In the Driver's Seat with Commercial Auto Insurance

Driving is essential in many business sectors and may contribute significantly to employment-related fatalities. At any given moment, trucks may be distributing goods and other deliveries to assigned destinations, sales personnel could be en route to important meetings or presentations, or an employee may run an errand to the local office supply store. Any time an employee gets behind the wheel of a car for work-related reasons, the employer is ultimately responsible for any potential accidents that may occur.

The key to effectively protecting your employees—and your business—may be to maintain an auto risk management program that includes a commercial auto insurance policy. Here are a few points to consider when evaluating an auto risk plan to help meet your business needs:

• Maintain broad commercial auto insurance. It is desirable to have your policy specify that all vehicles used in connection with the business and employment-related duties are deemed insured. At the least, ensure that your policy covers all necessary listed vehicles and non-owned and hired vehicles. The non-owned and hired vehicles designation helps protect your company when your employees are driving their own vehicles for business purposes, as well as provides coverage for vehicles hired and not owned by your company.
• Evaluate driving records. As a business owner, you should review the motor vehicle records of all employees who must drive for business reasons. Failure to examine this information may expose your company to liability. It may also be helpful to review accident reports so that similar accidents might be prevented from occurring in the future.
• Purchase safe, well-maintained vehicles. Whether you are buying a fleet of trucks or just one company car, take safety precautions into consideration. Airbags, anti-lock brakes, and security alarms provide important protection.
• Supply security kits. Make sure your drivers have immediate access to safety equipment such as jumper cables, flashlights, cellular phones, and reflective gear.

Safety Mix

The proper insurance coverage, combined with a solid risk management program, may be the essential ingredients for safeguarding your company’s long-term growth and prosperity. Consider speaking with one of our qualified insurance professionals. We can help you evaluate your business needs and structure a program that includes suitable commercial auto insurance.

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