Compare School Bus Insurance Rates [2023]
School busses require more than just basic car coverage. Talk with a school district superintendent, state regulator, or car insurance company to get specific requirements on insurance for a bus.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Jun 23, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 23, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- State regulators and school districts have specific requirements for school bus services
- if you want to convert a school bus into a recreational vehicle, it’s best to talk with an insurance company first
- The insurance company may require you to have certain onboard facilities and might want to appraise the vehicle
You must meet certain school bus auto insurance requirements if you intend to provide services to a school district and transport kids to and from their place of learning. Because of their size and classification, these vehicles require more than just basic car insurance coverage. Read on to learn more.
Even if you purchase a school bus intending to convert it into a recreational vehicle, you’ll still need to know about specific insurance requirements for a school bus.
What kind of insurance do you need on a school bus?
To get insurance for a bus, you will need to have a commercial policy in place if you intend to provide transportation services to a school district.
You must also comply with any policies laid down by the state and the school district. These entities may have minimum school bus insurance requirements to protect the children and any other passengers on board.
What about school bus conversion insurance?
As the typical school bus is known for its size and reliability, many people decide to convert one for recreational purposes. It is possible to buy school bus conversion insurance, but you may need to provide some precise details to the company before you can get bus insurance quotes.
For example, you may need to prove that the vehicle has certain facilities onboard to qualify as a converted vehicle. These may include a fridge, bathroom facility, cooking appliance, and a drinkable water supply.
Your car insurance company may also be interested in knowing who performed the conversion. If you outsource it to a professional, you may be able to get more affordable rates. The insurance company may believe that this would involve a higher standard of work and that you would be less likely to file a claim.
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How much is insurance for a school bus?
Policy details and costs vary widely. Therefore, you need to get in touch with the relevant body in your state and find more specific information about school bus insurance costs and requirements in your area.
For example, Florida insists that you carry single limit liability insurance for a bus to protect the pupils on board. You need to set this policy at $5,000 multiplied by the vehicle’s seating capacity or $100,000, whichever is greater.
Check with your state’s DMV and local school district to determine what type of policy you need. Then, you can shop around for appropriate coverage from local insurers. We recommend comparing car insurance quotes from at least three companies near you to get the most affordable bus insurance rates.
What are the auto insurance requirements for school buses?
If you buy a school bus and intend to offer transportation services to your school district, you need to talk with them and understand the state’s specific requirements.
On the other hand, if you intend to convert it into a personal vehicle or RV, you may need to add certain features before you can qualify for coverage. You must get specific car insurance quotes based on your conversion plans and decide who will perform the conversion work.
It’s best to talk with insurance companies before you begin any conversion work to know exactly what they are looking for and make any changes to your plans if necessary. You may decide to outsource the work to a professional if it is easier to get coverage, as many companies will want to appraise the vehicle before they agree to issue a policy.
When you talk with your insurance company, ask about insuring a commercial vehicle for personal use. You need to start with the basic liability coverage as specified by your state, but you may also want to consider comprehensive car insurance and collision car insurance coverage to protect its value. It’s also worth considering uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
In either case, contact several insurance companies to compare your options and requirements before you buy a school bus.
Insurance for a Bus – What You Need to Know
Commercial school bus insurance requirements are regulated by state insurance laws and the local school district. Check with your DMV and district superintendent to determine what kind of coverage you’ll need as a school bus driver.
However, school bus conversion insurance policies depend on how you intend to use the vehicle for personal use. Most car insurance companies will want to appraise your converted bus before writing a policy. So, shop around with multiple insurers to see which offers the kind of policy you want at the best possible price on insurance for a bus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors determine school bus insurance rates?
Several factors can influence school bus insurance rates, including the following:
- Location: Insurance rates can vary based on the region, state, or city where the school bus operates.
- Usage: The frequency and purpose of the bus’s use, such as regular school transportation versus occasional trips, can impact rates.
- Driver history: The driving records of the bus drivers, including accidents, violations, and experience, can affect insurance premiums.
- Vehicle condition: The age, condition, and safety features of the school bus can impact insurance rates.
- Coverage limits: The coverage options and limits chosen for the policy can affect the overall premium.
- Claims history: The past claims history of the school or transportation company can influence rates.
Are there any specific insurance requirements for school buses?
Yes, school buses are subject to specific insurance requirements, which may vary by state. Generally, school buses must carry liability coverage to protect against bodily injury and property damage in case of an accident. Additionally, some states may require other types of coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or physical damage coverage for the bus itself.
Can I get discounts on school bus insurance?
Yes, insurance providers may offer various discounts that can help lower school bus insurance rates. Some common discounts include:
- Safe driving discounts: Insurers may offer discounts for maintaining a clean driving record or completing defensive driving courses.
- Multi-vehicle discounts: If you insure multiple school buses or have other vehicles insured with the same provider, you may be eligible for a discount.
- Safety equipment discounts: Installing safety features like seat belts, GPS tracking systems, or anti-theft devices can lead to reduced premiums.
- Good student discounts: If the school bus drivers are students who maintain good grades, they may qualify for discounted rates.
How can I find the best insurance rates for my school bus?
To find the best insurance rates for a school bus, consider the following steps:
- Shop around: Obtain quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare rates and coverage options.
- Assess coverage needs: Determine the specific coverage requirements for your school bus based on state regulations and your unique circumstances.
- Evaluate insurance providers: Research the reputation, financial stability, and customer service of potential insurance companies.
- Review deductibles and limits: Understand the deductibles and coverage limits associated with each insurance policy to ensure they align with your needs.
- Consider additional services: Some insurance providers offer additional benefits such as claims support, 24/7 assistance, or specialized coverage for school-related activities.
Are there any specific insurance requirements for school bus drivers?
Yes, school bus drivers are typically required to meet certain insurance requirements. These requirements may include having a valid driver’s license, maintaining a clean driving record, and meeting any specific criteria set by the insurance provider. Additionally, the school or transportation company may have additional requirements for their drivers, such as background checks or drug testing.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.