Call Us : (630) 325-4000
Call Us : (630) 325-4000
As business owners, we understand how important it is to protect every part of our operations, including the vehicles we use to serve clients, transport goods, or get our teams to job sites. Whether we own one company car or a fleet of delivery vans, we need insurance that protects our employees, our business, and our bottom line. Accidents can happen at any time, and the financial fallout from an uninsured or underinsured vehicle could be devastating. That’s why having the right commercial auto insurance policy in Illinois isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must. Let’s take a closer look at how we can properly insure our business vehicles and stay compliant with Illinois law.
Commercial auto insurance is different from personal car insurance. While both cover liability, collisions, and medical costs, business vehicle policies are designed to handle the increased risks and legal exposures involved in business operations. In Illinois, we are required to carry minimum levels of liability coverage on our business vehicles, just like with personal vehicles. However, because commercial use increases the chances of accidents or claims, most business policies go well beyond the state’s minimum limits.
Under Illinois law, commercial auto insurance must include liability coverage of at least:
However, most of us choose higher limits to protect against lawsuits and damage claims that could exceed those amounts.
Not every vehicle needs a commercial policy, but in many cases, it’s required. We need business auto insurance if:
If we’re using a vehicle primarily for business, a personal auto policy usually won’t cover claims, even if the vehicle is registered under an individual’s name.
A strong commercial auto insurance policy includes several key coverages. Here’s what we typically look for when insuring our fleet or company cars:
When we select a policy, we evaluate our vehicle types, daily use, number of drivers, and business risk level. A small office with one company car will need different coverage than a construction firm with a fleet of trucks. We also review driver records and vehicle maintenance history to help manage our premiums. An insurance provider familiar with Illinois business risks can tailor the policy to match our needs.
It’s important to review our business auto policy at least once a year or whenever there are changes to how we use our vehicles. Adding new vehicles, hiring more drivers, or expanding services can affect our risk exposure. Keeping our policy updated helps avoid denied claims or compliance issues with Illinois regulators.
If we fail to carry the required coverage, we risk significant penalties. The state may suspend our business operations or driver registrations, and we may be liable for all damages in the event of an accident. We could also face lawsuits that put our entire business at financial risk. Illinois law requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads to carry at least the minimum liability insurance, and commercial use often requires higher limits and additional coverage types.
In most cases, personal auto policies do not cover business use. If an accident happens while we’re using the vehicle for commercial purposes, the insurer may deny the claim. Even occasional use, like driving to meet clients or making deliveries, may qualify as business use. We need to confirm with our insurer whether our current policy covers these situations or if a commercial policy is needed.
Hired and non-owned auto insurance is for vehicles we don’t own but still use for business. This includes rental cars or employee-owned vehicles used for deliveries or meetings. Standard commercial auto insurance, on the other hand, covers vehicles we own or lease under the business. If we rely on employees’ personal cars or rent vehicles frequently, we need both types of coverage to stay protected.
We can reduce our premiums by maintaining clean driving records, implementing safety training for employees, and choosing vehicles with good safety ratings. Some insurers also offer fleet management tools or usage-based insurance that track driving habits to help us earn discounts. Keeping our vehicles well-maintained and storing them in secure areas also reduces risk.
Yes. Vehicles over a certain weight or used for interstate transport often require additional insurance and filings with federal or state agencies. These may include USDOT registration, MC numbers, or filings like the MCS-90. If we operate commercial trucks, especially for transporting goods or hazardous materials, we must meet both Illinois and federal regulations.
Yes, most insurers offer fleet insurance policies that cover multiple vehicles under one plan. This simplifies management and often reduces premiums per vehicle. We’ll need to provide details on each vehicle and driver, and coverage limits should be sufficient for our overall business risk. A fleet policy makes sense if we operate three or more vehicles regularly.
At SIA Insurance Group, we help Illinois business owners like you protect what matters. Whether you operate one car or an entire fleet, we’ll help you select the right commercial auto policy to protect your drivers, your property, and your business’s future. Our team works with businesses across every industry—from construction to food service to real estate—and we know what’s required under Illinois law.
Call SIA Insurance Group today at 630-325-4000 to receive a quote and discuss custom commercial auto insurance solutions that fit your business needs. We offer commercial vehicle insurance and full business coverage solutions to companies throughout the state of Illinois. Whether you’re in Chicago or anywhere else in the state, our team is ready to protect your business with policies tailored to your industry and risk profile.
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