There are several types of auto insurance out there. On top of special policies for dealers and traditional commercial auto insurance plans, there are also some for NEMT vehicles. These vehicles, all of which operate as non-emergency transports that take patients to and from doctors’ appointments and hospital procedures, fall into a category of their own.
As a result, standard commercial auto insurance won’t work for them. Here’s how the two differ.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Most people are familiar with commercial auto insurance because it’s very similar to the standard non-commercial plans. This type of insurance covers you when you’re driving a company-owned vehicle or are driving another car for business reasons only. It consists of options like liability, uninsured or underinsured drivers, collision, comprehensive coverage, and more. However, this type of insurance is only for standard businesses, not those that drive patients to appointments and function as non-emergency transportation vehicles.
NEMT Insurance
NEMT vehicles need different types of insurance that commercial auto policies just don’t cover. Not only do they operate differently, as they carry patients around instead of products, but they also have to meet a number of government regulations. What types of insurance do they need to have?
Medical Liability – Since NEMT vehicles transport patients, these companies need to have medical liability insurance. This way, should a passenger get injured in route (or once they get to their destination) and accuse the driver of harassment or neglect, the legal costs, fees, medical bills, and more will be covered.
Special Vehicle Add-Ons – Some NEMT vans or trucks have special equipment to lift wheelchairs or help passengers with walkers and canes get into the vehicle. These add-ons are covered by special insurance riders that go along with the other policies. They are designed to pay for repairs and other issues with the ramps and lifts.
Passenger Insurance – A little different than medical liability, passenger insurance is there should the NEMT vehicle end up in an accident. Any injuries, medical bills, and in some cases, missed wages, will ideally be covered by this insurance policy. It covers everyone in the vehicles, even the driver and other aides present.
What’s the Difference?
When you’re comparing commercial auto insurance and NEMT insurance, the largest difference is purpose. A NEMT vehicle handles people with medical issues, some of whom are in a delicate state. On top of the specialized purpose and modifications on the vehicles, NEMT insurance needs to cover everything from the patients and their medical needs to the items that they take with them, like wheelchairs and walkers. In order to have the proper amount of coverage, a NEMT company must have the right type of insurance. Otherwise, they are out of compliance and could end up losing their license to operate.
Have Questions? Contact Charlotte Insurance
Want to learn more about insurance for NEMT companies? Contact Charlotte Insurance. Our agents can explore and explain all available options and put together the insurance coverage plan your business needs.