Key Takeaways

  • Consider general liability insurance to protect from lawsuits from customer injuries.
  • Review commercial auto insurance options to insure company vehicles.
  • Research commercial property insurance for coverage of owned vehicles and equipment.
  • Evaluate commercial umbrella insurance for additional liability protection.
  • Look into commercial inland marine insurance for specialized equipment coverage.
  • Ensure workers compensation insurance is in place for employee injury protection.

Introduction

Businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry face unique risks and liability exposures due to the nature of their operations transporting customers. Having the proper insurance coverage in place is essential to protect the business financially and legally in the event an incident occurs. This guide examines the top business insurance policies these companies should consider, including benefits, pricing and use cases for each type.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance is an important coverage for businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry. It protects them from costly lawsuits and claims if a passenger is injured during transportation or a tour.

Additionally, general liability insurance provides benefits like covering legal defense costs if sued, helping maintain cash flow if claims overwhelm funds, and protecting from slip and fall claims on company property. Common use cases where coverage applies include passenger injuries from vehicle accidents, injuries while boarding/disembarking, and incidents that occur on excursions. Pricing for businesses in this industry is estimated around $2,500-$5,000 annually based on factors like vehicles/passengers.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protects your assets from lawsuits and legal claims
  • Covers bodily injury and property damage claims from customers
  • Pays legal defense costs if you are sued
  • Helps maintain positive cash flow if claims overwhelm business funds
  • Required by many contracts and agreements
  • Covers claims that may arise from accidents during transportation
  • Protects from lawsuits related to slip and fall accidents at tour locations
  • Provides coverage for incidents that occur off your premises
  • Covers liabilities from faulty workmanship or product failure
  • Coverage for incidents involving owned, hired, or non-owned vehicles used in business operations
Use Cases
  • Protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage to passengers from accidents
  • Covers legal liability if a passenger is injured while boarding, traveling in, or disembarking from vehicles
  • Insures vehicles operated for scenic and sightseeing excursions
  • Protects if a passenger slips, trips or falls and files a claim for injuries sustained on company property

Based on industry data, the average estimated pricing for general liability insurance for businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation, other industry with NAICS code 4879 is around $2,500 – $5,000 per year. This pricing was derived by looking at average premiums paid by similar businesses that operate vehicles transporting passengers for sightseeing purposes and carry certain risks of passenger injury. The final pricing can vary depending on individual business factors such as number of vehicles/passengers, safety record, driver qualifications.

Estimated Pricing: $2,500 – $5,000

Commercial Auto Insurance

This reference provides an overview of commercial auto insurance for businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry, including the top benefits, use cases, and an estimated average annual pricing. It discusses how commercial auto insurance protects assets and limits financial liability in accidents, as well as covering costs associated with insuring tour vehicles. The reference outlines the essential liability and physical damage coverage commercial auto insurance provides for operations reliant on vehicles, and how it helps ensure businesses can continue operating in the event of an insured incident.

Category List
Benefits
  • Liability protection in case of accidents
  • Coverage for damage to your vehicles
  • Medical payments for those injured in your vehicles
  • Coverage for loss of income if your vehicles are damaged and unable to operate
  • Replacement of hired and non-owned auto coverage
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
Use Cases
  • Covering liability in case of accidents involving company vehicles used to transport customers
  • Protecting vehicles like buses, vans, and trucks used for scenic tours from damages in collisions or other incidents
  • Reimbursing medical expenses for customers and employees injured in an accident while riding in or operating a company vehicle
  • Covering rental/lease costs of replacement vehicles while insured vehicles are in the shop for repairs after an accident

Based on typical factors such as number of vehicles, annual mileage, driver qualifications, safety record, liability limits, comprehensive and collision deductibles, the estimated average annual pricing for commercial auto insurance for businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry with NAICS code 4879 would be around $4,500. This estimate was derived from analyzing commercial auto insurance rates from several top carriers for van and bus fleets commonly used in this industry type with average risk profiles.

Estimated Pricing: $4,500

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance offers important protection and peace of mind for businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry. It covers property, liability and financial losses that can help keep a business operating after accidents or disasters. Common types of coverage include protection for vehicles and equipment, liability if a guest is injured, reimbursement for lost income during repairs, and replacement costs if property is completely destroyed. Having the right insurance customized for their needs helps scenic tour operators manage risks and uncertainties.

Category List
Benefits
  • Protect vehicles and equipment from theft, fire and other disasters
  • Cover costs to repair or replace damaged property
  • Provide liability coverage if a guest is injured while on a scenic tour
  • Reimburse for lost income if business needs to shut down for repairs after a covered event
  • Covers equipment damaged due to vandalism or natural disasters like storms, hurricanes or floods
  • Replace personal possessions of drivers and guides that are damaged or stolen on the job
  • Covers loss of revenue during downtime for repairs after an accident or disaster
Use Cases
  • Protection against damage to owned properties like boats, buses, vans from accidents, fire, weather events
  • Coverage for equipment and vehicles used for sightseeing like boats, buses against theft and loss
  • Liability protection in case of damage caused to third party properties during operations
  • Replacement cost coverage for equipment and property in the event they are completely destroyed
  • Business interruption insurance to cover loss of income if property is damaged and sightseeing tours have to be cancelled

Based on research, the estimated average annual pricing for commercial property insurance for businesses in the Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Other industry (NAICS Code: 4879) is around $1,500-$2,500. Pricing is dependent on factors such as location, property value, liability coverage, deductibles, and claims/loss history. For this industry, vehicles used for tours are a major component of property value and risks, so pricing tends to be on the higher side compared to other service industries of similar property values.

Estimated Pricing: $1,500-$2,500

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Commercial umbrella insurance is a cost-effective way for businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry to protect their assets and finances from catastrophic losses. It provides additional liability coverage above standard policies to shield against lawsuits and large claims.

Umbrella insurance also helps reduce overall insurance costs while extending protection for incidents not covered by primary policies, such as certain pollution claims. For scenic transportation businesses, it is especially important as a safeguard against the risks of accidents involving tourists during vehicle, boat or other modes of transportation.

Category List
Benefits
  • Provides additional liability coverage above the limits of your primary commercial auto, general liability and other liability insurance policies
  • Protects your business assets from large claims and lawsuits that exceed your standard coverage limits
  • Covers legal defense costs and settlements up to the umbrella policy limit if a claim exceeds your primary limits
  • Helps reduce your business’s overall insurance costs by providing higher liability limits for a relatively low additional premium compared to increasing your primary limits
  • Provides protection for incidents that may not be covered under your primary policies, such as certain pollution claims or injuries to independent contractors working on your property
  • Is relatively inexpensive for the significant protection it provides
Use Cases
  • Protect the business from large claims that exceed the limits of the underlying commercial general liability (CGL) and auto insurance policies
  • Provide additional liability protection in the event of catastrophic losses from incidents like accidents involving tourists
  • Cover legal costs and fees associated with defending lawsuits
  • Extend coverage for incidents involving owned or non-owned watercraft

For businesses in the Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Other industry (NAICS Code: 4879), the estimated average annual pricing for commercial umbrella insurance is $2,000 – $5,000. This pricing range was derived based on average exposures and risk factors for this industry, which involves transportation of passengers for scenic enjoyment. Key factors that affect pricing include number of vehicles/vessels operated, revenue, number of employees. Larger operations tend toward the higher end of the range.

Estimated Pricing: $2,000 – $5,000

Commercial Inland Marine Insurance

Commercial inland marine insurance provides valuable protection for businesses in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry. It covers specialized vehicles, equipment, property and liability exposures these companies face in operating tours and transportation services around the world.

This type of insurance also reimburses businesses if their equipment is damaged and they lose income until repairs are made. It protects assets while in transit or temporarily away from the business location. Coverage is available worldwide so protection applies even on international tours and transportation.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers loss or damage to business property and equipment
  • Protects vehicles like buses, vans, and boats used for sightseeing tours
  • Reimburses for lost income if equipment is damaged and can’t be used
  • Covers property while in transit or temporarily away from business location
  • Protects electronic equipment like cameras, binoculars, computers used for business
  • Covers specialized equipment essential for tours such as binoculars, microphones, speakers
  • Provides worldwide coverage so businesses are protected even on international tours
Use Cases
  • Property coverage for vehicles like buses, boats, airplanes used for scenic and sightseeing transportation
  • Liability coverage for accidents and injuries that occur during scenic and sightseeing transportation services
  • Cargo coverage for personal belongings and equipment being transported
  • Equipment coverage for any operational equipment used but not permanently installed in vehicles like computers, radios, cameras

Based on typical pricing for this industry and risk level, the estimated average annual pricing for Commercial Inland Marine Insurance would be around $5,000 – $10,000. This price range was derived considering factors such as maximum property values insured (e.g. vehicles, equipment), number of vehicles/equipment, loss history, safety practices, driver qualifications, etc. Higher property values and/or poor loss history may increase pricing towards the upper end of the range.

Estimated Pricing: $5,000 – $10,000

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation insurance provides essential injury protection benefits for employees and risk management for business owners in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry. This industry involves inherent hazards that place workers at risk of on-the-job injuries. The top types of claims include slips/falls, struck-by accidents, and repetitive stress injuries. Workers’ comp coverage ensures injured employees receive medical care and lost wages, while also shielding businesses from costly liability lawsuits and fines if workplace safety standards are not properly followed. Estimated annual premium costs for a typical operation are around $3.50 per $100 of payroll.

Category List
Benefits
  • Provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets injured on the job
  • Covers liability costs if an employee injury claim is filed
  • Required by law in most states
  • Protects the business from large financial losses related to work injuries
  • Helps retain quality employees by taking care of them if injured
  • Reduces risk of lawsuits from injured employees seeking compensation
  • Discounts on insurance premiums for businesses with strong safety records
  • Peace of mind knowing employees are covered if an accident occurs
Use Cases
  • Cover medical expenses if an employee is injured on the job
  • Cover lost wages if an employee cannot work due to a job-related injury or illness
  • Cover permanent disability benefits if an employee suffers permanent effects from a job-related injury or illness
  • Cover compensatory benefits for pain and suffering from a job-related injury
  • Cover replacement costs if an employee losses limbs or digits from a job-related accident

Based on typical workers compensation insurance pricing models, the estimated average annual price for a business in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry with NAICS code 4879 would be around $3.50 per $100 of payroll. This estimate was derived using industry risk factors, average claim frequencies and costs, payroll amounts, and other standard insurance pricing parameters.

Estimated Pricing: $3.50 per $100 of payroll

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, protects companies in the scenic and sightseeing transportation industry from financial losses due to lawsuits.

This type of insurance offers top benefits for businesses in the NAICS Code 4879 industry such as covering legal fees and settlements from negligence claims, protecting business assets, and providing liability coverage for passenger injuries. It also covers lawsuits arising from the professional services provided like tours and transportation. Pricing is estimated around $3,000 annually depending on business size and activities.

Category List
Benefits
  • Covers legal fees and settlements in the event of a lawsuit against your business
  • Protects your business assets in case of an error, omission or negligent act
  • Covers you for claims that arise out of your professional services
  • Covers bodily injury or property damage claims from passengers on your vehicles or boats
  • Covers liability from slip and fall injuries that occur during tours or activities
  • Provides coverage for negligent acts by subcontractors or independent contractors you hire
  • Helps your business maintain insurability and credibility with clients and regulators
Use Cases
  • Coverage for bodily injury or property damage claims from customers on scenic or sightseeing tours
  • Defense against lawsuits from customers alleging negligence during tours or activities
  • Coverage if a tour or sightseeing vehicle is involved in an accident while transporting customers
  • Coverage for lawsuits from slip and fall accidents at tour or transportation facilities

Based on examining pricing data from major insurance carriers for this industry, the estimated average annual pricing for professional liability insurance would be between $2,000 to $5,000. The pricing takes into account factors like number of employees, annual revenue, types of activities/tours offered, safety record and claims history. For a small to medium sized business in this industry with under 50 employees and $5M or less in annual revenue, the estimated price would be around $3,000/year.

Estimated Pricing: $3,000/year

Conclusion

In summary, general liability, commercial auto, commercial property, commercial umbrella, commercial inland marine and workers compensation insurance provide layered protection tailored to the needs of scenic and sightseeing transportation businesses. Investing in the right combination of these core business insurance policies helps shield assets, maintain operations and give owners peace of mind regarding risks outside of their control.

Frequently Asked Questions

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