A recent survey commissioned by Pie Insurance and conducted by YouGov has found that 42% of small businesses with commercial vehicles reported an auto-related incident in the previous year, with an average out-of-pocket cost of $5,725 per accident. The findings, part of the 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report, highlight the financial and operational risks that mobile businesses face when their vehicles are involved in collisions.
The survey, which polled 1,018 U.S. small-business owners and decision-makers at companies with between two and 500 employees, underscores the importance of having adequate commercial auto insurance. For many small businesses, the company truck or van is more than just a mode of transportation; it serves as a rolling office, essential for completing jobs and serving customers. When an accident occurs, the impact can extend far beyond repair costs, including interrupted jobs, lost working time, and potential liability exposure.
According to Tim Derham of Inter Insurance Agency, a business that relies on vehicles for daily operations must regularly review its commercial auto policies to ensure they keep pace with changes in the business. "The important question is whether the coverage you purchased still reflects the business you're operating today," Derham said. "A business can change significantly in a year, and its insurance should keep pace."
Commercial auto insurance typically includes several types of coverage. Liability coverage helps protect a business if it is found responsible for bodily injury or property damage in a covered accident. Collision coverage helps pay for damage to the insured vehicle following a collision, while comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision losses such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides additional protection if the other driver lacks adequate insurance.
For contractors, plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and delivery companies, vehicles are often in use throughout the day and are critical to business operations. The survey data serves as a timely reminder for these businesses to evaluate their insurance needs, especially when adding vehicles, hiring employees who will drive, or changing how existing vehicles are used.
The findings are based on a survey fielded January 9-18, 2025, and included small-business owners and decision-makers responsible for commercial insurance or workers' compensation coverage. The average out-of-pocket cost of $5,725 per incident can be a significant financial burden for small businesses, potentially affecting their bottom line and ability to operate.
Inter Insurance Agency recommends that businesses periodically review their commercial auto policies to ensure they have adequate coverage for their current operations. This proactive approach can help mitigate the financial risks associated with auto accidents and ensure that businesses are protected when they need it most.
