Bus operators and contractors are dedicated to providing safe transportation for more than 25 million students each year, accounting for over half of all those who attend school throughout the United States. And while school buses are remarkably safe - students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely in a school bus compared to traveling by car - there is always a risk of mishap. To protect against the various exposures associated with transporting children to school, quality school bus contractor insurance coverage is a must.
There are several important factors to consider when comparing insurance companies for the right liability coverage. First and foremost, it's important to understand that different states require school buses to have different liability coverage to meet their specific regulations. Once you have identified providers who can meet those regulations, the next step is to choose the best possible fit for your client's needs.
Trust PHLY for School Bus Contractor Insurance Coverage
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is well known for our financial stability and wide range of coverage options. We have an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best - the highest rating they offer - as well as an A+ rating from Standard & Poor's. In addition to over 60 years of leadership in the industry, PHLY is a clear choice in many niche insurance markets. But what makes PHLY unique in the marketplace of school bus contractor insurance?
While there are many reasons to choose Philadelphia Insurance Companies for school bus contractor insurance coverage, our experience in this niche, our extensive risk management program, and outstanding customer service are clear assets to the school bus fleets and private contractors we cover.
1. Decades of Experience
The needs of school bus contractors are unique within the auto insurance industry, and the value of an experienced team cannot be underestimated. Our team brings over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry and has been insuring schools, daycares, and churches for decades. We combined this experience with a careful study of the needs of bus contractors, public and private schools to develop our comprehensive and competitive school bus insurance product.
At PHLY, we understand the nuances of school bus liability exposure and can provide customized coverage to meet the unique needs of our policyholders.
2. Robust Risk Management Program
One particular area that our experience shines is in our robust risk management program. This program includes:
- PHLYTRAC
This GPS tracking solution helps businesses monitor and correct dangerous driving habits at no cost. After a simple installation process, this program provides real-time insight into driver activity, allowing businesses to identify, address, and improve driver behavior, all at no additional cost for eligible PHLY customers.
- Online Training Specifically Designed for School Bus Contractors
We know that school bus operators face unique challenges compared with other commercial vehicle drivers. That's why we provide free online courses that go beyond the basics of defensive driving to also include more complex issues such as managing school bus emergencies and dealing with unruly students on board.
- DMV Monitoring
DMV monitoring, available at no charge to PHLY customers, helps to address the challenge of understanding driver behavior beyond the bus. All drivers operating under PHLY policies are monitored 24/7 through a database that alerts us right away of any incidents that occur, such as a DUI. This, in turn, allows us to inform our insureds about the incident, so that they can take appropriate steps to address these risks.
3. Award Winning Customer Service
Despite the best risk management efforts, incidents still happen. And when they do, it's important to have a provider who can help resolve these issues with minimal headaches. At PHLY, we are passionate about providing outstanding customer service for our agents and insureds at every stage of the process. When it comes to service and claims management, our customers can tell you we offer the highest level of support. We have a 97% approval rating from customers on our claims handling, and a 96% overall customer satisfaction rating.
Our dedication to customer service has garnered external accolades as well. In 2018, PHLY won our eleventh Stevie Award, receiving the Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year. Additionally, for the sixth consecutive year, PHLY earned the Confirmit ACE (Achievement in Customer Excellence) Award, an honor that celebrates outstanding achievements in customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and partner satisfaction.
Most importantly, though, we have heard this same level of satisfaction reflected in the feedback we get directly from our customers:
"We have had a great relationship over the past few years... Philadelphia has always provided good service and excellent communication." - Alan Armstrong, Insured
"I would recommend Philadelphia Insurance to anyone that inquires of me for a recommendation of a competent and satisfying Insurance Company." - Ronald DeMaderios, Insured
The School Bus Contractor Program at PHLY
If you have a client in need of school bus contractor insurance coverage, be sure to equip them with the best possible option when it comes to experience, risk management, and customer service. To learn more, contact your PHLY representative today.
