Quick Answer
What is ambulette insurance?
Ambulette insurance is a specialty commercial auto policy for wheelchair-accessible vans and small buses used in non-emergency medical transportation. It includes a wheelchair passenger endorsement, lift liability coverage, and abuse and molestation — the three endorsements required by Modivcare, MTM, Veyo, and every Medicaid managed care plan.
Why Ambulettes Need Specialty Coverage
A standard commercial auto policy treats your ambulette like a work van — which means lift injuries, securement failures, and wheelchair passenger claims often fall in coverage gaps. Every major Medicaid broker checklist specifically requires a wheelchair passenger endorsement. If your policy doesn't have one, your broker contract can be revoked.
We write ambulette policies from one-vehicle startups to 50-vehicle fleets, with every required endorsement built in — so there are no surprises at claim time.
Ambulette Coverage — What's Required vs. Recommended
| Feature | Required (Medicaid Brokers) | Recommended | Large Fleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Liability (CSL) | $1M | $1M | $2M + umbrella |
| Wheelchair Endorsement | Required | Required | Required |
| Lift Liability | Required | Required | Required |
| Abuse & Molestation | Required | Required | Required |
| General Liability | $1M | $1M | $2M |
| Workers' Comp | If employees | Required | Required |
| Physical Damage | Optional | ACV | Stated value |
Key Definitions
- Ambulette
- A wheelchair-accessible van or small bus used for non-emergency medical transportation of Medicaid and insurance members. Different from an ambulance — no emergency medical services are provided.
- Lift Endorsement
- A specific endorsement covering injuries caused by failure of, or operator error with, the vehicle's wheelchair lift mechanism.
- Securement
- The process of locking a wheelchair into floor-mounted tie-downs during transport. Failure to properly secure a chair is the most common ambulette liability claim.
- Abuse and Molestation
- A required coverage endorsement for all Medicaid-contracted transport providers. Covers claims of passenger abuse, harassment, or molestation by a driver or attendant.
Where We Write Ambulette Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ambulette?+
An ambulette is a wheelchair-accessible van or bus used for non-emergency medical transportation — distinct from an ambulance. Ambulettes transport Medicaid members to doctor appointments, dialysis, oncology, and behavioral health visits. They do not provide emergency or advanced life support services.
How much does ambulette insurance cost?+
Ambulette insurance typically runs $8,000–$14,000 per vehicle per year for $1M auto liability with wheelchair and lift endorsements. Larger ambulettes seating 8+ passengers require $5M in most states and cost proportionally more.
Do ambulettes need a special insurance endorsement?+
Yes. Standard commercial auto policies frequently exclude or sublimit wheelchair passenger exposure. Ambulette policies include a wheelchair passenger endorsement covering boarding, securement, and lift operation — the most common ambulette claim types.
Which Medicaid brokers accept ambulette COIs?+
Modivcare, MTM, Veyo, Access Services, and all state Medicaid managed care organizations accept ambulette COIs. We issue COIs naming each broker as additional insured the same business day you bind your policy.
Do ambulette drivers need workers' compensation?+
Yes — from your first W-2 driver, workers' comp is required in virtually every state. Ambulette driver rates run $4–$8 per $100 of payroll. We bundle workers' comp with your auto and liability policy for a single renewal date.