Insurance!

[bstewrat3]

I was able to get insurance on my bus through Progressive Commercial as I had saw others post about in other threads. I have all of my other insurance through USAA, who doesn't insure RV's and has an agreement with Progressive. I think the USAA connection must have helped me, because I had a policy in less than 10 minutes at a rate less than my personal vehicles if I paid the year upfront.

The important thing is to not say you are converting it if that is your end goal, because that gets you nothing. I am using mine to store canoes and kayaks and to transport myself and up to 6 personal friends to launch points in a not for hire situation.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by MarkyDee

So, stay away from State Farm. Period.

Different folks have had different experiences. I have insured 3 buses with State Farm and am very happy with the rates and the service.

For grins I got a quote a few days ago from Progressive Commercial and it was about 30% higher than State Farm for commercial. With State Farm, once I finish the conversion they will convert it to RV and the rates will drop significantly from what the current commercial insurance cost is.

I would recommend that folks check with multiple carriers, including State Farm, and see who will & who won't sell you the coverage that you want and who has the best deal.

Just my $0.02

[spence5134]

Im new here and I am just wondering, if you were to get the Progressive Commercial for private use, does that require a CDL License? Thanks.

[bry899]

Originally Posted by spence5134

Im new here and I am just wondering, if you were to get the Progressive Commercial for private use, does that require a CDL License? Thanks.

No I did not need a CDL for my shuttle Bus E350, not sure about the bigger buses.

I believe the CDL might be required for over a certain weight, & types of cargo, etc, such as if you have multiple fare paying passengers.

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by spence5134

Im new here and I am just wondering, if you were to get the Progressive Commercial for private use, does that require a CDL License? Thanks.

Hey Spence,

laws vary by state. In most states RV's are exempt from CDL requirements. In Washington a CDL is required for:

Vehicles over 26k GWRV regardless of use (except RV)
Vehicles over 16k GWRV engaged in commercial use.
Vehicles that carry over a certain number of passengers.

Generally, if you title it as an RV you will not need a CDL. Your insurance does not dictate what license you need.

DO KEEP IN MIND that if the the law requires a CDL and you drive without one and have an insurance claim you WILL be in hot water with your insurance company and they COULD deny your claim.

[Robin97396]

A CDL isn't needed for your private use bus unless you're using your bus commercially for profit. Your insurance company would have issues with illegal use of a privately owned bus, and I believe that is why insurance has become such an issue of the past several years. These are medium duty trucks basically and easily lend themselves to commercial use activities.

There are always exceptions to every rule. Canada requires an air brake endorsement for US drivers to go through their borders. For us a class "B" license would have that air brake endorsement. A CDL, or class "A" license, is a heavy truck license generally for commercial purposes. I am not aware of special license requirements to enter Mexico, but that's because I haven't been there yet.

[sutphinins]

Originally Posted by spence5134

Im new here and I am just wondering, if you were to get the Progressive Commercial for private use, does that require a CDL License? Thanks.

Best thing to do is talk to a DMV in your state. As others mentioned, it's not the insurance company dictating the CDL, it's the state.

[Robin97396]

Originally Posted by sutphinins

Best thing to do is talk to a DMV in your state. As others mentioned, it's not the insurance company dictating the CDL, it's the state.

That is absolutely true. Ask a question about CDLs on this site and you're likely to get about 52 slightly varying answers. You'll get a better answer from your DMV.

I think it's actually federal regulations that direct CDL requirements, because you know they are going to want their road taxes. The states can add to that to make things more difficult. The insurance companies also want more money if you're commercially driving. It's also interesting how insurers vary greatly withing the same state with their answers about insuring buses. It's an interesting game.

I can't even guarantee my information is correct if you lived in Oregon. Just what I've experienced.

[Goatherder]

Read this thread:

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f18/in...tml#post196469

[Whywalk]

My cars are insured through Progressive, and they flat out told me they would NOT insure my bus.

[Hammerhead]

Originally Posted by Whywalk

My cars are insured through Progressive, and they flat out told me they would NOT insure my bus.

GEICO was willing to insure mine and at a very reasonable rate. Of course, it's commercial insurance but it's still cheap!