When you need insurance it’s important to shop around. Get three quotes on mini bus insurance and save a boatload. The agents compete for your policy and you pick the one that works best for your business.
Minibus Insurance In A Nutshell
Minibuses are legally defined as buses that have a seating capacity of less than fifteen passengers. They are used by a variety of private organizations including hotels, churches, bingo parlors, boy scout troops, and after-school clubs. Because of such a large range of uses, it can be difficult to find an insurance policy that meets your organization’s needs.
The best way to find out which coverages you need for your bus is to talk to an agent who specializes in buses directly. He will usually be able to get you a policy you need, and if not, he’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
What you should know when you’re talking to an agent
There are certain things that every minibus insurance policy needs. The most important thing is auto liability insurance. This is coverage that protects other motorists on the road when you’re at fault in an accident. It’s important because without this coverage, you are not legal to even drive your bus. Most states require a liability limit of at least $1.5 million per minibus, but you might want to consider upping that if you can.
You should also be aware of physical damage insurance, which pays for repairs to your bus if it’s damaged in an accident. There’s also medical payments insurance, which protects your passengers’ well-being if they’re injured while riding your minibus.
What you should be asking your agent
The best way to choose an insurance agent for your mini bus service is to speak to a few at once. But how do you know which questions you should be asking? Here we offer a few suggestions.
When are you available? – Many organizations that use mini buses aren’t using them on weekdays between nine and five. So you need an agent who is available when you’re on the road—when you might have a claim to make. Ask your agent if he’s available 24/7.
What is the prospective insurance company’s A.M. Best Rating? – The insurance company you choose should have a history of providing their customers with support after an accident. You need to be certain that your insurance company does in fact have your back. That’s why you should have your agent explain the company’s A.M. Best rating. Basically: can they be counted on?
What discounts can you offer me? – It never hurts to ask, right? Insurance agents often have discounts that they can offer their customers for a variety of reasons. If you are a veteran, you have a solid credit history, you pay on time, or you pay your entire premium up front, you can expect to pay a little less for insurance.