What Business Owners Need to Know in 2025
If your business uses a vehicle in any capacity—whether it’s a single van or a full fleet of trucks—the law requires that you carry Connecticut commercial vehicle insurance. But meeting the state minimum requirements doesn’t always mean you’re properly protected.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- Connecticut’s insurance requirements for commercial vehicles
- Who needs to report to the DMV (and how)
- Important 2025 updates to CT laws and DMV processes
- Why minimum limits aren’t enough—and how to protect your business
What Is Commercial Vehicle Insurance?
Commercial vehicle insurance, otherwise known as business auto insurance, provides liability and physical damage coverage for vehicles used for business purposes. This can include:
- Work vans, box trucks, pickup trucks
- Passenger vehicles used for business
- Contractor vehicles
- Delivery vehicles or fleet cars
- Vehicles registered to an LLC or corporation
CT Minimum Insurance Requirements
Connecticut requires commercial vehicles to carry minimum liability coverage, which varies based on the vehicle type and how it’s used:
Vehicle Type
Minimum Liability Coverage
- Standard business vehicle (non-freight)
$25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage
- Freight vehicles (interstate, >10,000 lbs)
$750,000–$5,000,000 depending on cargo
- Passenger vehicles (9–15 passengers)
$1.5 million minimum
- Passenger vehicles (>15 passengers)
$5 million minimum
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is also required in Connecticut and typically mirrors bodily injury limits.
Why State Minimums Aren’t Enough
While Connecticut sets legal minimums, those limits often provide barely enough coverage for a minor accident—and almost none for a serious one. A multi-vehicle collision, pedestrian injury, or property damage claim could easily exceed state-mandated limits.
At V.F. McNeil Insurance, we write policies based on your anticipated risk and what assets you have to protect. We write policies based on the primary goal of protecting your financial future.
Our team works with each client to determine proper limits based on:
- The size and value of your business
- Potential liability exposure
- Vehicle types and driver experience
- Risk tolerance and budget
In short: We help protect your business, not just help you follow the law.
CT DMV Reporting Requirements
Certain commercial vehicles in Connecticut must have insurance reported annually to the Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll need to report if you operate:
- Intrastate vehicles (in CT only) with gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) ≥ 18,001 lbs
- Interstate vehicles with GVWR ≥ 10,001 lbs
- Any vehicle designed to carry 16+ passengers, including the driver
DMV insurance reporting is often handled during vehicle registration renewal. Business owners can learn more and access forms directly on the CT DMV Commercial Reporting Portal.
2025 DMV & Law Updates Affecting Commercial Drivers
Here are several key changes Connecticut business owners should be aware of in 2025:
1. CDL Medical Certification Goes Digital
As of June 16, 2025, Connecticut will no longer accept paper medical certificates for CDL holders. All medical certifications must be submitted electronically to the DMV.
2. Annual Safety Inspections
Certain vehicles—like commercial trucks, trailers, or imported/salvaged vehicles—must undergo annual safety inspections. This requirement continues into 2025 and applies even if the vehicle passes emissions testing.
3. Property Tax Changes for Commercial Vehicles
Connecticut municipalities now use depreciation-based schedules to assess the value of commercial vehicles. Depending on where your business is located, this could affect your annual vehicle tax bills. As of February 2025, towns may also adjust how they apply valuation and exemptions, so consult your local assessor if you manage a fleet.
Action Steps for CT Business Owners
- To stay compliant—and protected—here’s what to do next:
- Review your current liability limits with your insurance agent
- Make sure you’ve submitted all required DMV reports for 2025
- Transition CDL medical certifications to electronic format
- Confirm if your vehicle(s) need an annual safety inspection
- Stay informed on local tax changes impacting commercial vehicles
Need Help Navigating Your Commercial Auto Coverage?
Whether you’re insuring one company vehicle or an entire fleet, V.F. McNeil Insurance can help you build a policy that protects your business—not just your license plate.
We’ve been protecting Connecticut businesses since 1886—and we’re here to help you do the same.
Let’s review your coverage today.
Call us or request a quote to get started.
