Insuring Non-Emergency Medical Patient Transportation Vehicles In FL

The FL passenger transportation insurance market is certainly comprised of a limited group of insurance companies.  It is even further restricted for certain classes such as non-emergency medical patient transportation (NEMT).

In Florida, there are two or three carriers at any one time that offer quotes for new-venture NEMT businesses.  One of the highest premium rates we typically see is for sedan/ private passenger type vehicles.  Minivans and full-size vans tend to go fare better in general.  Most preferred-tier  FL NEMT insurance companies seek a minimum of 3 years of prior commercial auto insurance to consider offering a quote.  Unfortunately, this means newly established NEMT companies must endure substantially higher premiums during those first three years.  Preferred insurance companies simply won't entertain applications from NEMT companies until they have proven themselves with three years of commercial auto insurance and demonstrated their quality of operations.

As stated above, the good news is that there are solutions to insuring new venture NEMT operations in FL. When calling around for insurance, be sure to communicate clearly that your operations will involve patient transportation.  Also, let agencies know in advance of any certificates of insurance that you would be possibly needing.  Some agents are in such a hurry to provide a quote, that they may not ask all the right questions. You don't want to find yourself having paid a down payment and a payment or two on a policy to find out that your insurance agency can't issue a certificate of insurance due to a conflict with the insurance company.  This is especially possible if an applicant's business name doesn't include the words "medical, patient, care" or other patient-transport related terms. 

Please contact our office via e-mail:  office@ticfonline.com, phone, FB or in person for a quote or with any questions. One of our team members would be happy to assist you.  There is also a "contact us" link on our web site for use in requesting a quote or submitting questions.




Ann Marie Sikes Bessire
President
Transportation Insurance of Central FL, Inc. (TiCF)
3850 Curry Ford Rd St A
Orlando, FL  32806
www.limoinsuranceofcfl.com
Twitter: ticfinsurelimotaxi
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TransportationInsuranceOfCentralFlInc/

Insuring Vehicles Used for Part-Time Ride Share in FL

As an insurance agency specializing in commercial auto insurance for vehicles used to transport passengers, we have certainly experienced the full spectrum of scenarios.  Today, I'd like to touch on  the part-time rideshare driver that just intends to driver a few hours each day. 

At last, there are some personal auto insurance companies that are coming around to allowing the rideshare exposure on their policies.  It is certainly a welcomed addition to our "toolbox" of options for our clients.  The insurer we work with has essentially added a modest surcharge to their regular premiums to allow the rideshare exposure.  However, it's important to watch for coverage limitations in place by the insurance companies.  The most relevant being that insurers will require confirmation from the rideshare service as to the driver's activity before an accident.  Insurers will typically not allow any other passenger transportation exposure outside of rideshare programs.  They essentially require absolute confirmation that their insured was driving for a rideshare program at the time of an accident. Any other scenario involving transporting of passengers for a fee would be grounds for a claims denial!   Any work outside of rideshare assigned trips, would involve purchasing a commercial auto policy specifically made for vehicle-for-hire exposures.

 I recently took an UBER ride from an area airport. I couldn't resist the urge to ask the driver regarding the insurance requirements for his area (Lake Mary/Sanford, FL). 
I was surprised to hear that he replied that there were not currently any insurance requirements other than maintaining a regular personal auto insurance policy!  To drivers, this must seem like an amazing opportunity!  They just get registered on-line with the rideshare program and start driving with little or no other costs needed.   However, they are not thinking of their own personal insurance policy terms and conditions.  Injured guests could elect to sue the driver as well the rideshare company.  Rideshare companies offer often up to $1 million of auto liability limits to their drivers, but with today's litigious society, $1 million may not be enough especially with multiple passengers.  Without at least the rideshare endorsement on their personal auto policy, they would not even have any legal defense from their policy.   This is not to say that we haven't received many calls in the last year from people trying to do the right thing and secure the correct insurance coverage for themselves. But I can't help but wonder how many more are out there without it?

Please contact our office with any questions:  office@ticfonline.com.  One of our experienced agents would be happy to assist!


Ann Marie Sikes Bessire
President
Transportation Insurance of Central FL, Inc.
3850 Curry Ford Rd Ste A
Orlando, FL  32806
407-380-9097
www.limoinsuranceofcfl.com

The Challenges with insuring low-speed vehicles for passenger transportation in FL.

Low-speed vehicles such as golf carts are often viewed my many as low-risk due to their limited speed capability.  However, there are certainly concerns regarding passenger safety with these types of vehicles.  A top concern would be the lack of doors, creating a scenario where a passenger could be bumped out of the vehicle if not properly buckled in.  Another is the lack of physical structure surrounding passengers to protect them from a possible impact with another vehicle. 

Continuing the list of insurability concerns is the introduction of possible intoxicated passengers needing rides while out for a night of fun.  Theses are the most susceptible to injury by far due to their affected state of mind.  Injuries rates are drastically increased even while travelling at a speed of less than 10 miles per hour. 

To my knowledge, only one insurance company that is accepting new-venture operations involving low-speed vehicles.  I am also aware of one other insurance company that will consider offering a quote on a case-by-case basis for applicants with at least two years of experience. TiCF represents both of the insurance companies mentioned.   The insurance market for low-speed vehicles is therefore, extremely limited in FL! 

The average per-vehicle insurance premium in FL is in the range of $6,500, but varies depending on the territory. 

Please contact us for more information if you are considering starting a low-speed vehicle transportation business.  One of our experienced representatives would be happy to assist you.

Ann Marie Sikes Bessire
President
Transportation Insurance of Central FL, Inc.
www.limoinsuranceofcfl.com