What is the Minimum Commercial Auto Insurance in Florida?

Owning a commercial business in South Florida comes with no shortage of moving parts—from hiring employees to managing operations and keeping customers happy. But one requirement often gets overlooked until it’s too late: insurance.

If your business relies on vehicles, one question matters more than most: What is the minimum commercial auto insurance in Florida? Understanding the answer isn’t just about compliance. It’s about protecting your business from costly mistakes that can escalate fast.

Commercial Auto Insurance for Your Vehicles

When you own a business, you can’t rely on your personal auto insurance. You need the appropriate commercial auto insurance to cover the unique needs of your industry. Whether you’re transporting clients or delivering your products, you want to make sure everything is covered in case of an accident. If you don’t, it could cost you thousands of dollars in fines and paying medical bills for anyone who’s injured.

Many businesses need different vehicles to function. Your commercial auto insurance can cover these vehicles and the drivers who operate them:

• Company cars
• Pickup trucks
• Delivery vans
• Box trucks
• Food trucks
• Cargo vans
• Tractor-trailers

Each industry requires different equipment, which can also be covered in your commercial auto insurance policy.

Business Statistics in Florida

Florida’s small business market is booming. In 2023, the Office of Advocacy released its Small Business Profile of Florida. There were 3.1 million small businesses across the state with 3.6 million employees, which accounted for 39.7% of Florida’s workers. The report highlighted 15,000 employers in the transportation industry and over 11,000 in manufacturing. These companies need trucks, vans, and other vehicles to keep their businesses running.

With all these small businesses, there are thousands of commercial vehicles on the road, and they all require the minimum amount of commercial insurance.

Commercial Auto Insurance Laws in South Florida

Commercial auto insurance is required by law in Florida. If you have a fleet of vehicles, you must carry the minimum amount. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) details the minimum requirements for commercial auto coverage:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Minimum of $10,000. This protection covers the medical costs for someone who has been injured in an accident. Florida is a no-fault state, meaning you file your injury claim with your own insurance company. No one involved is found at fault for the accident.
• Property Damage Liability (PDL). Minimum of $10,000. This replaces any property that’s damaged during an accident. It could be a vehicle that was hit or any other property involved. It only covers that other person’s property, not your own.

You can choose to carry additional insurance, like collision, comprehensive, or coverage for floods and other natural disasters. With the frequent hurricanes hitting South Florida, adding these to your policy is highly encouraged.

There are additional laws that address the use of larger vehicles. The Florida Statute 627.7415 covers the amounts and weights.

• 26,000 to 35,000 pounds. A minimum of $50,000
• 35,000 to 44,000 pounds. A minimum of $100,000
• Over 44,000 pounds. A minimum of $300,000

Generally, a delivery van weighs about 5,000 pounds, but a tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. It’s essential to hire a Florida commercial auto insurance lawyer if you use large vehicles in your business.

Penalties for Not Having the Minimum Commercial Auto Insurance

The penalties for not having the right coverage can be very severe in Florida and impact your business over the long term.

• You can be fined $1,500 for every uninsured vehicle.
• You can be forced to stop the transportation of your goods and services.
• You can’t register new vehicles for your business until you have the correct insurance.

Hire a Commercial Auto Insurance Lawyer

Wilson, Washburn, & Forster Insurance, Inc. handles every area of insurance, including your commercial auto insurance case. We can review your current coverage and assess how you can save and possibly improve your policy. With decades of experience, we strive to cultivate long-term relationships with our clients, who trust us with their commercial business. We serve the Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Greater South Florida area.

FAQs

Do I Need a Florida Commercial Auto Insurance Attorney?

Having a knowledgeable commercial insurance attorney, especially one with risk-management experience, is essential to your business. You need someone you can trust to check for gaps in your coverage. An attorney who focuses on insurance can reassess as your business grows, guide you through the Florida commercial auto insurance requirements, and be an advisor when you need it.

What If I Use My Own Car for Business Purposes?

You should have commercial insurance for your personal vehicle if you use it for business. Personal auto insurance and commercial auto insurance are very different. If you are delivering goods in your personal vehicle, you may not be covered if you have an accident. Consult with a commercial auto insurance lawyer to review both policies.

Is Having Commercial Auto Insurance Worth It?

Having commercial auto insurance is not only recommended, but a legal requirement. Beyond having the minimum coverage, you can avoid the potential for serious financial losses. If one of your drivers is in a major accident involving excessive property damage and possible injuries, you must be covered by the appropriate insurance. If not, you could face losing your business and other assets.

How Much is Commercial Auto Insurance in Florida?

Due to the high population density of South Florida, the insurance rates in our area are high. There are many factors, like the weight of the vehicle, location, type of business, and the driver’s record, that are considered when calculating an amount. Seeking an estimate for commercial auto insurance coverage can help you and your lawyer pursue the right protections for your company to grow.

South Florida Commercial Auto Insurance Lawyer

At Wilson, Washburn, & Forster Insurance, Inc., our risk and insurance consultant Dylan Ventura can assist you with all your commercial auto insurance needs. We’re an established firm, focusing on the South Florida area. Running a business can be stressful and overwhelming. Let our team help you feel more secure by getting the coverage that’s required. We also offer risk management solutions for your business. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for us to review your current insurance coverage.