Passenger transportation services are an integral part of the travel and transportation industry. They are used to transport people en masse, as well as privately and in small groups. Carrying passengers for compensation means your business will need insurance that is custom-tailored to meet your needs. At Integrity Insurance Agency, we help Topeka and Burlington area companies find public auto insurance that protects businesses, drivers, and passengers against the hazards of the road.
Businesses and Organizations Served
Many businesses operate on a public transportation service model. Examples include:
- Charter buses
- Municipal transportation buses
- Airport shuttle companies
- Taxis
- Ride-sharing companies such as Lyft and Uber
- Limousine operators
These are just a few examples of for-hire transportation services used by the public. There are also private transportation services that are offered to members or customers of an organization as a service of hospitality – often at little or no cost. Examples include:
- School buses
- Church buses
- Hotel shuttles
- Transportation services offered to residents of a nursing home or assisted living community.
Insurance is essential for all of these public auto services, although coverage needs and amounts may vary. Talk to an independent agent at Integrity Insurance to learn more about public auto insurance coverage needs and options for your specific business or organization.
Coverage Types and Options
Your public auto insurance should serve your business or organization well. It should cover the investment you made in your vehicles, as well as your passengers. It should also help protect your business against potential liabilities that arise as a result of shuttling passengers to their destinations. Without the right coverage, it is possible that your business could face financial hardship or even bankruptcy in the event of a major loss.
Liability Insurance
This type of coverage is mandatory for all motor vehicles in Kansas. It is designed to protect victims when you or one of your drivers is at-fault for an accident that results in bodily injury or property damage. This could be damage to another vehicle, damage to someone’s property, or injury to a driver or pedestrian. This coverage can help pay for third-party medical bills, court judgments, and out-of-court settlements when you are at-fault for an accident. It can also help you pay for legal defense if you are sued for liability damages, regardless of whether you win or lose your case.
Kansas requires motor vehicle operators to carry a minimum amount of coverage for bodily injuries and property damages, but businesses operating one or more vehicles for hire or as a public service typically need much more. Talk to your agent about the amount of coverage you may need, as well as whether a combined limit or split-limit policy better serve you.
Medical Payments Coverage
You are responsible for providing safe transport for your passengers. If they are injured in an accident while inside one of your company’s vehicles, it is essential that they get the medical care they need as soon as possible. Medical payments coverage assures they can seek medical attention and receive compensation for necessary medical bills up to the limits of your coverage. This type of insurance pays benefits to your passengers regardless of who is at fault for the injuries.
Physical Damages
You rely on your vehicle or fleet to benefit your business or organization, whether for direct ride sales profits or by providing an amenity for guests that entices them to utilize your other services. If your vehicle is damaged or destroyed, you could face financial loss. Physical damages insurance helps pay for the cost of repairing your vehicle after a covered event, whether it is a collision or some other incident, such as hail, wind, theft, or fire. If your vehicle’s damage repair costs exceed its value, insurance can compensate you for your loss, giving you funds to put toward the purchase of another vehicle. This can help assure the continuity of your business with minimal interruption to your cash flow.
Towing Coverage
Vehicles are often inoperable when involved in a collision. Whether you operate a fleet of large motor coaches, a few airport shuttle buses, or use your car for ride-sharing on the weekends, make sure you are covered for the cost of towing your vehicle to the nearest body shop.
Equipment and Accessories Coverage
If you drive a taxi, you likely have a meter in your car. If you have a large bus, there is a chance you carry a CB communications radio and perhaps some expensive navigation equipment to assure you can deliver your passengers to the final destination. Equipment and accessories coverage can help cover damages and loss of this expensive equipment and other types of accessories that your vehicles may be outfitted with.
Rental Coverage
You may need to borrow another vehicle for use while yours is being repaired after an accident. Rental coverage can help pay for temporary transportation replacement in certain situations that are covered by your insurance.
Protect Your Business with Insurance from Integrity Insurance
At Integrity Insurance Agency, we know the challenges and risks that business owners face, as well as drivers. When driving is part of your business, a typical business owners policy or auto insurance policy may fall short of your needs. That is why we recommend working with an independent agent who understands the importance of having insurance that is designed specifically for your industry and the hazards you face as a business owner on the road. Contact our office to find out more about public auto insurance and how we can help you save on the coverage you need today.
