks, buses, and other special types of vehicles.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance

The average cost of commercial auto insurance in Maryland is typically slightly higher than the national average. However, the amount you actually pay depends on several important factors, including the type of business you run, the number and types of vehicles you use, your driving history, and your location.

Here are some common things that can affect your insurance cost:

• Type of Business: Jobs like construction or delivery often come with higher insurance prices.
• Vehicle Type and Use: Larger or specialized vehicles usually cost more to insure than smaller, less-used ones.
• Driving Record: If you or your drivers have a clean record, you'll pay less. Accidents or tickets can raise your premium.
• How Far You Drive: If your vehicle travels long distances or uses busy roads like I-95, that adds more risk and can raise your rates.
• Coverage Limits: More coverage gives you better protection, but costs more. Sticking to the state minimum is cheaper, but may leave you less protected.

How to Save on Commercial Auto Insurance in Maryland

If you want to save money on commercial auto insurance, taking advantage of discounts is a smart move. GEICO offers several ways to lower your bill without compromising good coverage. Whether you have one vehicle or many, there’s likely a discount that fits your business.

Here are some easy ways to save:

• Pay-in-Full: Pay your full premium upfront to skip extra fees.
• 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: Cars and trucks equipped with features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, and anti-theft devices may qualify for a discount.
• Bundling: If you combine your commercial auto insurance with other GEICO policies—like property or workers' comp—you can get a discount. Note: If you combine Business Owner's Policy (BOP) or General Liability (GL) coverage, these are handled by partner carriers.
• Good Driving Record: Safe driving habits can help reduce insurance costs and create safer roads for everyone
• Military Discount: If you’re active duty, retired military, or in the National Guard or Reserves, you may qualify for savings.

Why Choose GEICO for Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance?

GEICO isn’t just known for its great discounts—it’s also one of the top choices for commercial auto insurance in Maryland for many other reasons.

One big reason is how quickly and easily GEICO handles claims. This helps you get your vehicles back on the road fast, so your business doesn't lose time or money. GEICO also offers flexible coverage that works for any number of vehicles—from just one car to a whole group of trucks, vans, or special vehicles. You can customize your plan to fit your business perfectly. With many coverage options and payment choices, GEICO makes it easy for Maryland business owners to get the protection they need.

How to Get a Maryland Commercial Auto Insurance Quote from GEICO

If you’re a business owner in Maryland, having commercial auto insurance is an important way to protect your vehicles, your team, and your company from unexpected problems on the road. GEICO offers flexible plans made to match your specific business needs. Getting a free commercial auto insurance quote is simple and only takes a few minutes. You can do it online, over the phone, or by visiting a local office—so don’t wait!