Shopping for commercial auto insurance often proves to be a major hassle. That doesn’t have to be the case though, you just need to know how to get started. In this guide, we’ll offer a quick look at some of the major points you’ll need to keep in mind when obtaining your commercial auto insurance policy.
The first step in your search for the right type of commercial auto insurance is looking at the type of vehicle that you need insured. Many contractors and other professionals will be driving and using fairly standard vehicles for their jobs, in terms of commercial vans or pickup trucks. From there, there’s the whole spectrum of actual trucks, from big rig 18 wheelers on down. And beyond those, there’s a wide range of specialty vehicles and specialty trucks.
With very specific types of equipment and applications, they also need very specific types of commercial auto insurance policies to match. So, whether you’re using a tow truck, a dump truck, a refrigerated truck, a log hauler, an auto hauler, and well, you get the idea, will directly impact the type of policy you need.
Of course, the industry you’re in also plays a part. You could be driving the same type or class of vehicle for different purposes, and come across different requirements, regulations, and recommendations for how to cover the vehicle. At the same time, the industry you’re in also directly impacts the above, and the type of vehicle you’re driving.
Further is that your classification within an industry also plays a role in your commercial auto insurance needs. Consider that you could be the owner of a trucking fleet, the driver of a truck, or the owner-operator of a truck, and each of these is very different in terms of the requirements involved for insurance coverage.
Another point is that there may be different regulations which apply to your business or the type of vehicle you’re operating depending on your local region and state. This is assuredly the case if you are required to carry a license for your business, and may apply in a number of other scenarios as well.
Remember, your business is different from everyone else’s, and your policy should be as well. It needs to account for your industry, type of vehicle, how and where it’s being used, regulations and requirements that may be in place, and much more.
Don’t try to handle the matter by yourself, either. You’re always encouraged to work with a licensed insurance agent or professional who can handle the logistics of acquiring your policy for you. By working with a number of different providers, they can find you the just right policy at the just right price. Further, their experience in the field will make sure that you’re properly protected and in compliance with any local or statewide requirements.
