Commercial Auto Insurance in North Dakota

For business owners and operators in North Dakota, having commercial auto insurance is essential to protect both their vehicles and their business. From icy roads in the winter to long rural routes and busy highways, practicing safe driving and carrying adequate coverage is very important for businesses in all different parts of the state.

GEICO provides well-rounded protection at affordable prices, helping businesses in the Peace Garden State safeguard their hard-earned finances while keeping operations running smoothly.

What is Commercial Auto Insurance in North Dakota?

Commercial auto insurance in North Dakota is made to protect vehicles used for work, and it’s different from personal auto insurance because it covers the risks of driving for business. The state requires minimum liability coverage as a must-have part of your policy to protect other people if an accident happens.

Even if you only use a vehicle for work sometimes, it still needs commercial auto insurance. It’s also important to include all employees who drive your business vehicles so everyone is protected while using them.

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 North Dakota?

Since any business that uses a vehicle for work in any way needs commercial auto insurance, many different types of professionals require this coverage. Whether you’re running several delivery vehicles or just using a personal car occasionally, it’s important to have the right coverage to stay protected.

Just a few of the many types of professions that GEICO covers are:

• Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC Workers: They drive to job sites with tools and materials in their vans or trucks.
• Carpenters, Painters, and Contractors: These workers move equipment and supplies between job locations.
• Landscapers and Snow Plow Services: They use specialized trucks and often pull trailers or utilize heavy equipment.
• Caterers and Food Vendors: These businesses use vehicles to bring food and supplies to events.
• Long Haul Trucking: Long-distance drivers carry valuable cargo and must follow strict safety rules.
• Real Estate Agents and Salespeople: Even if they use their own cars, they often drive extensively for business and need extra coverage.

Minimum North Dakota Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements

North Dakota stands out for having more extensive state-mandated requirements for commercial auto insurance than most states, requiring not only liability coverage but also uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage and personal injury protection (PIP).

Liability coverage protects your business if you cause bodily injury or property damage to others in an accident, while UM/UIM coverage ensures your drivers and business are financially protected if they’re involved in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Meanwhile, PIP provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for your employees or drivers, regardless of who is at fault, giving businesses well-rounded protection on the road.

Minimum coverage requirements for the state are:

Optional Commercial Auto Coverages & Add-Ons in North Dakota

While North Dakota’s state-mandated minimums provide business owners with a solid starting point, they don’t cover every situation you might face. That’s why GEICO offers a variety of optional add-ons to provide extra coverage for both your vehicles and your employees.

Common additional coverages include:

• Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle if you hit something or are in a crash.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Pays for things like theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
• Medical Payments Coverage: Helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident.

FMCSA and USDOT Compliance in North Dakota

The FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the USDOT, or the United States Department of Transportation, are government agencies that establish safety regulations for businesses that operate commercial vehicles. Following these rules is essential for business owners in North Dakota, as failure to do so may result in fines, legal issues, or even losing the ability to run your business.

Commercial auto insurance ensures that vehicles and drivers are properly covered, protecting the company, its employees, and its assets.

Types of Vehicles Covered in North Dakota

GEICO provides coverage for many types of vehicles, from large box trucks to basic SUVs. Some vehicles, like food trucks, have extra considerations to keep in mind, so it’s important to do careful research before creating your insurance plan.

Different vehicles insured by GEICO include:

• Business Vehicles – Cars, pickup trucks, or SUVs used for deliveries or running errands.
• Contractor Vehicles – Work vans or trucks used to carry tools and equipment.
• Delivery & Service Vehicles – Vehicles used for things like delivering goods or fixing appliances.
• 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. You can also add business personal property protection to GL to cover additional business items.
• Heavy Trucks: Big vehicles like tractor-trailers, dump trucks, box trucks, flatbeds, and cargo & freight.
• Owner-Operator Trucks: Trucks or vans that are run by independent drivers, even if leased to a company.
• Non-Trucking Liability: Covers trucks when they aren’t hauling anything or working.
• Specialty Vehicles: Unique vehicles like refrigerated trucks or buses.

Factors Affecting the Cost of North Dakota Commercial Auto Insurance

The average cost of commercial auto insurance in North Dakota is typically lower than the national average, as the state experiences less traffic and fewer accidents compared to other states. Still, personal factors such as the type of work you do, the vehicles you drive, and the coverage you choose will have the biggest impact on the premium you actually pay.

Some things to keep in mind include:

• Type of Work You Do – Jobs like delivery or construction may cost more to insure.
• Type of Vehicle – Bigger or special-use vehicles (like box trucks or food trucks) are more expensive to insure.
• Driving History – If your drivers have clean records, you’ll likely pay less. Accidents or tickets can raise your rate.
• How Far You Drive – If your vehicle travels long distances or goes through busy areas, your costs may increase.
• Coverage Amounts – More coverage means better protection, but it also raises your premium. Choosing the lowest legal limits costs less but offers less protection in the event of a serious accident.

It’s also important to note that the size of a settlement generally doesn’t impact insurance costs. Other factors, such as at-fault vs. not-at-fault accidents, do.

How to Save on Commercial Auto Insurance in North Dakota

GEICO focuses on giving business owners in North Dakota the right commercial auto insurance at the right price. That’s why we offer one of the widest ranges of discounts in the industry, making it easy for almost every policyholder to save.

Key savings opportunities include:

• 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.

Why Choose GEICO for North Dakota Commercial Auto Insurance?

Even beyond its many discount opportunities, GEICO is the top choice for commercial auto insurance in North Dakota due to its strong reputation for reliability, excellent customer support, and flexible coverage options.

GEICO has been helping a wide variety of businesses in different industries for decades, stepping in to provide support when it’s needed most. Plus, with live customer service representatives policyholders can get the help they need right when they need it. GEICO also offers a wide range of coverage options for different business and vehicle types, along with flexible payment plans, so policyholders can build a personalized plan that fits their unique needs.

How to Get a North Dakota Commercial Auto Insurance Quote from GEICO

With GEICO, getting your personalized North Dakota commercial auto insurance quote is fast and easy. You can complete the process either online or by phone, and it only takes a few minutes.

Give your business the protection it deserves by getting your free quote today!