What criteria do insurers primarily use to assess goods-carrying vehicles?

Insurers primarily assess goods-carrying vehicles based on the carrying capacity or plated weight because this criterion directly impacts the potential risk and liability associated with operating the vehicle. The carrying capacity indicates the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to transport safely, which helps insurers evaluate the risk level in terms of accidents, damage, and potential claims.

Different levels of carrying capacity may correspond with varying types of loads and usage scenarios, influencing the likelihood of vehicle wear, the potential for accidents, and even the cost of repairs. The plated weight, which includes the maximum weight specified by the manufacturer, includes the vehicle itself plus any load, playing a significant role in underwriting decisions.

Other factors mentioned, such as vehicle color, passenger seating capacity, or model year, may have some relevance in specific underwriting circumstances, but none are as crucial as carrying capacity in the context of goods-carrying vehicles. The focus is primarily on the vehicle's operational role and the risks associated with the type of goods it carries.