Whether you have a plumbing, landscaping, or painting business, your work van or truck could be doing more than just getting you from one job to the next. Some businesses may use advertising on their vehicles for increased credibility and publicity. With the right vehicle branding, your daily drive may become one of your most effective marketing tools. Here’s a guide to vehicle branding and commercial auto insurance that may be crucial for your business plans.
What Is vehicle branding?
Simply put, vehicle branding typically refers to adding your business name and info to your vehicle. Some types of advertising may include:
- Vehicle wraps: This usually covers a substantial portion of a vehicle in a custom design.
- Vinyl graphics: Company vehicle graphics may refer to a semi-permanent visual that may just feature your logo and contact info. Sometimes known as a decal, this method may be smaller and less expensive than full vehicle wraps.
- Magnetic signs: This option is removable and may be a great option for part-time businesses or those leasing vehicles.
Understanding your business needs may help you decide which vehicle branding option is best for your operation.
Why advertise on your vehicle?
So, now that you know the graphic options, you may be wondering why advertising can be a crucial investment. Here are some reasons why branding your vehicle may help your business:
- Visibility: When you’re driving from worksite to worksite, your vehicle may be spotted by potential customers every day. Having your information boldly stated on your vehicle may lead to future clients in your area.
- Credibility: A vehicle with a business decal may look more professional than one without proper branding.
- Budget friendly: Unlike online ads or print flyers that may require constant investment, a vehicle wrap or decal may be a one-time expense that keeps advertising for years.
By advertising your services through vehicle branding, you may be able to reach a larger audience and build credibility by simply driving around the neighborhood.
Best practices for vehicle graphics
To get the most from your mobile advertising, you may want to consider these tips:
- Think smart design: When designing your wrap or decal, you may want to consider eye-catching colors and large fonts. Big, legible text can help people see your business information from farther away.
- Include key info: Adding your business name, logo, phone number, and website to your vehicle can be crucial for potential clients.
- Strategic placement: When you’re developing vehicle branding, you may want to think about where to put your business info. The sides and rear of your vehicle may offer the best visibility for your branding.
- Stay clean: Your vehicle may reflect the quality of your brand. Keeping your car clean and well-maintained may display a polished, professional image to the public.
Insurance considerations
Once you brand your vehicle, it’s typically then considered a business vehicle, which can change your insurance needs. Here’s what you may want to know when moving forward with business signage:
- Commercial auto insurance: Most personal auto policies do not cover vehicles used for work-related purposes. If you get into an accident while using your vehicle for work and only have a personal auto insurance policy, you may be solely responsible for paying for the damages. This is why it can be crucial to update your insurance to a commercial auto insurance policy.
- Liability risks: A branded vehicle may put your business identity on display. If you're in an accident, even if you're not at fault, you may face legal action. Depending on your policy, commercial auto insurance could help cover liability claims and pay for legal expenses if you damage someone else’s property.
How to choose the right commercial auto policy for you
Understanding the different coverages available to you may help you tailor a policy that works for your business. Here are some commercial auto insurance coverages you may want to consider:
- Liability coverage: This insurance can help pay for property damage to a third party or injuries to someone else caused by your business vehicle. It may also help pay for legal expenses like attorney fees and settlements if you’re sued after an accident.
- Collision coverage: This can help pay for repairs to your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: This can help cover damages from non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage may help pay for damages to your vehicle or bodily injuries you incur if you're in an accident with an at-fault driver who has little or no insurance.
- Medical payments coverage: This insurance can help pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
If you’re in the market for commercial auto insurance, you may also want to consider how many employees you have, how many vehicles your business operates, and how far you drive between worksites.
Calling an Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) agent may help you navigate your commercial auto insurance questions and options. Our experienced, Spanish-bilingual team can help you tailor a policy that works for your small business. Call us today at 1-855-478-3705 for a free personalized quote!