NEMT Insurance in Virginia: Coverage Before Your First Ride
You need a special commercial policy to drive passengers for money in Virginia. Your personal car insurance will not protect you during a medical transportation ride.
The short answer
You need a special commercial policy to drive people for money in Virginia. A personal car insurance policy will not cover you if you get into an accident while working. You must get the right coverage to stay legal and safe.
Why does my personal policy not work?
Your personal car insurance excludes carrying passengers for a fee. When you take payment for a ride, your personal policy stops covering you. You need for hire auto liability, also called livery or passenger transport coverage. This is a type of commercial auto policy designed for businesses.
What coverage do I need?
- Commercial auto liability covers injuries or property damage to others while you are driving.
- Non owned and hired auto covers vehicles you use but do not own. This includes rentals or vehicles your drivers own.
- General liability covers accidents like a slip and fall at a pickup point.
- Professional liability or medical malpractice endorsement covers claims about the medical care you provide. This is vital when you help passengers with mobility devices.
- Workers compensation is required in Virginia if you have three or more regular employees.
What do programs require before I start?
Medicaid programs often ask for several items before you can work. These include a certificate of insurance that names them as an additional insured. They also want specific auto liability limits and proof of good driver records. Check with your specific program to see what they need from you.
What causes problems when I get a quote?
- Driver history. One bad violation can disqualify your whole fleet.
- Vehicle type and age. Vans with wheelchair access cost more to insure than sedans.
- Radius and hours. Long distance trips or night driving change your insurance class.
- Mixed use. Using your vehicle for delivery or other rideshare work changes your risk level.
What to do next
- Read our NEMT insurance page to see specific Virginia requirements.
- Fill out the commercial intake form to share your driver, vehicle, and route details.
Ready to get covered?
Start a quote and speak with a licensed agent about available coverage options.