From service vans to non-emergency medical transport fleets—we insure it all. Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance provides comprehensive commercial auto coverage for businesses throughout Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Whether you operate a single work truck or manage a fleet of specialized vehicles, we have the expertise and carrier access to protect your business properly.

Get Your Commercial Auto Quote Today

📞 Call 703-674-0299 or Request Your Quote Online

✓ Fast quotes - most delivered within 24-48 hours
✓ Multiple carrier options for competitive pricing
✓ All vehicle types and business uses covered
✓ Flexible payment plans available

Vehicles and Operations We Insure

At Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance, we provide commercial auto coverage for virtually any business vehicle and operation. Our 34 years of experience means we know how to properly insure your specific needs.

Service & Trade Vehicles

• Pickup trucks and cargo vans
• Service vans (plumbing, HVAC, electrical, handyman)
• Contractor trucks and equipment haulers
• Landscaping and lawn care vehicles
• Utility company vehicles
• Box trucks and straight trucks

• Transportation Services

  • Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT): Wheelchair vans, stretcher vans, ambulette services
  • Livery and sedan services
  • Shuttle and van services
  • Tour buses and charter services
  • Limousine services
  • Package and parcel delivery vehicles

  Commercial Trucking

  • Owner-operators
  • Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers
  • Dump trucks and construction equipment haulers
  • Refrigerated transport (reefers)
  • Flatbed and specialized haulers
  • Local and long-haul operations

  Specialized Vehicles

  • Food trucks and mobile vendors
  • Tow trucks and recovery vehicles
  • Medical equipment transport
  • Moving and storage company vehicles
  • Car dealership inventory and service vehicles
  • Rental and leased vehicles

    Fleet Operations

    • Multiple vehicle operations of any size
    • Mixed-use fleets (cars, vans, trucks)
    • Employee-driven vehicles
    • Company car programs

    Hard-to-Place Risks? We specialize in finding coverage for new ventures, businesses with prior claims, high-risk operations, and drivers with less-than-perfect records.

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    What is Commercial Auto Insurance?

    Commercial auto insurance provides financial protection when your business vehicles are involved in accidents, damaged, or stolen. Unlike personal auto insurance, commercial policies are designed for business use and offer higher liability limits, broader coverage options, and protection tailored to commercial operations.

    What Commercial Auto Insurance Covers:

    Liability Coverage (The Most Critical Protection)

    • Bodily Injury Liability: Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering for people injured in accidents you cause
    • Property Damage Liability: Repairs or replacement costs for vehicles and property you damage
    • Legal Defense: Attorney fees, court costs, and settlements or judgments against you

    Physical Damage Coverage (For Your Vehicles)

    • Collision: Repairs or replacement when your vehicle hits another vehicle or object
    • Comprehensive: Damage from theft, vandalism, fire, weather, falling objects, animal strikes
    • Specified Perils: Limited physical damage coverage at lower cost

    Additional Coverages (Optional but Highly Recommended)

    • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you when hit by drivers with inadequate insurance
    • Medical Payments: Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault
    • Hired Auto: Coverage when renting or borrowing vehicles for business use
    • Non-Owned Auto: Protects your business when employees use personal vehicles for work
    • Rental Reimbursement: Pays for rental vehicle while yours is being repaired
    • Towing and Roadside Assistance: Emergency towing, jump-starts, flat tire changes
    • Cargo Coverage: Protects goods and materials being transported (trucking operations)
    • Motor Truck Cargo Legal Liability: Liability for customer goods in your care, custody, and control

    • The Critical Importance of Adequate Liability Limits

      This is where most businesses make a potentially devastating mistake. Many business owners carry minimum state-required liability limits to save on premiums, not realizing that one serious accident can bankrupt their company and destroy everything they've built.

      Understanding Liability Limits

      Commercial auto liability is typically structured two ways:

      1. Split Limits (e.g., 100/300/100)

      • $100,000 per person for bodily injury
      • $300,000 per accident for total bodily injury
      • $100,000 per accident for property damage

      2. Combined Single Limit (CSL) (e.g., $1,000,000)

      • One single limit that applies to all liability (bodily injury and property damage combined)
      • Provides more flexibility in claim payment
      • We typically recommend CSL policies for most commercial operations

      What Happens When Limits Are Too Low: Real Consequences

      Scenario 1: The Catastrophic Injury

      Your delivery driver runs a red light and strikes a vehicle carrying a family. The mother suffers severe spinal injuries requiring multiple surgeries, months of hospitalization, years of rehabilitation, and permanent disability. She can never work again.

      • Medical expenses: $850,000
      • Lost wages (lifetime): $1,200,000
      • Pain and suffering: $2,000,000
      • Total judgment: $4,050,000

      • If you carry $100,000/$300,000 limits: Your insurance pays only $300,000. You personally owe $3,750,000.

        If you carry $1,000,000 CSL: Your insurance pays $1,000,000. You personally owe $3,050,000.

        If you carry $2,000,000 CSL with $3,000,000 umbrella: Your insurance pays $4,050,000. You owe nothing.

        The Result Without Adequate Coverage:

        • Business bankruptcy
        • Personal bankruptcy (if business assets are insufficient)
        • Wage garnishment for years or decades
        • Seizure of business and personal assets
        • Destruction of credit
        • Potential loss of home and personal property
        • Business closure

        Scenario 2: The Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up

        Your truck driver loses control on the interstate during bad weather, causing a six-vehicle accident. Multiple people are seriously injured across several vehicles.

        With split limits, you might face five different $100,000 claims that total $500,000, but your $300,000 per-accident limit leaves you personally liable for $200,000.

        With a $1,000,000 CSL policy, all legitimate claims are covered up to the full limit, with flexibility in how the money is allocated.

        The Hidden Financial Exposure

        Even if your business is incorporated or an LLC, inadequate insurance can still destroy everything:

        What You Lose:

        • All business assets (vehicles, equipment, inventory, cash, accounts receivable)
        • Future business earnings through judgments and liens
        • Your reputation and ability to operate
        • Potentially personal assets if corporate protections are pierced
        • Your ability to bid on contracts or secure financing

        What You Face:

        • Years of wage garnishment
        • Inability to obtain future insurance coverage
        • Personal financial ruin if personally named in the lawsuit
        • Stress, anxiety, and devastation for you and your family

        The Affordable Solution: Adequate Limits Cost Less Than You Think

        The difference between inadequate and proper coverage is often surprisingly small:

        • Increasing from $300,000 split to $1,000,000 CSL might add only $300-$800 annually per vehicle
        • Adding a $2,000,000 umbrella policy might cost only $500-$1,500 annually for significant additional protection
        • The cost difference is minimal compared to the catastrophic financial exposure you eliminate

        Bottom Line: Carrying inadequate liability limits to save a few hundred dollars in premiums is the single most dangerous financial decision a business owner can make.

        Recommended Liability Limits by Business Type

        Minimum Recommendations (We Rarely Suggest Lower)

        Service Vehicles & Light Commercial Use:

        • $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit
        • Plus $1,000,000-$2,000,000 Commercial Umbrella

        Non-Emergency Medical Transport:

        • $1,500,000-$2,000,000 Combined Single Limit (many contracts require this)
        • Plus $2,000,000-$5,000,000 Commercial Umbrella
        • Medical Professional Liability if providing any medical services

        Commercial Trucking:

        • $1,000,000 minimum (legally required for interstate commerce)
        • $2,000,000 or higher for certain cargo or hazardous materials
        • Motor Truck Cargo coverage appropriate to cargo value

        Fleet Operations:

        • $1,000,000-$2,000,000 Combined Single Limit per vehicle
        • $5,000,000-$10,000,000 Commercial Umbrella for significant fleet exposure

        Government Contractors:

        • Follow contract requirements (typically $1,000,000-$2,000,000 minimum)
        • Government must be named as additional insured
        • Often require higher limits for federal work

Why Higher Limits Make Sense

✓ Protects your business and personal assets from catastrophic claims
✓ Relatively inexpensive compared to exposure
✓ Required by many commercial contracts and leases
✓ Provides peace of mind and financial security
✓ Demonstrates professional responsibility
✓ Makes you more competitive for quality contracts

Additional Coverages You Should Consider

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Why It's Critical: About 13% of drivers nationwide have no insurance, and many more carry only minimum liability limits. If an uninsured or underinsured driver causes serious damage to your vehicle or injuries to you, their lack of coverage becomes your financial problem.

What It Covers:

• Bodily injury when hit by uninsured/underinsured drivers
• Property damage in some states
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Medical expenses and lost wages for you and passengers

Cost: Usually very affordable, often just 5-10% of your liability premium

Our Recommendation: Carry UM/UIM limits equal to your liability limits

Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)

Provides immediate payment for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who's at fault. Especially valuable for businesses with employees regularly riding in company vehicles.

Typical Limits: $1,000-$10,000 per person
Benefits: No deductible, pays immediately, coordinates with health insurance

Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage

Hired Auto: Covers vehicles you rent or lease for business use
Non-Owned Auto: Protects your business when employees use personal vehicles for work errands

Critical If: Employees ever drive their own cars for business purposes (even occasionally) or you rent vehicles for business trips, projects, or temporary needs.

The Risk: If an employee causes an accident in their personal vehicle while on company business, their personal auto insurance is primary, but your business can still be sued for damages exceeding their limits.

Rental Reimbursement

Pays for a rental vehicle while yours is being repaired after a covered loss. Essential for businesses that can't afford downtime.

Typical Limits: $30-$75 per day, up to a maximum number of days
Cost: Usually $10-$30 per vehicle annually

Towing and Roadside Assistance

Covers emergency towing, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout service, and fuel delivery.

Cost: Typically $15-$50 per vehicle annually
Benefit: Reduces downtime and out-of-pocket emergency expenses

Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) Insurance

NEMT operations face unique insurance challenges and requirements. We specialize in this coverage and understand the specific needs of wheelchair van services, stretcher transport, and ambulette operations.

NEMT-Specific Coverage Needs

Higher Liability Limits Required:

• Most state Medicaid contracts require $1,500,000-$2,000,000 combined single limit
• Passenger liability exposure is significant
• Medical complications can arise during transport

Passenger Accident Coverage:

• Medical payments coverage for passengers
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Coverage for passengers with pre-existing conditions

Medical Professional Liability:

• If drivers provide any medical assistance or monitoring
• Protection for allegations of negligence in patient care during transport

Special Considerations:

• Wheelchair lift and securement equipment coverage
• Stretcher and medical equipment coverage
• Compliance with ADA requirements
• State-specific licensing and insurance requirements

Contract Requirements:

• Certificate of insurance showing required limits
• Additional insured endorsements for contracting facilities
• Often requires 30-60 day notice of cancellation

• Why NEMT is Challenging to Insure

  Many standard carriers won't write NEMT due to:

  • Higher claims frequency and severity
  • Passenger liability exposure
  • Specialized vehicle modifications
  • Regulatory compliance complexity

  We Specialize in NEMT: Our carrier relationships and experience mean we can provide competitive coverage when others decline or charge excessive premiums.

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  State-Specific Requirements and Service Area

  Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance provides commercial auto coverage throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Each state has different minimum requirements and regulations.

  Virginia Commercial Auto Requirements

  • Minimum Liability: $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 (inadequate for commercial use)
  • Recommended Commercial Minimum: $1,000,000 CSL
  • Uninsured Motorist: Not required but strongly recommended
  • NEMT Requirements: $1,500,000+ CSL for Medicaid transportation

  Maryland Commercial Auto Requirements

  • Minimum Liability: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 (inadequate for commercial use)
  • Recommended Commercial Minimum: $1,000,000 CSL
  • Uninsured Motorist: Required (can be rejected in writing)
  • PIP (Personal Injury Protection): Required unless waived
  • NEMT Requirements: Varies by contract, typically $1,500,000+ CSL

  • Washington DC Commercial Auto Requirements

    • Minimum Liability: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 (inadequate for commercial use)
    • Recommended Commercial Minimum: $1,000,000 CSL minimum
    • Uninsured Motorist: Required
    • Urban environment: Higher liability exposure due to traffic density

    Our Complete Service Area

    We provide commercial auto insurance throughout:

    Primary Markets:

    • Virginia (all regions)
    • Maryland (statewide)
    • Washington DC

    Extended Markets:

    • Delaware
    • Pennsylvania
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Florida
    • Georgia

    Interstate Operations: We handle complex commercial auto programs for businesses operating across multiple states, including interstate trucking authorities.

    How Commercial Auto Premiums Are Calculated

    Understanding rating factors helps you budget and identify opportunities to reduce costs.

    Key Rating Factors

    1. Vehicle Type and Value

    • Larger, more expensive vehicles cost more to insure
    • Specialized vehicles (tow trucks, food trucks) have higher rates
    • Vehicle age affects physical damage premiums

    2. Radius of Operation

    • Local (within 50 miles): Lower rates
    • Intermediate (50-200 miles): Moderate rates
    • Long-haul (200+ miles): Higher rates due to increased exposure

    3. Cargo/Business Use

    • General service work: Moderate rates
    • Hazardous materials: Significantly higher rates
    • Medical transport: Higher rates due to passenger exposure
    • Food delivery: Higher rates due to frequent stops and urban driving

    4. Driver Records

    • Clean driving records earn discounts
    • Violations and accidents increase premiums
    • Experience and age of drivers affect rates
    • Commercial driver experience valued

    5. Coverage Limits and Deductibles

    • Higher liability limits increase premium (but not proportionally)
    • Higher deductibles reduce premium
    • Additional coverages add to total premium

    6. Loss History

    • Claims-free operations earn better rates
    • Frequency and severity of past claims impact pricing
    • Long-term positive history earns loyalty discounts

    7. Location

    • Urban areas (DC, Baltimore, Richmond) have higher rates
    • Rural areas typically have lower rates
    • Garaging location affects rating

    Ways to Reduce Your Commercial Auto Costs

    ✓ Fleet Safety Programs: Implement driver training and safety protocols
    ✓ Telematics/GPS Tracking: Some carriers offer discounts for fleet tracking
    ✓ Higher Deductibles: Increase deductibles if cash flow allows
    ✓ Driver Screening: Hire drivers with clean records
    ✓ Accident Management: Aggressively manage claims to minimize costs
    ✓ Annual Review: Market conditions change—shop your coverage regularly
    ✓ Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle commercial auto with other business insurance
    ✓ Pay in Full: Many carriers offer discounts for annual payment

    Why Choose Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance for Commercial Auto?

    34 Years of Commercial Insurance Expertise

    Since 1991, we've been insuring commercial vehicles throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Our experience means we understand your industry, your coverage needs, and how to structure policies that protect you properly without overpaying.

    Specialized Knowledge

    We excel in:

    • Service and trade contractors: Plumbers, electricians, HVAC, landscapers, handymen
    • Non-Emergency Medical Transport: Wheelchair vans, stretcher transport, ambulette services
    • Commercial trucking: Owner-operators, fleets, specialized cargo
    • Fleet operations: Multi-vehicle businesses of all sizes
    • Government contractors: Federal, state, and local contract compliance
    • Food trucks and mobile vendors: Specialized coverage for mobile food operations

    Multiple Carrier Access

    As an independent broker, we represent numerous commercial auto insurance carriers. We shop your risk to multiple insurers to find you the optimal combination of coverage, service, and price.

    This means:

    • Competitive pricing through carrier competition
    • Options for hard-to-place risks
    • Specialized carriers for unique operations
    • Flexibility to move you if service declines

    • Personalized Service You Can Count On

      • Experienced agents who understand commercial auto insurance
      • Quick response times to questions and certificate requests
      • Proactive policy reviews to ensure coverage keeps pace with your business
      • Claims support when you need it most
      • Certificate management for contracts, leases, and client requirements

      Comprehensive Business Insurance Solutions

      Commercial auto is just one piece of your business insurance program. We also provide:

      • General Liability Insurance
      • Workers Compensation
      • Commercial Property
      • Umbrella/Excess Liability
      • Professional Liability
      • Cyber Liability
      • Business Owner's Policies (BOP)

      One agent, complete protection.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Q: How is commercial auto insurance different from personal auto insurance?
      A: Commercial policies provide higher liability limits, cover business use, include hired and non-owned auto, and offer specialized coverages like cargo insurance. Personal policies exclude business use and won't cover commercial claims.

      Q: Do I need commercial auto insurance if I only use my vehicle occasionally for business?
      A: Yes. If you use your vehicle for business purposes (transporting goods, equipment, or people for business), you need commercial coverage. Personal auto policies exclude business use.

      Q: What if my employees drive their personal vehicles for work errands?
      A: You need Hired and Non-Owned Auto coverage. If an employee causes an accident while on company business, your business can be sued even though they were driving their own vehicle.

      Q: How much does commercial auto insurance cost?
      A: Premiums vary widely based on vehicles, drivers, use, location, and coverage. A single service van might cost $1,200-$3,000 annually for $1M CSL. NEMT vehicles typically run $4,000-$8,000+ annually due to higher passenger liability exposure. Contact us for accurate quotes.

      Q: Can I get coverage if I have violations or accidents on my record?
      A: Yes. While violations and accidents affect pricing, we work with carriers that accept less-than-perfect driving records. We'll find you coverage options.

      Q: What are the liability requirements for interstate trucking?
      A: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires $750,000-$5,000,000 depending on cargo type and weight. Most general freight requires $1,000,000 minimum.

      Q: Do I need cargo insurance?
      A: If you transport goods for others, yes. Motor Truck Cargo coverage protects customer goods in your care. Most shippers and brokers require proof of cargo coverage.

      Q: What happens if I let my commercial auto policy lapse?
      A: Serious consequences including fines, license suspension, impounded vehicles, inability to operate legally, and much higher premiums when reinstating coverage. Never let coverage lapse.

      Q: How quickly can I get coverage?
      A: Most commercial auto quotes are completed within 24-48 hours. Coverage can often be bound same-day once underwriting is approved.

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      Don't Put Your Business at Risk with Inadequate Coverage

      Every day you operate with insufficient commercial auto insurance, you're one accident away from financial disaster.

      You've worked too hard building your business to lose everything because you were underinsured. The difference between inadequate limits and proper protection costs far less than you think—but the difference in outcomes is literally everything.

      Get Properly Protected Today

      Let Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance's 34 years of experience work for you. We'll:

      ✓ Assess your specific operation and risk exposure
      ✓ Recommend appropriate liability limits for your business
      ✓ Shop multiple carriers for competitive pricing
      ✓ Explain coverage options in plain English
      ✓ Provide certificates for contracts and leases
      ✓ Service your account with the attention you deserve

      Three Easy Ways to Get Started:

      📞 Call Us: 703-674-0299
      Speak directly with a commercial auto insurance specialist who can answer your questions and start your quote immediately.

      🌐 Request a Quote Online: www.TCIIns.net
      Fill out our simple quote form and we'll contact you within hours to discuss your needs.

      ✉️ Email Us: RThompson@TCIIns.net

      Send us your business details, vehicle information, and driver info for a prompt quote response.

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      Our Commitment to You

      You deserve an insurance partner who:

      • Understands your business and industry
      • Recommends adequate protection, not just the cheapest policy
      • Provides honest, transparent advice
      • Responds quickly to your needs
      • Stands behind you when claims happen
      • Treats you like the valued client you are

      That's exactly what you get with Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance.

      Take Action Now

      Don't wait until after an accident to discover you're underinsured. Protect your business, your assets, and your financial future today.

      Call 703-674-0299 or visit www.TCIIns.net to get your commercial auto insurance quote.

      Serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia since 1991.

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      Trans-Atlantic Commercial Insurance, LLC is an independent insurance broker specializing in commercial insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes. We are licensed in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. Commercial auto insurance quotes are subject to underwriting approval and state-specific requirements.

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