What is Minibus Insurance?
Minibus insurance is a specialist motor insurance policy for vehicles designed to carry between 9 and 16 passengers in addition to the driver. A standard car policy will not cover a minibus, and because a minibus is built to carry people rather than goods, it is insured on its own terms rather than as a van.
The right policy depends on how the minibus is used. Carrying a school sports team, taking care home residents on day trips, running a community transport service and operating a paid airport transfer business all carry different risks and different legal requirements, and insurers price and cover each one differently.
At Nova Insurance we take the time to understand your use, your drivers and your vehicle, then search our panel of UK insurers to arrange minibus insurance that gives you the right protection without paying for cover you do not need.
Who Needs Minibus Insurance?
Any minibus driven on a public road must be insured. The type of policy you need depends on who runs the vehicle and whether passengers pay to travel. We arrange cover for:
- Schools, colleges and nurseries
- Charities and voluntary organisations
- Sports clubs, scout groups and youth organisations
- Churches and faith groups
- Care homes and day centres
- Community transport schemes
- Businesses carrying staff or customers
- Hire and reward operators, including airport transfers and private hire
- Private owners using a minibus for family or leisure travel
Carrying passengers brings a greater responsibility than most motor insurance. A single accident can involve several injured people, so the right level of cover and accurate information about your use matter more than on almost any other vehicle.
Why Choose Nova Insurance for Minibus Insurance?
Nova Insurance has more than 30 years of experience arranging motor and commercial vehicle insurance for organisations and businesses across the UK. Our UK based team is available six days a week to guide you through your minibus insurance quote and explain your options in plain English.
All calls are free on our 0800 numbers, or you can request a callback at a time that suits you. Alternatively, you can contact us.
Experience With Every Type of Minibus Use
From school and charity minibuses to community transport and hire and reward operators, we understand how different uses change the cover you need and the questions insurers will ask.
Cover Tailored to Your Drivers and Vehicles
Whether you have one minibus with two named drivers or a small fleet driven by staff and volunteers, we arrange a policy around how your vehicles are actually used.
A Panel of UK Insurers
We compare quotes from a range of insurers, so you are not limited to a single provider’s terms or prices.
Fast Cover and Immediate Documents
We can provide instant cover when required, with policy documents sent directly to your email within minutes of confirmation.
Regulated and Here to Help
Nova Insurance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our team is on hand for renewals, mid term changes and questions throughout the life of your policy.
What Does Minibus Insurance Cover?
The exact cover depends on the policy you choose, but minibus insurance is usually built from the levels and options below.
Levels of Cover
Third Party Only
The legal minimum for any vehicle on a UK road. It covers injury to other people, including your passengers, and damage to other people’s property, but it does not cover damage to your own minibus.
Third Party, Fire and Theft
Everything in third party only, plus cover if your minibus is stolen or damaged by fire.
Fully Comprehensive
Adds cover for damage to your own minibus, even when the accident is your fault. Most organisations that carry passengers regularly choose this level, because a minibus off the road can stop a service completely.
Optional Extras
Depending on the insurer, your policy can often be extended to include:
- Breakdown cover, including recovery of the vehicle and passengers
- Windscreen and glass cover
- Cover for wheelchair lifts, ramps and passenger restraints
- A replacement vehicle while your minibus is being repaired
- Legal expenses cover to help recover uninsured losses
- Personal accident cover for the driver
- European travel for trips abroad
Driver Options
Policies can be arranged for named drivers, for any driver who meets the insurer’s age and licence criteria, or for a group of employees and volunteers. Organisations with several minibuses may benefit from a fleet insurance policy instead.
Licences and Permits for Minibus Drivers
Insurers will always ask how your minibus is driven and on what licence, so it is worth checking the rules before you get a quote.
Drivers Who Passed Their Car Test Before 1 January 1997
Drivers who passed their car test before 1997 usually have category D1 on their licence, often marked “not for hire or reward”. This allows them to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats as long as they are not paid to do so.
Drivers Who Passed Their Car Test From 1997 Onwards
A car licence can still be used to drive a minibus for a non commercial, voluntary purpose when certain conditions are met. The driver must be aged 21 or over, have held a full car licence for at least two years and not be paid to drive beyond expenses, and the minibus must not exceed 3.5 tonnes, or 4.25 tonnes including specialist equipment for disabled passengers, with no trailer attached. Anyone who does not meet these conditions needs a D1 licence.
Section 19 and Section 22 Permits
Non profit organisations such as schools, charities and community groups that charge passengers for transport, even indirectly, may need a Section 19 permit. Community bus services open to the public may need a Section 22 permit. These permits allow the service to run without a full public service vehicle operator licence.
Hire and Reward Operators
Businesses that carry paying passengers for profit, including private hire and airport transfer operators, need the appropriate operator licence or local authority licensing and a hire and reward insurance policy.
Tell your insurer exactly who drives and on what licence. If a driver is not entitled to drive the minibus, a claim could be refused.
Common Minibus Risks Covered by Insurance
Running a minibus involves more than simply driving a larger vehicle. Operators also face risks from:
Carrying Several Passengers
An accident in a minibus can injure several people at once, so a single claim can be far larger than on a car. Passenger injury claims are covered under the third party section of every policy.
Multiple and Volunteer Drivers
Organisations often rely on several staff or volunteer drivers with different levels of experience. Clear driver records and the right driver options help keep your cover valid.
Size and Manoeuvring
Minibuses are longer, taller and heavier than cars, which makes low bridges, tight car parks and reversing more likely sources of damage.
Parking, Theft and Vandalism
Minibuses are often parked overnight at schools, churches or community buildings. Secure parking, alarms and trackers reduce the risk and can lower your premium.
Time Off the Road
If your minibus cannot be used after an accident, trips, school runs or services may have to be cancelled. A replacement vehicle option can help keep things running.
Ready to protect your minibus? Get a minibus insurance quote or call us free on 0800 083 1566.
