Tips on Chartering a Motorcoach  

1. Does the company carry the required amount of insurance?  The Federal DOT requires 5 million dollars combined, single-limit liability coverage.  Windstar Lines carries $5 million of liability coverage.  We are happy to provide you with a certificate of insurance that includes the amount we are covered for and effective policy dates.
2.  How long has the company been in business?  Find out when the company was established and their familiarity with the travel and tour business. Windstar Lines began operation in 1995.  The principal owners have owned a travel agency and tour company since 1981.  They previously chartered motorcoaches from area coach operators and were never satisfied with the cleanliness of equipment, friendliness of the drivers, and overall service provided. This is why they started their own motorcoach business.  Windstar was born!
3.  Ask if the company is available for and inspection.  Make a surprise visit if you have doubts.  You can tell a lot about a company by just looking.  Check out the equipment, office and garage facility.   Windstar Lines welcomes visits from our customers at anytime, appointment or not. Stop on by!

4.  Ask about the company’s DOT safety rating.  The US Department of Transportation issues safety ratings based on a company’s record and adherence to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  The highest rating possible is Satisfactory.  Other ratings are Conditional, Not Rated, or Unsatisfactory.  It is easy to find a carriers safety rating on the internet.  Go to www.safersys.org and you can search by company name, USDOT number or MC number.  

Windstar Lines is proud to have a  DOT safety rating of Satisfactory.  Our USDOT number is 608224 and our MC number is 292914

5.  Ask about the size of the company’s fleet?  Overall fleet size can be an important factor.  Will the company have back-up equipment in case of equipment failure?  Can the company supply additional equipment should your group’s size increase?

Windstar Lines operates 27 – 29, 49 & 57 passenger motorcoaches.  Since our beginning in 1995, we have grown by 1-2 coaches a year and intend to plan on a slow steady growth.  We are small enough to provide you with personalized service, and large enough to take care your needs.  Bigger is not always better!

6.  What is the average age of the company’s equipment?

The average age of Windstar Lines fleet is 5 years old.  Our fleet ranges from 1998 models to 2007 models. - compare that with others

7.  Ask for references.  Be wary of any company unwilling or unable to provide references.

Windstar is proud to offer you references about our service.  Please click references for a list.

8.  What is the company’s procedure for road failures? 

Windstar Lines boast an extremely low road failure rate, due to our preventive and stringent maintenance program.  However, anything mechanical can fail at any time, whether brand new or 15 years old.  Windstar is well networked with area carriers and has developed solid relationships with carriers throughout the nation. We are members of The United Motorcoach Association and can count on other members for support.  

9.  When chartering, make certain what is and is not included in the price.  For example, driver’s hotel room, tolls, parking fees, relief driver, extra mileage charges and rate per mile.

Windstar Lines will itemize the costs of the trip if you choose.  You will be aware of any charges above the quoted price of the trip.

10.  What are the terms and cancellations policies of the contract once signed? 

Windstar Lines requires a $100.00 or 10% deposit (whichever is greater) per coach to reserve equipment.  If the group must cancel the motorcoach, the deposit is refundable as long as the trip is cancelled prior to 30 days of departure.  For trips booked within 30 days of departure, our sales staff will work with each group to ensure the group has adequate time to promote their trip.  Talk to your sales representative for individual attention.

Windstar Lines is the premier motorcoach carrier in the State of Iowa.  When chartering with Windstar, you are going to receive service from a knowledgeable and friendly sales staff, a clean, well maintained, modern motorcoach is going to show up on time, and a safe, friendly, and accommodating driver is going to take you where you need to go.

 When chartering a coach, please do not buy on price alone!  Remember the phrase, “You get what you pay for.”  Would you buy the cheapest car?  Would you buy your wife the cheapest engagement ring?  Would you want your friends, family, teammates, and business associates to travel on the cheapest bus? 

 Windstar Lines prices are competitive with area carriers who provide the same high level of service, but our price may not always be the lowest.  Please remember what you are getting for your money.  Look at the value.  A $100.00 difference with 40 passengers on a coach is only a $2.50 difference per person.  I think everyone would agree $2.50 per person is worth the difference.  Remember, Windstar Lines will offer you clean, late model equipment, friendly, safe, and accommodating drivers, and a knowledgeable and efficient office staff.  Some things you just can’t skimp on, choosing a motorcoach carrier is one of them!