Advertising on vehicle

[JohnT]

I've been wanting to get some advertising put on the rear window of my truck. I called my insurance agent and spoke with a woman in his office asking if it would impact my insurance in any way. She informed me that it would not. However, I've read a couple of posts in the past that made reference to making sure you have the proper insurance if you plan to put advertising on your vehicle. Can anyone shed some light on this? (I need to know for sure; no speculation please :-).

[CaptainTom]

I've been away from the auto insurance rating game for a while, but things don't change that much. your vehicle is rated as private use or business use. Business use costs more. If you are already paying for business use, your position wouldn't be affected by a sign. If you put a business sign on your vehicle and you have a claim and the company finds out you were using your vehicle for business use, you MAY have a problem collecting.
I would get my agent to put it in writing, but that in itself does not indemnify the company.

[JohnT]

Thanks, Tom. My insurance policy is personal not business so I think I'll call my agent to run it by them again just in case.

[Wes]

I've thought about doing this myself, but it always comes back to this: Do I really want to put something on my vehicle that says, "I may or may not have a lot of really expensive gear in here." Sounds like it could be an invitation to have your vehicle broken into.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Wes

I've thought about doing this myself, but it always comes back to this: Do I really want to put something on my vehicle that says, "I may or may not have a lot of really expensive gear in here." Sounds like it could be an invitation to have your vehicle broken into.

I was thinking the very same thing.

If you decide to advertise on your vehicle (assuming the insurance works out), you might consider the magnetic signs that you can put on either side of your truck (or on the tailgate, etc.). They are non-marking and can be removed when you don't want to advertise that you might be toting your gear.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by Wes

I've thought about doing this myself, but it always comes back to this: Do I really want to put ...

my name and phone number on there? I mean, a license plate is bad enough, the way I drive.

[JohnT]

I've considered the theft issue, but I really need to get my name and number out there because I'm committed to making my business work and doing this thing full-time. The only way that's going to happen is through marketing (I already have a couple of print ads). The magnetic sign is a great idea, and I'll probably go that route when the time comes.

Thanks for all the replies!

[toverman]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I've considered the theft issue, but I really need to get my name and number out there because I'm committed to making my business work and doing this thing full-time. The only way that's going to happen is through marketing (I already have a couple of print ads). The magnetic sign is a great idea, and I'll probably go that route when the time comes.

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm in the same boat, partly because I won't have a day job in a few weeks.