How To

How to Pick the Best Vehicle for Your Business

Strategizing for your business branding involves more than creating a name, a logo, and a slogan. You need to create your branding story, and if you’re using one or more vehicles for your business, they can help you present the image you want to get across.

We’ll provide expert advice on what vehicles function best for various businesses and tips for what vehicles look best for those businesses. Finally, you’ll want to read to the end to discover money-saving tips on purchasing and insuring your new business car.

The Vehicle That Will Work Best for Your Business

Some types of businesses need a highly specific vehicle. For example, a well-drilling company will need a drilling truck. Similarly, a septic pumping company will need a vacuum truck.

If your business requires a specific vehicle to do its job, you won’t have difficulty deciding what to get. But then there are businesses where you have a few options.

Options Within a Class of Vehicles

Once you know the average cost to insure an F-150, you can estimate how much it will cost to insure several of them. If it turns out that a different make within that class would be cheaper to purchase and insure, you might have an easier time choosing which one is right for you.

You will also want to shop around to find out what local dealerships are willing to offer you discounts and incentives for purchasing a fleet. With the potential for a large sale and continued business, they’ll work out an appealing package deal.

Used Vehicles Shouldn’t Be out of the Question

A used vehicle can save thousands of dollars, and you could still end up with a reliable car to represent your business. Dealers offer certified used vehicles that have been inspected and given their stamp of approval. Often, they include a limited warranty.

The Purpose of the Vehicle

If you’ll use your vehicle to get you to appointments, you’ll have very different requirements than if you’ll use your vehicle to do a job. You might need to tow a trailer or equipment frequently. If so, a sedan might not be the right choice for you.

If you need to travel on unpaved roads, you might want to consider a vehicle with high clearance. And if your region is prone to winter weather driving conditions, you might need to think about all-wheel or four-wheel drive.

If you don’t have a vehicle that can handle anything, you’ll need to become an expert at reading weather forecasts and avoiding situations where you could get stuck.

Vehicles That Represent Your Company

As already mentioned, sometimes the nature of your business will dictate the vehicle you need based on its function. For example, you can’t haul a lawnmower for your landscape business in the trunk of a Smart car.

The Association of Your Company

But choosing a vehicle goes beyond function. You might find a perfectly functional vehicle that doesn’t represent your brand.

For example, if you own a mechanic shop where you work on American-made vehicles, a German-made company car won’t represent your brand well.

The Vision of Your Business

If the primary purpose of your business is related to sustainability, you should choose a vehicle that lines up with that business goal.

From construction companies to restaurants, the green industry is booming. So, for example, if you have a cleaning business that advertises organic, green products, your brand will be better represented with an electric or hybrid vehicle than a diesel truck.

Saving Money on Your Business Vehicle

While having a company vehicle or a fleet of vehicles can help your business grow, it’s an expense that you’ll want to keep as low as possible.

Insurance for a Business Car

You’ll need commercial car insurance for a vehicle used for business purposes. Commercial policies tend to be more expensive than private policies, so it’s even more important to look for ways to save.

Compare Quotes

Start by comparing car insurance quotes. By shopping around, you’ll find which car insurance providers better fit your situation than others.

Consult With an Independent Insurance Agent

You should also consider using an independent agent so that they can help you find the best provider. Compare for yourself and consult with an agent because independent agents don’t work with every insurance company.

Be Careful Who You Authorize to Drive

The drivers on your policy will affect the premiums, so you’ll save on insurance premiums if you can avoid letting employees with poor driving records drive your company car.

Taxes

Be sure to take advantage of the tax breaks you’re eligible for with commercial vehicles. You can itemize your vehicle-related expenses or take the standard mileage deduction.

A vehicle for your business can be a great asset that helps you build more revenue than you spend on the car. Be careful to choose the right vehicle that represents your company and then minimize your expenses and take advantage of tax deductions to maximize your profits.

About Author:

Melanie Musson writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, QuoteInspector.com. She’s passionate about helping others understand insurance’s role in a strong financial foundation.

 

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