Share Your Driving Data to Potentially Help Lower Auto Business Insurance Costs

Ray Cogan

EnRoute, Erie Insurance’s commercial telematics program, makes it easy for business auto insurance customers to share their driving data and thereby potentially lower business auto premiums and reduce driving risk.

EnRoute uses driving and vehicle data from telematics devices to help business owners recognize how choices, such as routes, driver actions, and the types of vehicles driven, affect driving performance and safety. The program works with more than 40 telematics service providers and nearly a dozen telematics-enabled vehicle manufacturers.

“Crashes cost employers billions of dollars annually in medical care, lost productivity, legal expenses and property damage,” says ERIE’s Leo Heintz, vice president, Commercial Products. “By harnessing the power of telematics services, EnRoute delivers driving intelligence to help our customers protect their drivers, employees and businesses.”

On-the-job crashes and your bottom line

For many businesses, the most dangerous part of the workday is the time employees spend in their vehicles. In fact, the average car accident costs an employer $16,500, according to research conducted by OSHA. If an on-the-job crash results in an injury, the average cost to the driver’s employer is $74,000. ¹

Yet, fleets with active telematics programs experience up to 11 percent fewer losses from collisions, according to studies conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. ²

How EnRoute works to potentially help lower insurance costs

When your business installs telematics devices on at least two-thirds of its commercial vehicles, ERIE offers an opportunity to potentially earn discounts depending on your fleet FAIR Score® ³ .

Similar to a financial credit score, the FAIR Score® allows you to see at a glance where your business stands on a driving risk index that compares fleets of similar type and territory. The FAIR Score is an overall risk ranking for the entire fleet that looks at vehicle characteristics and the driven environment, in addition to vehicle performance. Monitored weekly, with monthly trend reports, the FAIR Score lets managers put safety first and reduce risk.

With EnRoute, you’ll also have access to an easy-to-understand online portal that allows you to see which drivers are improving your score and which ones have room for improvement. Identifying and analyzing contextual driving risks may lead to better driving performance, a reduction in risky driving and improved driving safety.

If you don’t have telematics devices on your vehicles and you’re interested in this technology, ERIE provides telematics devices at no charge to you. Talk to your local agent to see if your business is eligible.

ERIE offers EnRoute at no additional charge above your premium. The program is available to commercial lines auto customers whether you have a telematic service provider or not. Customers with existing telematic service providers simply sign up for the EnRoute program. Customers who do not have a telematic service provider have the option to sign up and receive windshield devices at no charge above your premium.

How to get started

To get started with the program enrollment, contact your local ERIE agent or call EnRoute at 814-217-1919, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time.

¹ Source: Guidelines for Employers to Reduce Crashes; US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Safety Administration and Network of Employers for Transportation Safety

² Source:“Study of the Impact of Telematics Systems on Safe and Fuel-Efficient Driving in Trucks,” 2014, and “Evaluating the Potential Safety Benefits of Electronics Logging Devises,” 2014, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

³ For additional details about how a FAIR score may affect your insurance premium, see the EnRoute participation agreement

Enrollment in EnRoute requires consent to the EnRoute Participation Agreement that contains terms and conditions not described herein. Information and descriptions of the policies, services and/or programs described herein are provided solely for general informational purposes, and do not create a contract or offer of coverage, and do not amend or otherwise affect the terms, conditions and/or coverages of any insurance policy issued by Erie Insurance, its affiliates, or subsidiaries, or the EnRoute Participation Agreement, unless stated otherwise. Erie Insurance makes no representations or guarantees of results based upon the use of this information, and does not warrant that reliance upon EnRoute will prevent accident and losses, or satisfy federal, state and/or local codes, ordinances and/or regulations. Coverages, exclusions, limitations, policy terms, conditions, and/or eligibility for insurance or discounts may vary by state, and are subject to the underwriting guidelines and rules in effect for that state at the time of enrollment.

The post Share Your Driving Data to Potentially Help Lower Business Auto Insurance Costs appeared first on Lindquist Insurance.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Preparing for Spring Storms: How Business Insurance Can Shield You From Seasonal Risks

By Ray Cogan • June 10, 2025

Whether you're grilling in the backyard in Annapolis or planning a mountain getaway from Frederick, our team is just a phone call or email away. Let’s have that conversation now, so your summer, and every season after, is secure. Contact us today for an appointment with our experienced insurance specialists. Serving Annapolis and Frederick, MD

Spring Business Growth: Make Sure Your Insurance Company Has You Covered

By Ray Cogan • May 26, 2025

At Lindquist Insurance, we offer personal, proactive service that keeps you focused on growth, not guesswork. Whether you're expanding, hiring, or just refreshing for the season, we’re here to ensure your business is covered from every angle. Call us today at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com to schedule your Spring Business Insurance Checkup. We serve the Annapolis and Frederick, MD area.

Preparing for Spring Storms: How Business Insurance Can Shield You From Seasonal Risks

By Ray Cogan • May 12, 2025

Spring brings longer days, blooming landscapes, and unpredictable weather for businesses in Annapolis and Frederick, Maryland. Storms in the Mid-Atlantic can bring heavy rain, flooding, hail, and strong winds, often leading to costly damages for business owners. That’s why now is the perfect time to evaluate your business insurance coverage and ensure you’re protected against the unique seasonal risks spring brings. *** Why Spring Storms Matter to Maryland Business Owners Maryland's spring weather is known for its volatility. Sudden thunderstorms, high winds, and localized flooding can affect both coastal towns like Annapolis and inland areas like Frederick. In 2022 alone, several businesses in Frederick County experienced power outages and property damage due to intense spring storms. Similarly, businesses near the Chesapeake Bay face storm surges and flash flooding, especially during early-season weather systems. For local businesses—from boutique shops in downtown Annapolis to industrial warehouses near Frederick’s tech corridor—spring weather disruptions can mean more than just cleanup. They can lead to business interruptions, loss of inventory, and expensive repairs. How Business Insurance Can Help Business insurance is a critical safeguard that provides financial protection when natural disasters strike. But not all policies are created equal. Understanding the specific coverages that protect against spring-related risks can make a big difference when it matters most. Here are the top types of business insurance you should review this season: 1. Commercial Property Insurance. This is the foundation of most business insurance policies. It covers your physical assets, such as your building, equipment, and inventory, if they’re damaged by covered perils like wind, hail, or lightning. If a windstorm damages the roof of your downtown Annapolis storefront or flooding ruins inventory stored in your Frederick warehouse, commercial property insurance helps cover repair and replacement costs. Be sure to check if your policy includes flood protection. You may need to purchase separate flood insurance, especially in flood-prone areas near the Chesapeake Bay. 2. Business Interruption Insurance. Also known as business income insurance, this coverage kicks in if your operations are forced to shut down due to storm-related damage. It covers lost income, payroll, rent, and other operating expenses during the downtime. Imagine a storm causes structural damage to your Frederick café, requiring you to close for two weeks. Business interruption insurance can help you stay afloat financially until you reopen. 3. Equipment Breakdown Insurance. Spring storms can lead to power surges and electrical issues, which can damage your essential equipment, like refrigerators, HVAC systems, or point-of-sale terminals. Equipment breakdown insurance helps cover the cost of repair or replacement, so your operations don't have to close temporarily. This is crucial for restaurants, retail shops, and healthcare facilities in Annapolis and Frederick that rely on specialized machinery. 4. Commercial Auto Insurance. If your business uses vehicles for deliveries, transportation, or service calls. Make sure your commercial auto insurance includes comprehensive coverage. This protects your vehicles from non-collision-related damages, including those caused by hail, fallen trees, or flooding. Local fleets operating between Annapolis and Frederick are especially vulnerable during spring travel, when roads may be slick or obstructed. 5. General Liability Insurance. Spring storms sometimes lead to unexpected hazards, like a slippery floor or fallen debris outside your storefront, that can cause injury to customers or passersby. General liability insurance covers medical costs, legal fees, and settlements if someone gets hurt on your property. This type of coverage is essential for public-facing businesses, such as those located along the bustling streets of Annapolis or in Frederick’s historic downtown district. Take These Steps Now to Stay Protected Review Your Policy with a Local Agent. Insurance needs vary depending on location, business type, and risk exposure. A local agent, like the experienced team at Lindquist Insurance, can assess your current coverage and suggest any needed updates tailored to the Annapolis and Frederick regions. 1. Document and Protect Your Assets. Take an inventory of your equipment, supplies, and property. Back up digital records and store documents off-site or in the cloud. This speeds up claims processing in the event of a loss. 2. Create a Spring Storm Preparedness Plan. Include emergency contact lists, backup power sources, evacuation procedures, and a communication plan for employees and customers. 3. Schedule an Annual Insurance Checkup. Use the changing season as a reminder to reassess your business insurance needs. Your business evolves—and so should your protection. At Lindquist Insurance , we’re proud to serve the business communities of Annapolis and Frederick, MD. Our goal is to help you weather any storm with confidence, knowing you’re covered where it counts. Whether you run a waterfront shop in Annapolis or a growing service business in Frederick, our team is ready to help you find the right business insurance solutions for the spring season and beyond. Contact our business insurance specialists today for a free business insurance review or call us at (301) 694-0008 or visit www.lindquistinsurance.com. *** For more information on Maryland weather, visit the Weather US website .

How to Switch Car Insurance with Help from an Insurance Agent

By Ray Cogan • April 28, 2025

At Lindquist Insurance, we’re here to help you with your car insurance now and in the future. If you're thinking about switching your car insurance and live in Frederick, Annapolis, or Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to reach out. At Lindquist Insurance, our friendly local agents make the process simple, fast, and tailored to you. We’ll compare top providers, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way. Call Lindquist Insurance today at (301) 694-3008 or visit www.lindquisinsurance.com to request a free, no-obligation quote. We serve the Frederick, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, D.C. areas.