A recent study reveals that 42% of small businesses utilizing commercial vehicles reported an auto-related incident within the past year.
According to the 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report released by Pie Insurance, the average out-of-pocket cost for these commercial auto accidents was $5,725. The findings were based on a YouGov survey of 1,018 U.S. small-business owners and decision-makers representing companies with between two and 500 employees.
Inter Insurance Agency noted that for many service-based businesses, such as contractors, plumbers, and delivery companies, work trucks and vans serve as mobile offices. Tim Derham of Inter Insurance Agency indicated that accidents involving these vehicles can result in consequences far beyond simple repair costs, including interrupted job schedules, lost working time, and increased liability exposure.
Commercial auto insurance is designed to protect vehicles used for business purposes, such as company cars, vans, and pickup trucks. Depending on the specific policy, coverage may include liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured or underinsured motorist protection. Liability coverage assists with bodily injury or property damage resulting from a covered accident, while collision coverage addresses damage to the insured vehicle. Comprehensive coverage provides protection against non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. Additionally, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage offers protection in cases where another driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Industry experts recommend that business owners periodically review their commercial auto policies, particularly when adding new vehicles to a fleet, hiring employees to drive for the company, or changing how existing vehicles are used. Derham emphasized that insurance coverage should be updated to ensure it accurately reflects the current scale and nature of a business’s operations.
