Keeping your fleet on the road keeps your business moving forward. But accidents happen. The right fleet car insurance can help protect your company’s vehicles and get them back on the road faster.
Do your company vehicles have the protection they need? Finding that perfect policy can be overwhelming as you try to balance coverage and cost. Here are some tips to make shopping for a new fleet insurance policy a little easier (and a lot less stressful).
Understand Your Insurance Needs
Before shopping for fleet insurance, know what you need. Start by answering these three questions with as much detail as possible.
What Vehicles Are in My Fleet?
Make an inventory list of all of the vehicles in your fleet, including cars, trucks, vans, and specialized vehicles. List the value of each vehicle and make a note of how you use it. Is it for driving to client meetings? Making daily deliveries? These factors will affect the kind of insurance you need and how much you’ll pay.
Who Drives My Vehicles?
Your fleet insurance premiums will be heavily influenced by your drivers’ age, experience, and motor vehicle records. Younger drivers with past accidents will raise your premiums, for example. Make a list of the drivers you’ll need covered along with a few notes about their years of experience and driving record. It’s okay if you don’t know all of this yet, but the more detail you have, the better.
What Coverage Do I Want?
Your fleet will need to carry liability insurance at a minimum. However, you may want to upgrade to comprehensive coverage. Not only will comprehensive coverage repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, but it will also protect it in case of theft, fire, or vandalism. Consider adding benefits like roadside assistance and rental car coverage, too, to ensure your drivers are never off the road for long.
Get Three or More Fleet Car Insurance Quotes
Once you clearly understand your fleet’s needs, you can start getting quotes from different providers. Always get multiple quotes so you can compare costs against coverage.
When requesting quotes from different insurance companies or brokers, make a note of their reputation. Read some online reviews and see if the company has a history of being easy to work with and processing claims quickly. You’ll want to know this when choosing a policy later on.
Be sure to ask about any discounts they offer for fleet insurance, too. Some insurers offer discounts for participating in safe driving programs or opting in for technology that tracks driver behavior. These discounts could significantly lower your monthly premiums.
When you request a quote, be upfront and honest about your information. A history of accidents may cost your company more in monthly premiums, but withholding that information could result in your policy being canceled later.
Choose Your Policy
Once you have a few quotes in hand, it’s time to compare them and make a decision. Here are some tips to help you choose:
Read the Fine Print
Don’t just look at the price. Carefully read the coverage details and make note of any exclusions or limitations listed in the fine print. These details could leave your fleet vulnerable in certain situations.
Consider Additional Costs and Discounts
Your monthly premiums will be the primary cost of your insurance, but make sure you know about any other expenses that might come into play. Look for your deductible and cancellation costs, for example. Also, consider how much available discounts will lower your monthly premiums.
Think Beyond Price
Of course, cost will be a significant factor in which policy you choose. But it shouldn’t be the only factor. Look at how flexible the policy is, how much it covers, and what the claims process is like. Take into account the reputation of the insurance provider and how easy it is to contact their customer service team.
Carefully reviewing each quote will help you make a good choice for your vehicles and drivers at the right price.
Get the Right Fleet Insurance From Eber & Associates
Shopping for fleet auto insurance requires planning, research, and attention to detail. Yet it’s a task on your to-do list that’s worth the effort. Securing a policy that balances your fleet’s needs with your budget can give you peace of mind and protect your drivers when something unexpected happens.
When you are ready to choose a fleet auto insurance policy for your business, we’re here to help. Eber & Associates works with businesses throughout Pennsylvania, helping them find the perfect fleet insurance solutions. Contact our team today for a free quote on insurance that keeps your fleet protected, on the road, and moving forward.
