Do Well Drilling Companies Need Commercial Auto Insurance?
- Nate Jones
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Running a water well drilling business requires more than just drilling rigs and skilled crews—it also depends on vehicles and equipment that travel from job to job. Whether it’s a truck hauling a drilling rig, a trailer carrying pumps and piping, or service vehicles transporting crews, these assets face risks every time they’re on the road. That’s why commercial auto insurance is essential for well drilling companies.

At Excavating Insurance Partners, we specialize in providing business insurance for water well drilling contractors nationwide, including commercial auto and equipment coverage. Here’s what you need to know about protecting your vehicles and machinery.
1. Why Commercial Auto Insurance is Essential
Personal auto insurance does not cover vehicles used for business purposes. For water well drilling contractors, this creates a major gap in coverage. Commercial auto insurance is designed specifically for business-owned vehicles, protecting against accidents, injuries, and property damage.
Coverage typically includes:
Liability protection for accidents involving business vehicles
Collision and comprehensive coverage for physical damage
Medical payments for injuries
Coverage for owned, hired, and non-owned vehicles
2. Protecting Specialized Well Drilling Equipment in Transit
In addition to trucks, well drilling companies rely on trailers, portable rigs, compressors, and pumps. These assets are often transported between sites, exposing them to risks like theft, accidents, and breakdowns. While commercial auto covers vehicles, contractor’s equipment insurance (also called inland marine) protects the machinery and tools that aren’t permanently attached to the vehicle.
Some policies also include “down-the-hole” tool coverage, which pays if tools are lost during drilling operations.
3. Workers and Vehicle Liability Risks
Crews driving to remote job sites face long hours, rural roads, and hazardous conditions. A single accident involving a company truck could result in costly claims. Commercial auto insurance ensures that both drivers and passengers are covered in case of injury, while also protecting your business against lawsuits.
4. Bundling Equipment and Auto Coverage
Well drilling contractors often need both commercial auto and equipment insurance. Bundling these coverages through a provider like Excavating Insurance Partners ensures there are no gaps and may even reduce costs. A comprehensive plan can cover trucks, trailers, rigs, tools, and support vehicles—providing peace of mind that your operations are fully protected.
5. Umbrella Liability for Added Protection
Accidents involving commercial vehicles and drilling rigs can lead to severe financial losses, especially if multiple parties are involved. An umbrella liability policy adds an extra layer of coverage above your auto and equipment policies, protecting your business from catastrophic claims.
Why Work with Excavating Insurance Partners?
The risks faced by well drilling companies go far beyond the job site. From trucks on the road to rigs in transit, having the right commercial auto and equipment coverage is essential. At Excavating Insurance Partners, we help drilling contractors nationwide secure customized policies—including general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and equipment insurance. Our team understands the unique needs of the well drilling industry and builds coverage that works for you.
Final Thoughts
So, do well drilling companies need commercial auto insurance? Absolutely. Without it, your vehicles, equipment, and business are exposed to costly risks every time you hit the road. Pairing it with equipment insurance ensures complete protection—so your company can focus on delivering safe, reliable well drilling services.
For a customized insurance plan, contact Excavating Insurance Partners today.





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