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Why do bus businesses need insurance?
If your bus gets into an accident, insurance can help pay for your legal bills and vehicle repairs. Business insurance covers lawsuits, helps you comply with state laws, and can also pay for other incidents like data breaches.
Find the right coverage
Insureon helps bus companies find insurance coverage that matches their unique risks.
Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right property and liability coverage for your drivers and buses.
What types of insurance do you need for buses?
These insurance policies cover common risks faced by bus companies.
General liability insurance
This policy covers third-party lawsuits, such as a passenger injured by luggage that fell from an overhead rack. It's often the first policy purchased by a small business.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Customer property damage
- Slander and other advertising injuries
Business owner's policy
A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for small bus companies to buy general liability coverage and commercial property insurance together.
BEST FOR
- Accidents that harm customers
- Stolen or damaged business property
- Business interruption insurance
Commercial auto insurance
This policy covers financial losses from auto accidents involving your business's buses, including legal costs. Most states require this coverage for vehicles owned by a business.
BEST FOR
- Auto accident injuries
- Property damaged by your bus
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Workers' compensation insurance
Most states require workers' comp for bus companies that have employees. It also covers work-related medical costs for sole proprietors, which health insurance can deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Workplace injury lawsuits
Cyber insurance
This policy helps bus operators recover financially from a data breach or cyberattack. It's recommended for any business that stores email addresses or other customer information.
BEST FOR
- Data breach investigations
- Fraud monitoring services
- Customer notification costs
Errors and omissions insurance
E&O insurance covers legal defense costs when a bus driver is sued for a late arrival or other professional negligence. It's also called professional liability insurance.
BEST FOR
- Missed rides
- Breach of contract
- Scheduling errors
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does bus insurance cost?
A bus driver who works independently can expect to pay less for insurance than a charter bus company that has several employees.
Factors that affect the cost of business insurance include:
- Types of services offered
- Types of vehicles and their value
- Business revenue
- Number of employees
- Employee driving records
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits and deductibles
- Coverage options and exclusions
How do I get bus insurance?
It's easy to get bus insurance coverage and other kinds of livery insurance if you have your business information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your small business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare insurance quotes and choose a policy.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate.
Insureon's licensed agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find insurance solutions that fit your bus company, whether you're a sole proprietor or hire employees. Get peace of mind knowing you have the right protection for your risks.
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FAQs about commercial bus insurance
Review answers to common questions about bus insurance policies.
What are the insurance coverage requirements for a bus in my state?
In almost every state, buses owned by a business must carry commercial vehicle insurance.
The policy must meet your state's minimum coverage requirements for bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Some states may require personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Bus companies and others in the transportation industry may have additional requirements based on the laws in their city, county, or other locality. Typically, this depends on:
- Where you operate
- The type of vehicle
- The vehicle's seating capacity
Additionally, tour buses and other motorcoaches that cross state lines must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and comply with its insurance requirements.
Does party bus insurance cost more than standard commercial bus insurance?
Yes, it costs more to insure a party bus because of its unique risks. Insurance may be harder to obtain, but it’s still a crucial part of risk management and required by law.
Because alcohol is served on the road, you'll need liquor liability insurance in addition to the above policies. This coverage will help pay for legal fees if a passenger who became intoxicated on your bus harms someone else or damages their property.
Do I need additional school bus insurance if I own the bus?
Yes, you'll need to protect it with auto liability insurance that's specific to buses. Bus drivers and companies can be held liable for an injury caused by your bus, or an accident where a student suffers an injury on your bus or while boarding.
Talk to an insurance agent to discuss coverage for the unique risks of owning a school bus.
How can I find affordable bus insurance quotes for my business?
A bus company with low risks and only a few employees doesn't have to pay a lot for insurance. Here are a few ways to save money on insurance:
- Compare insurance rates. Insurance companies sometimes charge different premiums for the same policies. Fill out our easy online application to compare bus insurance quotes and find the lowest rates.
- Choose a higher deductible. Policies with higher deductibles cost less. However, make sure it's an amount you can easily afford, as you need to pay the deductible before you can collect on a claim.
- Choose lower policy limits. Policies with lower limits also cost less. Remember, your provider will only cover claims up to the policy limits, so don't go too low or you could end up paying costly legal expenses.
- Pay your premium annually. You can choose between monthly and annual premium payments. Insurance carriers offer a discount when you pay the annual premium in full.
- Buy only the coverage you need. Often you don't need every insurance option that's available. For example, you can save money on auto insurance by skipping comprehensive coverage, which covers physical damage from falling branches, collisions with deer, and similar incidents.
Keep in mind that the cheapest policy isn't necessarily the best choice. Costly legal or medical bills could bankrupt your business without the right insurance protection.