Do Lawn Care Businesses Need Commercial Auto Insurance? (2026 Guide)
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
If you own a mowing or landscaping company, you’re probably wondering whether your personal auto policy is enough, or if you truly need commercial auto insurance. With trailers, zero‑turn mowers, equipment transport, and daily job‑site driving, most lawn care companies eventually search for a lawn care business insurance quote that includes the right auto protection.
Here’s a breakdown of why commercial auto insurance is essential for lawn care contractors in 2026.
1. Personal Auto Policies Don’t Cover Business Use
Most mowing businesses start out using personal pickup trucks to haul mowers. But personal auto insurance typically excludes business‑use accidents, meaning damage, injuries, or lawsuits from work activity may not be covered at all.
Carriers expect a commercial auto policy when a vehicle is used to:
Haul trailers or equipment
Visit multiple job sites daily
Transport employees
Carry tools or materials
Display business logos or signage
If an accident occurs while driving for work, your personal carrier could deny the claim entirely.
2. You Need Higher Liability Limits for Client Contracts
Commercial auto insurance provides higher liability limits that customers, HOAs, property managers, and commercial clients often require.
Many contracts require:
$1,000,000 auto liability
Additional insured endorsements
Without proper limits, you risk losing jobs or being unable to get approved as a vendor.
3. It Covers Your Trailer, Mowers & On‑Road Risks
Commercial auto can extend to:
Truck damage (collision/comprehensive)
Trailer damage
Equipment in transit
Hired & non‑owned auto (if employees use personal cars for work)
This protects you from costly losses, especially if your trailer gets hit, detached, or damaged in transport.
4. Employees Driving Your Truck? You MUST Have It
Once an employee drives your vehicle, even once, you are required to carry commercial auto insurance. Personal auto does not cover employee drivers.
If an employee causes an accident, your business is liable, not them personally.
5. It Helps Keep Your Business Legally & Financially Protected
Without commercial auto insurance, one accident can lead to:
Medical bills
Property damage
Equipment loss
Lawsuits
Business shutdown
Commercial auto ensures your schedule, cash flow, and client reputation stay intact.
Get the Right Lawn Care Auto Coverage With Wexford Insurance
Wexford Insurance helps lawn care businesses nationwide secure:
Pesticide/Herbicide Liability (if needed)
We compare multiple lawn‑care‑friendly carriers to find the best rates and protection.
👉 Request your lawn care business insurance quote from Wexford Insurance today and get coverage tailored to your trucks, trailers, and mowing routes.
