registered and insured in Utah.. whew!

[family wagon]

We picked our 1991 Blue Bird out of the classifieds about two weeks ago. I did my homework before buying to get some idea about licensing cost and insurance. I found a local Progressive agent who said he thought he could do a school bus, but not a school bus conversion. But just for good measure he called Progressive to be sure. He came back and reported that they'd do it, and a couple days later we bought the bus. Then I called him back to buy the policy. Uh-oh.

Apparently the scoop with them is that they will cover a school bus, but only so long as it remains a bus. At present the only kind of conversion they'll take is a coach conversion, like a greyhound -- no skoolies. I turned to GMAC and found almost the opposite: they won't insure a school bus until AFTER it is converted.

So I guess that's the plan: Progressive until we add sleeping facilities, and GMAC after that time. At least Progressive's rate was pretty good (mid-$400/yr including comprehensive and collision).

Thank goodness the safety and emissions inspections went well and the state DMV licensing and registration were easy. And a big thanks to those here who shared their experience and knowledge. Finding insurance was probably my biggest concern about diving into this project.

[wdbowers]

Insured my 90 GMC Ward body with Progressive 3 years ago now and there were no hoops about pre or post conversion. They wrote it as a "commercial" policy however and it cost me some more, but not near $400. Talked with State Farm today after Googling Bus Conversion Insurance and the web said they did it, but in person they say they cant. I do not understand why the safest vehicles out there cant be insured without so much BS.

Willie
(Vanderbus)

[scott_farmer]

I got my insurance in Texas through my state farm agent. They already insure my 3 cars and my newly licensed teen driver. I talked to my agent before I bought the bus and after some research they came back and said they could do both a private bus and an RV conversion. I'm insured as a private bus currently for $175/6 months for minimum liability and uninsured motorist. Once I finish the conversion and retitle as an RV I just need to show them pictures and receipts for the conversion and they will insure me as an RV. At that point I will probably bump up the coverage a bit more since I will be doing more driving than just between the storage lot and my driveway.