Commercial Auto Insurance for Construction Fleets in Mansfield and DFW: What Contractors Need to Know

Own multiple work trucks or trailers in Mansfield or DFW? Learn what Texas contractors need to know about commercial auto insurance for construction fleets.

Running a construction business in Mansfield, Fort Worth, or anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex means keeping your team—and your vehicles—on the move. Whether you’re managing a small crew with a couple of trucks or a growing operation with a fleet of vans, trailers, and employees behind the wheel, you need the right protection. That’s where commercial auto insurance for construction fleets comes in.

In this blog, we’ll cover the most common questions contractors ask about commercial auto insurance, especially when operating multiple vehicles across job sites in North Texas.

What Is Commercial Auto Insurance?

Commercial auto insurance is a policy that covers vehicles used for business purposes. For contractors, that usually includes:

• Pickup trucks and flatbeds
• Vans or box trucks
• Trailers (utility, dump, equipment)
• Any vehicle used for hauling tools, materials, or workers

If you’re using personal auto insurance for business vehicles, you may not be covered in the event of an accident. Most personal policies specifically exclude business use.

Do Contractors in Mansfield and Fort Worth Need Commercial Auto Insurance?

Absolutely. In Texas, all business-owned vehicles are required to have commercial liability coverage at a minimum. But if you’re operating in high-traffic areas like Fort Worth or hauling expensive tools and equipment, a basic policy isn’t enough.

Commercial auto insurance protects your business from:

• Liability claims (injury or damage you cause to others)
• Collision damage (repairs to your own vehicles)
• Comprehensive damage (theft, fire, weather)
• Uninsured/underinsured drivers
• Towing and roadside assistance (optional)

What If I Have Multiple Vehicles and Drivers?

If you have a construction fleet—even just 2–3 work vehicles—you need a policy that covers:

1. Multiple Vehicles on One Policy

You can list all business vehicles on a single policy, often with better pricing and more streamlined management.

2. Multiple Named Drivers or a Blanket Driver Policy

You’ll need to declare who’s driving what. You can:

• Add named drivers (your employees)
• Choose an “any employee” or “permissive use” endorsement
• Require driver MVR checks (motor vehicle reports)

3. Trailer Coverage

Your base policy may cover liability for trailers attached to insured vehicles—but not always the trailer’s physical damage. You may need to add:

• Trailer interchange coverage
• Equipment coverage (for tools stored on or in trailers)

What Is Hired and Non-Owned Auto Coverage?

This is one of the most overlooked coverages in commercial auto—and it’s especially important for contractors.

• Hired Auto covers vehicles you rent or lease temporarily for business use.
• Non-Owned Auto covers personal vehicles your employees use for work (like running to a supply yard in their own truck).

Let’s say one of your crew members uses their own vehicle to pick up materials in Fort Worth, gets in an accident, and the injured party sues your business. Without non-owned auto coverage, you’re exposed.

Most contractors in the Mansfield and DFW area should include this coverage in their policy—it’s affordable and smart protection.

What Affects the Cost of Commercial Auto Insurance?

Rates vary based on:

• Number of vehicles and drivers
• Vehicle types and usage
• Claims history
• Business location (Mansfield vs. inner-city Fort Worth, for example)
• Driving records of employees

On average, a small construction company in Texas may pay $1,200–$2,500 per vehicle annually, depending on coverage and risk.

How to Lower Your Premiums

Here are a few tips for contractors to keep insurance affordable:

• Run background checks on drivers
• Use GPS fleet tracking to monitor driving habits
• Bundle your coverage with general liability, inland marine, or workers’ comp
• Work with a local agent who understands construction risk in North Texas

How McKnight Insurance Helps Contractors Like You

At McKnight Insurance Services, we specialize in commercial auto insurance for contractors in Mansfield, Fort Worth, and throughout the DFW area. We help:

• Customize fleet policies based on your number of vehicles and drivers
• Add endorsements for trailers, hired/non-owned autos, and tool coverage
• Deliver fast, accurate Certificates of Insurance
• Work with carriers who understand construction risk

We know what Texas builders and contractors need—because we work with them every day.

Need guidance? Contact McKnight Insurance to speak with a local agent and protect your fleet today.