Archive for the ‘Commercial Auto’ Category

Finding the Right Commercial Auto Policy

Monday, April 19th, 2010

We all know that price is a big consideration when looking for a commercial auto policy, but keep in mind; you also need to find the best all-around coverage to suit your company’s needs.

First and foremost, you need to understand what coverage and service options are available for your risks. This will help you make a more informed decision so that you and your business are properly protected. Here are some tips that you should consider when researching the right coverage for your company.

  • Know the insurance company you’re dealing with. What is their reputation for handling claims. It does you no good to get “cheap” coverage if in fact they don’t pay claims, and this could cost you more in the long run. Also, make sure the company specializes in commercial coverage. An independent insurance agent will generally have several choices of insurance companies.
  • Look for discounts. Before seeing an agent for a quote on your commercial auto policy, get your company’s loss and financial records together. It may help you save quite a bit of money. There are a lot of discounts for things like increased liability limits in the past, if your employees consist of experienced drivers, or if your company’s credit rating is good.
  • Don’t let your coverage lapse. If you have continuous coverage, your costs will be lower than if you let your policy laps, so never let your insurance policy lapse.
  • Check driving records before hiring. Make sure you request a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for every potential hire if they will be driving company vehicles.

As your independent agent can help you find the right coverage through the right company, and know the discounts that each of these companies offer.

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Do I buy a Personal Commercial Auto policy?

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Everyone agrees that selecting the appropriate tool for a job is the difference between success and failure in any profession. So why should it be any different when managing the risk associated with your commercial insurance policies. While price should always be considered, having the appropriate coverage (tools) can also mean the difference between staying in business or folding up shop because you are under or not even insured. Having the proper coverage for you, your business, and your employees could give you the needed protection in the unfortunate event that one of your vehicles is involved in an accident.

So, if you own a business and you or your employees use a vehicle for any business-related activities, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy that’s tailored to more closely suit the needs of your business instead of just a personal auto policy. Sit with an independent insurance agent to determine your exposures and solutions.

Asking yourself the four questions below will help you determine if you might need a commercial auto policy instead of a personal auto policy:

1) Do you need higher liability limits than your personal auto policy (PAP) provides? Most of the time, commercial auto policies provide significant higher limits of liability, but may be lacking in areas that are not associated with commercial auto risks.

2) Do you need any special coverages while conducting business? Commercial auto policies usually offer additional coverages not found in the PAP—such as hired and non-owned auto or coverage for towing a trailer that is used for business

3) Do you need to list any employees as drivers? This is a big difference, and this is easily done with a commercial auto insurance policy.

4) Do you use your vehicle for business purposes? If you use your vehicle in the course of doing business, you might need a commercial auto policy.

Making good and informed decisions about your insurance needs will help you manage all of your risks, and allow you to sleep better at night. Make sure you consult an independent insurance agent before engaging in a new business or taking on new roles as a business. They represent multiple carriers and can help you find the right commercial policies that will fit not only your business, but your budget as well