Top 10 Consumer Protection Tips for Chartering a Motorcoach or School Bus.

Be a careful shopper. A decision based solely on price may not be the best value.

1. Ask how long the company has been in business.
A long and good track record is always desirable. It is not a pleasant experience when your bus never shows up or cannot complete your itinerary.

2. Request the Company’s DOT number.
A Department of Transportation number is assigned by the US Government and is required to operate legally.

3. Ask about the DOT Safety Rating.
Never charter from a company with an unsatisfactory rating. Refer to Safersys.org to verify a company’s safety rating. Ask about their out of service ratio. Kingdom Coach drivers all have CDL license, a current DOT physical examination and complies by Kingdom Coach's formal Drug and Alcohol Program.

4. Request a Certificate of Insurance.
Your carrier should supply a Certificate of Insurance. This certificate shows the carrier’s levels of insurance and effective policy dates. A minimum of $5 million combined, single-limit liability coverage is required by law.

5. Is the company adhering to Department of Transportation driver regulations?
The DOT limits drivers to 15 hours of continuous service, however they may only drive 10 hours during that duration. If your itinerary requires more than the limit, ask how the charter company is going to handle it.

6. Ask the company’s procedures for on-the-road emergencies.
The operator should have access to nationwide reciprocal maintenance agreement which will assure you of prompt servicing of equipment in all regions of the USA.

7. Is the company available for inspection?
You should inspect the motorcoach equipment, general offices and garage facilities to properly maintain coaches before signing any contracts or agreements. You can tell a lot about a company just by looking

8. Are video-equipped motorcoaches available?
Video-equipped coaches can be a genuine asset. You can view educational videos or provide movies to help entertain your group. Ask if the carrier is legally licensed to show motion pictures en route.

9. Who pays the driver’s hotel?
Find out if the driver’s room is included in the cost of the charter, with Kingdom Coach, the customer is responsible for securing & paying for the driver’s room. Be sure the company knows what hours the driver must be available to the group, and if the driver must stay at the same hotel.

10. Who is responsible for extra mileage and hourly costs above the contracted amount?
Find out the carriers policy before the trip—not when you get the inflated bill after the trip! Kingdom Coach bills for any over mileage and hours incurred. Please provide a complete itinerary when requesting a price quote so that we can be as accurate as possible. We also provide itinerary planning and can provide a per person quote.

 Your journey starts now with a quick phone call to our helpful staff at (251) 660-0900 or Toll Free at (866) 660-0906. You’ll receive professional, courteous and personal attention because we care as much about your trip as you do! So call now and go first class all the way with Kingdom Coach!

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