As a livery vehicle operator, it is important that you are able to tackle a variety of possible situations, from handling a breakdown on the highway to filing a livery insurance claim in the event of an accident. As your insurance experts, we are always here to help you file a claim, but we want to help you in other areas, too! That being said, today we want to focus on the steps you should take in the event of a breakdown on the highway.
First and foremost, it is important for all passengers to exit the vehicle. All passengers should get out of the vehicle and stand BEHIND the car. If you have passengers standing in FRONT of the vehicle, they may be at risk if another car hits the back of the vehicle by accident. The last thing you need is an injured person during this time.
Next, it is important that you use markers to alert traffic. You are required to have at least three markers in your vehicle for situations like this. Each marker must be properly spaced, especially if the breakdown has occurred near a hill. You must make your breakdown visible enough for other drivers!
At this point, you will need to call for a tow-truck. If you have a specific tow truck company you deal with, even better. If you will be waiting on the side of the road for quite some time, it may be best to contact another driver to pick up your passengers. Having back-up will look professional; your passengers are sure to appreciate this, especially if they are on a schedule!
Knowing what to do and having the necessities in your vehicle will make this entire process much easier. As for those necessities, you should be equipped with: three markers, shovel (for the winter), gloves, a spare tire, coats, blankets, etc. Having these on hand is sure to make breaking down a little less painful for both you and your passengers.
At Wolpert Insurance, we want to make sure you are ready to handle the worst case scenario. This is exactly why we are here to offer tips, advice and coverage. If you are interested in receiving a free livery insurance quote from us, do not hesitate to call! We would be more than happy to provide you with one or answer any questions you may have about the options we offer (from general liability to automobile coverage).