With insurance premiums running as much as 40 percent of operating costs, construction companies should ask questions in six important areas, a column in Construction Executive urges.

The author, Andy Fulford, is a Progressive product manager.

Fulford's list:

• Are all employees covered when they drive company-owned trucks, even if they’re not listed on the policy?This is especially important if the company uses temporary workers not listed on the policy.
• Will the insurance company pay to repair employees’ personal vehicles if they get into an accident while running a business errand?
• How quickly are claims resolved? Part of that is asking about rental vehicles or coverage for time lost.
• Should the policy be maintained during the offseason when trucks are not in use? Fulford cautions that there are several angles to check here, however, including state laws.
• Are all available discounts being utilized?The basic advice here is to not be shy about asking for all the breaks possible.
• Is the right payment plan in place?Paying once is cheaper, but paying in installments might fit cash flow better.