Commercial Auto Claims Process

If you own a business that makes deliveries, transports goods or people, or performs remote services, you and your employees likely rely on company vehicles daily. No matter how your commercial vehicle or fleet is used, your business is at risk of disasters like accidents, lawsuits, and vehicle theft. If an accident or another disaster happens, knowing how to file commercial vehicle insurance claims can help save you valuable time.

An independent insurance agent can help your business get equipped with the proper commercial auto insurance. They'll ensure your company gets matched to the right amount of coverage. Your agent can even help file these claims for you. Until then, here's a breakdown of the commercial auto insurance claims process. 

Examples of Commercial Auto Insurance Claims

Knowing when to file commercial auto claims and how your business can get reimbursed after a disaster can assist you if and when the time comes. Let’s look at some common types of commercial auto claims and how your business is covered by commercial auto insurance.

• An accident where the other driver is at fault: Your commercial auto insurance company will file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. The other driver’s liability coverage will pay for the damage to your company vehicle and medical expenses if your employees were injured. If the other driver lacks sufficient coverage, your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance may cover the claim.
• An accident in which your employee is at fault: The other driver’s insurance company will file a claim with your insurance company. Your collision coverage will pay for damage to your company's vehicle. Your liability coverage will pay for the damage your employee caused a third party, including any bodily injury.
• Your employee hits a deer on the highway: Your comprehensive coverage will pay for the claim.
• Your delivery van is severely damaged by hail: Your comprehensive coverage will pay for the claim.
• Your vehicle’s windshield is cracked by a falling branch: Your comprehensive coverage or special auto glass coverage will cover the claim.

Your independent insurance agent can provide more examples of commercial auto insurance claims and how your coverage can reimburse your business.

The Commercial Auto Claims Process

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your commercial vehicle insurance claims process goes smoothly. While every insurer's claim service varies, there's still a general flow to many commercial auto claims. Follow this easy guide if your business ever needs to report a commercial vehicle insurance claim.

1. Contact the police and seek medical treatment

First, in the event of an accident, always check for injuries and contact local authorities. If anyone was injured in the accident, make sure to call for medical help right away. 

You'll also want to call the police directly from the scene of the accident to report it. You'll likely need to wait for the authorities and medical professionals to arrive and file an official police report, so be sure to safely remove all vehicles from the road if possible. 

2. Gather pertinent information

Next, gather the following information to relay to your insurance company when making your claim:

• The names of everyone involved in the accident
• All vehicle license plate numbers and car information
• Descriptions of all vehicles involved
• The insurance information from all other drivers involved
• Names and contact information from any witnesses
• Any specific accident details you can remember

Record everything that happened at the scene. If you take pictures of all vehicles involved and take notes about what happened, you can provide this information during the claims process. If the accident was minor, evaluate whether it would be worth filing an insurance claim. 

You should be familiar with your deductible and how your coverage applies to the accident. If the cost of the damage is lower than your commercial auto deductible, you'll need to cover it yourself. The insurance company won't pay for any damage below the deductible amount. In addition, keep in mind that the cost of your commercial auto premiums will almost certainly increase any time you file a claim.

3. Contact your independent insurance agent

After everyone's safety has been accounted for, vehicles have been removed from the road, police reports have been filed, and accident details have been documented, it's time to initiate the claims process. Call your independent insurance agent, who can contact your commercial auto insurer for you. Your agent can walk you through the steps of the claims process and keep you updated along the way.

4. Get the damage assessed

After your claim has been filed, your insurance company will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster will likely schedule an inspection of the damage to any company vehicles. This may be in the form of an in-person visit, or it may be performed remotely. 

The adjuster will also determine who was at fault in the case of accident-related claims and which insurance company is responsible for paying. Afterward, the adjuster may provide you with an estimate for repairs and approve medical treatments for any injured employees. 

5. Schedule repairs

If your company vehicles need repairs, you'll schedule these at a local repair shop approved by whichever insurance company is paying for the damage. If your business insurance policy includes coverage for rentals during the repairs process, you'll make arrangements for a rental vehicle during this time as well.

6. Receive reimbursement

At this point, your business can receive its insurance benefits. You'll likely have the option to have these benefits paid directly to the repair shop to streamline the process. Your independent insurance agent can also further advise you on the best way to receive your benefit payout. 

Preventing Commercial Auto Claims

Ultimately, you want to avoid filing commercial vehicle insurance claims altogether. Clean claims records will save you money and keep your premiums low for years to come. While you can’t always predict the safest travel route, you and your employees can take certain safety measures to prevent many accidents and other mishaps. Here are some ways to stay safe on the roads:

• Ensure all company vehicles meet safety standards: Keep all company vehicles up-to-date with maintenance and other services.
• Check the driving history of all prospective employees: Make sure to only hire company drivers with clean records, as those with poor driving records can be both a liability on the road and costly to insure.
• Require mandatory safety training: Business owners should require all company drivers to complete mandatory training about safe driving practices before they're allowed to complete work errands in company vehicles.

As a responsible commercial auto insurance customer, you can greatly reduce your risk of ever needing to file claims in the first place by following these simple safety tips. Diligent prep work on your business's part can go a long way in mitigating potential disasters and costly insurance claims. 

Find Commercial Auto Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a quote

An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Find the Best Commercial Auto Insurance for Your Business

When accidents happen on the clock, you'll be glad you took the time to put the right coverage in place. Filing commercial vehicle claims can be a challenging process, so work with a local independent insurance agent who will advocate for your needs. These agents can also shop and compare quotes and policies from multiple local carriers, so they'll get your business matched to the ideal policy from the start.