Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial Vehicles are part and parcel of many businesses. Whether you own a company with a single van or an entire fleet of     commercial vehicles, commercial vehicle insurance is very useful. Here are some important features of Commercial Vehicle Insurance:

• Bodily injury or death caused by the use of the vehicle is covered.
• Any damage to the property caused by the use of the vehicle is covered.
• Insurance policy can be issued immediately. Lowest turnaround time in claim settlement.

    Commercial vehicle insurance is an insurance policy which covers your commercial vehicle against different types of external damages,     along with personal and third-party liabilities. It provides coverage for any legal liabilities following death, injury or property damage of     third parties, arising out of your vehicle use.
    Commercial vehicle insurance is necessary to keep your business running smoothly. Whether you own a small company with a single van     or a company running an entire fleet of commercial vehicles, commercial vehicle insurance is both mandatory and useful.
    Getting the right level of commercial vehicle insurance, such as bus insurance, taxi insurance or truck Insurance at a price that suits you is     important, especially when you are using your vehicle regularly for business.
    Commercial vehicle insurance offers policies to a wide range of commercial vehicles, such as Bus, Taxi, Tractor, Cranes, And a Range of     Goods And Passenger Carrying Vehicles. You can insure your commercial vehicle through specialized commercial insurance policies such     as Commercial Car Insurance, Bus Insurance, Taxi Insurance and Truck Insurance.
    Our commercial vehicle insurance plans do not only provide insurance coverage for the commercial vehicle, but also cover third-party     liability. In addition to this, the plan also covers any financial losses due to accidental damage or theft of your vehicle.

But why is Commercial Auto Insurance needed?

    Commercial auto insurance covers many situations, and provides insurance cover for automobiles that are not covered by a personal     auto insurance policy. There may be certain vehicle types and usage of vehicles for business purpose that fall outside the ambit of a     regular auto insurance policy. Therefore, Commercial auto insurance is a specific type of vehicle insurance cover that caters specifically to     commercial vehicles, which are generally more at risk during use.

    This difference in risk factor is the primary reason how vehicle insurance policies for commercial purposes differ from personal auto     policies.
    Commercial vehicles insurance policies are customized to cover:
Specific business and its assets
The employees or drivers who have been hired to drive the vehicles
⦁    The high risk of operating certain commercial vehicles

    Let us look at the deciding factors that determine whether to opt for a commercial auto insurance policy or a personal auto insurance     policy:
    Who owns and drives the vehicle: If the vehicle is owned by a business, most likely, the vehicle will be covered under a commercial auto     insurance policy. If the insured is a sole proprietor who uses the vehicle for commercial uses, then too he would need a commercial auto     insurance policy. Moreover, the coverage needed within the commercial policy also depends on how often the vehicle is used and what it     is used for.

    How the Vehicle is used: When an insured uses the vehicle for business purposes, he will need a commercial auto insurance policy.

    The Type and Weight of the Vehicle: If the vehicle you drive is heavier than a normal size pickup or SUV. For example, if it is as big as a     dump truck, tow truck, semi-truck or commercial trailer, you will definitely require a commercial auto insurance policy. This is because     this type of heavy duty vehicles can cause more damage if they are involved in an accident. Therefore, they also need special insurance     coverage at times.

    Required Business Liability Limits: If your business vehicle requires higher liability limits, you will probably need a commercial auto     insurance policy. In motor insurance business, commercial auto insurance policies offer higher liability limits than personal auto insurance     policies.

    So, What Exactly Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover in India?

    In India, commercial vehicles ply for all kinds of businesses. These days, whether a company owns a single van or an array of commercial     vehicles, a commercial auto insurance policy is a must to hedge against unwanted risks and losses.
What are the Features of Commercial Auto Insurance Policy?

    A commercial auto insurance policy covers risks such as bodily injury or death caused by the use of the vehicle.

• A commercial auto insurance policy covers risks such as damage to a property caused by the use of vehicle
• A commercial auto insurance policy covers different types of external damages to the vehicle
•  A commercial auto insurance policy covers third party liabilities such as bodily injury to the third-party or damage of third-party vehicle. It also covers legal liabilities arising out of death, injury or property damage to the third-party by the insured’s vehicle.
• A customer is likely to need a separate commercial auto insurance if he uses the vehicle primarily or frequently for commercial purpose

What do Businesses look for in a Commercial Vehicle Insurance Policy?

    Businesses look for competitive rates and good customer service when looking for any kind of insurance cover. It is the same with a     commercial vehicle insurance policy. When buying a commercial vehicle insurance policy, customers look for a company that offers the     best premium rates. Moreover, customers look for easy procedures for enrolment and renewal. They also want the insurance company     to be capable of settling the claims in the lowest possible turnaround time.
    Bus insurance, Taxi Insurance, Truck Insurance and Auto Rickshaw Insurance are some of the types of commercial vehicle insurance     policies bought by businesses in India. Provides commercial vehicle insurance products that cover the following types of vehicles:
⦁    Bus
⦁    Taxi
⦁    Other Goods and Passenger Carrying Vehicles

Here are the key benefits offered by us:
⦁    Policy documents that are digitally signed can be issued immediately.
⦁    For fresh or renewal covers, the company offers door step arrangements including arrangements for free inspection with regards to break in insurance cases.
⦁    The company has a large fleet of trained in-house surveyors. This helps in faster surveys on vehicles and quicker turnaround time while attending to claims.
⦁    The company also follows online e-survey claims module for lowest turnaround time in claim settlement.
⦁    The company has 24x7 call center service is in place, for any support relating to claims.

Different Types of Truck and Trailer Insurance Available

Comprehensive Plans:

A comprehensive truck insurance plan covers for the insured the following:
⦁    Covers for loss and damage to the insured
⦁    Third-party bodily injury
⦁    Third-party vehicle and property damage

Third party only:

The third party only policy covers for third-party injuries and property damage to their vehicle. It doesn’t cover the insured for any loss.

Optional Covers Provided by Commercial Vehicle Insurance Companies in India

• Provision to insure electrical/non-electrical items separately
• Personal accident cover for insured owner driver
• Personal Accident cover for named/unnamed passengers
• Personal Accident cover for paid driver/ employee
• Cover for vehicle parts like lamps, tyres/tubes, mudguards, bonnet/side parts, bumpers, headlights and paintwork of damaged portions only
• Use of commercial type vehicles for commercial and other purposes
• Legal liability to Non fare paying passengers
• Legal liability for paid driver for all operations

Basis of Customer Reviews for Commercial Auto Insurance

    The parameters for rating different insurance service providers are:

• Competitive rates
• Claim service
• Value/Fairness
• Customer Service
• Ease of procedure
• User friendly website

    A2Z Insurance and Financial Services has fared consistently well on each and every of these aspects, which is why it is a highly preferred     option for commercial vehicle insurance.

• Type of carrier
• Vehicle details
• Registered details
• Vehicle weight

    A customer can see comparative truck insurance rates and buy what is suited to his requirements. The payment can be made online via     debit/credit card and internet banking. The customer needs to send certain relevant documents via email. The rest of the tasks like     submitting the documents, coordinating with A2Z Insurance & Financial Services and getting the policy issued to the customer can be     done through our Office.
Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes

    Commercial vehicle insurance premium is higher for 4-wheelers as compared to three wheelers. In other words, the premium rate for a     truck is therefore higher than that of an auto rickshaw.
    Moreover, the cubic capacity of the vehicle and licensed carrying capacity are two factors that determine the premium rates in     commercial vehicle insurance.
    There is also provision of reducing the premium by accumulating NCB that is, no claim benefit. Competitive premiums can be offered to     those who are members of Automobile Association.
Commercial Truck Insurance:

    Package Policy: This covers loss or damage to the truck. The loss or damage can be due to accidents or thefts. It also includes third party     liability insurance which is a compulsory policy for every motor vehicle owner in India.
    
    Liability only Policy: This covers third party liability for injuries, fatalities, and property damage. It also includes personal accident cover     for a driver who is also the owner.

    The liability only cover is narrower in scope than the package policy.
A customer can request a quote in if he is interested to buy truck insurance. He needs to input the following details:
Type of Policy

• Name of Insured
• Business Type
• Period of Insurance From
• Period of Insurance To
• From Location
• To Location
• Material Type
• Sum Insured
• Status of cargo
• Mode of Transit
• Mode of Packaging
• Basis of sum insured
• Name
• Email ID
• Mobile No

    The Online Commercial Auto Insurance policy referred from A2Z Insurance & Financial Services gives coverage for legal liabilities     following death, injuries, or property damage to third-party due to any accident where the insured’s vehicle is involved. There are add-on     covers available as well at competitive rates.
Bus Insurance

    Buses are passenger carrying commercial vehicles. Bus insurance policy covers have similar features as other auto insurance policies.     These features are:
⦁    Coverage for bodily injury or death for the driver
⦁    Coverage for legal liabilities following death and injury of third party
⦁    Property damage regardless of who was at fault at time of accident
⦁    Coverage for damage to the vehicle due to theft, vandalism, fire etc.

    Sometimes, bus insurance covers especially in advanced countries also include.
    Medical Payments coverage for driver and Passengers in the other vehicle, Especially for a passenger who doesn’t have adequate health     Insurance.

    In advanced Countries, if the bus carrier is that of School Students, it is Considered Prudent to take a policy that will cover the driver and     other employees against molestation or child abuse.

What are the factors that determine bus insurance cost?

    Here are some factors that determine bus insurance premium rates:
⦁    The number of miles the bus travels in a year
⦁    Whether the bus travels within city, highways or across state boundaries or international border.
⦁    The driving record and experience of the drivers
⦁    The number of seats in the vehicle
⦁    Safety measures available in the bus or safety training undergone by the driver
⦁    Passenger profile such as disabled passengers or children

    The amount of company asset or asset related to the vehicle, the insured needs to protect in the event there is a lawsuit against him.

    Finally, remember the amount of coverage one needs for commercial vehicle insurance corresponds with the amount the insured is     exposed to. This is true for all vehicles whether, it’s for trucks, taxis, or buses. In India, bus insurance is provided by general insurance     companies who deal with commercial auto insurance.
What Features Are Excluded from Commercial Vehicle Insurance Plans?
    A motor insurance policy in India comes with certain exclusions and doesn’t offer coverage for the following:
⦁    Individuals driving without valid driving license or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicating drinks
⦁    If the accident occurs outside the geographical area covered by the commercial insurance cover for vehicle
⦁    If the accident is due to mechanical or electrical breakdown in the vehicle, it will not be covered by the commercial insurance cover
⦁    If the insured vehicle has been used for any unlawful reason, it will not be covered by the commercial insurance cover

When Comparing Different Commercial Vehicle Insurance Products

⦁    Customer’s Requirements: Insurance requirements vary from customer to customer. Liability coverage is an important part of commercial auto insurance. It safeguards third parties against damage or injury caused by the insured’s vehicle. These days, uninsured motorist cover has become an important feature of auto insurance covers. This type of cover will protect the insured against any accident or injury caused by a third-party whose liability cover is not adequate to compensate the insured fully.

⦁    Compare the Insured Declare Value: It is the current market value of the vehicle and the maximum sum assured fixed by the insured. The insured can avail this amount in case of total loss of vehicle due to theft etc.

⦁    Compare Insurer’s Claim Settlement Practice: How fast a company settles claims is an important deciding factor for customers to buy an auto insurance policy from the company. Every company has its own procedure that they follow for settling claims. Businesses look for a hassle-free claim process and opt for the company that best suits their needs.

Aspects to Consider for Commercial Auto Insurance
    There are other factors that are also taken into account while comparing different products.
    No Claim Bonus: For every no claim year, the insured is rewarded with a discount on the renewal premium. The no claim bonus is     cumulative and increases every year. This bonus can be in the range of 20-50% on premium payable. However, it is important to     remember that a ‘No Claim Bonus’ is not the insured’s right but something the insured earns by maintaining a no-claim record during the     policy tenure.

    Personal Accident Riders: Personal Accident Riders are optional add-on benefits. They can be added to a plan by paying an extra     premium. These add -on benefits include payment to insured in the period he is not able to earn due to complete or any partial     disabilities.
    Cover for Commercial vehicle Accessories: Cover for vehicle accessories are provided by commercial vehicle insurance policies separately     as an add-on benefit. The insured has to opt for it through payment of an additional premium.

Word of Advice

    The insured can save on premium by paying higher deductibles. The insured can opt to pay higher deductibles at the time of enrolment,     and the insurance company in turn gives the insured discount on the premium.
    While comparing different policies, we have to fill in certain relevant data. These are some of the terms a commercial vehicle insured     must be familiar with to fill in the data:
    Vehicle Make, Model and Variant: The base premium is calculated based on the make, model and variant of the commercial vehicle.     Vehicles that are powerful and expensive attract more premiums.

    Year of Manufacture: The manufacture year of the vehicle is important as the insurance company has to assess the Insured Declared     Value (IDV), which facilitates the vehicle insurance company to decide on the annual premium for the commercial vehicle.

    Additional Covers: The insured needs to mention about any additional covers he may want from the vehicle insurance company.     Additional covers for vehicle accessories for example come at a higher premium.

Some other attractive features of motor insurance that customers look for are:
⦁    Cashless servicing facility available at workshops and garages nationwide
⦁    Towing assistance
⦁    Roadside assistance

Process of Buying Commercial Insurance Cover Online

    The commercial vehicle insurance comes under the tab of motor insurance on A2Z Insurance & Financial Services website; information     under four sections needs to be filled:
⦁    Quote Details
⦁    Premium Details
⦁    Additional Details
⦁    Payment

What does this Policy cover?

    The Policy covers loss or damage to the vehicle insured arising out of:

⦁    Fire, Explosion, Self Ignition, Lightning, Burglary, Theft, Riot, Strike, Malicious Act, Terrorism, Earthquake, Flood, Typhoon, Accidental External Means, Landslide or Rockslide, Road/Rail/Inland Waterway/Air Transit

    It also provides cover against Legal Liability to third party personal injury and property damage arising out of an accident invulving the     vehicle as required under Motor Vehicle Act.

    The Policy further provides for compulsory Personal Accident cover for owner driver.

Optional Extensions

⦁    Loss of accessories
⦁    Wider legal liability to paid driver, cleaner or any workman
⦁    Personal Accident to the occupants

Other Salient Features

⦁    Provision for No Claims bonus for claims free experience
⦁    Discount for opting higher voluntary excess
⦁    Discount for approved anti-theft devices installed in the vehicle
⦁    Concession for especially designed/modified vehicle for blind, handicapped and mentally challenged persons
⦁    Depreciation, for the parts needing replacement in the accident is defined

The Policy does not cover the following

⦁    Any accidents outside the Geographical Area
⦁    Consequential loss, normal wear and tear
⦁    Driving without valid license for the class of vehicle. Driving under the influence of liquor/drugs
⦁    Vehicle not being used as per Limitation as to use defined

Note: The above are only the salient features of the Policy, for complete terms and conditions please refer to Company’s Policy Wordings.