Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 04-20-2017, 07:37 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
bfuller181's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Westchester, NY
Posts: 48
Chassis: Chevy Express 3500
Rated Cap: 27
Insurance success!

Won the auction for my short bus last week and have been in an increasing panic all week trying to get it covered before I pick it up tomorrow. Some places were polite, but not helpful, while others were downright rude.

The details:
I got a commercial policy for private use through a Progressive *agent* (you can NOT get any kind of school bus - pre, during, or post conversion - insured yourself through Progressive Direct online). It's liability only and it costs $800 per year (and that's after a $200 discount for multi-policy and paid up front).

A difference agent had quoted a similar policy at $2,100, but he was listing it as "transportation, not for hire" since it's a bus. The final deal I got categorized the policy as "personal - carpentry" since I said I needed the vehicle to haul lumber from the store to my house (not a lie).

Others have said it here, but I 1) didn't believe it and 2) felt sketchy about doing it, but NEVER SAY YOU HAVE A SCHOOL BUS. I simply said I needed to insure a commercial vehicle for personal use and gave the VIN number. It probably helps that I bought a shortie which was built on a Chevy cargo van chassis, so the VIN didn't come back as "bus" (technically, the VIN didn't come back as anything, so I might get denied next week, but that's a problem for future me).

Now my focus is to get the seats out and paint it white so that I can register & insure it as an RV for hopefully much less money.

bfuller181 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2017, 07:44 PM   #2
Bus Crazy
 
Njsurf73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfuller181 View Post
Won the auction for my short bus last week and have been in an increasing panic all week trying to get it covered before I pick it up tomorrow. Some places were polite, but not helpful, while others were downright rude.

The details:
I got a commercial policy for private use through a Progressive *agent* (you can NOT get any kind of school bus - pre, during, or post conversion - insured yourself through Progressive Direct online). It's liability only and it costs $800 per year (and that's after a $200 discount for multi-policy and paid up front).

A difference agent had quoted a similar policy at $2,100, but he was listing it as "transportation, not for hire" since it's a bus. The final deal I got categorized the policy as "personal - carpentry" since I said I needed the vehicle to haul lumber from the store to my house (not a lie).

Others have said it here, but I 1) didn't believe it and 2) felt sketchy about doing it, but NEVER SAY YOU HAVE A SCHOOL BUS. I simply said I needed to insure a commercial vehicle for personal use and gave the VIN number. It probably helps that I bought a shortie which was built on a Chevy cargo van chassis, so the VIN didn't come back as "bus" (technically, the VIN didn't come back as anything, so I might get denied next week, but that's a problem for future me).

Now my focus is to get the seats out and paint it white so that I can register & insure it as an RV for hopefully much less money.
Careful. If you change the title before you convert it, progressive will drop you, if they find out. No one I could find would insure a pre or on going conversion.


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Njsurf73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2017, 07:57 PM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
bfuller181's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Westchester, NY
Posts: 48
Chassis: Chevy Express 3500
Rated Cap: 27
Quote:
Originally Posted by Njsurf73 View Post
Careful. If you change the title before you convert it, progressive will drop you, if they find out. No one I could find would insure a pre or on going conversion.
AIS (essentially National General) said they would cover during conversion as soon as the seats are out and it's painted not-yellow (would need to take pictures to verify). Post-conversion would need to show evidence of things like bed, stove, water, power, etc.

Either way, I'm not changing the title until everything is done at which point I'd be dropping the Progressive policy anyway.
bfuller181 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2017, 07:59 PM   #4
Bus Crazy
 
Njsurf73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
Hmm. I called them and they said they would only cover me after the conversion and I would need pictures. What state are you in?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Njsurf73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2017, 08:12 PM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
bfuller181's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Westchester, NY
Posts: 48
Chassis: Chevy Express 3500
Rated Cap: 27
NY, but I don't think I ever gave that info to them. Other RV insurance places told me the same thing - no insurance while it's a bus, insurance options once the seats are removed, better insurance options once it's registered & titled as an RV.
bfuller181 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-20-2017, 08:21 PM   #6
Bus Crazy
 
Njsurf73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
Well thank you. I have hope.lol.
I still plan on doing the whole conversion before I start to think about changing insurance companies

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Njsurf73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2017, 07:33 AM   #7
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Greenwood, Indiana
Posts: 669
Year: 1999
Coachwork: New Flyer
Chassis: D45HF "Viking"
Engine: 11.1L Detroit Diesel S60
Rated Cap: 51,600
Disclaimer: I'm in Indiana.

I went online to Progressive Commercial to look for a policy and they quoted me about $630/yr for a policy very much like the policies I have on my cars (100/300/100, etc.). In fact Progressive Commercial didn't discount it very much for basic coverage (25/50/25, etc. - about $560/yr). Be aware, there was two or three places where I selected "for private use" during the Q&A session!

Once I take possession of the bus (I'm having it delivered - really long story), purchase the policy, and receive all the materials, I'll post a quick writeup of what I did.
MarkyDee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2017, 07:36 AM   #8
Bus Crazy
 
Njsurf73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkyDee View Post
Disclaimer: I'm in Indiana.

I went online to Progressive Commercial to look for a policy and they quoted me about $630/yr for a policy very much like the policies I have on my cars (100/300/100, etc.). In fact Progressive Commercial didn't discount it very much for basic coverage (25/50/25, etc. - about $560/yr). Be aware, there was two or three places where I selected "for private use" during the Q&A session!

Once I take possession of the bus (I'm having it delivered - really long story), purchase the policy, and receive all the materials, I'll post a quick writeup of what I did.
Very similar to my insurance in Massachusetts. They even asked if it was converted, semi-converted, or stock. I fibbed a little and told her the seats were all out already, it saved me $20.00 lol

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Njsurf73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2017, 06:53 PM   #9
Mini-Skoolie
 
bfuller181's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Westchester, NY
Posts: 48
Chassis: Chevy Express 3500
Rated Cap: 27
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkyDee View Post
Disclaimer: I'm in Indiana.

I went online to Progressive Commercial to look for a policy and they quoted me about $630/yr for a policy very much like the policies I have on my cars (100/300/100, etc.). In fact Progressive Commercial didn't discount it very much for basic coverage (25/50/25, etc. - about $560/yr). Be aware, there was two or three places where I selected "for private use" during the Q&A session!

Once I take possession of the bus (I'm having it delivered - really long story), purchase the policy, and receive all the materials, I'll post a quick writeup of what I did.
That's so strange because when I called Progressive Commercial they told me no flat-out as soon as I uttered the words "school bus."
bfuller181 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2017, 07:17 PM   #10
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Greenwood, Indiana
Posts: 669
Year: 1999
Coachwork: New Flyer
Chassis: D45HF "Viking"
Engine: 11.1L Detroit Diesel S60
Rated Cap: 51,600
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfuller181 View Post
That's so strange because when I called Progressive Commercial they told me no flat-out as soon as I uttered the words "school bus."
All I can suggest is going through their online portal and see if they will quote a policy that way. If you can wait a day or two I'll put up some instructions.
MarkyDee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2017, 07:31 PM   #11
Bus Geek
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 18,707
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
every state is different... progressive you always have to call to actually purchase the policy... when i did both my busses.. (by the way one has a Motorhome title, the other is original Bus title).. they showed them as "International 380".. never asked any more.. but she knew it was a Bus.. in my case both of my busses still have some seats.. the only thing she asked was "is it a bus staying a bus?" of course i answered trithfully YES.. since really they both are Busses..

that was a year ago, i got my renewal already and sent it in so they didnt cancel me..
-Christopher
cadillackid is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2017, 07:54 PM   #12
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 340
Year: 2003
Chassis: E-450
Engine: 7.3 Turbo
Interesting that AIS has a dedicated bus conversion page. Although they're pretty negative about school bus conversions specifically...

"With underwriting guidelines being tightened to keep losses in check, insurance companies are avoiding certain types of risk. One of the most well-known risks that most specialty RV insurance providers avoid is the school bus conversion. Very few insurance companies will insure this type of vehicle. The main reason cited for this is the axle of a school bus is generally a narrower axle than that of a regular bus. Thus, when the additional weight of the conversion is added, it can result in a top-heavy vehicle, which is more susceptible to rollover accidents. Historically, more serious accidents have occurred to school bus conversions as compared to regular bus conversions-enough that many companies are no longer willing to accept this risk."

Translation: we may be able to help you, but get ready to pay $$$$$$$$$$$

link: https://www.aisinsurance.com/product...ersion.aspx#t3
PigPen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2017, 10:33 PM   #13
Bus Geek
 
EastCoastCB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,762
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkyDee View Post
Disclaimer: I'm in Indiana.

I went online to Progressive Commercial to look for a policy and they quoted me about $630/yr for a policy very much like the policies I have on my cars (100/300/100, etc.). In fact Progressive Commercial didn't discount it very much for basic coverage (25/50/25, etc. - about $560/yr). Be aware, there was two or three places where I selected "for private use" during the Q&A session!

Once I take possession of the bus (I'm having it delivered - really long story), purchase the policy, and receive all the materials, I'll post a quick writeup of what I did.
Not trying to be a downer but don't be surprised if you get a cancellation letter in a couple weeks if you did it all online. Hopefully not, but that's been the collective experience.
EastCoastCB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2017, 10:38 PM   #14
Bus Geek
 
Robin97396's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Willamina, Oregon
Posts: 6,409
Coachwork: 97 Bluebird TC1000 5.9
Well we'd all better start getting coaches then, so we're that extra 3" wider that makes us safe and keeps us from a flippin over like a tubleweed.
__________________
Robin
Nobody's Business
Robin97396 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-22-2017, 10:42 PM   #15
Bus Crazy
 
Njsurf73's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
But they will insure this without blinking...
Because it has such a wide wheel base


Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Njsurf73 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2018, 07:35 AM   #16
New Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 8
Coachwork: Corbeil
Chassis: 2004 GMC Savana
Engine: 6 liter, 8 cylinder Vortec
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkyDee View Post
All I can suggest is going through their online portal and see if they will quote a policy that way. If you can wait a day or two I'll put up some instructions.
Would you still be willing to post instructions? Assuming this has all worked out for you?

Thanks, Bill
stcyrwm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2018, 12:17 PM   #17
Bus Nut
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Greenwood, Indiana
Posts: 669
Year: 1999
Coachwork: New Flyer
Chassis: D45HF "Viking"
Engine: 11.1L Detroit Diesel S60
Rated Cap: 51,600
Quote:
Originally Posted by stcyrwm View Post
Would you still be willing to post instructions? Assuming this has all worked out for you?

Thanks, Bill

Wow, that was a year ago for me now.... It did work out for me - well Progressive Commercial hasn't canceled me yet. However, at my one-year renewal they dropped the amounts down, but also dropped the amount I was paying. I've wondered if they accepted me because my bus had already been insured by them (the seller I got the bus from had it insured through them).



I'll make a note and see what I can do this weekend.....
MarkyDee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2018, 12:56 PM   #18
New Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 8
Coachwork: Corbeil
Chassis: 2004 GMC Savana
Engine: 6 liter, 8 cylinder Vortec
Thanks that would be awesome. I have been turned down twice already, sigh...
stcyrwm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2018, 02:22 PM   #19
Bus Crazy
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: topeka kansas
Posts: 1,764
Year: 1954
Coachwork: wayne
Chassis: old f500- new 2005 f-450
Engine: cummins 12 valve
Rated Cap: 20? five rows of 4?
y'all gettin me nervous

I wonder how it is all going to go? I mean 1954 ford..... title does say "bus"

last registered in 1971.......

william
magnakansas is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-29-2018, 02:33 PM   #20
Skoolie
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Central MN
Posts: 191
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: TC RE
Engine: 8.3L
Might try somebody like Hagerty, that does classic and restored cars. It would qualify by age. My $.02
__________________
GaryC
Gustav is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:49 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.