The price of commercial auto insurance, also known as business auto insurance, depends on several factors. The type of business you manage, its size, the vehicles, and their frequency of use can affect the average price of insurance premiums.
Location is another key factor affecting premiums. For example, businesses in a higher traffic city like Miami may see higher premiums than businesses in smaller towns, such as Boca Raton.
While many business owners report seeing increased insurance rates over the past few years, it’s important to understand what influences these prices. Below, we’ll also discuss strategies you can take that may help lower your commercial auto insurance premiums.
Factors impacting the cost of commercial auto insurance
Several factors influence how much commercial auto insurance coverage will be. Since your personal auto insurance may not cover any business vehicles, it’s important to consider getting this type of insurance.
Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) understands how different businesses have different needs. Let’s look at how your insurance premiums can change depending on what your business requires:
1. Type of business and vehicles
Different industries come with different risks regarding their business vehicles. For example, construction and contracting vehicles can face higher premiums than other industries. Since they often carry heavy equipment and hazardous materials, the chances of injury or property damage can increase.
At the other end of this spectrum, landscaping businesses, for example, tend to pay less for commercial auto insurance. Their local routes, smaller vehicle size, and shorter commutes may have lower risk compared to the above industries.
2. Number of vehicles and employees
The size of your business vehicle fleet will also affect the price of commercial auto insurance. Even though a larger fleet may increase the likelihood of claims, insurance companies can offer bulk discounts.
Additionally, some businesses employ more than one driver. If your employees drive company vehicles for business purposes, they are often added to the insurance policy. Your insurer may lower premiums if your employees are experienced drivers with a good driving history.
Other ways that may help to decrease commercial auto insurance premiums include:
- Enrolling your employees in defensive driving programs
- Checking your employees’ driving histories prior to hiring
- Using clear driving policies that employees must follow when using company vehicles
- Using dashcams to encourage safe driving practices
3. Limits and deductibles
The more coverage you need, the higher your insurance premiums tend to be. Choosing higher coverage limits will drive up your premiums but will offer more financial protection in the event of a covered accident or event.
Similarly, a higher deductible may reduce your premiums. When you make a claim, the deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance company starts to pay the remaining costs of covered damage.
Since you are responsible for paying the deductible, making it a part of your business budget is important so that you’re prepared in case of a covered accident.
4. Location
Since different state and local regulations vary, where your business is located will also influence the cost of commercial auto insurance.
In Texas, for instance, liability insurance is required for all vehicles. This requirement is known as 30/60/25 coverage. This means that under Texas law, a vehicle must have $30,000 coverage for bodily injuries per person with a limit of $60,000 coverage per accident, and $25,000 coverage for property damage per accident.
Florida businesses may also see higher premiums if they use vehicles in higher traffic areas. The hazardous weather conditions that Florida drivers often experience can also increase the likelihood of accidents for businesses operating in this state.
Additionally, if you drive your business vehicles between states, your policy may require higher liability limits.
How to lower your business auto insurance cost
Despite all these factors, the following are strategies you can take that may lower your commercial auto insurance premiums:
- Bundling policies: Some insurance companies offer business bundling options, such as Commercial General Liability (CGL) with commercial auto insurance. CGL covers non-vehicle-related claims and may be required in your state.
- Fleet inspections: If your business manages more than one car or truck, having a mechanic perform fleet inspections regularly can help maintain your vehicles in good shape.
- Good driving records: As stated above, hiring employees with clean driving records, enrolling your employees in safe driving programs, and having clear driving policies and procedures may reduce the likelihood of accidents.
- Installing GPS and dash-cams: These technologies can keep drivers accountable, provide proof in case of an accident, and prevent fraud.
- Asking a local agent about discounts: Discuss your options with a local IIA agent.
Get a personalized commercial auto insurance quote
IIA can generate quotes from various auto insurance companies, so you can find an option that aligns with your budget. Our Spanish-bilingual agents can help you find potential discounts. Call 1-855-478-3705 or get a free estimate online.
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