Commercial Auto Insurance in New York
First Heritage Insurance Agency (FHIA) is an independent commercial auto insurance broker headquartered in Melville, Long Island. Since 2003, we have compared quotes from 50+ carriers to help fleet operators, contractors, and small businesses find competitive rates across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
TL;DR: Commercial auto insurance in New York costs $1,800-$15,000 per vehicle per year for fleets, work trucks, and service vehicles. Required for any business-use vehicle, with a minimum of 25/50/10 liability and $50K PIP. FHIA, an independent broker in Melville, compares 50+ carriers for contractors, distributors, and service fleets across NY, NJ, CT, and PA. We do not write TLC, rideshare, or passenger transport.
Last updated: April 2026 · Written by the First Heritage Insurance Agency (FHIA) Commercial Insurance Team
What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?
Commercial auto insurance protects vehicles used for business purposes — from single work trucks to fleets of 100+ vehicles. Unlike personal auto policies, commercial auto provides higher liability limits, covers multiple drivers and employees, and includes specialized endorsements like hired & non-owned auto (HNOA) and cargo coverage.
In New York, commercial auto insurance is legally required for any vehicle registered to a business, used for deliveries, transporting goods, or operated by employees during work. Operating without it carries fines up to $1,500 and license revocation.
Who Needs Commercial Auto Insurance in New York?
- Fleet operators with 3-100+ vehicles (delivery, construction, sanitation, moving)
- Contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, roofing) driving work trucks to job sites
- Delivery services (courier, last-mile, food delivery, medical/pharmaceutical transport)
- Any business that uses vehicles — even personal cars used for work errands need HNOA coverage
What Does a Commercial Auto Policy Cover?
| Coverage Type | What It Protects | NY Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | Injuries you cause to others | $25,000 / $50,000 |
| Property Damage Liability | Damage to others' property | $10,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Your own medical expenses (no-fault) | $50,000 |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Accidents with uninsured drivers | $25,000 / $50,000 |
| Collision | Damage to your vehicle from accidents | Optional |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism | Optional |
| Hired & Non-Owned Auto | Rented vehicles or employee personal cars used for work | Optional (strongly recommended) |
How Much Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cost in New York?
$1,800-$18,000 per vehicle per year depending on vehicle type, driver history, coverage limits, and business use. New York premiums run 15-25% higher than the national average due to dense traffic, no-fault PIP requirements, and aggressive litigation environment.
| Vehicle Type | Annual Premium Range (NY) |
|---|---|
| Work Pickup / SUV | $1,800 - $3,500 |
| Cargo Van / Sprinter | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Box Truck (16-26 ft) | $3,500 - $7,000 |
| Dump Truck | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Food Truck | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Tow Truck | $4,000 - $12,000 |
Fleet policies (3+ vehicles) typically save 10-20% versus insuring vehicles individually. See our detailed cost guide for industry-specific breakdowns and strategies to lower your premium.
New York Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements
New York has some of the strictest commercial auto insurance requirements in the country:
| Requirement | NY State Minimum | Fleet Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury | $25K / $50K | $1M CSL |
| Property Damage | $10K | Included in CSL |
| PIP (No-Fault) | $50K | $50K - $100K |
| Uninsured Motorist | $25K / $50K | $1M |
Key NY Laws Affecting Commercial Auto
- Labor Law 240/241 (Scaffold Law) — If your commercial vehicles operate at construction sites, you face strict liability for gravity-related injuries. Your auto policy should coordinate with your GL for Action-Over claims.
- No-Fault (PIP) at $50,000 — NY's mandatory PIP is among the highest in the nation. Fleet operators pay significantly more for PIP than neighboring states like NJ ($15K) or CT ($25K).
- DMV MV-104 Reporting — All commercial vehicle accidents in NY must be reported to the DMV within 10 days if there's injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Carriers We Quote for Commercial Auto
As an independent broker, First Heritage Insurance Agency (FHIA) has direct appointments with 50+ carriers. We compare quotes side-by-side to find the best rate and coverage for your fleet. Our top commercial auto carriers include:
- Old Republic Insurance — Our exclusive program carrier. Competitive rates for NY fleets, flexible underwriting, DOT filings.
- Travelers — Strong for mid-size fleets (10-50 vehicles). Excellent claims handling.
- Sentry Insurance — Specialists in contractor and construction fleets.
- CNA — Preferred for large commercial operations with complex risk profiles.
- Progressive Commercial — Competitive for small fleets (3-10 vehicles) and startups.
- The Hartford — Strong small business program with bundled commercial auto + GL.
- National General — Good option for non-standard risks and drivers with violations.
- NYCM — Regional NY carrier with competitive rates for upstate and Long Island fleets.
Why Work With an Independent Broker?
Direct carriers like GEICO and Progressive can only quote their own policies. As an independent commercial auto insurance broker, First Heritage Insurance Agency (FHIA) compares rates from 50+ carriers in a single call. Our clients typically save 15-30% versus going direct — because we make carriers compete for your business.
- Same-day quotes — We control the underwriting process and can turn around quotes within hours, not days
- Personally underwritten by our founders — John Fiordalisi reviews every commercial auto account. You talk to decision-makers, not call centers.
- Same-day Certificates of Insurance (COIs) — Contractors need fast COI turnaround for GC requirements. We deliver same-day.
- Fleet safety consulting — We help you implement driver monitoring and safety programs that lower your premium over time.
Commercial Auto Insurance by Vehicle Type
Every vehicle type has different coverage requirements, risk profiles, and pricing. Click through for detailed guides specific to your fleet:
- Commercial Truck Fleet Insurance
- Dump Truck Insurance
- Box Truck Insurance
- Tow Truck Insurance
- Food Truck Insurance
- Commercial Van Fleet Insurance
- Pickup Truck Insurance
- Specialty Commercial Vehicles
- Fleet Insurance for Businesses
Commercial Auto Insurance by Industry
We specialize in fleets ranging from 3 to 100+ vehicles across industries that rely on commercial vehicles in the New York metro area:
- Contractors (General, Roofing, Excavation)
- Electricians
- Plumbers & HVAC
- HVAC Contractors
- Landscapers
- Moving Companies
- Courier & Last-Mile Delivery
- Catering & Food Delivery
- Cleaning Companies
- Pest Control
- Pressure Washing
- Junk Removal
- Auto Detailing & Mobile Mechanics
- Home Health Care Agencies
- Medical & Pharmaceutical Couriers
- Beverage & Food Distributors
- Private Sanitation & Carting
- Security & Patrol Firms
- Small Business Commercial Auto
Businesses We Do Not Write
First Heritage Insurance Agency focuses on commercial fleets, trades, and service businesses. We are not the right fit for:
- TLC-licensed vehicles (NYC taxi, livery, black car)
- Rideshare and app-based passenger use (Uber, Lyft, Via)
- Passenger transport (shuttle, limo, paratransit, chauffeur)
- Non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), ambulette, and wheelchair vans
- Patient transport of any kind
- Hazmat or specialty transport
Long-haul or interstate trucking? See our Trucking Insurance program.
Coverage Guides & Resources
Understand your coverage options, costs, and New York requirements before you buy:
- Commercial Auto Insurance Cost Guide (NY Pricing)
- New York Commercial Auto Insurance Requirements
- Hired & Non-Owned Auto Insurance (HNOA)
- Commercial vs Personal Auto Insurance
- Commercial Auto Insurance FAQ
Coverage by Location
We serve businesses across the New York metro area, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Find commercial auto insurance in your area:
New York City
Long Island
- Long Island (Overview)
- Commack
- Huntington Corridor
- Elwood
- South Huntington
- Dix Hills
- Farmingdale
- Hicksville
- Plainview
- Syosset
- Bethpage
- Massapequa
- Bohemia
- Hauppauge
- Smithtown
- Brentwood
- Deer Park
- Patchogue
- Hempstead
- Freeport
- Garden City
- Mineola
- Westbury
Regional Coverage
- Nassau Central
- Nassau South Shore
- North Shore Nassau
- Mid-Suffolk
- South Shore Suffolk
- Statewide New York
- New Jersey
Commercial Auto Resources & Guides
Explore our in-depth guides covering every aspect of commercial auto insurance in New York.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI) Guide
- Am I Eligible? How to Qualify
- Claims Process Guide
- Telematics & Insurance Savings
- Fleet vs Individual Policy
- Driver Requirements
- Adding/Removing Vehicles
- Distributors & Wholesale
- Hiring Drivers Checklist
- When to Switch to Fleet Insurance
Insurance Education & Guides
Deep-dive guides to help you understand commercial auto coverage, control costs, and avoid common mistakes:
Work Trucks & Vans Insurance
Complete pillar guide covering pickups, cargo vans, box trucks, and light commercial vehicles.
10 Commercial Auto Mistakes
The most expensive mistakes and how to avoid them.
Endorsements Explained
What each endorsement covers, costs, and which ones you need.
Liability Limits Explained
How to choose the right limits and why minimums are dangerous.
Deductibles Explained
The real math behind higher vs. lower deductibles.
How Underwriting Works
What insurers evaluate and how to get the best rate.
Policy Structure Explained
Understand the sections, symbols, and terms of your policy.
How to Lower Fleet Costs
Proven strategies that save 15-40% on fleet insurance.
How Accidents Affect Premiums
Surcharge rates, duration, and what you can do about it.
Guide for Business Owners
What every NY business owner needs to know about commercial auto.
More Guides
- Common Claim Scenarios - Real-world examples of how claims play out
- Multi-State Business Coverage - Insuring fleets across state lines
- Local vs Regional Coverage - How your radius affects rates
- Insurance for Mid-Size Fleets - Special pricing for 10-50 vehicle operations
- Fleet Expansion Guide - Scale insurance as you grow
- Insurance for Growing Businesses - Common coverage gaps to watch
- Work Truck Cost Breakdown - What you will actually pay
- Service Van Requirements - NY legal requirements for vans
- How Insurers Price Risk - The formula behind your premium
- Removing Vehicles from a Policy - Process and premium credits
- Insurance for Property Managers
- Insurance for Manufacturers
- Insurance for Wholesale Businesses
Not Sure If Your Business Qualifies?
Our commercial auto specialists can review your fleet, drivers, and operations to find the right coverage at the best rate. No obligation, no pressure.
Most businesses get a quote within 24 hours
What Our Clients Say
"We run 15 service vans on Long Island and First Heritage got us preferred tier pricing that our previous broker said was impossible. Their knowledge of the commercial auto market in New York is unmatched."
David K. - Google Review
"I have had First Heritage for over 2 and a half years. They were recommended to me when I was purchasing my house and I cannot express enough how incredible they are. Friendly, responsive, and always looking out for my best interest."
Ashley L. - Google Review
"From the very first hello, Tiffany made me feel like she was here to help me. I had 2 days to receive car insurance and was desperately looking. She found me the best rate and made the whole process seamless. I could not be more grateful."
Carole P. - Google Review
"The representative I spoke with, Brandon, was very pleasant and explained what his part was in finding me the best quote. He explained things that were never told to me in over 20 years of having insurance. Very refreshing experience."
Lea P. - Google Review
Why Choose FHIA for Commercial Auto Insurance
We are not a call center or a quoting platform. First Heritage is an independent brokerage where your policy is personally underwritten by our founders.
Exclusive & Direct Access
No brokers involved. You work directly with our underwriting team from quote to policy.
Flexible, Common-Sense Underwriting
We look at the full picture of your business, not just a risk score. Real underwriting by real people.
Tailored for Commercial Auto Insurance
Custom coverage solutions built specifically for your operation, not cookie-cutter packages.
Faster Turnaround
We control the process from start to finish. Most quotes delivered same day, COIs within 24 hours.