There is a lot to think about when it comes to fleet management. Not only must you ensure that every vehicle in your care is safe and operational, but there are also specific Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements that you must adhere to in order to remain compliant and avoid potential fines.
You’re a full-time business owner. It’s time to get covered with commercial auto insurance. Get a Quote
One such requirement concerns motor vehicle records (MVRs), which can assist fleets in identifying risky driving behaviour and thus protecting their vehicles, avoiding accidents, and avoiding insurance claims and business disruptions. The FMCSA requires carriers to secure and review a driver’s MVR for the previous three years as part of driver qualification (DQ) files, which are used to ensure carriers employ qualified drivers. This Risk Insights provides an overview of MVRs, including what they are, how to get them, and what to look for once you have them.
As an LLC, making investments for any business is essential, so ensure you have limited liability insurance as it protects individuals and companies. Get a quote today!
WHAT EXACTLY ARE MVRS?
Simply put, MVRs are historical driving records that companies can use to assess current and potential drivers. MVRs, in particular, provide an overview of an individual’s:
Being in business without the right commercial auto insurance? Not smart. Get a Quote NOW!
Driving record over a specific time period, usually several years
Moving infractions
Accidents that are punishable
DUI infractions
Suspended or revoked licenses
Accumulation of points
Driver’s license and limitations
Vehicle offenses
This data is critical for businesses because a person’s accident and violation history is a good indicator of their driving performance and habits. Drivers with a poor driving record are more likely to be involved in future accidents.
Did you know that only 37% of small businesses have proper insurance? Protect your business, your employees and everything you’ve worked hard for with Business Insurance. Get a Quote
Furthermore, insurance companies use MVRs to assess risk. If one of your drivers has a poor driving record (e.g., multiple suspensions, revocations, or moving violations), they may be denied insurance coverage entirely.
By obtaining MVRs for all of your drivers, you can ensure that the people you hire are capable of performing their job duties safely, which will help you secure insurance coverage and reduce costly vehicle accidents.
Without commercial auto insurance, your company’s revenue-generating vehicles are just another liability waiting to happen. Get a Quote Now
REQUIREMENTS OF THE FMCSA
When a driver is hired, motor carriers must obtain and review their MVR for the previous three years. Carriers require MVRs from every state in which each new driver has held, or currently holds, a license or permit as part of their DQ files.
Don’t be caught without Business Insurance. Protect your business, employees and everything you’ve worked hard for. Get a quote now!
If a carrier cannot obtain an MVR (for example, if the state has no record of the driver), they must document their efforts to obtain the records. It’s important to note that carriers should not accept MVRs supplied by drivers, as these documents can be easily falsified. Carriers must request MVRs within 30 days of hiring. They must store MVRs in the driver’s DQ file and update them annually.
In addition to obtaining MVRs when an employee is hired, motor carriers are required to obtain MVRs on an annual basis for each of their drivers. Carriers must contact every state agency for which the driver has held a commercial motor vehicle license or permit in the previous 12 months.
If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. Get a Business Insurance Quote today. Start Here
Carriers must include the name of the person who reviewed the driving record in addition to keeping a copy of the MVR in the DQ file. This check ensures that drivers meet the bare minimum of requirements for safe driving. When reviewing a driver’s record, it is critical to consider the driver’s accident history as well as any evidence of poor driving practices (e.g., speeding, reckless driving and operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs).
Need coverage for your fleet? Advantage Insurance Solutions has your back. We shop competitive commercial auto insurance quotes for you. Get a Quote
HOW TO GET MVRS AND WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR
Businesses have several options when it comes to obtaining MVRs. You can obtain an MVR in particular by:
The motor vehicle department in your state
A third-party service that is usually more expensive.
Commercial drivers must obtain MVRs (Motor Vehicle Records) from one of the specified sources above. Insurance agents and carriers can request driving records, but typically only for underwriting purposes. They are not allowed to share the information on an MVR with their clients. When adding new drivers to a policy or at renewal time, agents and insurance carriers may review MVRs.
The road to your business goals can be riddled with potholes like product recalls and injuries sustained during athletics. Come insurance for small businesses. Advantage Insurance Solutions can get you covered. Get a Quote
You must first obtain written permission from a current or prospective employee before requesting their MVR. MVRs should be reviewed prior to hiring and at least annually thereafter.
Protect your business, your employees and everything you’ve worked hard for with Business Insurance. Get a quote here or speak to one of our Business Insurance Experts at (877) 658-2472 today!
Acceptable MVRs should be required for employment. The FMCSA has specific requirements for acceptable MVRs, and drivers are barred from operating a commercial vehicle if they:
Business auto insurance is very important. It protects your whole fleet of vehicles and your employees. Don’t let accidents ruin your business! Start a Quote Here!
Drive while under the influence of alcohol. This could include:
Driving a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher
Driving under the influence of alcohol in accordance with state law
Refusal to submit to drug and alcohol testing
While on duty, transport, possess, or use a controlled substance illegally.
Evacuate the scene of an accident (e.g., hit and run incidents)
Are involved in a commercial motor vehicle-related vehicular assault, homicide, manslaughter, or other felony
If any of the above offenses appear on an employee’s MVR, their driving privileges may be temporarily or permanently revoked. Review FMCSA guidance for more information on driver disqualification.
With all of these advantages, protecting your employees and vehicles is critical with Commercial Auto Insurance. Get a quote today
It should be noted that even if the FMCSA does not disqualify a driver, this does not mean their driving record is acceptable. Setting clear MVR standards and communicating those expectations to employees are critical for ensuring drivers have an acceptable driving record. The following are some general guidelines to consider:
How far would you go to protect your business, employees and everything you’ve worked hard for? Liability insurance can help ensure you’re protected against accidents and unexpected eventualities. Get a Quote
A valid driver’s license for the state in which the current or prospective employee resides is required.
A current or prospective employee must have a minimum of five years of driving experience.
There should have been no serious violations in the previous three to five years for the current or prospective employee. Serious violations can vary by state, but they may include:
Excessive speeding (e.g., driving 15 mph faster than the posted speed limit)
Driving by a stopped school bus
Thus, driving while your license is suspended, revoked, or invalid
Driving irresponsibly or negligently
It’s a jungle out there, and I’m not talking about the actual jungles. All sorts of things can go wrong, from fires to injuries to equipment failure from implementing a wrong vendor choice. Get the protection you need for your business and employees with Advantage Insurance Solutions. Get a Quote
The current or potential employee should not:
Three or more moving violations in the previous three years (e.g., speeding, changing lanes improperly, running a red light or failing to yield)
Two or more at-fault accidents in the previous three years (e.g., accidents where the driver receives a citation or causes a collision due to their negligence)
Within the last three years, there has been more than one at fault accident and one moving violation.
Again, it is critical to review your drivers’ MVRs at least once a year. Some states offer services that alert businesses when one of their employees’ MVRs changes, which is an excellent way to intervene and provide necessary coaching.
Your best business moments happen when everything is in place. Let Advantage Insurance Solutions find the right coverage you need for your business at the best value. Get a Quote
Protecting Your Dream Home: Understanding Personal Home Insurance Policies
Owning a home is a significant milestone. It’s where you build memories, grow your family, and create a safe haven. But with ownership comes responsibility, and part of that responsibility is protecting your investment. Personal home insurance is essential for…
The Hidden Benefits of Bundling Personal Auto and Home Insurance
When it comes to insurance, people often focus on getting the right coverage at the best price. But there’s more to consider. Bundling your personal auto and home insurance offers hidden benefits that go beyond cost savings. This strategy can simplify your life and…
Motivation Through Protection: How Insurance Protection and Peace of Mind Provide Security
Life is full of uncertainties. We work hard, build our dreams, and strive to provide for our loved ones. But what happens when the unexpected strikes? This is where insurance steps in. Insurance protection and peace of mind are crucial elements of a secure life. They…
Investing in Safety: The Critical Role of Commercial Properties Insurance
When it comes to safeguarding business investments, commercial properties insurance is an indispensable tool. From small shops to sprawling office complexes, commercial properties represent significant financial assets that require protection against unforeseen risks….
Auto Insurance Options for Delivery Services in Denver
In Denver’s bustling urban landscape, delivery services are the backbone of convenience. As a business owner or driver in this fast-paced industry, navigating auto insurance options tailored to your unique needs is crucial. From ensuring compliance to protecting your…
The Importance of Workers’ Compensation Insurance
It’s paramount for any business owner to ensure the safety of employees at the workplace from dangers that are hard to foresee. There is, however, a form of insurance that provides your workers with the necessary coverage when they are involved in a work-related…
Small Business Insurance
Advantage Insurance Solutions and The Hartford Insurance: Your Trusted Partners for Small Business InsuranceWe at Advantage Insurance Solutions understand the dedication you’ve invested in growing your enterprise. That’s why our partnership with Hartford Insurance…
The Vital Role of Errors and Omissions Insurance in Denver, CO
Denver, CO is a city that does not count on luck and hope to succeed, but ensures trust and reliability in every business. However, regardless of the level of professionalism, level of training, or sheer years of experience that you and your team possess underneath…
The Ultimate Guide to Home Warranty Insurance: Protect Your Home
Do you still find yourself with the constant dread of disruptive home appliance failures? Think about strained relations between owners and their comfort or money spent on a leaking water heater, a non-functioning air conditioning system, or an improperly working…
Commercial Property Insurance: Protect Your Business Property in Denver, CO
When pondering over indispensability, what would come to mind are your company’s computers, papers, office furniture, as well as stocks. Honestly, are those components essential for your business to run as usual? Preserving such valuable factors from the…