• Check for discounts:
• Prior insurance (Even if it’s just your personal vehicle) for over one year
• Having a Commercial Drivers license for more than 3 years
• Electronic Logging Device Program or similar device direct from the carrier
• Multi-policy discounts. Most carriers offer this even if the general liability or business owners policy is not with that same carrier.

• Plan ahead
• Most carriers rate at an Unlimited Radius of Operations for the first year of DOT Authority. After a full year, we can usually lower the radius level to reflect the actual operations of the business. Keeping your trucking insurance active with no lapse is the only way to manage this rating factor.
• Maintain exceptional credit. If you have less than 10 trucks, your personal credit can affect the price of your business. Make sure the quote is run in your name and in the name of your partners (if applicable).
• Maintain a good driving record. Something as small as a speeding ticket in your personal vehicle can affect commercial auto rates for up to 5 years. 
• Only apply for DOT Authority on what you will actually haul. Insurance companies pull this information and will price your insurance on the most expensive commodity.
  
  
• Work with a trucking insurance specialist
• The details are important and every detail counts.

This Article was Written by  David Hanor, Personal & Small Business Advisor at Advisors Insurance Agency