SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
WHAT ARE SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES?
School transportation services is an operation that companies can offer, sometimes referred to as ‘kiddie cabs’. This service typically entails a bus or shuttle picking up children from their school and being taken to their designated destination. Kids’ transportation services can remove a lot of pressure from parents who may work full-time jobs or who have scheduling issues.
What makes kids’ transportation services different from Uber or Lyft?
These transportation services are created with children in mind and ways to get them to their destination safely. Most kiddie cab drivers undergo a rigorous background check and continual monitoring to ensure the children’s safety.
Benefits of school transportation services:
Parents are continuously busy and a top challenge is getting their kids to all of their activities on time. Having school transportation guarantees kids are getting where they need to and parents can rely on dependable transportation.
Main Kids Transportation Considerations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers tips for operating passenger vehicle drivers.
1. Liability insurance is the minimum requirement for all school buses and motor vehicles being used to transport children. It’s highly encouraged to obtain more comprehensive plans to protect the children and your business better.
2. Making transportation for kids safe: some successful solutions are incorporating a comprehensive background check that involves fingerprinting, regular drug and alcohol testing, a thorough hiring process to ensure the employee is a good fit, extensive diver training, and incorporating safety technology (dashboard cams, GPS tracking, rider verification, etc.).
3. Some personal auto policies do not offer coverage for the business use of your personal vehicle. Depending on the insurance provider, transporting children may be considered business use.
4. Certain types of vehicles require different insurance policies as they’re categorized differently. Depending on the state, a vehicle that carries more than 10 people is considered a bus and warrants additional safety requirements. If transporting children with disabilities, a specially equipped vehicle will need to be purchased.
5. As with insurance policies, different classes of driver’s licenses might be required depending on the type of vehicle. All transportation services must follow state laws and specific insurance requirements.
6. Ensuring kids recognize their driver and vehicle is a top concern for parents. Ways to address this issue is to provide the driver and vehicle info (pictures & license plate number) and include a recognizable logo on the vehicle. Some parents request using a ‘code word’ that only the child, driver, and parent know offering them peace of mind.
The kids transportation industry can have a lot of unique risks, so having the right insurance policy will cover the costs of claims and protect your business. Biscayne Risk can help you find the right insurance policy for your transportation business and guide you through the process.
TOP RISK FACTORS
All businesses face risks that should be covered by insurance, regardless of industry. Kids’ transportation services face unique challenges that should be kept in mind.
Driver employment status (are they employees or contractors?)
Multiple underage passengers
Possible disabled passengers
Children hurting other children
Specific seat requirements (car and booster seats)
Vehicle maintenance
Children creating distractions
Property damage
HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
EMAIL | hello@biscaynerisk.com
HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU?
EMAIL | hello@biscaynerisk.com