Company fleets are a crucial advantage for many businesses. They allow companies to move employees to the installations and any necessary destination. A fleet consists of more than one vehicle: cars, vans, buses, trucks, and more.
Fleet insurance guarantees your employees and assets are protected with a single policy. However, it’s also a standard legal requirement for any vehicle. Therefore, to say it’s mandatory would be an understatement.
But how does fleet insurance work? It might not be straightforward, depending on your fleet and experience. If that’s the case, you’re in the right place.
What is fleet insurance?
Fleet insurance is similar to regular vehicle insurances, but it covers commercial assets. It’s designed for vehicles used toward a company’s goal. That includes transporting workers and products.
The legal requirement for fleet insurance is already a good reason to get one. However, it provides convenient benefits, like renewing a single policy for all vehicles. You can also consolidate policies for the entire fleet, reducing administration time.
What does it cover?
The insurance’s coverage varies depending on your fleet type and number. Some policies work solely with some vehicles, while others cover all current and future vehicles, regardless of their category.
Generally, most fleet insurance covers are almost equal to standard policies. You’re covered against vehicle damage, loss, recovery, and more. The only real difference comes with business-specific coverage, like medical expense support for drivers and passengers.
Fleet insurance types: what can you get?
Fleet insurance categories often depend on the type of business and sector for the company. Additionally, not all companies use their fleet equally, and this changes their coverage requirements.
However, the following categories encompass most of the fleet insurance types you’ll find. Some cater only to specific industries. Do remember to consider your market and how you’re using your fleet.
Taxi
Public and private traffic firms usually employ vast fleets. Every vehicle has several variables affecting every vehicle’s value and risk. This type of fleet insurance covers a taxi’s increased risk, with special features for covering passengers.
Light good
Light good fleets usually consist of carrier vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons overall. Vans and pick-up trucks are common examples. This insurance can cover the tools and materials transported by the vehicle.
Minibus
Minibuses usually provide airport transfer services, NPO’s, clubs, and institutions. Minibus insurance often applies to vehicles transporting around a dozen passenger seats. Additionally, minibus fleet insurance requires drivers to hold specialist licenses.
Business
This insurance category is the most flexible option. It covers general vehicle usage as long as it’s part of a company’s functions. That includes issued vehicles, employee transportation, and more. These policies cover various drivers, vehicle types, and uses.
Hazardous goods
This insurance is necessary for vehicles carrying corrosive fluids, chemicals, explosive and flammable materials, and biological waste. Regardless of the vehicle type, this specialist insurance often covers your assets, employees, and other damages caused by the cargo.
Haulage and courier
Finally, this insurance is better for companies focusing on logistics. That refers to general good collection and delivery. It often covers transported goods against damage, loss, and theft. The same holds for vehicles and drivers.
When is fleet insurance necessary?
If you’re reading this, chances are you need vehicle insurance. Any business and company relying on vehicles for their operations need insurance. However, fleet insurance isn’t the same as vehicle insurance.
Fleet insurance refers solely to using the same policy for your entire fleet. Therefore, it’s noticeably more convenient than insuring every asset individually. Companies can save significant time and resources, choosing fleet insurance over individual policies.
While fleet insurance isn’t strictly necessary, it’s an excellent way to comply conveniently with the law.
Finding the right amount of coverage
Motor insurance usually divides into different coverage levels. Naturally, more coverage means more safety and higher prices. Depending on your location, the minimum coverage might vary.
Not all insurance companies have the same coverage tiers. However, the three following categories are the most common levels. The right coverage depends on your needs and how you’re using your vehicles.
Third-party
Third-party only policies offer minimum coverage. It would cover the assets against third-party damage if the holder caused said damage. That includes any harm caused to people and properties by the insured vehicle. While being the cheapest fleet insurance, it doesn’t cover your assets and employees.
Fire and theft
This category adds fire and theft to third-party coverage. That means adding protection for the insured assets against costs caused by fire damage. Said damage can come from accidents and arson. It also covers your assets against robbery attempts—regardless of their success—and any damage caused.
Complete cover
Finally, fully comprehensive coverage is straightforward. It offers all the possible coverage for your assets. That means protecting both third parties and your fleet against any form of damage. Naturally, it’s also the most expensive type.
