Simple Ways to Be Safe While Driving a Commercial Vehicle

Commercial auto insurance applies to vehicles used for business purposes. Vehicles of many shapes and sizes (from compact cars to big rigs) might need a policy, and available coverage varies widely. Still, regardless of the type of vehicle, commercial auto policies help protect the business’s interest in it. Commercial trucks parked in yard

Any time someone drives on behalf of a business, they are representatives of the business. Wrecks might reflect badly on the business, and vehicle damage might cost it money. Therefore, all commercial drivers must always operate safely. Consider the practical steps you can take to improve and strengthen your coverage.

Insure All Vehicles

It can sometimes be hard to determine when someone needs commercial auto insurance. However, there are a few vehicles and drivers that often fall into this category.

Vehicles owned by the business and used for business need this coverage. If someone drives a company vehicle during off hours, then this rule will still apply.
When employees drive a personal car for business purposes, they might need coverage. However, the policy is not necessary for commuters. It will only apply when the employee drives for business. Employees will have to maintain their personal auto insurance, too.
If the business rents or hires vehicles, then these vehicles need coverage.
Certain personally owned vehicles of weights might need commercial auto coverage and registration.

In most states, minimum insurance requirements exist. So, when you own a vehicle in the name of the business, you will need to carry all coverage required by law. Special regulations might apply to heavy vehicles or those that carry freight or hazardous materials. Don't forget, though, that you can buy more coverage for extra liability, physical damage or medical payments protection, too.

Cover all Drivers

To insure employee drivers, you will often need to list that person on your policy as a named insured party. Failing to do so might limit the coverage they can receive should a claim arise from their driving mistakes. Therefore, when you hire a new driver, always add them to your policy.

When insuring an employee who drives their personal vehicle, you often won’t have to cover their vehicle for physical damage or other losses. However, you still must address their liability risks. If an accident is that person's fault, then an affected party might sue not only the driver, but also the business. Coverage called hired/non-owned auto liability insurance will extend to these scenarios.

Scrutinize Talent

Any commercial driver could cause an accident. Yet, if someone already has a history of traffic tickets or wrecks, then they likely have a risk of causing similar problems in the future. As a result, the risk they pose to the business and the insurance company often goes up. This might drive up your policy premium.

If you plan to hire drivers, always inspect applicant driving records. If someone has a DUI charge or a high number of speeding tickets in the last few years, then this might disqualify them from becoming a driver. Don’t forget to periodically review your drivers’ records, too. By reviewing records at least once per year, you can determine if they still qualify to drive for you. New charges on their records will show a recent risk. Therefore, they might no longer be able to operate safely.

Additionally, if someone applies to drive a specialty vehicle, like a dump truck or big rig, then they might need a commercial driver’s license or other special certifications. Only hire drivers for these vehicles who have the right qualifications.

Set Rules and Require Reporting

Once a company vehicle leaves your lot, you do have ways to keep drivers safe. You can also make a point to find out where they go and what they do on the road.

Businesses frequently provide rules and regulations for operating company vehicles. For example, require employees to check out a vehicle like they would check out a library book. You’ll know which employee has which vehicle, and where they plan to go with it.

Some businesses place operating restrictions on vehicles. For example, you might restrict vehicles to going no more than 65 mph on interstates. Many businesses even install GPS trackers on company cars. The GPS can tell the business owner where a vehicle is or its current speed. By doing so, you can find out if anyone is ever misusing the vehicle.
All drivers must follow basic rules like speed limits, seat belt laws or headlight requirements. Some specialty vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings, while others must stop periodically at interstate weigh stations. Any driver who fails to follow the rules should face penalties.

Make sure that all company drivers have proof of your commercial auto policy when they drive. Also require them to report accidents, tickets or breakdowns to you immediately. The sooner you know about a problem, the sooner you can contact your insurer. You’ll be able to get a handle on the situation and determine what to do next.

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Simple Ways to Be Safe While Driving a Commercial Vehicle

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