There are few things more luxurious than renting a limousine. It is an experience that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.
While driving any vehicle comes with risk, limos add a unique element of risk that necessitates limousine insurance. Ask your limo company whether their drivers are contractors or employees.
Legal Requirements
Limousine rental services make money by charging clients a fee to use one of their vehicles for a fixed amount of time. The fees will vary by region and vehicle type. Some companies also offer package options to help customers choose the right vehicle for their event. Regardless of the type of limousine you choose to rent, there are several legal requirements that all limousine rental services must meet.
For-hire driver license
Almost all states require that limo drivers hold a commercial driver’s license, which is a special license that allows them to drive for hire. To obtain this license, you must pass a background check and undergo other tests. Some states also have age and experience requirements for limo drivers. If you want to start a limousine service, you must first get a for-hire driver’s license from your local police department.
Insurance
Limo businesses need to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in order to be legally licensed and operate their business. This insurance should cover the cost of medical expenses and death resulting from an accident. If you do not have sufficient insurance coverage, the state could revoke your license. You should also carry a certificate of auto insurance for each vehicle that you rent out.
Seat belts
In the wake of the tragic Schoharie limo crash, New York state passed a number of new laws relating to stretch limousines and other for-hire vehicles. These laws will take effect in 2021, and they will require all new stretch limousines to be equipped with safety belts for all passengers. They will also require that existing limousines be retrofitted with these safety features by January 1, 2023. In addition, the new law will require that all limousines display signs telling passengers to wear their seat belts during the ride.
Most limousine businesses will charge by the hour. The rates will vary by region and vehicle type, but you should have a clear idea of what your costs will be before starting the business. In addition to the monthly rental and fuel costs for each vehicle, you will need to factor in other business expenses like maintenance, repairs, and licensing fees.
Safety Measures
Limousines are fun to ride in and may provide an extra sense of luxury, but they should not be treated like a “party bus.” The same rules apply to riding in limousines as in any other vehicle. Drivers must remain focused on the road and not drink or use drugs while driving. It’s also important for passengers to wear seatbelts, even if they are seated in the back of the limo. It’s important to know the safety policies of a limo rental company before booking a vehicle. Ask a company about their screening process for chauffeurs, and request to see their driving license, insurance, state certifications, and other relevant documents. You should also check whether the chauffeurs are employees or contractors. Contractors do not have to undergo the same screening processes and do not receive the same pay and benefits as employees.
Some companies include alcoholic beverages in their quotes, but it’s best to ask about this. You should also find out how many drinks are included in the price. Some companies will charge for additional drinks, and others will only cover a certain amount of time.
It’s also a good idea to find out what kind of emergency equipment is available in the limousine. Some limos have first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and other emergency equipment to protect their passengers in case of a breakdown or an accident. You should also be sure to find out what the limo company’s response time is if an incident occurs.
Limousine accidents can happen, no matter how careful the drivers are. This is why limousine insurance is so important. It can help your clients reduce their risk and avoid expensive claims.
In the wake of tragedies such as the stretch limo crash in Schoharie, New York, lawmakers are introducing legislation to monitor and regulate the industry. These laws are aimed at preventing further accidents and reducing the number of deaths. They include measures to make it harder for limo drivers to hide or alter their driving records and to require limos to carry basic emergency gear, such as jumper cables, flares, and a first-aid kit.
Insurance
Limousine insurance can be expensive, but there are ways to lower your premium. You can start by hiring qualified drivers who have good driving records. You can also lower your rates by having a high deductible. These measures can help you save on your limo insurance, so you can afford to pay for any damage or accidents that may happen during the time you are using the vehicle.
As the owner of a limousine service, you need commercial auto insurance to cover your vehicles, employees and passengers. It’s important to have this coverage as it will protect you from financial disaster if an accident occurs. There are several types of commercial car insurance, including liability, collision and comprehensive coverage. Some policies also include employment practices liability, which protects you from claims of wrongful termination or discrimination.
Purchasing limo insurance can be complicated, but it’s essential to make sure you have all the proper coverage for your business. When an agent quotes you, he will look at several different factors to determine the risk your company poses. For example, your location and the size of your fleet play a big role in the price of your policy. The age and model of your vehicles should also be taken into account.
In addition to liability coverage, you will need a physical damage policy for your limousines. This type of coverage pays to repair your limousines if they are damaged by an accident or another event. It’s important to have this coverage because it can save you from having to pay for a new limousine if yours is damaged.
It is also crucial to have workers’ compensation and general liability coverage for your limo company. This type of insurance helps pay for the cost of medical bills and lost wages if an employee is injured while working on your limousines. Additionally, it can protect you from legal action if an employee is injured or killed on the job. The minimum requirements for workers’ compensation and general liability in your state will vary, but most require a minimum of $1 million in combined single limit (CSL) for bodily injury and property damage.
Contracts
When hiring a limousine company, it is important to read the contract carefully. This document includes the terms of service and will help to avoid any disputes that may arise during your event. Some important terms to look for include the cost of the limo, deposit requirements, cancellation policies, and specific services requested. It is also a good idea to have the agreement notarized to ensure its validity.
A reputable limousine company will have an extensive fleet that is able to accommodate different groups of people. Some companies have small vehicles that can hold two to three passengers while others have larger coach buses that can fit dozens of passengers. In addition, they should have a variety of features that you can choose from to customize your experience.
Another thing to consider is the legal structure of the business. The type of business entity you choose will impact your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements. There are several options, including sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, and limited liability company (LLC).
Whether your limousine company will charge by the hour or by mileage is another question to ask. Many limo rental companies will have a minimum booking time, after which they will begin charging for additional hours. You should also ask whether they have a travel time fee, which is charged for any trips that take place outside of the immediate service area.
You should also ask what happens if the vehicle breaks down or is damaged during your reservation. Make sure the company has a plan in place to get you back on your way as soon as possible. In addition, you should know if there is a fee for bringing in a replacement vehicle.
You can use a free limousine rental contract template from PandaDoc to create your own document. This customizable template includes tokens, which are pre-populated fields that save you time by automatically adding key details to your contract. You can easily customize this template using the menu on the right. Once you have completed the customization, click “Send” to send the contract to your client for signature.