Saturday, January 24, 2009

How Commercial Truck Insurance Premiums Are Calculated

By Ray Baker

How commercial truck insurance premiums are determined depends on a large number of different contributing factors.

These contributing factors can vary from one insurer to another but the general consensus is that in order to properly determine the risk factors associated with a commercial truck fleet, the age of the drivers, all of the drivers experience and employment history as well as any previous commercial truck insurance the company has had.

There will be many other factors as well, factors associated with the truck to be insured, but ultimately commercial truck insurance premiums will be determined after the driver and the fleet has been reviewed.

Statistically speaking, drivers between the ages of 35 and 65 years are far less likely to be involved in an accident than drivers outside this age band. To some extent, this may be beyond the control of the business, but it can still take steps to minimize it's exposure in this area.

Employing drivers who have more experience will obviously reduce the risk and should play a vital part in lowering any commercial truck insurance premiums. As well as experience, a drivers employment history will also be looked at closely to check on the history of any accidents the driver may of had with a previous employer.

The insurer will want to know about any previous commercial truck insurance coverage as this will help reduce the costs of the premiums. Just like in a passenger car, a history of maintaining insurance on a vehicle means a reduction in costs where as in the case where there is not history you may even find your company paying almost double in the cost of premiums.

Where you operate your fleet will also have a bearing on the premiums you pay. If your city or surrounding area is prone to crime or is a high accident area you will pay more. The cargo you carry will also affect your costs; it is obviously less risky to transport lumber than it is to transport chemicals.

In the determination of commercial truck insurance premiums, the insurer will also take into account the vehicles themselves. This can include their ages as well as maintenance records. Lets not forget the DOT history of the company as well as the amount of deductible your company is willing to pay in order to make a claim on the policy.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment