How much you pay for small business commercial vehicle insurance depends on various factors. What type of vehicle you use, its mileage, where you do business, and whether you carry equipment all influence the price of your premiums. Insurance companies take this into account when building a policy for your small business.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly commercial auto insurance and want to compare various carriers, Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) could be a great option for you. IIA works with over 20 insurance companies and can help you find a commercial insurance option that fits your budget and business needs.
To learn more, use IIA’s commercial auto insurance calculator, or call IIA at 1-844-988-6020 to get an estimate.
Why small business commercial vehicle insurance is not one-size-fits-all
Depending on your industry, you may be facing more or less risk when using your commercial vehicle. For example, a construction business using a trailer to carry heavy equipment might have higher auto insurance premiums than a lawn care business using a truck. This is because the construction business is using a larger vehicle, which may cause more damage if involved in a traffic accident.
Additionally, the lawncare business may drive shorter distances, as these small companies often serve local areas, potentially making their risk lower and their premiums less costly.
Insurance carriers calculate premiums based on risk exposure associated with the industry. In simpler terms, insurance companies recognize that some jobs face more risk than others. These risk factors can include your business vehicle’s mileage, cargo, how often and where you drive, etc.
As a leading provider of commercial auto insurance options, IIA works with multiple insurance carriers to help you find affordable coverage that takes into account your business needs.
Examples of small business impacts on commercial auto insurance premiums
Let’s look at a few examples of businesses and what factors may affect their commercial vehicle premiums.
Contractors and tradespeople
Contractors and tradespeople, such as electricians, HVAC technicians, or plumbers, may see their commercial auto insurance prices affected by the following:
- Travel distances: These jobs often require employees to drive longer distances between job sites, which may lead to higher risk.
- Equipment or tools: If they carry heavy or expensive equipment, insurance companies may consider this a more expensive liability.
- Higher liability risk: These businesses may transport hazardous materials or drive heavier vehicles. In case of an accident, they may cause more bodily injury or property damage than other industries, leading to higher premiums
Delivery Services
Delivery services, on the other hand, should consider these factors affecting their insurance premiums:
- High daily mileage: Due to the nature of the job, driving to many destinations throughout the day may indicate higher accident risk.
- Time-sensitive driving: Insurance companies may look at the type of business and determine whether the drivers have a delivery quota, which could indicate driving at higher speeds.
- Vehicle use and delivery type: What the business delivers can also affect premiums. For example, a food delivery business may operate in an urban area with high traffic. On the other hand, a package delivery business may handle costly items. Both of these examples could lead to higher premiums.
Landscaping Businesses
Consider the following when evaluating your landscaping business’s auto insurance needs:
- Towing trailers or equipment: If you tow trailers or heavy equipment, it’s possible that an insurance carrier may consider the extra length and weight as an added risk.
- Liability risks: Since your business vehicle may visit numerous client sites, there is a higher risk of damaging driveways, lawns or gardens, and homes.
- Seasonal work: Landscapers are generally busier in the spring and summer. These seasons may require higher premiums. Consider flexible payment options, so your business can potentially save during less busy months.
Caterers
Caterers’ commercial auto insurance, on the other hand, may be affected by these factors:
- Risk of bodily and property damage: As caterers deliver hot food or heavy equipment, spills or accidents could lead to costly accidents, which insurers may take into consideration.
- Tools and equipment: Caterers transport valuable equipment such as portable stoves or warmers, or hazardous materials such as gas tanks. The possibility of accidents with these materials or theft could be considered as a risk factor.
Other occupation factors that impact commercial insurance for trucks
If your business uses trucks, or other heavy vehicles such as vans, flatbeds, or trailers, the following factors can also impact how much you pay for commercial auto insurance:
- Number of vehicles and drivers: A larger fleet size with a higher employee number generally means higher premiums.
- Driving history of employees: If you or your employees have a less-than-perfect driving history, your insurer may consider this as an indication of higher risk, leading to more expensive premiums. On the other hand, clean records can lead to lower premiums.
- Vehicle type and condition: Newer or heavier vehicles tend to mean higher premiums. This is because newer trucks are more expensive to replace, and larger vehicles may lead to more bodily or property damage in case of an accident.
- Operating radius: A business operating locally may have lower insurance premiums than one driving across state lines, due to the higher mileage.
Why use Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA)?
As a reliable agency, IIA works with over 20 auto insurance carriers, helping small business owners find reliable options for commercial car insurance. With IIA, you can expect:
- Customizable coverage based on your business profile and needs
- Flexible payment options that take your budget into account
- Friendly customer support with Spanish-bilingual agents
- Access to various insurance carriers and options
- Convenience with online tools and phone support
Find out more about commercial insurance for your truck or business vehicle. Call IIA at 1-844-988-6020 or use the commercial auto insurance calculator to get an estimate.