We’ve discussed the need for commercial vehicle insurance, but we know that prevention is still our best defense when it comes to avoiding having to make an insurance claim.
What can small business owners do to reduce the risk to their commercial truck, van, car or fleet?
USE WINTER TIRES
Especially for businesses that operate all year round, dealing with Ontario winters can be one of the biggest threats to their vehicle’s well-being.
The best way to keep your commercial vehicle safely on the road is to use winter tires during the cold months between November – March.
Winter tires are made with softer rubber and a thicker tread which gives them increased flexibility and traction when the temperatures drop.
LOCK UP YOUR TOOLS
Business trucks and vans can be a popular target for thieves when there are signs that valuable tools are stored inside.
Whenever you’re able to, we suggest removing the higher value tools from your vehicle when they’re not in use and storing them inside a secure building or garage.
This way they’re not lost if the vehicle gets in an accident or if it’s stolen.
Storing less equipment in your vehicle will also reduce the overall load. Heavier vehicles are more difficult to control and stop safely when needed.
Bonus: The lighter the vehicle the better gas mileage you’ll get and the less wear and tear your brakes and suspension will have to deal with.
THINK ABOUT PARKING
Where you park your commercial vehicle overnight can make all the difference.
The ideal place to park is inside of a locked and monitored garage or other building.
However, not everyone is lucky enough to have a place like this available.
If parking outside is your only option, try and find a spot off the street so it’s not easy to access by looky-loos.
An access-controlled outdoor parking lot could be an option.
Wherever it’s parked, at least try and find a spot where it’s easily visible from your home or work site and preferably in view of a security camera for an added layer of passive monitoring
Sometimes knowing a vehicle is being watched is all it takes to keep danger away.
ACTIVATE ALARM SYSTEM
Sure there are hi-tech crimes that may be able to bypass the effects of an auto alarm system, but for your run of the mill car thieves, a locked door and an alarm going off is usually enough to send them running.
Something else to consider, especially if you have a fleet of commercial vehicles, is to install the type of GPS tracking offered by companies like Titan GPS. This will come in handy if your vehicle is stolen.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
The things we all should be doing to extend the life and health of our vehicles is especially important for our commercial vehicles.
Making sure washer fluids are topped up, getting oil changes and tune-ups done on time and maintaining proper tire pressure are all important tasks business owners should be prioritizing when it comes to maintaining all vehicles they own.
BE A GOOD DRIVER
Being a good driver means knowing how to recognize and avoid driving distractions.
While many variables are considered when determining an individual’s auto insurance rate, the driver’s record is certainly one of the most significant.
Being a good driver yourself and hiring employees with good driving records will mean you’re not only paying less in auto insurance, but it will also mean your vehicles are in better hands while on the road.
HAVE GREAT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSURANCE
When prevention fails and you suffer a loss or damage to your company’s vehicle, it’s important to have quality commercial auto insurance secured as your safety net. You can get a free no-obligation commercial auto insurance quote from us right now.
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
