Every business owner knows that accidents involving company vehicles can be a major headache. Beyond the immediate costs and potential for liability, serious accidents directly impact your commercial auto insurance premiums – and your bottom line! Here’s the good news: smart hiring and driver safety practices can go a long way in keeping your roads safer and your insurance costs in check.
Section 1: Driver Qualification – It Starts Before They Get Behind the Wheel
- The Form Matters: A solid driver qualification form is your first line of defense. Make sure it includes pre-employment applications, drug testing consents, and reference checks. This establishes a baseline for responsibility. Driver Qualification Forms Packet
- The Power of the MVR: Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) are the driving history report cards of your applicants. They reveal past accidents, violations, and even license suspensions.
- Decoding MVRs: Your insurance agent can provide valuable guidance on what constitutes an acceptable MVR vs. one with red flags.
- Insurance Impact: Be prepared! Drivers with a history of serious violations may be excluded from coverage by your insurer, or may lead to significantly higher premiums to cover the increased risk.
Section 2: A Safe Driving Culture Isn’t Just Talk
- Distraction = Danger: Make it crystal clear: cell phones (except for approved hands-free) are a no-go while driving. Cover other forms of distraction (eating, GPS fiddling, etc.) Driver Safety Policy.
- Policies Pay Off: Don’t stop there! Having written policies for seat belts, speed limits, vehicle inspections, and accident reporting reinforces safe driving expectations for your team. [Placeholder: Link to sample commercial driver safety policies]
Section 3: It’s Not ‘Set and Forget’
- Stay on Top of It: Schedule regular reviews of driver records. Your insurance agent can help you obtain updated MVRs.
- Training Matters: Periodic refresher training on safe driving keeps the message fresh. Consider short online courses or safety talks. Guidelines
- Taking Action: Clearly outline the consequences of violating driver policies – it’s essential for maintaining a safe driving culture.
We’re In This Together!
Our goal as your insurance agent is to help you find the best coverage at the most competitive rates. Strong hiring practices and safety policies are a win-win: They protect your business, your employees, and the public! Let’s work together to:
- Source Reliable MVR Checks: We partner with trusted providers.
- Develop Your Policies: We can offer templates and review your safety policies.
- Find Training Resources: We’ll share links to useful driver safety courses and videos.
Let’s chat! Schedule a consultation to discuss how to make smart hiring and driver safety a cornerstone of your business.