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Updated Jan 02, 2024

Commercial Car Insurance Laws by State

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Kimberlee Leonard, Contributing Writer

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If your company uses vehicles for work, commercial auto insurance is one of the most critical business insurance policies to obtain. Just as with personal vehicles, commercial vehicles are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance. If you’re driving without the appropriate insurance, you could be ticketed and fined – not to mention inadequately covered if there’s an accident and someone files a claim.

Here’s what you need to know about the legalities of commercial auto insurance and what your state requires.

Is commercial auto insurance required?

Every state has its own auto insurance requirements for commercial vehicles. In a few cases, you’ll see the same minimum requirements as there are for personal vehicles, but for the most part, commercial limits are higher than personal limits. 

Remember that the state requirement is the minimum amount the state mandates you carry. It’s critical to discuss your coverage with your insurance agent to make sure you have enough coverage, since many business owners would be subject to lawsuits if they’re not appropriately insured. 

Did You Know?Did you know

Many of the best liability insurance providers have their own minimum coverage limits for commercial auto insurance, which may be higher than state limits.

What do states require for commercial auto insurance?

The type of vehicle you have may impact a state’s commercial auto insurance requirements. Passenger vehicles usually have one type of requirement, while freight and cargo vehicles have another. You’ll be subject to stricter requirements in most states if you transport hazardous materials.  

What happens if I drive outside my state?

If you transport people or materials across state lines, your state insurance goes with you. In most instances, if the state limits where the car is registered are less than the state limits where you’ll be driving, the insurance carrier will match the limits, so you meet the legal requirements. 

Some states have interstate coverage requirements you must meet if you cross state borders when transporting people or goods. Make sure to stay within coverage territories, and note that limits may change once you drive into Mexico or Canada. 

Did You Know?Did you know

Commercial auto insurance doesn’t cover medical expenses if an employee is driving and gets hurt. You’ll need workers’ compensation insurance for your employees’ medical expenses.

Understanding coverage limits

There are two different ways that states can require coverage. 

Per person, per accident and property damage

The first coverage type sets per person, per accident and property damage individual limits. When reviewing your coverage limits in this scenario, you may see three numbers that represent your total coverage, similar to your personal auto insurance. Each number covers an accident differently. For example, you might see coverage limits that look like this: 25/50/10. Those numbers represent dollar amounts multiplied by 1,000. 

  • The first number, 25, is really $25,000; this is for bodily injury coverage per person. This is the total amount the policy will pay for a person injured in an accident you cause. 
  • The second number, 50, is the total amount the insurance company will pay for all injuries in the accident. So, if you hit a car with four people in it, the policy will pay only up to $50,000 for the aggregate total of injuries. 
  • The last number, 10, represents the policy’s property damage coverage. In this case, the policy will pay up to $10,000 in property damage to another car or structure you hit. 

Combined single limit (CSL) coverage

In the second type of coverage requirement, the amount of coverage is listed as a single limit, known as a combined single limit. This is most the insurance company will pay per accident.  

Commercial auto requirements by state

Take a look at your state’s requirements in the compilation below. 

Alabama commercial auto insurance requirements

Alabama’s requirements are based on whether or not you are carrying passengers or nonhazardous materials. 

Requirements based on seating capacity:

  • 1-5 people: 25/50/10
  • 5-20 people: 50/200/30
  • 21 or more people: 100/500/50

Requirements if transporting nonhazardous materials: 

  • 100/300/50

Learn more about Alabama motor carrier regulations. 

Alaska commercial auto insurance requirements

Alaska’s requirements are the same whether you are transporting property or people: 

  • $500,000 bodily injury 
  • $200,000 property damage

Learn more about the Alaska commercial motor vehicle law

Arizona commercial auto insurance requirements

Arizona’s requirements are contingent on whether it’s a passenger vehicle and the types of materials being transported. 

For passenger vehicles, it depends on the number of people the vehicle can hold.

  • 1-8 people: $250,000 CSL; $250,000 uninsured motorist
  • 9-15 people: $750,000 CSL; $300,000 uninsured motorist
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL; $300,000 uninsured motorist

If the vehicle transports nonhazardous materials, the vehicle’s weight comes into play. 

  • 20,001-26,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • More than 26,000 pounds: $750,000 CSL

The requirements are different for hazardous materials carriers: 

  • $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Arizona’s financial responsibility law

Arkansas commercial auto insurance requirements

Arkansas requirements are contingent on how many passengers are being transported and which types of materials are carried. 

For passenger vehicles, the individual bodily limit is $50,000, but the aggregate amount goes up for more passengers.

  • 1-12 people: 50/80/30
  • 13-20 people: 50/120/30
  • 21-30 people: 50/160/30
  • 31 or more people: 50/200/30

There are different requirements for vehicles carrying materials. 

  • Nonhazardous materials: 50/100/30
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, contingent on specific materials

Learn more about Arkansas’ laws on passenger and freight transport

California commercial auto insurance requirements

California laws vary the insurance requirement based on the number of passengers, weight of the vehicle, and types of materials being transported. 

Passengers:

  • 1-7 people: $750,000 CSL
  • 8-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

Weight of the vehicle:

  • Less than 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL

Materials being transported:

  • Household goods: 250/500/100 or $600,000 CSL
  • Petroleum and petroleum waste products: 500/1,000/200 or $1.2 million CSL
  • Hazardous substances: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about California’s motor carrier regulations

Colorado commercial auto insurance requirements

Colorado laws determine limits based on the number of potential passengers, movers, towing carriers and property carriers.

When it comes to passengers:

  • 1-8 people: $500,000 CSL
  • 9-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16-32 people: $3 million CSL
  • 33 or more people: $5 million CSL

For home or vehicle movers:

  • Less than 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Towing carriers: $750,000 CSL

For nonhazardous material transport based on vehicle weight:

  • Vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Vehicles 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL

Learn more about Colorado motor vehicle laws

Connecticut commercial auto insurance requirements

Connecticut laws are contingent on the vehicle’s seating capacity, whether or not property is carried intrastate, and whether or not the vehicle is used in livery. 

For transporting passengers in a non-livery capacity:

  • 1-7 people: 50/100/10 or $100,000 CSL
  • 8-12 people: 50/150/10 or $150,000 CSL
  • 13-20 people: 50/200/10 or $200,000 CSL
  • 21-30 people: 50/250/10 or $250,000 CSL
  • 31 or more people: 50/300/10 or $300,000 CSL

For livery transport: 

  • 1-14 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 15 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers within the state:

  • 200/600/100

Learn more about Connecticut’s motor carrier regulations.

Delaware commercial auto insurance requirements

Delaware has requirements based on the type of passenger transport offered.

For Delaware passenger carriers:

  • Taxicabs: $25,000 bodily injury; $10,000 property damage
  • Limousines and charter buses: $100,000 bodily injury; $50,000 property damage
  • School buses: $1 million CSL; 100/300 personal injury protection

Learn more about Delaware’s motor vehicle laws.

District of Columbia commercial auto insurance requirements

Washington, D.C., has different limits for taxicabs and carriers with various seating capacities.

  • Taxicabs: 10/20/5
  • Carriers with a seating capacity of up to 15 people for the WMATC authority: $1.5 million CSL
  • Carriers with unrestricted seating capacity for the WMATC authority: $5 million CSL

Learn more about the District of Columbia’s laws.

Florida commercial auto insurance requirements

In Florida, the law limits depend on whether it’s a passenger vehicle or a property transport vehicle. 

For Florida passenger vehicles:

  • Buses: 100/300/50 or $300,000 CSL

For property carriers, contingent on vehicle weight:

  • 26,000-34,999 pounds: $50,000 CSL
  • 35,000-43,999 pounds: $100,000 CSL
  • 44,000 or more pounds: $300,000 CSL

Learn more about Florida’s financial responsibility law.

Georgia commercial auto insurance requirements

Georgia has limits depending on the seating capacity and carrier type. 

For limousine drivers: 

  • 1-12 people: 100/300/50
  • 13 or more people: 100/500/50

For intrastate motor carriers: 

  • 100/300/50

Learn more about Georgia’s passenger carrier laws

Hawaii commercial auto insurance requirements

Hawaii differentiates requirements based on whether the vehicle is a passenger vehicle or a transport vehicle. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-7 people: 100/200/50
  • 8-25 people: 100/500/50
  • 26 or more people: 100/1,000/50

For other types of transport:

  • Property carriers: 250/750/250

Learn more about Hawaii’s motor vehicle insurance information

Idaho commercial auto insurance requirements

Idaho has different limits based on the size of passenger vehicles, whether the vehicle is carrying materials or property, and hazardous material transport. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-24 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 25 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers:

  • Nonhazardous materials: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Idaho’s motor vehicle laws.

Illinois commercial auto insurance requirements

Illinois breaks down its law to cover passenger carriers in one fashion while covering property carriers differently. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 10-13 people: $1 million bodily injury; $100,000 property damage
  • 14-20 people: $1.5 million bodily injury; $100,000 property damage
  • 21-30 people: $2 million bodily injury; $100,000 property damage
  • 31 or more people: $3 million bodily injury; $100,000 property damage
  • Medical transport vehicles and other for-hire transport: $250,000 bodily injury; $50,000 property damage or $300,000 CSL

For those who transport property:

  • Property carriers: $750,000 CSL
  • Tow truck operators: $500,000 CSL
  • Hazardous substance carriers: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about the Illinois vehicle code

Indiana commercial auto insurance requirements

Indiana’s limits depend on the size of the passenger vehicle and the type of freight carrier it is.

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL
  • Contract carriers transporting railroad employees: $5 million CSL

For other types of vehicles:

  • Fleet vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Fleet vehicles 10,001 pounds or more: $750 CSL
  • Hazardous substances: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Indiana’s fleet statutes

Iowa commercial auto insurance requirements

Iowa has different limits for passenger vehicles and freight carriers. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL
  • Taxicabs with fewer than 7 passengers: $1 million CSL

Freight carrier rules are as follows: 

  • Vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Vehicles 10,001 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous substances: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Iowa’s motor carrier insurance law

Kansas commercial auto insurance requirements

Kansas requires the same of passenger vehicles as it does for property transporters.

  • Passenger vehicles: 100/300/50
  • Property transports: 100/300/50

Learn more about Kansas’ motor carrier regulations.

Kentucky commercial auto insurance requirements

Kentucky separates passenger vehicles from the transport of goods. It further divides goods into general property, petroleum products and hazardous materials. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-7 people: 100/300/50
  • 8 or more people: 100/600/50

For property and materials:

  • Vehicles 18,000 pounds or less: 100/300/50
  • Vehicles over 18,000 pounds: 100/600/50
  • Carriers of petroleum or petroleum products under 10,000 pounds: 100/300/50
  • Carriers of other hazardous materials: $1 million CSL

Learn more about Kentucky’s commercial vehicle law. 

Louisiana commercial auto insurance requirements

Louisiana breaks down the requirements based on passenger buses, trucks and tow trucks. 

  • Passenger buses: 250/500/10
  • Trucks: 250/500/10
  • Passenger-carrying vehicles: 250/500/10
  • Tow trucks: $500,000 CSL

Learn more about Louisiana’s motor vehicle law.

Maine commercial auto insurance requirements

Maine breaks down limits based on passenger vehicle seating capacity, interstate vehicles, property carriers and rentals.

For passenger vehicles:

  • School bus seating 1-30: $500,000 CSL
  • School bus seating more than 30: $1 million CSL
  • Interstate vehicles seating 1-3 people: 50/100/25 or $125 CSL
  • Intrastate vehicles seating 4-7 people: $300,000 CSL
  • Intrastate vehicles seating 8-15 people: $750,000 CSL
  • Intrastate vehicles seating 16-30 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • Intrastate vehicles seating more than 30 people: $2 million CSL

For interstate passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers:

  • $350,000 CSL

For rental vehicles:

  • Rental cars: 50/100/25
  • Rental trucks: 50/100/25 or $125,000 CSL

Learn more about Maine’s financial responsibility law

Maryland commercial auto insurance requirements

Maryland breaks down its limits for intrastate passenger vehicles, cabs and hazardous property transport.

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-7 people: 50/100/20 or $120,000 CSL
  • 8-15 people: 75/200/50 or $250,000 CSL
  • 16 or more people: 75/400/100 or $500,000 CSL
  • Taxicabs: 25/50/10

For hazardous property transport:

  • $1 million to $5 million CSL

Learn more about Maryland’s transportation laws.

Massachusetts commercial auto insurance requirements

Massachusetts has a combined single limit for passenger vehicles contingent on the vehicle’s seating capacity. 

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL
  • Sightseeing or charters with seating for fewer than 32 people: $1.5 million CSL

Learn more about Massachusetts law

Michigan commercial auto insurance requirements

Michigan defines limits based on seating capacity and freight type. 

For passenger vehicles: 

  • 1-9 people: $1 million CSL
  • 10-15 people: $2 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL plus property protection
  • Limousines: $1 million CSL
  • Taxicabs: $300,000 CSL

For freight:

  • Vehicles 10,000 pounds or over with nonhazardous materials: $500,000 CSL
  • Vehicles 10,000 pounds or over with hazardous materials: $1 million CSL
  • Vehicles under 10,000 pounds with nonhazardous materials: 100/300/50 or $1 million CSL

Learn more about Michigan’s motor bus law and its Limousine, Taxicab, and Transportation Network Company Act

Minnesota commercial auto insurance requirements

Minnesota maintains regulations based on the number of passengers and substances carried. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers:

  • Nonhazardous materials: 100/300/50
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Minnesota’s Motor Carrier Financial Responsibility Law.

Mississippi commercial auto insurance requirements

Mississippi looks at whether a vehicle is a passenger vehicle or freight vehicle and follows federal financial responsibility laws. 

For passenger carriers:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For freight carriers:

  • Under 10,000 pounds with nonhazardous materials: $300,000 CSL
  • 10,000 pounds or more with nonhazardous materials: $750,000 CSL
  • Vehicles with hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Mississippi’s financial responsibility law.

Missouri commercial auto insurance requirements

Missouri considers whether passenger vehicles are interstate or intrastate and the type of property being transported.

For passenger vehicles:

  • Interstate for 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • Interstate for 16 or more people: $5 million CSL
  • Intrastate for 1-12 people: 100/300/50
  • Intrastate for 13 or more people: 100/500/50

For other commercial vehicles:

  • Tow trucks: $500,000 CSL
  • Interstate 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Intrastate except hazardous waste: 100/300/50
  • Transport of hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on materials

Learn more about Missouri’s transport and tow truck laws.

Montana commercial auto insurance requirements

Montana considers the vehicle type and whether it carries passengers or cargo. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-7 people: $100,000 CSL
  • 8-15 people: $500,000 CSL
  • 16-26 people: $750,000 CSL

For property carriers of nonhazardous materials: 

  • Under 10,000 pounds: $100,000 CSL
  • 10,000 pounds or more: $500,000 CSL

For tow trucks:

  • Class A: $300,000 CSL
  • Class B: $500,000 CSL
  • Class C: $750,000 CSL

Learn more about Montana’s motor carrier insurance law.

Nebraska commercial auto insurance requirements

Nebraska laws depend on the type of passenger vehicle and whether it’s carrying goods. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL
  • Taxis and limousines: $500,000 CSL

For carriers of household goods:

  • $750,000 CSL

Learn more about Nebraska’s motor carrier safety rules and regulations

Nevada commercial auto insurance requirements

Nevada even sets requirements for horse-drawn vehicles as well as different cargo carrier types. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL
  • Taxicabs and horse-drawn vehicles: 250/500/50

For property carriers:

  • Nonhazardous materials: $500,000 to $750,000 CSL, depending on cargo specifics
  • Hazardous materials: 300/2,500/1,000 or 300/2,500/5,000, depending on cargo specifics

Learn more about Nevada’s motor carrier laws

New Hampshire commercial auto insurance requirements

New Hampshire only specifies laws for passenger vehicles:

  • 1-7 people: 100/700/100
  • 8-12 people: 100/1,500/100
  • 13 or more people: 100/5,000/100

Learn more about New Hampshire’s motor vehicle laws.

New Jersey commercial auto insurance requirements

New Jersey has rules for passenger vehicles and tow trucks. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-12 people: 25/100 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage
  • 13-20 people: 25/200 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage
  • 21-20 people: 25/400 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage
  • 31 or more people: 25/600 bodily injury; 10/25 property damage
  • Limousines: $1.5 million CSL
  • Jitneys (buses): 10/100/5 

For tow trucks:

  • Up to 26,000 pounds: $750,000 CSL
  • 26,000 pounds or more: $1 million CSL
  • Garage keepers liability: $100,000 CSL

Learn more about New Jersey’s motor vehicle law

New Mexico commercial auto insurance requirements

New Mexico breaks down regulations by passenger vehicles and cargo vehicles. 

For passenger vehicles: 

  • 1-6 people: $1 million CSL
  • 7-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For cargo vehicles:

  • Household goods: $750,000 CSL
  • Towing services: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials transport: $5 million CSL

Learn more about New Mexico’s motor carrier rules

New York commercial auto insurance requirements

New York has different requirements for passenger vehicles and cargo vehicles. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-12 people: 100/300/50
  • 12 or more people: 100/500/50

For contract cargo carriers:

  • Property carriers: 100/300/50
  • Hazardous materials carriers: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on materials 

Learn more about New York commercial vehicle requirements

North Carolina commercial auto insurance requirements

North Carolina looks at passenger vehicles and property carriers differently. 

For passenger vehicles: 

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 15 or more people: $5 million CSL
  • School buses: $1 million to $1.5 million CSL
  • Taxis: 100/300/50

For property carriers of household goods:

  • 26,000 pounds or less: 100/300/50
  • Over 26,000 pounds: $750,000 CSL

Learn more about North Carolina’s motor vehicle regulations

North Dakota commercial auto insurance requirements

North Dakota differentiates between passenger vehicles, fleets and freight vehicles.

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For freight vehicles:

  • Fleet vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Nonhazardous freight of 10,001 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous freight: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on substance

Learn more about North Dakota’s carriage of persons law

Ohio commercial auto insurance requirements

Ohio follows the federal regulations for passenger vehicles and hazardous materials. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For cargo carriers:

  • Intrastate carriers: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on substance

Learn more about Ohio’s motor carrier regulations

Oklahoma commercial auto insurance requirements

Oklahoma breaks down regulations based on passenger carrier size and the type of property transported. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-6 people: $100,000 CSL
  • 7-9 people: $750,000 CSL
  • 10-15 people: $1 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers:

  • Under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Household goods: $750,000 CSL
  • Restricted property: $350,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the specifics

Learn more about Oklahoma’s motor carrier and private carrier regulations

Oregon commercial auto insurance requirements

Oregon keeps the coverage for passenger carriers and cargo carriers simple.

  • All Oregon passenger carriers: $750,000 CSL
  • All Oregon property carriers: $750,000 CSL

Learn more about Oregon’s motor carrier liability laws

Pennsylvania commercial auto insurance requirements

Pennsylvania differentiates passenger vehicles based on capacity and has a single requirement for property carriers. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: 15/30/5 
  • 16-28 people: $1 million CSL
  • 29 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers: 

  • $300,000 CSL

Learn more about Pennsylvania’s financial responsibility laws.

Rhode Island commercial auto insurance requirements

Rhode Island looks at the type of passenger carrier being insured and whether a property carrier is a public carrier.

  • Public motor vehicles: $1.5 million bodily injury; $100,000 property damage
  • Common and contract: 250/500/25
  • Public livery: $300,000 CSL or 250/500/100 split limit
  • Jitneys: $300,000 CSL or equivalent split limit

Learn more about Rhode Island’s financial responsibility laws.

South Carolina commercial auto insurance requirements

South Carolina has different rules for passenger vehicles depending on whether they are interstate or intrastate. It also breaks down freight carriers based on weight. 

For passenger carriers:

  • 1-15 people (interstate): $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more (interstate): $5 million CSL
  • 1-7 people (intrastate): 25/50/25
  • 8-15 people (intrastate): 25/100/25
  • 16 or more people (intrastate): 25/300/25

For property carriers:

  • Nonhazardous freight under 10,000 pounds (intrastate): $500,000 CSL
  • Hazardous freight under 10,000 pounds (intrastate): $5 million CSL
  • Nonhazardous freight 10,000 pounds or more (interstate): $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous freight 10,000 pounds or more (interstate): $5 million

Learn more about South Carolina’s financial responsibility laws

South Dakota commercial auto insurance requirements

South Dakota follows the federal guidelines for passenger and freight vehicles. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For freight carriers:

  • Fleet vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Nonhazardous materials vehicles 10,000 pounds or greater: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance

Learn more about South Dakota’s financial responsibility laws

Tennessee commercial auto insurance requirements

Tennessee follows the federal guidelines for passengers and hazardous materials. 

For passenger vehicles: 

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers:

  • Nonhazardous under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Nonhazardous 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance

Learn more about Tennessee’s financial responsibility laws

Texas commercial auto insurance requirements

Texas looks at the seating capacity of passenger vehicles and whether property transports have hazardous materials. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 16-26 people: $500,000 CSL
  • 27 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers: 

  • Household goods 26,000 pounds or less: $300,000 CSL
  • Household goods over 26,000 pounds: $500,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance

Learn more about Texas’ motor carrier insurance requirements. 

Utah commercial auto insurance requirements

Utah follows federal guidelines for passenger vehicles but has its own rules for freight carriers. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For freight carriers: 

  • Nonhazardous vehicles under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Nonhazardous vehicles 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on substance

Learn more about Utah’s requirements for motor carriers.

Vermont commercial auto insurance requirements

Vermont sets different rules for school buses and other passenger vehicles. 

For passenger vehicles: 

  • 1-7 people: 50/100/50
  • 8-12 people: 50/250/50
  • 13-20 people: 50/300/50
  • 21-30 people: 50/350/50
  • 31 or more people: 50/300/50

For school buses:

  • 1-9 people: 100/300/50
  • 10 or more people: 300/500/50

Learn more about Vermont’s financial responsibility laws

Virginia commercial auto insurance requirements

Virginia separates the requirements for taxicabs and passenger vehicles. It also has rules that separate intrastate from interstate cargo. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-6 people: $350,000 CSL
  • 7-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For property carriers:

  • Vehicles more than 7,500 but less than 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Vehicles 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000
  • Intrastate property carriers: $750,000 CSL

Learn more about Virginia’s insurance regulations

Washington commercial auto insurance requirements

Washington breaks down insurance requirements based on how many passengers a vehicle can hold and whether it’s hauling household goods or hazardous materials. It also separates auto transportation companies. 

For passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: 100/300/50
  • 16 or more people: 100/500/50
  • Private nonprofit bus transportation for 1-15 people: $500,000 CSL
  • Private nonprofit bus transportation for 16 or more people: $1 million CSL

For trucks hauling goods:

  • Nonhazardous materials on truck under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Nonhazardous materials on truck 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous materials on truck under 10,000 pounds: $300,000 CSL
  • Garbage and refuse collection: $1 million to $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Washington’s motor carrier insurance regulations

West Virginia commercial auto insurance requirements

West Virginia breaks down the rules between interstate and intrastate vehicles. 

For intrastate passenger vehicles:

  • 1-5 people: 100/200/25
  • 6-12 people: 200/500/25
  • 13-20 people: 200/600/50
  • 21-30 people: 200/750/50
  • 31 or more people: 200/900/75

For intrastate property carriers: 

  • Nonhazardous property: 200/600/100

For interstate passenger vehicles:

  • 1-15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For interstate property carriers:

  • Vehicles less than 10,000 pounds: $300,000
  • Vehicles 10,000 pounds or more: $750,000
  • Hazardous materials: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on specifics

Learn more about West Virginia’s motor carrier rules

Wisconsin commercial auto insurance requirements

Wisconsin has various rules that break down vehicle types based on passengers and property. 

For passenger vehicles based on capacity:

  • 1-7 people: 100/300/50
  • 8-12 people: 100/350/50
  • 13-20 people: 100/400/50
  • 21-30 people: 100/450/50
  • 31 or more people: 100/500/50
  • School buses with 37 or more people: $1 million CSL

For passenger vehicles for hire that aren’t school buses:

  • 10,000 pounds or less: $300,000 CSL
  • More than 10,000 pounds with up to 15 people: $1.5 million CSL
  • More than 10,000 pounds with 16 or more people: $5 million CSL

For exclusive intrastate passenger carriers:

  • 15 or fewer passengers: $500,000 CSL
  • 16 or more passengers: $1 million CSL

For property carriers:

  • Nonhazardous vehicles 10,000 pounds or less: $300,000 CSL
  • Nonhazardous vehicles more than 10,000 pounds: $750,000 CSL
  • Hazardous transport: $1 million or $5 million CSL, depending on the substance

Learn more about Wisconsin’s motor carrier insurance regulations.

Wyoming commercial auto insurance requirements

Wyoming sets standards as a combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage. 

  • Bodily injury/property damage: $750,000 CSL

Learn more about Wyoming’s financial responsibility requirements

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Kimberlee Leonard, Contributing Writer
Kimberlee has spent the past 20 years either directly involved in insurance and financial services or writing about it. She’s a former Series 7 and 65 license holder and former State Farm agency owner. As a small business insurance expert, her work can be found on Fit Small Business and Thimble.
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