Fifteen Passenger Van Insurance
Many organizations use 15 passenger vans for transporting groups, despite the warnings from the National Highway Travel Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the significant danger of rollover. A fully loaded 15-passenger van, according to their report, has a 70% risk of rolling in the event of an accident. In comparison, a passenger car's chances of rollover are only 10%.
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An organization that knows about the rollover risk of 15 passenger vans, yet continues to use the vans is taking a big legal risk, according to Dr. Richard Hammar in Church Law & Tax Report, August 2002. "If a court concludes that a church's use of a 15-passenger van amounts to 'gross negligence,' then the church may be assessed punitive damage (which is not covered under its general liability insurance policy) and the members of the church board may be personally liable," he noted. Other organizations may have the same risk exposure. Be sure to research your insurance coverage or submit your 15 passenger van insurance quote to fully provide liability protection.
Why are 15 passenger vans risky?
The reason these vehicles pose such great danger is because they were originally designed to transport cargo, not people. A 15-passenger van already has a high center of gravity that makes it prone to rolling over. The weight of the passengers increases the center of gravity and causes it to shift rearward. In fact, when the vans transport more than ten passengers, rollover rate increases dramatically.
Suggestions to improve safety for 15 passenger van operators
- Limit the capacity to 10 people. The NHSTA report concluded that vans with more than 10 passengers had an increased rollover rate.
- Keep luggage and other paraphernalia stored inside the van. Do not use roof racks or tow trailers behind a 15-passenger van.
- Require all passengers to wear their seat belts. Riders that are not wearing a safety belt are more susceptible to being thrown from the vehicle following an accident. Nearly 80% of people killed in 15 passenger van rollovers were not wearing a seatbelt.
- Limit speed to 65 MPH or slower depending on road and weather conditions. Speed is a contributing factor in most van accidents. Be especially cautious when driving around curves or in rural areas where there are no embankments.
- Require drivers to be 21 or older and have some training. A 15 passenger van handles differently than other vehicles and when fully loaded versus not loaded.
Collision damage wavier (CDW) or loss damages waiver (LDW) insurance coverage for 15 passenger van drivers
If renting a van, be sure and purchase the CDW or LDW coverage because it pays for damage to the vehicle regardless of who is at fault. One of the benefits of this coverage is that it protects the driver from having to report a claim on his personal insurance if involved in an accident.
Contact us right now to get more 15 passenger van insurance information and to find the best rates available. Request your fast, free quote today!