How To

How to Purchase Commercial Auto Insurance

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Commercial auto insurance is a must for both small-business owners and the self-employed alike. Whether you're interested in purchasing commercial auto insurance directly or you'd rather purchase insurance through an independent agent, it's easier than ever to find an insurance policy to meet your needs and fit within your budget.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

    Prepare Information About Your Vehicle(s)

  1. Step 1

    Prepare information about the vehicle (or vehicles) your business will need to insure. You'll need to have the make, model and year on hand before you can even get a quote on an insurance rate.

  2. Step 2

    Decide how many vehicles you want to insure. Some businesses need a fleet of cars or trucks, while a self-employed individual might only need one car. The price of your insurance rate will be affected by the specific number of cars you'll be ensuring.

  3. Step 3

    Decide who will be driving the vehicle(s) in question. Your rate may depend upon the qualifications of your driver or drivers.

  4. Step 4

    Estimate the number of miles you'll be putting on your vehicle(s) during the course of a year. Insurance companies will determine your rate based on how often your cars will be on the road.

  5. Step 5

    Familiarize yourself with the types of insurance packages commonly available. Insurance companies will have different coverage packages. Before contacting an insurance company, you'll want to have a good idea of how much coverage you'll need and how much you're willing to spend for it.

  6. Purchase Commercial Auto Insurance Directly

  7. Step 1

    Compile a list of commercial auto insurance companies that sell directly to the consumer. Many national insurance providers will fall into this category. You may already be familiar with their names and corporate mascots through popular advertising.

  8. Step 2

    Call direct insurance providers to receive a quote. Have all the information you've compiled about your cars handy. Keep a list of the different quotes you're given.

  9. Step 3

    Receive insurance quotes through the Internet. By visiting a company's official website, you'll be able to find reliable quotes for insuring your commercial vehicle(s). Using the Internet to compile insurance rates can be quicker and more convenient than placing a series of calls.

  10. Step 4

    Compare the quotes you've received from different companies and select one that best meets your needs. While price is one factor, you'll also want to consider the reputation of the individual company. If a company is generally considered to be reliable and respected within the industry, you should feel comfortable purchasing a policy.

  11. Purchase Commercial Auto Insurance Through an Agent

  12. Step 1

    Research the possibility of purchasing your commercial insurance through an insurance agent. Because insurance is crucial to the survival of your business, you'll want to make sure you're well protected. An independent agent may be able to create a custom insurance package by combining offerings from several different insurance carriers.

  13. Step 2

    Find independent agents through professional organizations. Individual states and some big cities will have professional organizations to help you get in touch with agents who service your area.

Tips & Warnings
  • Ask other business owners for advice on finding the right commercial auto insurance policy. Your fellow business owners can be a great source for free advice, whether it's warnings about shady companies or referrals to reliable independent agents.

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