Can your landscaping crew drive company trucks? Learn what commercial auto insurance covers and why personal auto policies aren’t enough.

Can My Landscaping Crew Drive Company Trucks? What Commercial Auto Insurance Covers

Running a landscaping business in Texas means a lot of time on the road—hauling equipment, moving crews, and servicing clients across different zip codes. But if your employees are behind the wheel of company vehicles, are they properly insured?

This post breaks down how commercial auto insurance works for landscaping businesses, why personal auto coverage isn’t enough, and what to consider when insuring your work trucks, trailers, and more.

Do Landscapers Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Yes—if you use vehicles for business purposes, Texas law and insurance companies require commercial auto coverage. Personal auto policies typically exclude business-related activities like:

• Hauling landscaping equipment
• Driving to and from multiple job sites
• Transporting employees or materials
• Advertising on the vehicle (wraps or logos)

If there’s an accident during work hours and you’re relying on personal auto insurance, your claim may be denied.

Who Can Be Covered Under a Commercial Auto Policy?

Your commercial auto policy can extend coverage to:

• Business owners who drive company vehicles
• Employees who operate trucks or vans
• Temporary drivers or seasonal workers (if listed or approved)

It’s important to list all authorized drivers and keep records of who’s allowed behind the wheel.

Pro Tip:

You’ll likely need to provide driver info—including license numbers and driving history—to your insurance agent during quoting.

What Vehicles Are Covered?

Commercial auto insurance can cover a wide range of vehicles used in landscaping, including:

• Pickup trucks
• Box trucks or cargo vans
• Flatbeds and dump trucks
• Trailers (often added by endorsement)

If your crew uses personal vehicles for work, you may also need hired and non-owned auto coverage to protect the business.

What Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover?

A standard policy includes:

• Liability coverage — Bodily injury or property damage you cause
• Physical damage — Collision or comprehensive coverage for your vehicle
• Medical payments — Medical expenses for you or your passengers
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist — If another driver has no (or not enough) insurance
• Trailer coverage — If your trailers are stolen or damaged

You can also add roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or coverage for permanently attached equipment.

What Affects the Cost of Coverage?

Insurance underwriters look at several factors:

• Vehicle types and value
• Number of vehicles and drivers
• Driving history (accidents or violations)
• Radius of operation (local vs. long-distance)
• Claims history

Keeping clean driving records and maintaining your fleet can help keep premiums down.

What If an Employee Has an Accident in a Company Truck?

If they’re a listed driver and using the vehicle for business, your commercial auto insurance should cover the claim.

But if the employee was using the truck for personal errands, or isn’t authorized to drive, the claim could be denied. That’s why it’s crucial to:

• Maintain a list of approved drivers
• Set clear policies for work vehicle use
• Regularly check driving records

Final Thoughts

Your trucks and trailers are the lifeline of your landscaping business. One accident without proper coverage could stall your entire operation.

Need help reviewing your policy or insuring your fleet? Contact McKnight Insurance to speak with a local agent who understands the risks Texas landscapers face. We’ll help you find the right commercial auto coverage to keep your business rolling.