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QUESTION: We are having an issue with our carrier not allowing us to hire drivers under the age of 21 and without 3 years of driving experience at any age. Additionally, we have some employees sometimes transport clients in their personal vehicles. Our carrier doesn’t want us to do this either; we require that they carry personal auto coverage. Has anyone encountered this issue and how did you resolve it? Could you provide me with any Insurance Carrier names that allow this? We had the same issue with Harleysville, but after many conversations back and forth they now allow us to have drivers under the age of 21, as long as they are 18 years old. We agreed upon the following terms: 1. All transport drivers must be tie-down/wheelchair trained. 2. Drivers between 18-21 can only transport a max of 4 passengers in transit alone. Once more than 4 passengers, there must be another staff who is above 25 years old in the vehicle. 3. Drivers between 18-21 must have quarterly quality reviews. 4. Written procedures must be followed by drivers, pertaining to transit operation. 5. Drivers will complete Defensive Driving training every 2 years. 6. The employee is to complete a training review after any accident that takes place. 7. QIDP’s will review GPS Reports weekly to establish driving patterns & if any drivers need individualized training, offer it. Our carrier requires that if a staff transports in personal vehicle, they must have sufficient coverage as their insurance will be first to cover. No, our transportation drivers do have to pass a medical evaluation to drive public transit but that is required. Our carrier does not have this restriction. We do require our employees to have current personal auto insurance at all times as any supported living setting has the potential to transport customers in their personal vehicles. If they work in a group home setting, we can skate by without the insurance if there is no other choice as we have agency vehicles to transport the customers in. We are covered through Cincinnati Insurance. We have not run into this problem. We have our insurance through Regions Insurance in Kokomo, IN under an agent by the name of Phil Thatcher. We would shop around if our insurance carrier had these limitations on drivers since we hire many people just out of high school. We use Salem Insurance Company. This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.