Limo and party bus coverage that meets CPUC rules.
Auto liability at the limits the California Public Utilities Commission sets, physical damage and workers' comp for limousine, black car, party bus and charter companies.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Seats set your limit
Charter-party carriers in California need a CPUC permit, and the CPUC sets minimum liability by how many passengers a vehicle seats: $750,000 for up to 7, $1.5 million for 8 to 15, and $5 million for 16 or more. Party buses carry the highest limits and the closest underwriting.
I place limousine and party bus operators with the carriers that write passenger transportation, and handle the filings your permit depends on.
- Auto liabilityAt the CPUC minimum for each vehicle's seating.
- Physical damageRepairs to your limos and buses.
- Workers' compChauffeurs and staff.
- Liquor liabilityWhen alcohol is served or allowed on board.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Vehicles: year, make, VIN, seating capacity and value.
- Drivers: names, dates of birth, license numbers and experience.
- Permit: your CPUC TCP number, or that you're applying.
- Operations: airport, events, weddings, party bus, with rough percentages.
- Alcohol: whether passengers drink on board.
- Current policy: declarations and loss runs.
Limousine insurance, answered
How much liability does a limo need in California?
The CPUC minimum depends on seating: $750,000 for vehicles seating up to 7, $1.5 million for 8 to 15, and $5 million for 16 or more.
Can I get insurance before my CPUC permit?
Yes. The CPUC needs proof of insurance to issue the permit, so the policy and filing come first.
Is a party bus harder to insure?
Yes. Higher seating, alcohol and night events mean fewer carriers and higher limits.
Do drivers need to be employees?
Carriers prefer it, and it affects workers' comp. Tell me how your drivers are paid and I'll set it up correctly.
Do you offer limousine insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see truck insurance by state or insurance requirements by state.
Send your vehicles and drivers. I'll shop it.
A vehicle list with seating, a driver list and your current declarations page are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.