At BCD, we have access to a range of insurance providers, so we can compare minibus insurance options for you to find the most suitable policy to meet your needs. Minibuses are used for commercial purposes and/or for hire and reward. If you operate multiple vehicles, talk to us about minibus fleet insurance options.
Some minibus owners don’t use their vehicles for hire or reward purposes. If this applies to you, talking to BCD about commercial minibus insurance or 9-seater minibus insurance options may be your best choice.
For others, minibus insurance is more specialised, often tailored for hire and reward usage -similar to taxi insurance.
So what is a minibus?
A minibus is a vehicle seating 9 to 16 passengers, classed as M2 in your V5 logbook. If your minibus has less than 9 seats, then it’s not a minibus and will probably be classed as a van or a mini-cab. MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) may sometimes be covered under minibus insurance, but typically they tend to be covered by car insurance.
If it has more than 16 seats, it is classified as a coach. Unlike cars or vans, minibuses require specialised insurance due to their unique purpose and passenger capacity. A standard car or van insurance policy won’t cut the mustard!
How much is minibus insurance?
Minibus insurance can be expensive due to passenger liability and repair costs. For non-commercial use, a van insurance policy might suffice, but specialist cover is typically required. Using BCD to search for the best quotes is a good way to help find the best policy.
What insurance do I need?
Minibus insurance depends on its use—private, business, or hire. Policies often cover specific purposes, including school or club transport. Business insurance is essential for commercial use.
Many individuals and organisations use minibuses for such purposes, including:
- Airport Transfers and Services
- Schools and Educational Institutions
- Sports and Social Clubs
- Community Transport
If your minibus is used in these scenarios, you’ll need cost-effective, purpose-built minibus insurance to ensure proper coverage and compliance.
The cover options include:
- Hire & Reward
- Comprehensive Cover: Protects all damages resulting from an accident, covering your vehicle and others. It includes fire, theft, windscreen damage, personal belongings, and medical expenses.
- Third Party, Fire & Theft Cover (TPFT): Covers liability for third-party damages and injuries, as well as protection against fire and theft.
- Third Party Only Cover (TPO): Covers liability for injuries to others and damage to their property.
- Public or Private Hire: Offers insurance for minibus taxis used for public hire, which can be hailed on the street, or private hire vehicles, which require pre-booking.
- Public Liability: Protects your business against claims for injury to the public or damage to their property.
- Any Driver Cover: Permits any authorised driver in your organisation to operate the minibus, with the policyholder’s consent.
Can I drive a minibus on car insurance?
- You may drive a minibus if:
- You’re aged 21+ with a valid licence for 24 months.
- If over 70, you meet ‘Group 2’ medical standards.
- The minibus is used for non-commercial, social purposes, and doesn’t exceed 3.5t (or 4.25t with disability adaptations).
For commercial or paid transport, additional permits or licences are required.
You can find out about Minibus licences on the government website here.
For private or non-commercial use, private car insurance may suffice, depending on usage. However, for hire and reward purposes, specialised minibus insurance is mandatory to ensure the vehicle is covered as a taxi.
Factors Affecting Minibus Insurance Costs
- Minibus Value:
The vehicle’s value is a major factor in determining insurance costs. Insurers consider the replacement cost if the minibus is written off and the expense of parts for repairs. - Driver Age:
Drivers under 25 typically face higher premiums, as they are statistically more likely to make claims. Consider whether younger drivers need to be included on your policy. - Security Features:
Parking the minibus on the street without security measures (e.g., alarms, immobilisers, or steering wheel locks) increases premiums. Securing the vehicle can reduce costs. - Level of Cover:
Comprehensive policies and additional options increase costs but provide greater protection and peace of mind.
Types of Minibus Insurance
- Commercial Minibus Insurance: Ideal for business use not involving hire and reward.
- Taxi Minibus Insurance: Necessary for transporting passengers for hire and reward, similar to taxi coverage.
- Coach Insurance: Considered for larger passenger vehicles.
Why Speak To BCD For Specialist Minibus Insurance
Remember that cheap minibus insurance may not always be the best policy as you get what you pay for. The experienced and helpful team at BCD understand the unique needs and risks associated with minibus operations, whether for public hire, private hire, school runs, or community services. Minibus operations vary widely in use and risk. We can recommend policies that address specific requirements, such as passenger liability, public liability, or goods in transit. In addition, we can identify and eliminate unnecessary coverage while ensuring you’re fully protected, potentially saving you money compared to a one-size-fits-all policy.
Furthermore, we have access to insurance providers that deal specifically with minibus coverage. These insurers may not be available through general brokers or direct-to-consumer channels, offering you more competitive rates and better coverage options. We can also advise on related needs, such as fleet management, driver training programs, or risk assessments, to minimise insurance costs and improve safety.
At BCD we not only help you get the most appropriate cover, but our claims team are also on hand to support you in the event of a claim
Working with BCD ensures that you get the most suitable, cost-effective, and compliant insurance for your minibus while benefiting from our industry-specific expertise.
For a new quote or to find out how BCD can help protect you, get in touch with our expert team today.
Get a Quote: https://www.businesschoicedirect.co.uk/minibus-insurance/
Call: 0344 776 5304