ACORD 137: Commercial Auto Coverages and Limits Explained

ACORD 137 is a state-specific Commercial Auto Coverages / Limits Section. It records requested commercial auto coverages, covered auto symbols, limits, and physical damage deductibles for the applicable state. It works with other business auto application sections, but it does not grant coverage or prove that an insurer accepted the request.

Why is ACORD 137 state-specific?

Vertafore describes ACORD 137 as a state-specific coverage and limits form whose availability depends on state regulation.^[1] Its commercial lines catalog lists separate ACORD 137 variants for many states and editions.^[2] A generic reference to “ACORD 137” is therefore not enough to identify the right document.

Confirm the state in which the autos are principally garaged and the edition the insurer accepts. Multi-state fleets may require additional state information. Do not reuse an old state version simply because the account details look similar.

What should be reviewed on ACORD 137?

The main review points are each requested coverage, its covered auto symbol, the requested limit, and any deductible. Vertafore's map groups the form into coverage, symbol, limit, and physical damage areas and notes that additional coverages can flow to continuation space.^[1]

Covered auto symbols are compact codes with significant consequences. A symbol intended for owned autos may not address hired or non-owned autos. Ask the producer to explain the symbol beside each coverage in plain language. Then review liability, uninsured or underinsured motorists coverage, medical payments or personal injury protection where applicable, comprehensive, collision, towing, and other requested options based on the actual state form.

Does a completed ACORD 137 mean the coverage is active?

No. It communicates requested terms to underwriting. It is not a binder, policy, endorsement, or certificate. An insurer can accept different limits or symbols, require more information, or decline a portion of the request. ACORD itself does not provide insurance coverage.^[3]

When coverage is bound, compare the issued documents line by line with the application. Check the state, named insured, policy dates, coverage symbols, limits, deductibles, and state endorsements. Report any mismatch promptly and obtain written confirmation of any correction.

Where can you get the current ACORD 137 form?

The ACORD Forms Portal allows eligible users to search current forms after login.^[4] Because state and edition matter, request the licensed version through the producer or insurer preparing the submission. This guide is not a blank form or an ACORD-approved reproduction.

The Bottom Line

ACORD 137 organizes state-specific commercial auto coverage requests. Review the exact state version, connect each coverage to the intended symbol, limit, and deductible, and compare the final insurer-issued documents with the request. The application section describes what was sought, not what was ultimately bound.

This guide is for educational purposes and describes ACORD 137 in original language. Form numbers and titles are cited for identification only, and Menlo Insurance Services is not affiliated with ACORD Corporation. The applicable form edition and issued policy documents control.