Michigan short bus insurance/ title newbie

[Codybrippin]

Hello all I’m new to the bus stuff but I’ve been looking at rvs for months now and I just can’t justify the money people ask for a 20+ year old chassis . I’ve now started to look into a short bus , I’m a mechanic for a municipality and we have 3500 Chevy duramax bus’s. That being said I am familiar with the chassis and drive train , upfitting for my needs should be a fun family project. My worries as I’ve recently started reading on this forum is that I may have titling issues and insurance issues . My thought is that the title and insurance should be that of a 3500 Van am I wrong in that and the title will say bus on it ? I’m looking to get a 3500 Chevy 04-08 duramax short school bus .again I’m new to this so if these are dumb questions I apologize

 

[ol trunt]

From the get-go it is the up-fitter of the bus body that calls the bus designation so not a 3500 van. Some folks have had luck insuring these buses on a commercial policy until they are converted to a "motor home" or "house car" at which time insurance becomes less of a problem and cheaper. You'll hear lots more I'm sure!
Jack

 

[john61ct-SKO]

If needed for rego

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/showthread.php?p=165864

 

[john61ct-SKO]

If you find insurance is difficult

https://www.skoolie.net/forums/showthread.php?p=352597

 

[roach711]

When I changed our bus title, the Michigan SOS wanted to see receipts for a cooking area, a sleeping area and a toilet. No inspection was required (check for current requirements at the SOS website). I had receipts for a few of those and made up receipts for the rest. Commercial titles are based on weight and motorhome titles are based on the original purchase price of the vehicle. The Michigan SOS website has an "Ad Velorum" section that lists the yearly registration cost of a vehicle by purchase price. Our bus was originally purchased for $50,000 so our registration cost was about $135/year. Your best bet is to deal with a rural SOS office since they have more experience with converting titles. My Farmington Hills SOS office managed to screw up the conversion 5 times before I finally got a good title.

For insurance I first checked with Allstate and they wouldn't make an offer so I contacted National General and got liability only for $520/year.

 

[Codybrippin]

Thank you guys I’m feeling more comfortable with my plan to purchase a bus, hopefully all goes well this summer and I can pick one up this fall and start the project !

 

[Makomike42]

For all your pre and post conversion insurance needs call Steven at Bleeker insurance in Big Rapids Michigan. +12317962014

 

[Bert06840]

Only for Michigan policies. I called him.

 

[Makomike42]

Yes sorry should have stated that just assumed with the thread name

 

[SawsSandBox]

When I changed our bus title, the Michigan SOS wanted to see receipts for a cooking area, a sleeping area and a toilet. No inspection was required (check for current requirements at the SOS website). I had receipts for a few of those and made up receipts for the rest. Commercial titles are based on weight and motorhome titles are based on the original purchase price of the vehicle. The Michigan SOS website has an "Ad Velorum" section that lists the yearly registration cost of a vehicle by purchase price. Our bus was originally purchased for $50,000 so our registration cost was about $135/year. Your best bet is to deal with a rural SOS office since they have more experience with converting titles. My Farmington Hills SOS office managed to screw up the conversion 5 times before I finally got a good title.

For insurance I first checked with Allstate and they wouldn't make an offer so I contacted National General and got liability only for $520/year.

Thank you very helpful - I am in process of our purchase and will pick-up next week. I will try to post any updates as I learn more.
Heard that there is an SOS outside Flint that has experience on title change over.
My current insurance broker was like trying to not laugh and what I had done - so ..
Thanks much for your post and sharing! SAW

 

[Sagzster]

For all your pre and post conversion insurance needs call Steven at Bleeker insurance in Big Rapids Michigan. +12317962014

FYI Steven no longer works there and they no longer cover conversions.
I'm striking out everywhere.

 

[SawsSandBox]

RV Insurance

If your looking for insurance in MI try Duane at Allstate - 800.255.7828
As of summer 2021 they were still writing for RV Conversions.
I had to sell my Skoolie, so I do not have confirmation if he is still writing.
Not all offices or insurance companies write this policy and they "change" that mind set often.. Help those that do!
For helping all other in the forum, please post where you had acquired your insurance and mention the state your in.
Best and keep helping! :biggrin: