Last week, we went over livery licensing rules and regulations. Another important aspect of these regulations would be capacity rules. As your trusty livery insurance provider, we would like to share these capacity rules with you so both you and your drivers do not face any legal issues.

First, a designated livery vehicle is permitted to have a capacity of 15 passengers or less. If you are driving a bus, there will be different rules pertaining to your fleet.

Second, if your vehicle has a capacity of nine passengers or more, you must file an application for the right to transport passengers for hire from the Transportation Division, Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy. You can find an application form on the Transportation Division website, which should be completed and mailed along with a check or money order for a $100 application fee (made out to the Transportation Division).

We at Wolpert Insurance believe that it is important to understand all rules and regulations that pertain to your livery business; from capacity laws to the proper coverage. Lucky for Massachusetts drivers, we offer comprehensive livery insurance designed specifically for your unique business. Be sure to speak with one of our experts about your options, including automobile insurance, workers compensation, general liability, umbrella insurance, employment liability and much more.

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As a livery operator, it is important to be aware of all livery rules and regulations to avoid running into any legal issues. Besides being covered with the proper livery insurance, it is important for your company vehicles to be properly licensed.

If you are not aware of this vital information, have no fear. Our experts at Wolpert Insurance have the facts right here for you:

• All livery drivers in Massachusetts MUST be licensed to drive the particular vehicle that they operator.

• The vehicle that you will be driving must be legal to transport passengers.

• You may register your livery vehicle with the RMV once you have obtained your Federal Tax ID number.

• You must purchase livery plates for the vehicle you will be using to transport passengers. The minimum payment will be $80 per vehicle.

• Vehicles that have seven or fewer passenger seats will be charged an additional fee of $6 per seat.

• Vehicles that have more than seven seats will be charged an additional $8 per seat.

For any other questions, concerns or simply more information, check out the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. All livery licensing issues can be handled through the RMV!

As for coverage, you can turn to us at Wolpert Insurance. We would be happy to discuss our policies designed specifically for your unique business. From automobile insurance to employment liability, our livery insurance policy will protect you from the worst case scenario!

With St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, now is a great time to discuss issues that may occur if you will be allowing passengers to drink in your livery vehicle. It is no secret that this weekend will be filled with drinking and celebrations. If you will be transporting people to and from bars, it is important to know what your responsibilities are.

At Wolpert Insurance, we are here to provide your company with the proper livery insurance. However, we are also here to keep you safe from the possible lawsuit that could arise from a simple mistake. Sadly, a simple mistake is what happened back in 2008 when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial court ruled that a limousine driver had the responsibility to prevent their passengers from drinking and driving.

The driver picked up several men at a bar in South Boston after a night of drinking at a bachelor party. The limo driver then drove them to a strip club in Rhode Island and even stopped to purchase more alcohol for the passengers, allowing them to drink in the limo. As the night came to an end, the driver dropped one man off at his car back in South Boston, knowing that he would be driving home while intoxicated. The consequence? One man was killed and several others were injured.

The victims of the crash attempted to sue the limo service for wrongful death and personal injuries because the driver should have simply known that the man would attempt to drive home drunk. While the trial court dismissed the case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court picked it back up and claimed that the limo driver had the responsibility to use reasonable care to avoid discharging its drunken passenger.

The bottom line: as a livery driver and operator, it is your full responsibility to make sure your passengers who have been drinking do not drive home drunk after being dropped off. Private carriers are required to exercise “reasonable care” to make sure that none of its intoxicated passengers are going to attempt to drive once the night comes to an end.

It is also your responsibility to be covered with livery insurance. At Wolpert Insurance, we offer comprehensive limo and livery insurance solutions for your unique business. Contact us for a free quote!

Purchasing a used vehicle may always seem like a gamble; buyers never know what they are getting into! This is exceptionally true when it comes to purchasing a used limousine. Unlike a family vehicle, livery vehicles go through much more rigorous routines, leaving more room for mechanical issues and damages. While you may have reliable livery insurance to fall back on, it is still a pain to have to deal with used-car issues.

Before you purchase a used livery vehicle, it is important to carefully check all items and parts. Here is a helpful list put together by the National Limousine Association to guide you through this process:

1. Engine: The most important part of the vehicle! It is important to listen for any odd noises, check for leaks, check the oil, coolant, all belts and hoses, warning lights that may be on and the cooling system.

2. Driveline and suspension: All drive links and carrier bearings should be properly lubricated. Check the springs, suspension bags, steering assembly, tires and brakes.

3. Exterior: Is the paint cracked or flaking? A new paint job may be necessary. Always check for any signs of rusting as well and do not forget the door handles!

4. Interior: The carpets, seats, belts and overall condition on the inside should still look new. Any signs of tearing, fading or worn-out items should raise a red flag.

5. Transmission: Always check all fluids and make sure there are no signs of leakage. When driving the vehicle, shifting should be smooth.

6. Electrical: All lights, switches, flashers, power seats, interior lights, stereos, TVs and warning signs should be properly working. It is also important to make sure all vents are clean and the air/heating systems are good to go. Your passengers will need to feel comfortable inside your limo.

If the used-vehicle passes this careful inspection, you should be good to go! This process may take time but it is much better to put in the effort now rather than dealing with a faulty vehicle down the line.

Once you have purchased your “new” vehicle, it is crucial to look into reliable coverage. At Wolpert Insurance, we can provide your company with our distinct livery insurance. We offer automobile coverage, workers compensation, employment liability, general liability and a variety of other products and services for your business. If you are interested in grabbing a free quote, do not hesitate to contact our insurance experts!

Good luck with your used-car search!

Purchasing a used vehicle may always seem like a gamble; buyers never know what they are getting into! This is exceptionally true when it comes to purchasing a used limousine. Unlike a family vehicle, livery vehicles go through much more rigorous routines, leaving more room for mechanical issues and damages. While you may have reliable livery insurance to fall back on, it is still a pain to have to deal with used-car issues.

Before you purchase a used livery vehicle, it is important to carefully check all items and parts. Here is a helpful list put together by the National Limousine Association to guide you through this process:

1. Engine: The most important part of the vehicle! It is important to listen for any odd noises, check for leaks, check the oil, coolant, all belts and hoses, warning lights that may be on and the cooling system.

2. Driveline and suspension: All drive links and carrier bearings should be properly lubricated. Check the springs, suspension bags, steering assembly, tires and brakes.

3. Exterior: Is the paint cracked or flaking? A new paint job may be necessary. Always check for any signs of rusting as well and do not forget the door handles!

4. Interior: The carpets, seats, belts and overall condition on the inside should still look new. Any signs of tearing, fading or worn-out items should raise a red flag.

5. Transmission: Always check all fluids and make sure there are no signs of leakage. When driving the vehicle, shifting should be smooth.

6. Electrical: All lights, switches, flashers, power seats, interior lights, stereos, TVs and warning signs should be properly working. It is also important to make sure all vents are clean and the air/heating systems are good to go. Your passengers will need to feel comfortable inside your limo.

If the used-vehicle passes this careful inspection, you should be good to go! This process may take time but it is much better to put in the effort now rather than dealing with a faulty vehicle down the line.

Once you have purchased your “new” vehicle, it is crucial to look into reliable coverage. At Wolpert Insurance, we can provide your company with our distinct livery insurance. We offer automobile coverage, workers compensation, employment liability, general liability and a variety of other products and services for your business. If you are interested in grabbing a free quote, do not hesitate to contact our insurance experts!

Good luck with your used-car search!