Bus Insurance

How to shop for the proper insurance for buses
By Lesley Graybeal Bus insurance is heavily focused on liability, whether you want to insure an entire public transit bus system or just your own private charter bus company. Especially if you insure a bus that you rent to others to drive, liability will be the largest portion of your coverage.

When you start shopping for bus insurance, like any auto insurance, it's easy to get a free online bus insurance quote. Filling out a single form online and getting multiple quotes is a good way to feel out insurance options, but make sure you read the specific coverage information of all of the bus insurance providers.

As you start looking for insurance for buses, make sure you:

1. Start with auto insurance providers, especially those you may be familiar with already.
2. Get a variety of online quotes for free.
3. Check out bus insurance providers who also insure taxis, limos, and other forms of public and private transportation.
4. Consider the specifics of your insurance needs.

Look for bus insurance with companies you know

Many auto insurance companies also provide insurance for buses, both commercial and private. Check with your existing auto insurance provider or another company you trust.
Try:  Many auto insurance companies offer free online quotes for all types of insurance, including bus insurance. You can go directly to the site of a company you are familiar with, such as Liberty Mutual, to get a bus insurance quote. Talk to your existing auto insurance provider to find out if you can save time or money by simply extending your coverage.

Get multiple quotes and compare insurance for buses

You can use an online form to get five or six different insurance quotes for free and compare them on a single screen. There's no obligation, but make sure you read more from the provider before choosing a company.
Try:  Fill out a single request for a bus insurance quote at Insurance Desk and get multiple results. Compare coverage, costs and deductibles from the results page. Net Quote is another good source, not just for bus insurance, but all kinds of insurance quote comparisons.

Talk to a provider that offers insurance for buses, taxis and limos

Some insurance providers specialize in insurance for buses, taxis and limos only. Because these providers specialize in commercial and public transit, they can provide more complete information on tour bus insurance, charter bus insurance, and even city or school bus insurance.
Try:  Register and get a quote from insurance providers that specialize in bus insurance such as the P.A. Post Agency and Shriver Insurance.

Evaluate the extent of your insurance needs

Think about the uses of your bus. If your bus is serving a large organization such as a church, you might want to look into a more comprehensive coverage plan.
Try:  Consider getting church insurance, which covers the bus as well as all church property and activities. If your bus is serving a specific purpose that you can't seem to fit with the bus insurance offered by auto insurance providers, try a specialty insurance provider that will tailor coverage to your needs.

• Be aware that if you are starting a charter bus company, required coverage can be as high as $5 million, so make sure you are familiar with commercial bus insurance regulations.