Commercial auto insurance for LLC
Plan on a commercial auto policy that names the LLC as the named insured. Progressive says a vehicle in your business's name will probably need commercial auto insurance, and on ISO's business auto form "you" means the named insured, so coverage for owned autos follows what the LLC owns. That form covers others driving with the LLC's permission, with listed exceptions; the one that matters here is a member in a car the member owns. ISO's individual named insured endorsement is written for an individual, so on ISO's forms, drive other car coverage for a member names that member in its Schedule.
Updated . Written by Andre Beukers, principal at Redoubt, a commercial insurance agency in Salt Lake City, not a government office.
Can a car owned by my LLC go on a personal auto policy?
Plan on commercial auto instead. Progressive says "If the vehicle is in your business's name or your employees drive it regularly, you'll probably need commercial auto insurance," and that an accountant driving to meetings "usually won't need a commercial auto policy, unless the car is in the business's name." GEICO's list of reasons to buy a commercial policy includes the case where "ownership is in the name of a corporation or partnership"; the list does not mention LLCs.
Utah's insurance code defines personal lines insurance as coverage "sold for primarily noncommercial purposes to: (a) an individual; or (b) a family." The definition does not bar a carrier from writing an entity, but an LLC is neither; if a carrier offers a personal policy on an LLC-titled car, get it to confirm in writing that it knows the LLC holds the title.
What does an LLC's commercial auto policy have to show?
Three entries on the declarations decide what the policy does. The first is the named insured. On ISO's business auto form "the words "you" and "your" refer to the Named Insured shown in the Declarations," and symbol 2 covers "Only those "autos" you own," so the named insured should be the LLC that holds the title. In a September 2026 text to a Texas hotshot LLC, Redoubt wrote: "The underwriters passed because the truck and trailer aren't in the LLC's name."
The second is the covered auto symbol. Under symbols 1 through 6 or 19, "you have coverage for "autos" that you acquire after the policy period begins of the type described." Under symbol 7, a vehicle bought mid-term is covered only if the policy already covers every auto the LLC owns for that coverage, or the new one replaces a covered auto, and the LLC tells the insurer within 30 days. With a first vehicle, call before it goes to work.
The third is the limits. Utah Code 31A-22-304 says a policy "issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025" with motor vehicle liability coverage may not go below $30,000 per person, $65,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage, or $90,000 single limit. The section does not distinguish business from personal policies; its only separate floor is for a self-insured private rental fleet.
Who is covered to drive the LLC's vehicles?
Anyone driving with the LLC's permission, with listed exceptions. ISO's business auto form insures "You for any covered "auto"" and "Anyone else while using with your permission a covered "auto" you own, hire or borrow except:" five cases, among them an employee in a car the employee or the employee's household owns. GEICO says its commercial policy "could cover employees, family members, and others as drivers." Progressive says license numbers for all drivers let it "review their driving records on file with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and determine the risk factors."
The exception that matters for an LLC is the member: the form leaves out "a member (if you are a limited liability company) for a covered "auto" owned by him or her or a member of his or her household." ISO's individual named insured endorsement applies "If you are an individual," so ISO's drive other car endorsement is its form for naming a member instead, covering "Any "auto" you don't own, hire or borrow" while that named individual uses it, subject to its own exceptions.
Will GEICO or Progressive insure a car owned by an LLC?
None of the seven Progressive and GEICO pages cited here says how the carrier handles a car titled to an LLC, so ask when you quote. Progressive's LLC insurance page lists commercial auto among its coverages for LLCs, saying it "helps cover the costs of accidents, damages, and injuries that happen while using company vehicles" and "It's important for LLCs that rely on vehicles for their business operations," and adds that "Starting a business insurance quote is the best way to get the coverages your LLC needs." GEICO's guide names ownership "in the name of a corporation or partnership" as a reason to buy commercial coverage and does not mention LLCs.
Progressive's endorsement page draws its line by entity type: the Individual Named Insured endorsement "is only available if you're an individual or sole proprietor," while "Drive Other Car insurance is available for purchase by partnerships and corporations." That page does not mention LLCs either, so ask each carrier which of the two it will add to an LLC's policy and how it covers a member who has no personal auto policy.
How much does LLC car insurance cost?
No published figure for LLC-owned vehicles: none of the seven carrier pages cited here gives one. Progressive says its business auto customers averaged $276 a month in 2025, median $207, counting new-policy premium per power unit for liability and physical damage with no driver violations. The rating factors it lists are industry and profession, location, vehicle age and type, driving history, coverage needs, and limits and deductibles; the owner's legal form is not on that list.
Plan for more than the personal policy it replaces. GEICO says commercial auto "is usually more expensive because it includes higher liability limits and accounts for business-related risks," and Progressive says business auto "typically costs more than a personal auto policy because it applies to both work-related driving and personal use."
Progressive says proof of continuous coverage "could instantly save you up to 25 percent on your insurance premium," and that it "accepts personal auto insurance as continuous insurance coverage." Its page does not say whether that holds when a vehicle moves from a personal policy into an LLC's name, so bring the declarations page from the personal policy that covered the vehicle and ask.
Can I insure a vehicle registered to a Montana LLC?
Montana law says it must be insured; for an LLC based in Utah, Utah law decides whether the Montana plates hold up. Montana Code 61-6-301 requires the owner of a vehicle "registered and operated in Montana" to continuously provide liability insurance. Utah Code 41-1a-202 counts as a Utah resident an LLC that "maintains a main office, branch office, or warehouse facility in this state and that bases and operates a motor vehicle in this state," and requires registration "within 60 days of the owner establishing residency in this state."
Utah's Tax Commission may contract with the uninsured motorist database's agent "to determine the address for which a contract for owner's or operator's security pertaining to a certain vehicle or vessel is tied." If that points to a Utah resident, the commission may investigate; if it finds noncompliance, it may impose a $150 penalty, and if the owner has not complied within 60 days of notice, the greater of a sales tax penalty or $500.
The business auto form ties uninsured motorist and no-fault coverage to the state where an auto is "licensed or principally garaged," and is void if an insured "intentionally conceals or misrepresents a material fact." Utah Code 31A-21-105 lets a misrepresentation affect coverage when the insurer relied on it and it is material or meant to deceive, or when it contributes to the loss. Give the insurer the address where the vehicle is kept; whether Montana registration suits you is a question for a tax or legal adviser.
Who must sign the paperwork to bind a policy for an LLC?
Someone the LLC has authorized to act for it; the Utah insurance statutes cited here do not name the person. For a Utah LLC, the LLC Act says "A member is not an agent of a limited liability company solely by reason of being a member," so with more than one member, settle who signs before you apply. Utah's uninsured motorist statute ties a rejection or lower limit to "a named insured" signing "an acknowledgment form" that the insurer provides and the department has on file, and the underinsured motorist statute says the same; on the LLC's policy, the named insured is the LLC.
After binding, ISO's Common Policy Conditions, IL 00 17, give the first named insured the policy's paperwork: it "is authorized to make changes in the terms of this policy with our consent," may cancel by advance written notice, is "responsible for the payment of all premiums," and gets the insurer's cancellation notice at its "last mailing address known to us." A carrier may use its own conditions form, so read the one on your policy and decide whose address gets the mail.
What to send for an LLC vehicle
- 1.The LLC's exact legal name and its members or managers
- 2.Title and registration for each vehicle, in the LLC's name
- 3.VIN, year, make and model of each vehicle
- 4.Where each vehicle is kept overnight
- 5.License number and accident or violation history for every driver
- 6.The declarations page that covers the vehicle now, personal or business
- 7.Lender or lessor name and address, if financed or leased
- 8.Any limit a customer, lease or contract requires, in writing
- 9.Name and title of the person who will sign for the LLC
- 10.Which members need drive other car coverage
Does the LLC need a separate policy for each vehicle?
No. One business auto policy can cover every auto the LLC owns. With symbol 2 on the declarations, ISO's form covers only the autos you own, including those you acquire after the policy begins.
Can I drive the LLC's truck on weekends?
On ISO's form, a member driving an auto the LLC owns, with permission, is an insured; the member exception reaches only autos the member or a household member owns. For personal use, GEICO says "Commercial auto liability typically covers both business and incidental personal use, depending on the policy terms." Tell the insurer who else in your household will drive the truck.
Where these answers come from
Each entry carries the exact words of the source so you can check it yourself. Forms, rules and carrier pages change; read the current version before acting.
- 1. Utah Code 31A-1-301(147), definition of personal lines insurance
“"Personal lines insurance" means property and casualty insurance coverage sold for primarily noncommercial purposes to: (a) an individual; or (b) a family.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Versioned file; the section page 31A-1-S301.html is a script shell. - 2. Progressive Commercial, Commercial Auto vs. Personal Auto, who owns and drives the vehicle
“If the vehicle is in your business's name or your employees drive it regularly, you'll probably need commercial auto insurance.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. What Progressive says about its own products. - 3. Progressive Commercial, Commercial Auto vs. Personal Auto, can I put my business vehicle on my personal insurance
“For example, an accountant traveling to business meetings usually won't need a commercial auto policy, unless the car is in the business's name.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 4. GEICO, When Do You Need Commercial Vehicle Insurance?
“Employees operate the vehicle or if ownership is in the name of a corporation or partnership”
geico.com, accessed October 3, 2026. One item in GEICO's list headed "You May Need a Commercial Auto Insurance Policy If You:". - 5. GEICO, Commercial Auto Insurance, who is covered to drive my commercial or business vehicle
“Your commercial auto policy could cover employees, family members, and others as drivers.”
geico.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 6. GEICO, Commercial Auto Insurance, does commercial auto liability cover personal use of my work vehicle
“Commercial auto liability typically covers both business and incidental personal use, depending on the policy terms.”
geico.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 7. GEICO, Commercial Auto Insurance, is commercial auto insurance cheaper than personal car insurance
“No. Commercial auto insurance is usually more expensive because it includes higher liability limits and accounts for business-related risks.”
geico.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 8. Progressive Commercial, LLC Insurance, commercial auto
“Commercial auto insurance helps cover the costs of accidents, damages, and injuries that happen while using company vehicles. It's important for LLCs that rely on vehicles for their business operations.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The commercial auto entry in the page's list of coverages for LLCs. The page does not say how Progressive handles a vehicle titled to an LLC. - 9. Progressive Commercial, LLC Insurance, how to get LLC insurance
“Starting a business insurance quote is the best way to get the coverages your LLC needs.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. What Progressive says about its own quoting. - 10. Progressive Commercial, Individual Named Insured Endorsement
“An Individual Name Insured Endorsement is only available if you're an individual or sole proprietor and you have a vehicle with a personal or non-business use listed on your policy.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. "Individual Name Insured" is as Progressive prints it. Progressive also says the endorsement may not be available in all states. - 11. Progressive Commercial, Individual Named Insured Endorsement, who needs it
“Drive Other Car insurance is available for purchase by partnerships and corporations and provides similar coverage for executives or other designated individuals.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The page names partnerships and corporations; it does not mention LLCs by name. - 12. Progressive Commercial, Insurance Quote Checklist, driver's license numbers
“When you provide driver's license numbers for all drivers on your commercial auto insurance policy, we are able to review their driving records on file with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles and determine the risk factors.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 13. Progressive Commercial, Insurance Quote Checklist, if you don't have a declarations page
“Progressive accepts personal auto insurance as continuous insurance coverage, which is the easiest way to save on your insurance.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 14. Progressive Commercial, Insurance Quote Checklist, your current declarations page
“Providing your current declarations page is also proof that you've maintained continuous insurance coverage, which could instantly save you up to 25 percent on your insurance premium.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Progressive's statement about its own pricing. - 15. Progressive Commercial, Commercial Auto Insurance Cost, business auto
“Business auto Average monthly rate: $276”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A heading and the line under it. The page's median table shows Business Auto at $207/month median and $276/month average; Contractors at $203 and $260. What Progressive says about its own customers, not a market average. - 16. Progressive Commercial, Commercial Auto Insurance Cost, footnote to the averages
“2025 new policy premium per power unit for liability and physical damage coverage for policies with no driver violations.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 17. Progressive Commercial, Commercial Auto Insurance Cost, factors that affect the cost
“Your rate depends on specific features of your business, including the following:”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The list that follows: Industry and profession; Location; Vehicle age and type; Driving history; Coverage needs; Limits and deductibles. - 18. Progressive Commercial, Commercial Auto Insurance Cost, business auto
“Business auto insurance typically costs more than a personal auto policy because it applies to both work-related driving and personal use.”
progressivecommercial.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 19. Redoubt text to a Texas hotshot LLC, September 29, 2026, internal moments record 2c0ac495
“R: The underwriters passed because the truck and trailer aren't in the LLC's name.”
Redoubt agency records, accessed September 29, 2026. A text message, not a placement summary. R marks Redoubt's side of the thread; the record's held field says the LLC's federal filing was held up by a class code at its carrier. Redoubt's own experience on one file, not a statement about any underwriting rule. - 20. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Business Auto Coverage Form, preamble
“Throughout this Policy, the words "you" and "your" refer to the Named Insured shown in the Declarations.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The ISO standard form; a carrier may file its own version. Copy also held in Redoubt's forms library. - 21. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section I.B, owned autos you acquire after the policy begins
“If Symbols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 19 are entered next to a coverage in Item Two of the Declarations, then you have coverage for "autos" that you acquire after the policy period begins of the type described for the remainder of the policy period.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 22. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section I.B.2, symbol 7 and newly acquired autos
“But, if Symbol 7 is entered next to a coverage in Item Two of the Declarations, an "auto" you acquire after the policy period begins will be a covered "auto" for that coverage only if:”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The conditions that follow: the policy already covers all autos you own for that coverage or the new auto replaces one that had it, and you tell the insurer within 30 days after you acquire it. - 23. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section I.A, symbol 6
“Only those "autos" you own that because of the law in the state where they are licensed or principally garaged are required to have and cannot reject Uninsured Motorists Coverage.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Symbol 5 uses the same "licensed or principally garaged" test for no-fault benefits. - 24. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section II.A.1, Who Is An Insured
“a. You for any covered "auto". b. Anyone else while using with your permission a covered "auto" you own, hire or borrow except:”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Five exceptions follow: (1) the owner or anyone else from whom you hire or borrow a covered auto; (2) your employee in an auto the employee or household owns; (3) someone working in a business of selling, servicing, repairing, parking or storing autos, unless it is yours; (4) anyone other than your employees, partners, members, a lessee or borrower or their employees, while moving property to or from a covered auto; (5) a partner or member in an auto the partner or member or household owns. - 25. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section II.A.1.b(2), employees in their own autos
“Your "employee" if the covered "auto" is owned by that "employee" or a member of his or her household.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 26. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section II.A.1.b(5), members of a limited liability company
“A partner (if you are a partnership) or a member (if you are a limited liability company) for a covered "auto" owned by him or her or a member of his or her household.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026. One of the exceptions to paragraph b, anyone else using a covered auto with permission. - 27. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section IV.B.2, Concealment, Misrepresentation Or Fraud
“This Coverage Form is void in any case of fraud by you at any time as it relates to this Coverage Form. It is also void if you or any other "insured", at any time, intentionally conceals or misrepresents a material fact concerning:”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The list that follows includes the coverage form, the covered auto, your interest in the covered auto, and a claim. - 28. ISO CA 99 10 10 13, Drive Other Car Coverage, Broadened Coverage For Named Individuals, paragraph B.1
“Any "auto" you don't own, hire or borrow is a covered "auto" while being used by any individual named in the Schedule or by his or her spouse while a resident of the same household except:”
iiat.org, accessed October 3, 2026. Paragraph A says the endorsement changes only the coverages where a premium is shown in the Schedule. ISO's form; a carrier may use its own drive other car wording. - 29. ISO CA 99 17 10 13, Individual Named Insured, opening line
“If you are an individual, the policy is changed as follows:”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The changes that follow add family members as insureds and cover non-owned private passenger autos for the individual. - 30. ISO CA 00 01 11 20, Section I.A, symbol 2, owned autos only
“Only those "autos" you own (and for Covered Autos Liability Coverage any "trailers" you don't own while attached to power units you own). This includes those "autos" you acquire ownership of after the Policy begins.”
assets.touchpointmarkets.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 31. Utah Code 31A-22-304(2), minimum liability limits from January 1, 2025
“a policy issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025, containing motor vehicle liability coverage may not limit the insurer's liability under that coverage below the following”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. The figures that follow: $30,000 per person, $65,000 per accident and $25,000 property damage, or $90,000 in any one accident. Subsection (3) sets a separate floor for a self-insured private rental fleet. - 32. Montana Code Annotated 61-6-301(1)(a), required motor vehicle insurance (MCA 2025)
“an owner of a motor vehicle that is registered and operated in Montana by the owner or with the owner's permission shall continuously provide insurance against loss resulting from liability imposed by law”
archive.legmt.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 33. Utah Code 41-1a-202(1)(c)(i)(B), entities that are Utah residents for registration (effective 10/1/2026)
“any individual, partnership, limited liability company, firm, corporation, association, or other entity that: (I) maintains a main office, branch office, or warehouse facility in this state and that bases and operates a motor vehicle in this state”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Subsection (II) adds an entity that operates a motor vehicle in intrastate transportation for other than seasonal work. - 34. Utah Code 41-1a-202(3)(a), registration after establishing residency
“registration under this chapter is required for any motor vehicle, combination of vehicles, trailer, semitrailer, classic vehicle, or restored-modified vehicle within 60 days of the owner establishing residency in this state.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 35. Utah Code 41-1a-202(3)(b)(i), the Tax Commission's use of insurance addresses
“Uninsured Motorist Identification Database Program, to determine the address for which a contract for owner's or operator's security pertaining to a certain vehicle or vessel is tied.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Subsection (3)(b)(ii) lets the commission investigate when that information indicates the owner is a Utah resident. - 36. Utah Code 41-1a-202(3)(c) and (d), penalties
“may impose a penalty on the owner of the vehicle or vessel of $150”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Subsection (3)(d): after 60 days without compliance, the greater of the sales and use tax penalty under 59-1-401(7) or $500. - 37. Utah Code 31A-21-105(2), representations and warranties
“no misrepresentation or breach of an affirmative warranty affects the insurer's obligations under the policy unless: (a) the insurer relies on it and it is either material or is made with intent to deceive; or (b) the fact misrepresented or falsely warranted contributes to the loss.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 38. Utah Code 16-20-301(1), no agency powers of member as member (effective October 1, 2026)
“A member is not an agent of a limited liability company solely by reason of being a member.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, renumbered from Title 48 Chapter 3a by Chapter 93, 2026 General Session. Applies to Utah LLCs; an LLC formed elsewhere follows its own state's act. - 39. Utah Code 31A-22-305, uninsured motorist limits and the signed acknowledgment
“unless a named insured rejects or purchases coverage in a lesser amount by signing an acknowledgment form that: (i) is filed with the department; (ii) is provided by the insurer; (iii) waives the higher coverage”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 40. Utah Code 31A-22-305.3, underinsured motorist limits and the signed acknowledgment
“unless a named insured rejects or purchases coverage in a lesser amount by signing an acknowledgment form that: (i) is filed with the department; (ii) is provided by the insurer; (iii) waives the higher coverage”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026 - 41. ISO IL 00 17 11 98, Common Policy Conditions, B. Changes
“The first Named Insured shown in the Declarations is authorized to make changes in the terms of this policy with our consent.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO's Common Policy Conditions, edition 11 98, as hosted in the Nationwide Excess & Surplus forms library (returns 403 to curl without a browser user agent). A carrier may attach its own conditions form; the one on the policy controls. - 42. ISO IL 00 17 11 98, Common Policy Conditions, A.1 Cancellation
“The first Named Insured shown in the Declarations may cancel this policy by mailing or delivering to us advance written notice of cancellation.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026 - 44. ISO IL 00 17 11 98, Common Policy Conditions, A.3 Cancellation
“We will mail or deliver our notice to the first Named Insured's last mailing address known to us.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026
The LLC is buying or titling its first vehicle and the policy has to match the name
Personal title, business use and the named insured: what an LLC policy needs and when a personally titled vehicle works.
Elsewhere on the site
Putting a vehicle in your LLC's name?
Text Redoubt the LLC's exact name, each vehicle's VIN and title, where it is kept and who drives it. We will tell you what the policy has to show, which endorsements to ask for, and what to sort out before it binds.
This is general insurance information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. The policy forms, the endorsements the carrier issues, and the requirement in writing from whoever is asking control.