Short Bus Insurance

[ddbbella]

Hi. So I posted an earlier thread about insurance but I was looking at 65-70 passenger buses. I recently found a 1999 Thomas 26 passenger bus that has had all the seats removed. I think a short bus will fit my needs better. But as far as insurance goes, the bus is in NC, and I’ll be visiting thus weekend so it would work out well to pick it up. Is it easier to insure a smaller bus? Since all the seats are removed would it be easier to classify it as a personal use vehicle?

I also found a 98 Chevy vandura located 2hrs from me in FL. That’s another option, but I believe it runs on gas and I wanted reviews on whether gas or diesel is the way to go? And would that be easier to get insured and registered as a van?

[2martins]

Originally Posted by ddbbella

Hi. So I posted an earlier thread about insurance but I was looking at 65-70 passenger buses. I recently found a 1999 Thomas 26 passenger bus that has had all the seats removed. I think a short bus will fit my needs better. But as far as insurance goes, the bus is in NC, and I’ll be visiting thus weekend so it would work out well to pick it up. Is it easier to insure a smaller bus? Since all the seats are removed would it be easier to classify it as a personal use vehicle?

I also found a 98 Chevy vandura located 2hrs from me in FL. That’s another option, but I believe it runs on gas and I wanted reviews on whether gas or diesel is the way to go? And would that be easier to get insured and registered as a van?

This varies so much by state and your personal situation. Call your insurance company or an independent agent and ask for a quote to insure the kind of vehicle you are interested in BEFORE you even go look at it. If you either can't get Insurance or it's too expensive for that model, what's the point? I am kicking myself because I KNEW this and I didn't do it for this vehicle after always checking it for other vehicles!!

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[Jdawgsfanasty]

Originally Posted by ddbbella

Hi. So I posted an earlier thread about insurance but I was looking at 65-70 passenger buses. I recently found a 1999 Thomas 26 passenger bus that has had all the seats removed. I think a short bus will fit my needs better. But as far as insurance goes, the bus is in NC, and I’ll be visiting thus weekend so it would work out well to pick it up. Is it easier to insure a smaller bus? Since all the seats are removed would it be easier to classify it as a personal use vehicle?

I also found a 98 Chevy vandura located 2hrs from me in FL. That’s another option, but I believe it runs on gas and I wanted reviews on whether gas or diesel is the way to go? And would that be easier to get insured and registered as a van?

Diesel is a more stable fuel but is not "cold friendly" diesels don't like being ran dry...I think it's probably a personal preference...:shrug:

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[ddbbella]

So I won’t the auction for the bus! Waiting for the seller to get back to me. This is for the Thomas 1998 I’m NC. If the bus is still up to date registered under the old owner, do I then just have the title switched to my name and try to get my bus insured for personal use?

[TrailLifeBill]

Originally Posted by ddbbella

So I won’t the auction for the bus! Waiting for the seller to get back to me. This is for the Thomas 1998 I’m NC. If the bus is still up to date registered under the old owner, do I then just have the title switched to my name and try to get my bus insured for personal use?

You don't even have to do the title transfer first. I would get the VIN number, get insurance, verify that your driver's license is sufficient for the size vehicle you are driving, and go get it. You'll pick up the title from the current owner when you get it (signed over on the back), do a bill of sale also, and worry about title transfer, tags when you get home.
Pre-trip inspection items include oil/transmission/brake fluid/coolant level checks, tire pressure and condition checks.
Good luck, and welcome to the madness!!

[Robin97396]

I think you're right about choosing a shorty. It would be much easier for you to drive. As far as I know the insurance issue remains the same regardless of bus length.

The two things most often overlooked by new bus owners are insurance and a permanent place to park where they can work on the bus.

You may want to consider posting details and photos, but not liks or locations, of buses you are considering buying. You'll learn a lot from the evaluations from multiple members here that will likely influence your buying decision. We'd rather see you buy a nice bus than to help you fix a bad bus.

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by Robin97396

I think you're right about choosing a shorty. It would be much easier for you to drive. As far as I know the insurance issue remains the same regardless of bus length.

The two things most often overlooked by new bus owners are insurance and a permanent place to park where they can work on the bus.

You may want to consider posting details and photos, but not liks or locations, of buses you are considering buying. You'll learn a lot from the evaluations from multiple members here that will likely influence your buying decision. We'd rather see you buy a nice bus than to help you fix a bad bus.

Insurance is not quite the same.

While the shorties are still buses, they are under the 26k lbs gross weight and they often have fewer than 16 seats. You are entitled to count the number of adult, not rugrat seats, so each bench is two people, not three.