Prom season is here! As a livery vehicle operator, you are most likely booked for the next few weekends. Many parents opt for limousine transportation to ensure the safety of their teenagers going to and from the highly anticipated high school event.

While it may seem simple to take these kids to and from the prom, it is much more complicated than that. Have you considered the consequences of having drunk passengers? Have you thought about how you will handle any fights or issues that could break out among your passengers? Now is the time to put together a contract. Nothing is more important than covering your business from the worst case scenario. As your trusty livery insurance provider, we have put together a few tips to avoid any legal issues on prom night:

• Understand that while a student under the age of 18 can call and book the limousine, a parent or guardian must accompany him or her when you arrive at the residence (in order to sign contracts.)

• Consideration should be given to having all passengers as well as one of their parents sign a consent form. This form should state the following: there will be zero-tolerance for carrying any weapons, drinking, drug-use, fighting or misbehaving in the limo. That the parties agree that should anything like this occur, certain procedures, as described in the consent form, will be followed. Also, that each parent signing this agreement will be jointly and severally liable for damages and injuries sustained as a result of the failure to adhere to these procedures.

• We suggest you reserve the right to search anyone and any bags brought into the limousine for drugs, alcohol or weapons.

• Restrict the individuals allowed into the limousine to only those that have executed a consent form.

Taking these precautions will not only benefit your passengers, but your business as well. It is not uncommon for police officers and officials to set up “spot checks” and stop limousines. If your limo is inspected and underage teens are found with illegal substances, you will be held accountable!

At Wolpert Insurance, we want to make sure your business is ready to handle the worst case scenario. While prom should be carefree and fun, it may end up costing your company it’s reputation or money if you are not careful and prepared for the worst. The first step to safety: protecting your business with livery insurance. Feel free to contact our agency for a free quote!

Just to recap quickly, last week we discussed how to get noticed as a livery operator in order to expand your affiliate network. We shared everything from tips on how to stand out, such as arriving 15 minutes early and keeping your livery vehicle clean to being prepared to disclose your livery insurance information to affiliates in order to submit an application.

This week, we have put together a list of the three types of affiliate networks. It is important to know how each of these affiliate systems work!

#1: First program is a group of companies that know each other and share business back and forth. This is a casual program, with no contracts, applications or insurance certificates. Many times, this type of program exists in the same city or geographic area.

#2: The second program is much more formal than the first. It is a relationship between a network and affiliates bound by paperwork. They are considered “official affiliates” in the network database.

#3: The third program is a franchise agreement. This is the most formal program out of the three, mainly because it has the greatest benefits. The franchisee will benefit from this program by nationwide advertisement and access to the company computer system to place and receive orders. Talk about expansion!

Under terms, an operator can purchase a franchise from other companies. Once the initial investment is made, the franchise gives exclusive rights in a specific area and the ability to use the company logo and brand on your letterhead, business cards, website and vehicles. The livery driver will also be provided with a set of company manuals and procedures as well as corporate support of your operations for a monthly fee based on the percentage of sales.

Having a general overview of these three affiliate programs will benefit you as a livery operator.

At Wolpert Insurance, we want to make sure you are well-educated on all aspects of the livery business! We also want to make sure you are well protected. Be sure to grab a free livery insurance quote from us. We are ready to provide you with coverage such as automobile, workers compensation, general liability, employment liability and much more.

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Starting your own limousine business can be intimidating; especially with all the big guys you may be competing with! However, just because you are starting out small, does not mean you will not grow over time and make a name for yourself. The key: to get noticed and expand your affiliate network.

Once you have purchased your livery vehicle, have your livery insurance squared away and started advertising, it’s time to get noticed. Here are a few steps and tips:

• Always be 15 minutes early to a job to impress clients. If for some reason you are going to be late, it is your responsibility to call the network dispatch.

• Make sure your vehicles are always looking their best.

• Call upon large networks and establish yourself with them.

• When you call, be prepared to provide documentation and specific information in advance. This information will include: rate information, fleet information, company history, reference, etc.

• Ask to speak with an affiliate manager in order to receive an application package. Be prepared to disclose your livery insurance information, how long you have been in business, a copy of your authority to operate and client references.

• Never mention or market your own company when you are working for a network.

If you really want to get noticed, you will not mind going through these steps! While it may seem like a hassle, it is still worth a shot; it is a sure way to get noticed!

Remember, if you do get called upon and something goes wrong, the network will want protection from your insurance carrier. At Wolpert Insurance, we will be here to back you up 100% with our comprehensive livery insurance. Our program can include coverage such as automobile, workers compensation, employment liability, group automobile and much more. Contact us today for a free quote!

Accidents happen to the best of us, whether we drive a truck, convertible or livery vehicle. This is why we have coverage in place! As a livery vehicle operator, you know that your livery insurance will be there to take care of the damages and liability issues, but you do have your own set of responsibilities, too.

If you are involved in an accident and your livery vehicle is wrecked, it is important to remember a few things:

1. Make sure everyone is okay and call for medical attention if needed.

2. The livery operator MUST provide a full description of the facts and loss, as soon as possible.

3. Take photos of any physical damage to the other vehicles.

4. Secure law enforcement reports.

5. Always identify ALL parties to the loss (other drivers, occupants of your livery vehicle, other individuals, etc.)

6. Collect all witnesses and claimant’s personal information. The personal information you will need: insurance information, name, address, driver’s license, phone number.

7. Document and keep a record of all the time and expenses associated with the loss of vehicle, repair damages, tow and storage costs, deductibles, etc.

8. Comply with your company’s drug testing policy as soon as possible.

9. Notify Dispatch and arrange to have your client transported to their final destination if they are not injured.

Losing your livery vehicle will be an inconvenience, but having the proper livery insurance in place will make this incident much easier to deal with. Never hesitate to reach out to us at Wolpert Insurance. We would be happy to speak with you about your options and supply you with a free quote!

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