Today’s drivers face a similar challenge: how to stretch their gas mileage with rising gas prices—and limousine drivers are no different. While you may not be able to do much about the cost of gas, implementing small changes in your operations and encouraging drivers to employ fuel-saving strategies can keep fuel costs as low as possible.
Strategies to Save Money on Gas
Small changes in driving habits can reduce gas costs, and these valuable tips from the U.S. Department of Energy can help with those savings. 
- Ease up on the gas and brakes. When you drive above 50 miles per hour, the gas you expend increases. The harder your engine has to work, such as rapidly accelerating, the more gas your vehicle uses. In addition, if you often brake, that wastes fuel; try to coast to a red light or downhill.
- Stop unnecessary idling. If you park your limo for more than 10 seconds, you may want to turn off your engine to save gas. Depending on your vehicle’s size and air conditioner, you may use up to half a gallon of fuel per hour.
- Remove unnecessary weight from your limo. If you don’t need to carry salt or sand in the trunk of your limo, remove it. Losing weight can improve your mileage.
- Maintain your limo. Properly maintaining and fixing any issues with your limo can improve fuel efficiency.
- Inflate your tires. Properly inflated tires can improve your fuel efficiency and perhaps lessen how much gas you need to purchase.
You don’t need to upgrade your limousine to a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle. Small changes in your driving and maintenance habits can help you save gas, which, with today’s fuel prices, could be the relief your wallet needs.
Don’t Forget About Being Properly Insured
While it may seem counterintuitive to purchase more insurance, and thus spend more money upfront, in order to save money, you can’t risk being underinsured. As everything becomes increasingly expensive, including auto repairs, part replacements, and medical expenses, you cannot risk not having the right or enough coverage.
All limousine drivers in New York City must have NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission insurance, which is legally required. K.S. Billing & Associates can help you review these coverage options to ensure you have sufficient protection.
Other types of auto insurance can also give you and your passengers extra protection and are worth considering if you frequently drive in the city:
- Liability insurance may help you pay for damage you do to other drivers not in the car with you.
- Bodily injury liability coverage might pay third-party medical bills and sometimes death benefits.
- Property damage liability coverage may pay for damage to the other driver’s property.
- Collision insurance might cover accident-related damage to your vehicle.
- Comprehensive insurance might pay for damage from non-accident mishaps, such as weather damage, fires, theft, vandalism or similar accidents.
- Medical payments/personal injury protection may pay your medical bills and sometimes cover other losses, such as lost income.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance might cover damage caused by someone else without appropriate liability coverage. For example, your limo’s damage may be covered if you’re a hit-and-run victim.
Want to Learn More?
K.S. Billing & Associates can explore insurance coverage that may be beneficial to have as a limo driver, in addition to the state-mandated coverage, as well as additional fuel savings tips. Give us a call today to learn more.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.