Ohio is one of the most populous states in the United States, with a population of over 11 million people. It is also home to several large corporations and businesses that rely on commercial vehicles to transport goods and provide services. Ohio Commercial Auto Insurance is crucial for these businesses to protect their vehicles, employees, and assets in the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances. This article will discuss some essential things about commercial vehicle insurance in Ohio.
What is Commercial Vehicle Insurance?
Commercial vehicle insurance provides coverage for vehicles used for the purpose of businesses. This includes vehicles owned, leased, or rented by a business. The policies can vary depending on the type of vehicle, the level of coverage needed, and the specific risks associated with the business.
Types of Vehicle Insurance:
There are several types of commercial vehicle insurance policies available in Ohio. The most common types of policies include:
Collision Insurance: Collision insurance covers damages to your company vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive coverage covers damages to your company vehicle caused by theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Underinsured Motorist Insurance: This kind of insurance covers damages or injuries caused by an underinsured driver.
Cargo Insurance: Cargo insurance covers goods transported by your company vehicle.
Ohio Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements:
In Ohio, commercial vehicle insurance is required by law. All commercial vehicles must have liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of $25,000 for property damage, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, and $100,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people. However, many businesses opt for higher coverage limits to protect their assets in case of a significant accident.
Additional Coverage Options:
In addition to the required liability insurance, several additional coverage options are available for Ohio businesses. These include:
Non-Owned Auto Insurance: This insurance provides coverage for vehicles not owned by your business but used for business purposes, such as employees’ personal vehicles.
Hired Auto Insurance: Hired auto insurance covers vehicles rented or leased by your business.
Umbrella Insurance: Umbrella insurance provides additional coverage above and beyond the limits of your primary policy.
Reducing Your Insurance Costs:
While insurance is necessary for Ohio businesses, it can also be costly. There are multiple strategies that businesses can use to reduce their insurance costs, including:
Bundling Policies: A lot of insurance companies offer discounts and benefits for businesses that bundle multiple policies, such as commercial vehicle and liability insurance.
Increasing Deductibles: Increasing the deductible on your commercial vehicle insurance policy can help lower your premiums.
Implementing Safety Measures: Safety measures like training programs, vehicle maintenance schedules, and GPS tracking can help reduce the risk of accidents and lower insurance costs.
Conclusion:
Ohio businesses that use commercial vehicles must be aware of the various insurance policies available to them and the state’s insurance requirements. Working with a good insurance agent can help businesses choose the right Ohio Commercial Auto Insurance for their needs while reducing costs. By implementing safety measures and taking advantage of discounts and other cost-saving strategies, businesses can protect their assets and ensure that their vehicles, employees, and cargo are adequately covered in an accident or other unexpected incident.
