Like truck expenses and fuel, insurance costs are a considerable expense for all trucking companies. Age, upkeep of your trucks, driver experience, and the time your operations have been in business are vital factors insurance providers will use to determine your truck insurance costs. According to Simplex Group, trucks with higher chances of submitting claims will pay higher premium insurance. However, there are certain things you can do to lower the costs of your commercial trucking insurance, including the following:
Choose a Single Insurance Company for Your Entire Fleet and Needs
An excellent way to lower the costs of your commercial trucking insurance is to use one insurance company and plan for your entire fleet. Using different companies for individual policies is inefficient and could increase insurance rates. Instead, choose a company that can provide cargo insurance, liability coverage, and employee insurance. This way, you can ensure your trucking business is safe, your employees are covered, and your cargo is secure. Moreover, by insuring multiple vehicles, the insurers are most likely to give you a discount.
Hire Drivers with Clean Records
Lowering the cost of commercial truck insurance starts with hiring the right drivers. Insurance companies consider a driver’s safety record when determining premiums, and drivers with a clean record or fewer accidents will qualify for lower rates. When possible, aim to hire drivers with fewer than two minor moving violations in three years.
Drivers who fall outside the age range of 30 to 62 tend to be more involved in accidents, which can lead to higher insurance costs. Younger drivers may lack experience, while older drivers may have slower reflexes and declining health. It’s essential to carefully vet your drivers and ensure they have the necessary training and experience to operate your vehicles safely. Additionally, consider implementing a safety training program to reinforce safe driving practices and reduce accidents. Investing in driver safety can lead to lower insurance premiums and reduce the risk of accidents, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Use Newer Trucks
The age of your commercial trucks can have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. Older vehicles are more likely to experience mechanical failures, breakdowns, or accidents, increasing the possibility of filing a claim. To reduce your insurance costs, it’s best to stick with newer trucks of 10 years or less. Newer trucks are equipped with the latest safety features and technologies, making them less likely to experience equipment malfunctions or accidents. Consider investing in accident avoidance technologies, such as backup cameras, lane departure warning systems, and collision warning systems, to further reduce the risk of accidents and claims. In addition to improving safety, these features can help lower your insurance rates by demonstrating that you are taking proactive steps to reduce risk. By using newer trucks and investing in advanced safety features, you can not only lower your insurance costs but also protect your business from accidents and claims.
Consider Your Trucking Routes
When it comes to commercial trucking insurance, the routes your trucks take can have a significant impact on your premiums. Insurance companies consider various factors that could impact the risk level of a particular route, such as population density, frequency of inclement weather, and traffic patterns. To reduce your insurance costs, it’s essential to carefully consider your trucking routes and avoid areas that are prone to accidents or high-risk factors. For example, areas with high population density or frequent inclement weather can increase the likelihood of accidents, which can lead to higher insurance premiums. By mapping out your routes carefully and avoiding high-risk areas, you can reduce your exposure to accidents and claims and potentially lower your insurance costs.
You may also want to consider investing in GPS tracking and other telematics technology that can help you monitor your drivers’ routes and identify potential risks or areas for improvement. By taking a proactive approach to route planning and risk management, you can reduce your insurance costs and protect your business from accidents and claims.
Hire Experienced Drivers
When it comes to commercial trucking insurance, the experience level of your drivers is a critical factor that insurance providers consider. It’s best to hire drivers with at least two years of commercial driving license experience as they are more likely to handle adverse weather and challenging working conditions with ease. Experienced drivers also tend to have better driving records and are less likely to be involved in accidents, which makes your operation less risky from an insurance perspective. This, in turn, may result in lower insurance premiums for your business.
It’s also important to note that young drivers tend to be at higher risk of accidents, as do much older drivers, so it’s best to focus on hiring drivers between the ages of 30 and 62. By hiring experienced drivers with a good driving record, you can demonstrate to insurance providers that you are taking proactive steps to reduce risk and potentially lower your insurance costs.
Ensure Good Business Credit
Your business credit score can play a significant role in determining your commercial truck insurance costs. Insurance providers often look at your payment history and credit score to assess the level of risk associated with insuring your business. If you have a poor credit score or a history of late or non-payment, insurance providers are likely to view your business as high-risk, which could lead to higher insurance premiums. To ensure you get the best possible insurance rates, it’s crucial to maintain a good credit score by making timely payments and keeping your debt levels in check. It’s also important to monitor your credit score regularly and address any errors or discrepancies that may affect your creditworthiness. Using a service such D&B Credit Signal can help keep tabs on your score. By taking proactive steps to improve your business credit score, you can demonstrate to insurance providers that you are a responsible and reliable business owner, which may help lower your commercial truck insurance costs.
Opt for a Higher Deductible
Choosing a higher deductible is a simple, yet effective way to lower the cost of your commercial truck insurance. A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. By increasing your deductible, you take on more financial responsibility in the event of an accident, but you also reduce the risk for the insurance company, which can result in lower premiums. Before you decide to increase your deductible, make sure you have the financial resources to cover the higher amount if necessary. Consider your business’s cash flow and the potential risks of your operations to determine an appropriate deductible amount. While increasing your deductible may initially seem like a gamble, it can ultimately save you money on your insurance premiums and help you maintain proper coverage for your business.
Invest in Safety Measures
Investing in safety measures such as GPS tracking, cameras, and other safety equipment is another way to reduce the cost of commercial truck insurance, since insurance companies offer discounts for implementing safety measures, which can help prevent accidents and reduce insurance claims. These measures not only increase the safety of your fleet but also demonstrate to your insurance provider that you’re taking proactive steps to mitigate risks. Using safety devices that can provide real-time monitoring of your drivers’ performance, such as in-cab cameras that can detect unsafe driving behavior, and GPS tracking that can pinpoint your vehicle’s location and speed can lead to lower insurance premiums and cut down on your long-run costs.
Compare Insurance Providers
Comparing insurance providers is crucial to finding the best coverage at the most affordable price. Don’t settle for the first insurance company that comes along. Shop around and get quotes from multiple providers. This way, you can compare their pricing and coverage options, and determine which one offers the best value for your business. Before you make a decision, ensure you understand the policy’s terms and conditions and the coverage limits. Look for an insurance provider with a good reputation, excellent customer service, and a comprehensive understanding of your business’s unique needs. Taking the time to compare insurance providers can pay off in the long run by saving you money on premiums and ensuring you have the right coverage. Sites like Investopedia typically offer up to date information about the best commercial insurance providers.
Review Your Policy Annually
Reviewing your policy annually is critical to ensuring you have the right coverage at the best price. As your business evolves and changes, so do your insurance needs. Reviewing your policy annually can help you identify gaps in your coverage and adjust your policy accordingly. Consider your current risks, your business’s growth, and any new regulations or laws that could impact your business. Take a close look at your coverage limits and the deductible to ensure they still align with your business’s needs. You may also discover opportunities to lower your premiums by adjusting your coverage or increasing your deductible. By reviewing your policy annually, you can ensure you have the right coverage at the best price. Agents don’t always reach out to set a “review” meeting up, so be proactive in working with your insurance company to set up an annual review.
Bundle Your Policies
Bundling policies is another way to reduce the cost of commercial truck insurance. Many insurance providers offer discounts for bundling commercial truck insurance with other policies such as general liability, property, or workers’ compensation. Bundling policies can help simplify your insurance management by consolidating multiple policies under a single provider, reducing administrative costs, and increasing efficiency. Bundling can also provide you with a significant discount on your insurance premiums, ultimately saving you money. However, before you bundle your policies, ensure that the insurance provider offers the coverage you need at a competitive price. Bundling policies can provide you with cost savings, but it’s important to ensure you’re still getting the right coverage for your business.
In Conclusion
Lowering the cost of commercial truck insurance requires a multifaceted approach that involves several factors. To save money on premiums, you can choose one insurance company for all your trucks, hire experienced drivers with a clean driving record, use new and well-maintained trucks, and evaluate your trucking routes. Additionally, you can opt for a higher deductible, implement safety measures, compare insurance providers to find the best coverage at the most affordable price, review your policy annually, and bundle policies for potential discounts. By following these tips, you can reduce the cost of commercial truck insurance while maintaining proper coverage for your business.