Everything You Need to Know About Automotive Risk Management

Everything You Need to Know About Automotive Risk Management

Risk management is an essential part of the automotive industry and has been since the first cars were built. Before you can buy or sell a car, you need to be sure that the vehicle won’t break down and leave you stranded on the side of the road. To ensure that your vehicle runs properly, it’s important to go through all of its systems and make sure they are in proper working order. You also need to make sure that your car or truck’s driver history is in good standing and that their insurance policies are up-to-date.

Defining Auto Insurance Coverage If you’re an employee of a dealership, it’s important that you know how to properly define auto insurance coverage. It’s important because it defines what your employer will and won’t pay for on a claim. Properly defining these terms can help reduce your costs as well as save time in dealing with claims. It also ensures customers are aware of their responsibilities when filing a claim with their own insurance company. Properly defining automotive risk management is one of those things where you have to look at both sides of every situation, especially when there are many moving parts involved.

What Is Covered Under Liability Insurance?

Business liability insurance (also known as commercial general liability insurance) covers a business against legal and financial risks associated with third-party claims. These include bodily injury or property damage, and may also cover actions such as libel or slander. CGL policies typically cover claims made by customers and employees, as well as other parties related to your business. CGL policies are commonly used by businesses in all industries, including automotive retailers.

Determining Your Deductible Amount The deductible is what you pay for before your insurance kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your windshield gets smashed by a rock, you’ll pay $500 out of pocket and then submit a claim to your insurance company. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be — but higher deductibles are also more risky because they mean that you might have to come up with thousands of dollars right off the bat if an accident happens.

Protecting the Vehicle From Theft and Vandalism Keeping cars from being stolen or vandalized not only helps you save money on repairs, but it also helps prevent an increase in personal auto insurance premiums. If a car is stolen or damaged beyond repair, your insurer will pay for repairs (within certain limits) or replace your vehicle with one of equal value. If that car’s replacement is more expensive than your old one, however, your insurance company may require you to make up any difference—which could be thousands of dollars.

Adding Collision or Comprehensive Coverage to A Policy It’s a fact of life. Some day you’re going to hit something or someone. It’s just a matter of time.

And that’s why it makes sense for most drivers, especially younger ones, to add collision or comprehensive coverage to their policies—even if they don’t own a car with much resale value.

Understanding Rental Reimbursement Coverage If you’re renting an auto, or just planning on driving other people’s vehicles, then you have a basic understanding of insurance as it pertains to your car. Rental reimbursement coverage is essentially another layer of protection for when things go awry—and believe us, they will.

Here’s what rental reimbursement does (and doesn’t) do for you.

Conclusion Now that you know what you’re worth, it’s time to make sure that your employer knows as well.

Remember, negotiating is a two-way street, and it isn’t just about asking for more money. There are other factors you can use to your advantage when negotiating with an employer, such as vacation time or performance bonuses.