How Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) before Hiring a Car can be Useful

It is strongly recommended for you to be properly insured before you hire a car. In some European countries, the car rental companies take the liability of insuring both you and the car. If you take a car on rent and you do not get this service, investing on a Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) policy is the right thing to do. Moreover, if you are driving in a foreign land and new to the traffic rules and driving conditions – the chances of an accident increase dramatically. A PAI that covers all costs associated with any mishap while driving is your safety net.

PAI policies are unpopular due to their association with injury and death. While some consider it bad luck, most people are falsely confident that what they see in the news would never happen to them. Uncomfortable as it is, preparing for a potential personal accident that could lead to death or dismemberment is a sign of maturity. At this stage, it is also important to understand that PAI is not the same as medical insurance. There is a good chance that your medical or travel insurance covers your medical bills in the event of an accident. Also, note that some PAIs do cover medical expenses, but that is not their primary goal. PAIs give you a lump sum in case of injury or to a beneficiary in case of death. If you find yourself in a hospital, PAIs offer income support in the form of a lump sum or a daily payout. Some policies will also cover household and other bills during the time in hospital.

It is also important to remember what and when a personal accident policy will not cover you. They will not cover losses arising out of attempted suicide, self-injury, breach of law, accidents while under the influence of narcotics or alcohol, or in case of wars, etc.

Before you buy such a policy, check with your other insurance providers if they provide the same benefits. Some credit card insurance or travel insurance policies will include the option for personal accident insurance as well. Finally, as with all purchases, read the terms and conditions and ask and clarify any questions you have before you sign the documents.

Top 10 Tips for Car Rental Company for Hiring a Professional Driver

Certain occasions and clients often require and demand chauffer driven cars. If you have limos or find out of town or foreign clients who cannot drive in your city or country, they will require the services of a driver. The option of renting cars with professional drivers allows you to serve a wider client base. Hence, car rental companies often look for talented and trustworthy drivers. There are a number of considerations for hiring a professional driver. Here are top 10 tips for the car rental companies that are looking forward to recruit professional drivers.

• Driving Skills: The first thing that you must check before hiring a professional is their expertise. Conduct a test drive and look for any hints of bad driving skills like tailgating, inability to stick to speed limits, lane straddling, etc.

• Licensed: While this goes without saying, do check the licenses for other status marks. Many countries and states allow non-residents or even illegal residents to obtain driver’s licenses under special conditions. You may need to conform to other laws and regulations if you hire such individuals. International driving licenses are beneficial if you operate in towns where your clients may wish to travel across international borders.

• Dedicated: This can be difficult to judge at first, but feedback and a driver’s performance after assigning them one or two trips can help you evaluate the dedication of the driver towards their job.

• Passionate to Drive: Make sure that the driver has a passion for their job. Professional drivers often have to spend hours doing nothing while the clients are busy. The boredom of waiting around can be offset by their passion for driving.

• Trustworthy: Ask for and verify references to ascertain the trustworthiness of your potential hires. You can also use the services of a reputed employment agency or firm.

• Professional Attitude: Professional drivers are punctual and smart. They will know when and when not to engage in casual conversation with the passengers, avoid using the radio without permission, dress appropriately, etc.

• Courteous and Polite: Aside from just opening their doors, polite drivers also offer to help with a client’s luggage, ensure their safety, and be courteous in conversations.

• Law Abiding and Dutiful: Ensure that the driver is aware of and follow laws and regulations.

• Knows the Lay of the Land: While knowing every street and lane is unimportant in the age of GPS and smartphones, knowledge of important routes, traffic patterns and travel times can help a driver carry out their duties effectively.

• Comfortable with Technology: Good drivers can use modern GPS systems, map guidance on phones, etc. If a customer wants to make payment with their mobile wallet, they should be able to handle it. The same goes for newer technologies in cars.

Most of the skills and qualifications listed above are innate, but always keep in mind that as an employer, you can train your staff as well.