This site uses cookies for analytics and to improve your experience. By clicking Accept, you consent to our use of cookies. Learn more in our privacy policy.

What Insurance Do NEMT Providers Need?

by

NEMT WAV

Recent Post

If you read our first article, you already know how important Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is for patients who rely on safe, dependable rides to medical care. Now let’s talk about what protects the providers behind those rides.

Running a NEMT business is about more than getting people from point A to point B. You are transporting elderly, disabled, and medically fragile passengers who depend on you for essential healthcare appointments. That level of responsibility comes with real financial and legal risk. Standard auto insurance simply is not built for this type of operation.

This is where commercial auto insurance for NEMT businesses becomes essential.

Why Proper Coverage Is So Important?

Operating a NEMT company carries unique risks that cannot be overlooked.

You Are Transporting Vulnerable Passengers

Even a minor incident such as a sudden stop, improper wheelchair securement, or a slip while boarding can result in serious injury. Specialized commercial insurance helps cover passenger injuries, medical expenses, legal fees, and potential settlements or judgments. Without adequate coverage, those costs could fall directly on your business.

Personal Auto Insurance Will Not Cover You

Personal auto policies almost always exclude commercial activity and transporting passengers for compensation. If an accident occurs while operating under a personal policy, the claim will likely be denied. A properly structured commercial auto policy ensures your vehicles and drivers are protected while conducting business.

State and Federal Requirements

Most states require NEMT providers to carry specific minimum liability limits before they can legally operate. Regulatory agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration often establish coverage standards for passenger carriers.

If you contract with Medicaid transportation brokers, hospitals, nursing homes, or dialysis centers, insurance requirements are typically higher. Many contracts require one million dollars or more in liability coverage, along with general liability and workers’ compensation. Without proper coverage, you may face fines, suspension, contract termination, or even loss of operating authority. Without proper coverage, you may not qualify for high-value contracts.

Protection Against Lawsuits

The NEMT industry carries substantial legal exposure. Common claims include improper wheelchair securement, driver negligence, and failure to properly assist passengers.

Even if your company is not at fault, defending a lawsuit can be expensive. Comprehensive commercial coverage helps protect your company’s assets and reputation.

Vehicle Protection Matters

NEMT vehicles are often specially modified with wheelchair lifts, ramps, stretcher systems, and securement equipment. These vehicles represent a major investment. Physical damage coverage, including collision and comprehensive, helps cover repair or replacement costs due to accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather damage.

It Builds Trust and Credibility

Healthcare providers and families trust you with their loved ones. Proper commercial insurance demonstrates professionalism, compliance, and long-term stability. It also allows you to provide Certificates of Insurance when required by brokers and healthcare facilities.

In a competitive industry, strong coverage signals that your company is serious about safety and accountability.

What Does Insurance for NEMT Typically Cover?

While policies can vary, NEMT companies should consider:

At NEMT Insurance, policies are structured to reflect the real risks NEMT providers face. Understanding what is and is not included in your policy is critical.

Every operation is different. Coverage should be customized based on fleet size, vehicle type, services offered, and contract requirements.

Insurance Trends Since 2020

Insurance costs across the commercial auto industry have increased due to rising medical expenses, repair costs, and larger legal settlements. NEMT providers are seeing a stricter review of safety practices.

Insurers now pay close attention to driver training, background checks, maintenance records, and overall safety programs. Many providers are implementing GPS tracking, dash cameras, and driver monitoring systems to reduce accidents and demonstrate strong risk management. Companies that can show consistent safety practices are in a better position when negotiating coverage.

What Happens Without Proper Coverage?

Operating without adequate insurance can lead to denied claims, out-of-pocket legal costs, fines, contract losses, and serious damage to your business reputation. One uninsured claim has the potential to threaten the survival of your company.

In this industry, protecting people starts with protecting your business.

Final Thoughts

As demand for NEMT services continues to grow, so does the responsibility placed on providers. Commercial auto insurance for NEMT businesses is not just a box to check. It is a foundation for compliance, financial stability, and long-term success.

If you are starting an NEMT company or reviewing your current policy, now is the time to make sure your coverage is structured correctly.

Ready to review your insurance coverage or request a quote? Contact our team today to make sure your business is fully protected and positioned for growth.

Review Coverage
Request Quote

What Is NEMT? Understanding Non-Emergency Medical Transportation and Who It Serves

by

NEMT WAV client loading

Recent Post

Getting to a doctor’s appointment sounds simple until you don’t have a car, can’t drive, or need special help just to get from your front door to the doctor office. That’s where Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, or NEMT, comes in.

NEMT is an essential part of the healthcare system that helps people get to and from medical care safely and on time. It may not be as visible as ambulances or emergency rooms, but for millions of patients, it’s the difference between receiving care and missing it altogether.

What Is Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)?

Non-emergency medical transportation refers to pre-scheduled rides for people who need help traveling to medical appointments but are not in a life-threatening situation. These trips can include visits to:

  • Doctor’s offices and clinics
  • Dialysis and cancer treatment centers
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Pharmacies
  • Urgent care and hospital discharge appointments

Unlike emergency ambulances, NEMT vehicles do not use sirens or lights. The focus is on comfort, accessibility, and reliability rather than speed. Most NEMT trips are planned in advance and follow a set pickup and drop-off schedule.

NEMT is a critical benefit under Medicaid in the U.S. and accounts for an estimated 60–65% or more of total NEMT demand (NEMTGC). In addition, many Medicare Advantage plans now include transportation as part of their benefits. In 2024, 36% of Medicare Advantage plans and 91% of Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans offered transportation for medical appointments, showing just how important access to care has become(SafeRideHealth).

How NEMT Works?

The process is usually simple for the patient. A ride is scheduled through a health plan, care coordinator, or transportation service. A trained driver arrives at the scheduled time, assists the passenger if needed, and transports them to their appointment. After the visit, the driver returns them home or to another approved location.

The goal is consistency and dependability, getting patients where they need to be, when they need to be there, without added stress.

Types of NEMT Vehicles

NEMT providers use different types of vehicles based on patient needs, including:

  • Sedans, minivans, and SUVs for ambulatory passengers
  • Wheelchair-accessible vans with lifts or ramps
  • Stretcher vehicles for patients who cannot sit upright

These vehicles are equipped to handle mobility devices and provide a safer ride than a standard personal car or rideshare for patients who need extra support.

Who Benefits from NEMT?

NEMT serves a wide and diverse group of people, including:

  • Seniors who no longer drive
  • Individuals with physical or developmental disabilities
  • Patients without access to a reliable vehicle
  • People without a driver’s license
  • Those recovering from surgery or injury
  • Patients who use wheelchairs or need stretcher transport

More than 40% of rural patients rely on NEMT services, where long distances and limited public transportation make getting to medical care especially challenging (globalgrowthinsights).

While family and friends often want to help, their vehicles may not be equipped to safely transport someone who uses a wheelchair or has limited mobility. NEMT fills this gap by providing properly equipped vehicles and trained drivers.

Why NEMT Matters?

Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to healthcare. Missed appointments can lead to delayed treatment, worsening conditions, and higher healthcare costs. By offering dependable rides, NEMT helps patients stay on track with their care plans and attend routine and ongoing treatments.

Since 2020, the role of NEMT has become even more important. An aging population, the rise of chronic conditions, and a greater focus on outpatient care have all increased the need for reliable medical transportation. Healthcare providers and insurance plans now recognize transportation as a key part of overall patient well-being.

NEMT vs. Rideshare or Taxi Services

While rideshare and taxi services are convenient, they are not designed for medical needs. NEMT drivers are trained to assist passengers with mobility challenges, and vehicles are equipped for wheelchairs, walkers, and stretchers. Trips are also coordinated with healthcare schedules and follow safety and compliance standards that general transportation services do not.

The Growing Role of NEMT in Healthcare

Today, NEMT is more than just a ride. It is a support service that helps people access care, stay independent, and maintain their quality of life. With Medicaid requiring NEMT coverage, Medicare Advantage expanding transportation benefits, and rural and aging populations relying heavily on these services, the industry continues to grow as a critical part of the healthcare system.

What’s Next?

Behind every safe and reliable NEMT trip is a transportation provider responsible for passengers who may be vulnerable or medically fragile. This is where specialized insurance and safety standards come into play.

In our next article, we’ll take a closer look at what insurance is needed for NEMT businesses and why it’s essential for medical transportation providers, and how it protects both patients and the businesses that serve them.

Telematics in Action: Improving Safe Driving and Fleet Performance for NEMT

by

Telematics Data on vehicle window

Recent Posts

Running a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) fleet comes with unique challenges. Fleet owners must ensure passenger safety, maintain vehicle reliability, and keep costs under control while meeting strict scheduling demands. With drivers often managing multiple trips per day, even small inefficiencies or unsafe driving behaviors can lead to higher risks, increased insurance costs, and dissatisfied clients. For many fleet owners, finding a balance between safety, efficiency, and service quality can feel like a constant uphill battle.

What is Telematics?

Fleet safety has come a long way beyond seatbelt reminders and defensive driving courses. Telematics combines telecommunications and data to provide real-time insights into vehicle health, driver behavior, and overall fleet performance. It is more than just GPS tracking. When used effectively, telematics can identify the causes of accidents, reveal potential risks, and help drivers develop safer habits, making your entire fleet more secure and efficient. For NEMT companies, the technology of telematics provides valuable insights into fleet operations, improving efficiency and service quality.

How Telematics Enhances NEMT Fleet Performance

📌 Driver Behavior Monitoring

Gain real-time insights into speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. These alerts allow managers to coach drivers and reduce risky behaviors that can jeopardize passenger safety.

🔧 Vehicle Health Tracking

Spot maintenance issues before they become costly breakdowns. Keeping vehicles in peak condition ensures passengers reach their appointments safely and on time.

🗺️ Route Optimization

Analyze travel data to identify the most efficient routes, helping drivers cut down on delays and reducing fuel consumption.

🛡️ Incident Analysis

In case of an accident or passenger complaint, telematics provides objective data to understand what happened, protecting both drivers and the company.

📋 Accountability and Training

Create a culture of accountability by using data-driven feedback to support driver training programs and reward safe performance.

📷 Dual Facing Cameras

Cameras are the cornerstone of a comprehensive safety management program.  Current inward facing technology identifies cell phone usage (57% of today’s accidents), drowsiness, unsafe lane changes, stop sign violations and more for driver coaching.  Current outward facing technology provides forward collision warning and detailed video review of factors contributing to an accident which helps create a defense against fraudulent claims.

Impact on NEMT Businesses

Incorporating telematics into NEMT operations yields tangible and significant benefits:

  • Crash Reduction & Cost Savings: 72% of fleet operators report that using telematics with driver training led directly to fewer crashes and claims. Additionally, about 25% have seen lowered insurance premiums due to fewer violations and accidents.1
  • Widespread Adoption & Safety Culture: Over 90% of fleet operators now view telematics as essential to their safety plan, and more than half acknowledge a notable positive impact on safety initiatives.1
  • Accident Frequency Drops: Fleets using telematics have experienced a 22% reduction in vehicle accidents and a 25% drop in insurance claims.2
  • Lower Operating Costs: Businesses report an average 12% fuel savings. Maintenance costs drop by about 30%, and vehicle downtime is reduced by approximately 20%.2
  • Boosted Productivity: Better routing and utilization result in a reported 15% boost in daily productivity.2
  • Improved Driver Satisfaction: Around 28% of fleets note improvements in driver retention and satisfaction—drivers feel safer, more supported, and valued.1

Final Thoughts

The most effective use of telematics data for NEMT businesses lies in its power to deliver real, measurable improvements across safety, cost-efficiency, and operational performance. By combining real-time insights with proactive strategies, fleet owners can reduce risks, improve driver performance, and ultimately provide passengers with a smoother, safer transportation experience. For NEMT companies, adopting telematics is more than a technology upgrade; it’s an investment in safety, efficiency, and customer trust.

If you’re ready to take the next step in strengthening your fleet’s safety and efficiency, our team is here to help. Reach out to our team today to see how telematics can transform your NEMT operations and protect your business for the future.

Footnotes

  1. Samba Safety ↩︎
  2. Business Outstanders ↩︎

NEMT Summer Safety: Driving During Hot Weather 

by

Cars driving down the interstate on a hot day with car maintenance symbol green.

Recent Posts

As spring turns to summer, NEMT drivers and fleets face a new set of challenges. With much of the U.S., especially the Northeast, Midwest, and West, expected to see above-average heat this year1, it’s more important than ever to prepare your vehicles and routes. Summer heat not only impacts vehicle performance, but it can also put vulnerable passengers at risk. From overheated interiors to sudden mechanical issues, warm weather can quickly turn a routine trip into an emergency. This blog offers safety tips to help you protect your passengers and your fleet during the hottest months. 

The Risks of Hot Weather for NEMT Drivers 

NEMT drivers often transport patients who are elderly, disabled, or have medical conditions that make them more sensitive to heat. High cabin temperatures can cause fatigue, dizziness, or even heatstroke for both passengers and drivers2. Vehicle issues also spike in summer: tire blowouts, overheated engines, and weak batteries are all more likely when temps soar3. For fleets operating on tight schedules, these risks can lead to delays, breakdowns, and safety concerns. Being proactive about safety can reduce downtime and ensure comfort for everyone onboard. 

Getting Your NEMT Vehicle Ready

Preparation is key to staying safe. Start with your tires, check for wear and ensure they’re properly inflated to handle hot pavement3. As ambient air temperatures rise, so will tire pressure even if air is not added to the tires. Top off coolant and engine fluids and test your A/C system before daily routes34. Make sure accessibility features like lifts and ramps are working smoothly, even in high heat2. Stock your vehicle with emergency water bottles, a first-aid kit, and extra medical supplies your passengers might need during long rides. A well-prepped NEMT vehicle is safer, more reliable, and far more comfortable during heatwaves. 

Smart Driving & Heat Safety Tips for NEMT Fleets

To keep passengers safe, plan routes with shaded stops or indoor pickup/drop-off points whenever possible. If you can schedule rides during the cooler morning hours, do so2. If not, keep the vehicle cooler by parking in the shade, pre-cooling the cabin before picking up passengers. Keep an eye on weather alerts and allow for extra time on high-heat days. Most importantly, check in on passengers throughout the ride to monitor for signs of heat stress. If anyone is exhibiting signs of life-threatening heat stress, dial 911 immediately. With smart planning, summer safety becomes part of your standard service, and your passengers will thank you for it. 

Footnotes/References 

  1. The Weather Channel, U.S. Summer Outlook 2025. 
  1. Stellar Transport, Summer Safety for NEMT Drivers.  
  1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Summer Driving Tips PDF.  
  1. AAA Magazine, Summer Driving Safety Tips. 

Steer Clear of Deer

by

Deer crossing sign on open road in the forest

Recent Posts

It’s that time of year…… yep you guessed it, it’s deer season. Peak deer activity season occurs during the Fall and early Winter months. This makes Fall the time of year that you need to be most vigilant and alert while driving.

There are two main reasons why drivers may see more deer along the roads during the Fall & early Winter months:

Analog clock - hour hand going backwards to signify daylight savings time
  • Time Changes: As we begin to “Fall Back” for daylight savings times, peak driving hours for most drivers on the road tend to fall during the same hours which deer are most active, dawn & dusk.
  • Mating Season: Mating season for deer occurs between October and late December, depending on location. Male deer go into “rut” and start searching for mates. This mating increases their activity and distances they travel, bringing them in contact with more roadways.

The following are some tips and information to help avoid potential collisions with deer during this time of the year:

  • Time of Year: While the Fall months are peaking breeding season, deer-car collisions can occur anytime of year. During Fall breeding season, deer movement increases bringing them in contact with roadways that cross their natural habitats. Road shoulders generally provide beneficial food plants. Deer are attracted to these plants in late-winter, early spring and late summer.
  • Time of Day: As deer are most active at dawn and dusk, they are typically seen along roads during early morning and late evening hours, at the same time most people are commuting to and from work.
  • Deer Are Unpredictable: Remember deer are wild and therefore can be unpredictable. A deer calmly standing on the side of the road may bolt into the road rather than away from the road when startled by a vehicle.
2 deer family
  • One Deer Usually Means Multiple: Take caution and slow down when a deer crosses the road in front of you. Deer usually travel in groups, so it is likely that others may follow. If you see a deer cross up ahead be alert for others.
  • Minimize Damage: If it is too late to avoid a collision with a deer, drivers are advised to slow down as much as possible to minimize damage. Do NOT swerve to avoid the deer if collision is inevitable, as this may cause further damage, sending drivers off the road or a collision with another vehicle.

Drive Safe this Deer Season and Steer Clear of Deer.

Drowsy Driving is a Leading Cause of Accidents

by

male drowsy inside a car

Recent Posts

Almost everyone has heard of the fatal implications of distracted driving, most notably by using handheld electronic devices. The accident statistics emanating from distracted driving are so concerning and compelling that most states have enacted prohibitions on the use of handheld electronic devices while actively driving a motorized vehicle. Unfortunately, the focus on distracted driving has largely mitigated awareness of another hazard of equal calamity: DROWSY DRIVING. Drowsiness mimics alcohol-impaired driving in many ways as it leads to slower reaction times, impaired attention, mental processing, judgment, and decision making. Certain studies attribute drowsy driving as a contributor in 20% of all fatal accidents and 33% of all accidents!!!

Sleepiness is an inescapable biological phenomenon that has drastic effects on the mind and body. Whether sleepiness is caused by sleep restriction due to a baby crying all night, a late shift at work, a teenager staying up all night with friends, health issues such as sleep apnea and medications, or our natural circadian rhythm – the negative outcomes can be the same. Most importantly, the longer someone remains awake, the more probable the negative outcomes become. Sleepiness, without fail, results in cognitive and behavioral changes that can contribute to diverse negative outcomes including automobile crashes, poor school performance, accidents at work, and other long-term physical and mental health consequences. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) declared that reducing fatigue-related accidents was one of its most wanted transportation safety improvements. Drowsy driving is a controllable behavior that drivers can mitigate if given sufficient information and motivation.  

HOW TO AVOID DRIVING DROWSY

  • Getting adequate sleep on a daily basis is the only true way to protect yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy.
  • Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
  • Always check your prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to see if drowsiness could result from their use.
  • Avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight – 6 a.m. and late afternoon).
  • Drinking coffee or energy drinks alone is not always enough. They might help you feel more alert, but the effects last only a short time, and you might not be as alert as you think you are. If you drink coffee and are seriously sleep-deprived, you still may have “micro sleeps” or brief losses of consciousness that can last for four or five seconds. This means that at 55 miles per hour, you’ve traveled more than 100 yards down the road while asleep. That’s plenty of time to cause a crash.
  • If you start to get sleepy while you’re driving, drink one to two cups of coffee and pull over for a short 20-minute nap in a safe place, such as a lighted, designated rest stop. This has been shown to increase alertness in scientific studies, but only for short time periods.

Drowsy driving has most likely happened to everyone reading this article.  Sleepiness is a natural, biological outcome, occurring daily as our bodies are telling us to rest.  It’s imperative that drivers heed warning to this naturally occurring hazard and make decisions to avoid driving drowsy. NEMT Insurance is committed to helping educate our clients on hazards that can lead to accidents and the resulting heartache and financial implications. 

As the only insurance source completely dedicated to the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation industry, we are uniquely qualified to help you protect your business.

Let’s Talk Business

Why a Real Relationship With Your Insurance Agent Is Critical to Your Success

by

When searching to purchase insurance, most people ask a friend “Where did you buy your insurance?”. Unfortunately, most people do not dive any deeper than this when selecting an insurance professional to represent their business to the marketplace. However, this can be a crucial mistake, especially when navigating a highly competitive insurance marketplace where insurers notoriously try to provide highly constricted and conditioned coverage.  

We have all experienced some sort of heartache after making a purchase of goods, services or even insurance. So how do we negate this heartache down the road, specifically as respects insurance products and services?  It requires the investment of time to interview potential representatives to discern their level of experience and expertise. The following are some simple questions to help illuminate the agent’s abilities very quickly.

Recent Posts

Q: “How many and what specific insurance carriers do you represent that serve my industry?”

Ideally, you want this answer to be more than five insurance carriers, so you know that your business is being evaluated by a broad array of underwriters. If the agent advises that they only have access to one insurance carrier for your class of business, this is a red flag and not indicative of an agent that has the ability to position your company in the best possible manner. Why, may you ask? The answer is because this would be equivalent to “placing all your eggs in one basket” and hoping the one insurance carrier provides a coverage offering at a price you find acceptable and that is fair. Working with an agent who has access to multiple insurance carriers will increase your chances of obtaining proper coverage and services that are affordable.

Q: “How many years have you worked in my industry and how many customers do you represent?”

Ideally, you want this answer to be more than five years and more than 25 industry specific customers. If the agent advises that they have only started working in the industry a few months earlier and currently represent two customers, this is a red flag and not indicative of an agent that has the ability to position your company in the best possible manner. Why, may you ask? The answer is because there are important service and coverage nuances that have massive protection implications, and it simply takes time and experience to learn these elements. Working with an agent who has years of experience, and many industry specific customers heightens the probability that they have learned these nuances and will be able to negotiate with the insurance carriers in the most assertive way to ensure that your company is properly protected.

“Tell us about your customer service acumen and offerings.”

There is a broad array of subjects to be considered in their response to this inquiry, from tactical time sensitive marketing (application) procedures to a general feel for how they communicate. Do they have a thorough client service checklist including timelines? Are they willing to listen to you and take the time to understand the unique characteristics of your business? Are they collaborative and educational, or domineering over the phone or in an email exchange? Agents who are organized, patient and willing to listen and collaborate will go the extra mile to help you navigate the entirety of the insurance procurement process and subsequent follow up services: timely and accurate billing, prompt issuance of the insurance contracts and endorsements, direction when accidents occur, and more.

            Using these questions can help you identify great agents that you can work with for years to come. NEMT Insurance understands and values great agents. As a result, we only contract with a select few trusted agents nationally who are dedicated to the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation industry, have decades of experience, represent hundreds of industry customers, and have well-staffed professional teams. If you are a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation company, NEMT Insurance looks forward to working with you through one of our professional intermediaries. 

As we only work in the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation industry, we are uniquely qualified to be your commercial insurance source.

Let’s Talk Business

The Simple Things

by

In business school I was introduced to the concept of KISS, no not the rock band but a management perspective designed to help processes remain on track: KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. The author’s view was that while all businesses are complex organisms, if management could literally keep things as SIMPLE as possible the greater the probability the individual jobs would be completed successfully, and when “added up”, the organization’s mission would have a greater probability of success. 

What does KISS have to do with Non-Emergency Medical Transportation?  In a word, “everything”.  NEMT transportation providers and their individual drivers work in a hyper credentialled world (think RED TAPE and far from KISS). Further, their work environments are in a constant state of transition due to the traffic, weather, passenger malady, required level of assistance and more. Again, far from KISS.

Recent Posts

The KISS Principle in NEMT Transportation

So, if we live and work in this complex world, how do we use the concept of KISS in our NEMT transportation business? We all know that insurance costs are a major expense for transportation providers and the number one reason businesses fail. As a result, we have to focus on what drives the cost of insurance keeping in mind that insurance companies are not philanthropic and commercial automobile is the worst performing line of insurance they write.

The industry we work in is hazardous, we are in fact transporting people with known medical maladies.  We really have no ability to change that, but we do have the ability to absolutely control three things that if done properly will ensure the highest probability for our success:

  1. Wear our seat belts and remind all passengers to do the same, constantly.  This one simple act saves lives and limits physical injury when a vehicle is in an accident.
  2. Obey the speed limit.  Purposefully focus on obeying the speed limit.  It’s going to seem weird and slow initially as we’re constantly conditioned to exceed the speed limit.
  3. Allow for appropriate following distance.  We are advised to allow for a car length spacing for every 10 MPH.  If you’re travelling 50 MPH you should have 5 vehicle lengths of space between your vehicle and the vehicle you are following, allowing you the necessary reaction time for whatever is happening in front of your vehicle.  The number one type of automobile accident is the rear end collision, which can be avoided by allowing proper following distance.

If we focus on KEEPING IT SIMPLE STUPID in these three ways, we will have a much-heightened probability of operating our business successfully and keeping the world safer while doing so.

Safe Driving – Back to School

by

School bus entering bust road

Recent Posts

Planning, being alert and choosing defensive driving actions, will ​keep you and your passengers safe!

School speed limit - 20mph when flashing
  • Know the speed limit – Not all school zones have the same speed limit.  Look for the posted signs and respect them. If children run out into the road, the slower speed will give you more time to react to avoid an accident.
  • Put down the phone – Driving and phones do not mix. It is crucial that drivers are being vigilant and alert. Children can get easily distracted and may not pay attention as they cross a street.
Girl and boy students walking on cross walk
  • Watch for pedestrians – Crosswalks near school zones are particularly busy before and after school, but not all of them have crossing guards and not all students will wait to cross at the proper time. Drive slowly and watch for pedestrians crossing the road or walking in the road. 
  • Go slowly past parked cars – Children can appear seemingly out of nowhere when they run out from between parked cars to cross the street. Keep your eyes active to scan for movement not just on the street and sidewalk but between parked vehicles.
  • School bus safety – Be prepared to stop for a bus loading and unloading children and maintain a safe distance of 30 feet from a stopped school bus. Know the exact school bus laws in your state. 
Check School Bus Laws

Created by DDS Risk for NEMT Insurance

Renewing Insurance – The Art of War

by

The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military instruction book that has been followed by the most successful militaries ever since its publication.  The principal concepts of the book are that the battle is won or lost before the first shot is taken due to thorough and detailed planning, or lack thereof.  Managing your commercial insurance renewal is stressful, but if you embrace a well-planned process and strategy, you will no doubt yield the best outcomes that the market will provide, while feeling much less stress and greater awareness.  The following steps should be a part of your insurance renewal plan:

  1. Start early, but not too early.  Many companies literally hate the insurance renewal process and put it off as long as possible, literally a few days or weeks before the current coverage expires.  The ideal time to start working on your insurance renewal is 60 days in advance of the renewal.  The reason being is that most insurance companies will require both loss runs and MVR’s to be no older than 60 days before renewal.
  2. Ensure the quality and accuracy of your data.  Just as if you are going to the bank for a loan, if you walk in with scattered information on a napkin, versus a thorough, well organized business plan and financials, the outcome will be equally different with your insurance renewal.  Obtain your historical loss runs and MVR’s, assemble your driver and vehicle schedules and review them for accuracy BEFORE submitting them to any insurance carrier.  Underwriters are evaluating the presentation, accuracy, and thoroughness of the data as much as the data itself.
  3. Create and prioritize your renewal goals.  Sure, everyone wants the absolute lowest price, but you should evaluate where you are and be sure you understand where you want to go.  Specifically, what agent and insurance carrier are you currently working with?  Are they responsive to your service requests?  Are they prompt and accurate in dealing with your premiums?  Return premiums? Vehicle changes? Driver changes?  What coverages are protecting you now and how can they be improved?  What services are the agent or insurance carrier providing other than the policy itself?  How are claims being handled?  Are you kept abreast of claim development?  The list can be endless, but if you know where you are wanting to go the probability of getting there dramatically increases.      

Purposefully and professionally managing your insurance renewal will absolutely lead to the best outcomes the market can yield, giving you much greater control while meaningfully lowering the stress of the process.  A well-qualified agent will guide you through the process quickly and professionally.