Oregon Commercial Van Insurance
- Details
- Category: Vans on Oregon Commercial Auto Insurance Policies
- Published: Thursday, 16 February 2012 11:17
- Written by Doug Hartley
- Hits: 4867
Vans. From mini-vans to full-size extended vans, a personal auto policy can usually accommodate the auto insurance needs for all of them while you carry your family around to school, church, and sporting events. It's great for going to pick up groceries and a day drive in the country. But, when the use of the vehicle crosses over to business use, it's time to talk to a commercial auto insurance agent.
Carpet Layers. How many times have you been driving down the highway and noticed the back end of a van has it's doors bungied closed around a roll of carpet sticking out? Carpet layers like vans because it keeps the pad and rolls of carpet dry in this this Oregon weather. Tools, equipment and other materials fit nicely in the side doors. Vans often have removable seats in the back so it's easy to take a van that was originally intended for personal or family use and convert it to commercial purposes. Make sure you are properly covered for this conversion of activities. Call us today!
Ice Cream Vans. One of the most common misuses of a mini-van on a personal auto policy in Oregon is when someone converts it to an ice cream vending vehicle. You know, it's summer time. You hear the sound of the Music Box Dancer or the rag-time song, The Entertainer from the movie The Sting. The sound is tinny from one of those monaural load speakers that is mounted on top of a van or small truck. You can hear it a mile a way. You observe children running into their houses to empty their piggy banks of coin or begging Mom for a couple of bucks. Here comes the Ice Cream Man! You always wondered why they don't turn off that music when the driver stops the van to sell the kid the ice cream. You see the van has all signs or decals of each of the different flavors and prices. Caution or stop signs are visible from several sides. A nice summertime job? What most drivers don't understand that this activity is one of the highest risk commercial uses of a mini-van. And if someone hires you for the summer to use your vehicle to sell ice cream, you better have the right kind of coverage. It's expensive, yes. But so is running over a little kid that comes flying out between two parked cars. Please use caution! Please get the right coverage. A personal auto policy isn't enough and insurance companies are getting tough! And please, turn off the music when you stop to help a customer. Thank you!
Transportation Van. A lot of companies require the pick up and delivery of people. Farms carry laborers from one field to another. Churches pick up members that can't drive at their homes and take them to church. Adult and special needs homes transport their residents to events and doctors appointments. A special commercial endorsement might be needed if you have a large passenger van. Check with the Oregon DMV to see what the rules are for carrying passengers. Then check with us for special commercial auto insurance pricing for transportation of people, the most precious cargo!
Couriers. Some courier services have larger items to pick up from and deliver to clients or field locations of their business. A van makes it easier to get the bigger stuff in and out. Time constraints put pressure on the drivers to be on time and may make him take unnecessary risks while driving. Business auto insurance underwriters frown on these time constraints and is the number one factor while considering the eligibility or price of the insurance. The number of stops per day and the area of Portland you drive will be a clear indication of how much pressure the driver is under to make his rounds. Depending on the size of the van, visibility of moving in and out of traffic is also a factor. Special mirrors or video equipment to help monitor pedestrians and other vehicles will act in your favor when an underwriter is considering insuring your company.
Electricians and Technicians. Those new tall vans are nice. You can stand up and walk around without bumping your head on the ceiling. You can put shelves in the side panels to store lots of parts. If you subcontract for the phone or telephone company, one of these kinds of vans is almost essential to make your time at the work site efficient. No windows? No problem. Some are equipped with skylights so you can see your stuff. Only thing you have to watch out for is when you are pulling through the drive-thru at your favorite burger joint or espresso shop.
The van. Almost as useful as a pickup truck and favorite among soccer moms. But, just as eligible for an Oregon Commercial Auto policy when used in the course of business. Check with us if you have any doubts about whether you should buy a commercial policy. And, please, don't accept that delivery or street sales job the requires the use of your family van unless you really check out the risks associated with doing so. Call us today at 503-489-3143 in Gresham, Oregon or 503-693-2852 in Hillsboro, Oregon.