Ohio Commercial Auto Insurance

In Ohio, state law requires all commercial auto policies to have a minimum liability limit of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. Some policies are required to carry higher limits based on the types of vehicles they insure. For example, heavy trucks and for-hire livery vehicles may need higher liability limits to comply with federal or state regulations.

Commercial auto insurance protects business vehicles from accidents and other mishaps involving the use of work vehicles. It can also cover other aspects of your business vehicles, such as physical damage, medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist, collision, comprehensive and towing. 

Depending on your business needs, you can customize your coverage options and add specialty coverages like on-hook and garagekeepers legal liability for tow trucks or food spoilage coverage for food trucks.

You deserve the best commercial auto insurance in Ohio, and that's what Bellwether Insurance delivers. 

We have years of experience in helping businesses of all kinds and sizes with their vehicle coverage needs. We tailor our plans to fit your budget and your specific requirements. 

No matter what type of vehicles you have - trucks, vans, cars, or buses - we have the perfect policy for you. And we don't just sell insurance - we provide outstanding customer service and claims support, so you can trust us to be there for you when you need us. 



Call us today and get a free quote from one of our friendly agents.

Vehicles used for business usually need specialized coverages and liability limits that personal auto policies don't typically cover. Some of the common forms of coverage include:

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage pays for the damages and injuries that you cause to other people or property with your vehicle. It also covers your legal defense if you are sued for an accident. Liability coverage is required by law in Ohio for all commercial vehicles, regardless of their size, weight, or purpose. 

The minimum amount of liability coverage that you need depends on the type of vehicle and the cargo that you carry. For example, if you transport hazardous materials, you need more liability coverage than if you transport general goods. You can find out the exact requirements for your vehicle by contacting the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or your insurance agent.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage protects commercial vehicles in Ohio from damage caused by an accident with another vehicle or object. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing a vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage is optional in Ohio, but it may be required by your lender if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle. Collision coverage can help you avoid paying out of pocket for expensive repairs or losing your valuable asset in case of a total loss.

Comprehensive Coverage

If your commercial vehicles encounter any non-collision events that damage them, such as theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flood, or animal strikes, you can rely on Comprehensive Coverage to cover the costs of repairs or replacements. Comprehensive Coverage is a smart way to save money and protect your business assets from unforeseen incidents. It can also give you confidence and satisfaction knowing that your commercial vehicles are well-insured.

Medical Payments Coverage

If you or your passengers get hurt in a business vehicle accident, Medical Payments Coverage can pay for your medical bills. It doesn't matter who caused the accident. You can choose to add this coverage to your policy, and it can help you with your health insurance deductibles and co-pays.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage can help you pay for medical bills and property damage if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your losses. This can be especially important for commercial vehicles, which may have higher repair costs and liability risks than personal vehicles.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage

Rental reimbursement coverage is an optional type of auto insurance that pays for the cost of renting a car while your own vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. 

This coverage can help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of being without a car for a long period of time. Rental reimbursement coverage has daily and per claim limits. For example, if you have coverage that has a $30 per day and $900 per limit, your insurer will pay up to $30 per day for a rental car, but not more than $900 for the entire claim.

Towing and Roadside Assistance Coverage

Towing and Roadside Assistance Coverage is a type of insurance that can help you if your commercial vehicle breaks down or gets into an accident on the road. It can cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a repair shop, as well as other services like jump-starting, changing a flat tire, or delivering fuel. This coverage is especially useful for businesses that rely on their vehicles for daily operations, such as delivery services, contractors, or food trucks.

• Damage from normal wear and tear, mechanical failure, or improper repair.
• Damage from environmental pollution, nuclear risk, war, or terrorism.
• Liability for injuries or damages caused by an employee who drives a vehicle for personal or non-work-related reasons.
• Liability for injuries or damages caused by an employee who drives while impaired by alcohol or drugs, or who breaks traffic laws.
• Liability for injuries or damages caused by an employee who drives a vehicle that the business does not own, lease, rent, or hire.
• Liability for injuries or damages caused by an employee who drives a vehicle that is not on the policy, or that exceeds the weight or size limits on the policy.
• Liability for injuries or damages caused by an employee who transports hazardous materials, passengers for hire, or goods for delivery.

You should always read your policy carefully and ask your agent or broker any questions you may have. You may also want to consider adding endorsements or additional coverages to your policy to fill in any gaps and provide more protection for your business.

The cost of Ohio commercial auto insurance depends on many factors, such as:

• The type and number of vehicles you have
• The driving records and experience of your drivers
• The nature and location of your business operations
• The amount and type of coverage you need
• The deductible and limits you choose

The cost of commercial auto insurance per vehicle in Ohio ranges from $800 to 2500 per year. However, this is only a general estimate, and your actual cost may vary depending on your specific situation. To get a more accurate quote, you should contact an insurance agent or broker who can help you compare different options and find the best deal for your business.

• Shop around for the best deal: Different insurers may offer different rates and discounts for the same coverage, so it pays to compare quotes from multiple providers. You can use online tools or work with an independent agent to find the best policy for your needs and budget.
• Buy a package policy: Instead of buying separate policies for general liability, commercial property, business auto, and other coverages, you may be able to save money by bundling them into a package policy, such as a business owners policy (BOP). A package policy may also provide more comprehensive coverage and fewer gaps than individual policies.
• Review your vehicle and equipment schedules: Make sure you update your policy with any changes in your vehicle or equipment inventory. If you have sold or replaced any vehicles or equipment, you should remove them from your policy to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage. Likewise, if you have acquired new vehicles or equipment, you should add them to your policy to ensure they are properly covered.
• Pay premiums in advance: Some insurers may offer a discount or incentive if you pay your entire premium upfront instead of in monthly or quarterly installments. Paying in advance may also help you avoid late fees or interest charges that could increase your overall cost.
• Look for overlapping or unnecessary coverages: Check your policy for any coverages that may duplicate or overlap with other types of insurance you have, such as workers' compensation or personal auto insurance. You may be able to eliminate or reduce these coverages to avoid paying for more than you need.
• Focus on safety: One of the most effective ways to lower your commercial auto insurance premiums is to prevent accidents and claims from happening in the first place. You can do this by implementing a driver safety program that includes driver screening, training, monitoring, and feedback. You can also equip your vehicles with safety features and devices, such as seat belts, airbags, anti-lock brakes, backup cameras, and telematics systems.
• Classify your workers correctly: If you have employees who drive your vehicles, make sure they are classified correctly according to their job duties and driving frequency. Misclassifying workers can result in higher premiums or denied claims if an accident occurs.
• Add or increase a deductible: By choosing a higher deductible, you can lower your premium since you are assuming more of the risk yourself. However, make sure you can afford to pay the deductible in case of a loss.
  

Don't settle for less than the best commercial auto insurance rates in Ohio! You deserve the best coverage for your business vehicles, and we can help you get it. Our insurance agents will compare quotes from multiple providers and find you the best deal. No hassle, no stress, just savings. Contact us today and let's get started!