If you own a business, it’s important to match the insurance you carry to the company you keep. Doing so can save you time and money down the road. Commercial auto insurance can be especially important, so talk with Barnes & Howell Insurance, Inc. We work with you to put together a package that provides the protection that’s right for your business.

Reasons why Barnes & Howell should be your commercial auto insurance agent:

• We give objective advice. Barnes & Howell is not a captive agent that represents one insurance company. We represent a number of different insurance companies.
• We are more flexible, we offer coverage options from various companies, increasing your odds of getting the combination of cover-ages, price and service that fits your business needs
• Ask around, seek referrals. We can put you in touch with our customers, they can share their experiences
  

A business that you start in the dining room or garage with just one vehicle can grow to the point where several vehicles are added and you move to commercial property. As your business evolves, your protection needs will most likely change, too. At Barnes & Howell will will reassess your commercial auto policy on a regular basis, as your business changes.

Seven Tips To Finding The Right Commercial Auto Policy

Finding a good deal on commercial auto insurance is about more than finding the lowest rate—it’s about finding the best all-around coverage to suit your company’s needs. Understanding what coverages and service options are available is the first step toward making better, more informed decisions so that you and your business are properly protected. Here are some tips from Barnes & Howell Insurance, Inc. to help you find the right coverage, service and price:

• Know the company you’re dealing with and its reputation for handling claims. At Barnes & Howell we understand that you may pay more for “cheaper” coverage in the long run if the company lacks experience handling commercial auto claims. In business, vehicles need to be on the road—or you lose money.
• Insurance companies that don’t specialize in commercial auto coverage often don’t have their own claims representatives handling the process, so it may take longer to get vehicles back in service. Look for discounts. Before initiating a quote for a policy, gather your company’s loss and financial records. This information could help you save a lot of money.
• You may qualify for discounts if you’ve carried increased liability limits in the past, if your employee base consists of experienced drivers or if your company’s credit rating is good.
•  Don’t let your coverage lapse. Proof of prior insurance is important, so never let your insurance policy lapse. If you do, you will most certainly pay more for your next policy.  
• Ask for referrals. Find out where colleagues in your business have found the best coverage and the best service. They may be able to refer you to an agent or company that really understands your business.
• Check driving records before hiring. If they’ll be driving a company vehicle, be sure to screen the Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for every potential hire.
• Update the value of your equipment. If you’ve added, upgraded or phased out equipment, you’ll want your policy to reflect the true value of your fleet. This ensures you have adequate coverage where you need it and that you’re not paying for cover-age you no longer need.
• Check the options for managing your policy. See if you can handle routine tasks online and over the phone instead of having to visit an agency or mail in forms. It saves time—and in business, time is money.