Contractor fleet insurance for the trucks your crews drive.
Commercial auto, hired and non-owned auto and tools coverage for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, tile, landscaping and general contractor fleets, in California and other states.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A contractor fleet is underwritten driver by driver
Underwriters look at every driver's record, where each truck is garaged, how far the crews drive and who takes vehicles home at night. A fleet that is set up clearly on the application gets a better look from more carriers.
I build the vehicle and driver schedule with you, then shop it with carriers and trucking desks that write contractor fleets. Tools on the trucks and employees' own cars get their own coverage alongside the auto policy.
- Auto liabilityInjuries and property damage your trucks and drivers cause to others.
- Physical damageCollision and comprehensive for your trucks, vans, upfits and trailers.
- Hired and non-owned autoYour business's liability when employees drive rentals or their own cars for work.
- Tools and equipmentTools and gear carried on the trucks, written as inland marine coverage.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Vehicles: year, make, model, VIN, weight rating and value of each truck, van and trailer.
- Drivers: names, dates of birth and license numbers for everyone who drives.
- Garaging: where each vehicle is kept overnight, including employees' homes.
- Operations: your trade, how far crews travel and states you work in.
- Tools and upfits: racks, shelving and the value of tools carried on the trucks.
- Current policy: declarations page and 3 to 5 years of loss runs.
Contractor fleet insurance, answered
What is commercial auto insurance for contractors?
It covers the trucks and vans your business owns or leases: liability for accidents your drivers cause, and physical damage to the vehicles. Racks, shelving and other upfits are usually covered when their value is listed.
Do employees driving their own car for work need coverage?
The employee's personal auto policy usually responds first, but your business can still be named in the lawsuit. Hired and non-owned auto coverage protects the business in that case.
Does commercial auto insurance cover tools in my truck?
In most policies, no. Tools and equipment carried in the truck are usually covered by a separate tools and equipment (inland marine) policy.
Do contractor trucks need an MCS-90?
Usually not. The federal MCS-90 rules apply to for-hire carriers hauling property across state lines and to carriers of certain hazardous materials, not to contractors carrying their own tools and materials.
Do I need a Motor Carrier Permit for my work truck in California?
The DMV says you generally need one for a commercial vehicle rated 10,001 pounds or more. Your insurer files the proof of insurance on a Certificate of Insurance (MC 65 M).
What is the minimum insurance for a business vehicle in California?
The state minimum of $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 applies to commercial and fleet vehicles too, and trucks under a Motor Carrier Permit need $300,000 to $5,000,000 depending on the vehicle and cargo. General contractors and property owners often ask for $1,000,000.
How do I keep track of my drivers' records?
In California, employers must enroll drivers with a Class A or B license in the DMV's Employer Pull Notice program, which sends you their record after accidents, convictions or suspensions. Checking every driver's record before hire and once a year is a good practice for the rest.
Do you offer contractor fleet insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
- California DMV: Motor Carrier Permits (who needs one, insurance proof and liability levels)
- 49 CFR §387.3: who the federal financial responsibility rules (MCS-90) apply to
- California DMV: Employer Pull Notice program
- California DMV: Insurance requirements (minimum liability for private, commercial and fleet vehicles)
Send your truck and driver list. I'll shop it.
Your vehicle schedule, driver list and current declarations page are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.