Commercial auto insurance in Oklahoma can be a significant expense for businesses, with costs varying depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, driver history, and coverage limits. The average annual cost of commercial auto insurance in Oklahoma is around $1,500.
To minimize costs, consider implementing a fleet management program to monitor driver behavior and reduce the risk of accidents. This can lead to lower premiums over time.
Oklahoma law requires businesses with vehicles to have liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person and $50,000 for all persons injured in an accident.
What You Need to Know
In Oklahoma, any company using vehicles for business purposes must have them insured. This includes vehicles owned by your business, as well as rented or leased vehicles used for work.
You might think your personal auto insurance policy covers you while driving to and from work, but it doesn't cover you while making deliveries or picking up supplies. A commercial auto policy would cover you and your personal vehicle in case of an accident during a work-related errand.
If you own a vehicle solely for work purposes, such as a landscaping pickup or a food truck, it must be covered by a commercial auto policy. This is a requirement, not an option.
Driving without insurance in Oklahoma can result in a fine of up to $250, a suspension of license plates and/or vehicle registration, and up to 30 days of imprisonment. This is a serious consequence that can impact your business's financial health.
Commercial auto insurance is crucial for several reasons. It provides financial protection against accidents involving business vehicles, covers repair and replacement costs, and ensures compliance with local regulations.
Here are some key benefits of commercial auto insurance:
- Financial Protection: Covers medical bills, repair costs, and legal fees
- Legal Compliance: Ensures your business complies with local regulations
- Risk Management: Covers a wide range of potential incidents, from accidents to theft
- Employee Safety: Protects your drivers in the event of an accident
- Business Continuity: Covers repair or replacement costs for damaged vehicles
Policy Details
Your commercial auto insurance policy will cover vehicles owned by your business, as well as rented and leased vehicles used for work. This is known as hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA).
A personal auto insurance policy typically won't cover you for work-related uses, such as making deliveries or picking up supplies. This is where a business auto policy comes in, covering you and your personal vehicle in case of an accident during a work-related errand.
Any vehicles you own solely for work purposes, like a landscaping pickup or a food truck, must be covered by a commercial auto policy. This is a requirement for any Oklahoma company that uses vehicles for business purposes.
Types of Vehicles and Coverage
Commercial auto insurance in Oklahoma covers a wide range of vehicles, including company cars, cargo vans, limos, taxis, buses, SUVs, pickup trucks, and more. These vehicles are commonly used for business purposes and come with a range of risk factors associated with their use.
The type of vehicle you have and how it's used will affect the amount of coverage you need. Insurance companies review factors like how often you use the vehicle, how many miles it travels each year, and any efforts your company makes to improve driver safety.
Here are some examples of vehicles that are typically covered under commercial auto insurance:
- Company cars
- Cargo Vans
- Limos
- Taxis
- Buses
- SUVs
- Pickup trucks
Keep in mind that commercial truck insurance is a separate section, so if you're looking for coverage on large trucks and heavy equipment, be sure to check that out.
What Else Does It Cover?
Commercial auto insurance can be complex, but it's essential to understand what's covered beyond the minimum liability requirements.
Distracted driving caused 46% of near-crashes and 50% of safety-critical events, highlighting the importance of having comprehensive coverage.
In Oklahoma, business owners must meet the minimum requirements for business auto insurance, which only applies to liability coverage. This can protect you if one of your vehicles causes an accident, but it does not insure you against a mishap caused by someone else.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is a crucial addition to your policy, as it insures you against personal injuries and damage involving a company vehicle, in case whomever caused the accident is unable to cover the full cost of damages.
Medical payments coverage pays for medical expenses if employees and passengers are injured in a company-owned vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident.
Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your company vehicle if it's damaged in an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This can be especially important if you have a fleet of vehicles.
Here are some additional coverage options to consider:
- Comprehensive coverage covers the costs of non-collision damages such as vandalism, theft, flood, or fire.
- Towing and labor coverage covers the cost of roadside assistance for company-owned vehicles.
- Loading and unloading coverage insures against the damage of equipment and materials during transport, loading, or unloading.
- Bobtail coverage is recommended when you're using tractors without a trailer, covering the insured vehicle at all times, even during non-work-related uses.
Cost
The cost of commercial car insurance is a significant factor to consider. It's based on several key factors, including the number of vehicles you have.
The type and value of your vehicle also play a role in determining your premium. This is because more expensive or high-risk vehicles may increase your insurance costs.
Your claims history and employee driving records are also taken into account. If you or your employees have a history of accidents or tickets, your premiums may be higher.
Policy limits and deductibles can also impact your costs. You'll want to choose a policy that balances your budget with adequate protection.
Commercial auto insurance costs an average of $147 per month. This can vary depending on your specific situation, but it's a good starting point for your budgeting.
37% of Insureon small business customers pay less than $100 per month for their policies. This suggests that there may be opportunities to save on your premiums by shopping around or adjusting your policy limits.
Types of Vehicles
Commercial auto insurance covers a wide range of vehicles used for business purposes. This includes company cars, cargo vans, limos, taxis, buses, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
The types of vehicles covered under commercial auto insurance policies vary, but most policies cover personal cars used for business, as well as SUVs, light duty trucks, and buses.
If your business uses a variety of vehicles, you'll want to consider the specific needs of each vehicle when determining your insurance coverage. This includes how often and how far each vehicle is driven.
Commercial auto policies also cover vehicles with an Oklahoma Department of Transportation serial number, which may have additional liability coverage requirements.
Here are some examples of vehicles that are typically covered under commercial auto insurance:
- Company cars
- Cargo Vans
- Limos
- Taxis
- Buses
- SUVs
- Pickup trucks
Cover for Personal Use?
If you use your car for work, you might be wondering if your personal insurance covers commercial use. The answer is no, it's not guaranteed. Commercial auto insurance is a separate policy that protects you and your business in case of an accident.
Small business owners often use their own cars for work, sending employees on errands or giving consultants a ride. But if you don't have commercial auto insurance, any injuries or damage resulting from an accident may not be covered.
You might think it's no big deal, but the consequences can be financially devastating. That's why getting adequate coverage is crucial to protect your business.
An independent agent like Oklahoma Insurance Group can help you get the right coverage. They'll ask questions to get to know your business and find discounts that may be available to you.
Here are some questions you might be asked:
- How many commercial automobiles do you have?
- How are those vehicles used?
- How many miles does each vehicle typically travel in a year?
- How many drivers do you have?
- What are their ages and level of experience?
- Have your drivers taken a safe driving course?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for commercial auto insurance in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, commercial auto insurance policies must have a minimum liability limit of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Meet these requirements to ensure you're compliant with state law.
What is the best insurance for commercial vehicles?
For commercial vehicle insurance, Progressive is considered the best overall option, while NEXT Insurance is a top choice for small businesses.
Sources
- https://www.insureon.com/small-business-insurance/commercial-auto/oklahoma
- https://www.okinsurancegroup.com/business/commercial-auto-insurance/
- https://harmonins.com/business-insurance/commercial-auto-insurance
- https://thecovenantins.com/commercial-auto/
- https://glenedwardsinsurance.com/commercial-auto-insurance/
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