FAQ: Minibus

A minibus is classed as a vehicle that can carry between 8 to 16 passengers. Anything over 16 is classed as a coach.

Minibus Insurance through BCD offers three main levels of cover: Comprehensive insurance, Third-party, Fire & Theft, Third-party only – the most basic level of insurance – and Hire & Reward. BCD operates a 24-hour claims service to assist you with any claims issues.

· Comprehensive insurance covers you against damage or injury to a third party (person), their property, or vehicle, theft, fire damage to your vehicle, and damage to your own vehicle.

· Third-party, Fire & Theft covers against damage or injury to a third party (person), their property, or vehicle, and includes cover for theft of or fire damage to your vehicle.

· Third-party is the most basic level of cover, protecting you against damage or injury to a third-party (person), their property, or vehicle only. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.

· Hire & Reward Insurance covers you for transporting people, goods, or other property, in exchange for payment. If you earn an income from carrying people, for example, you own or run a taxi service, or transport other people’s goods and items, you’ll need Hire & Reward Insurance.

Your Minibus Insurance policy can also include optional cover under one policy, such as:

· Legal fees (in case of a legal dispute with customers or the public)

· Public Liability Cover (for compensation claims against you for injury or damage)

· Breakdown cover

· Option to add additional drivers

· Personal Accident Cover

· EU Cover

Yes, absolutely! At BCD, you can add multiple drivers to your Minibus Insurance policy. Adding additional drivers ensures that each individual driver is covered when using the minibus. We take into consideration the driving history and experience of each driver. It’s important to provide accurate details about all the drivers you want to add to your policy so that we can provide a fair quote and ensure that your drivers are properly insured to drive the vehicle. You can also benefit from the ‘Any Driver’ option which insures multiple drivers to use your minibus.

If you’d like to talk to us about adding drivers to your Minibus Insurance policy, contact us today. Call: 0344 7765 304

You could potentially lower your premiums in a very similar way to car insurance! Keeping the number of drivers to a minimal, parking in secure locations, and trying to have drivers with no motoring convictions are all great starting points. If you choose a Fleet Insurance policy, you could have the option of ‘Any Driver’ which allows different people to drive your vehicle. If your drivers meet the criteria, you can benefit from this hassle-free option, saving time and stress around insuring a wide range of drivers. No Claims Bonuses could also help lower premiums

Yes, Minibus Insurance is a legal requirement, whether you are using a minibus for Personal Use or Private Hire. Having appropriate cover can also protect you financially in the event of an accident,

fire, or theft involving your minibus. Additionally, it can help cover legal fees if a compensation claim is made against you. If you plan on operating a minibus, you will need Minibus Insurance.

If you are involved in an accident, do not admit liability as the insurance companies will establish who is responsible. Please follow these steps:

1. Safety First: Check for injuries and call the emergency services immediately if anyone is hurt or needs medical attention.

2. Secure the Scene: If it is safe to do so, move the minibus to the side of the road to prevent further accidents or traffic disruptions, and turn on the hazard lights.

3. Exchange Contact and Insurance Information: Swap contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details (including number plate and driving licence number) with the other parties involved.

4. Take Photos: Capture images of the accident and surrounding area, showing the positions of the vehicles, any damage, and road conditions. Photos can be valuable for insurance claims and legal purposes.

5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel you aren’t injured, some injuries can develop in the days following an accident. See your doctor or go to A&E as needed.

6. Report the Accident to the Police: Depending on the circumstances, the police may need to be notified and attend the scene to record details.

7. Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company promptly and provide them with all relevant details and information from the accident scene. Follow their

guidance on filing a claim and retain all correspondence related to the claim, including vehicle repair receipts and medical reports.

The BCD Claims team is available to assist you in making the claims process as hassle-free as possible, handling your claim quickly and efficiently. Call our Claims Team at 0333 2412 204

*https://www.gov.uk/driving-a-minibus

If the minibus is not for hire and reward you might be able to drive with up to 16 passengers using your car licence. You must be 21 or older and have held your licence for more than two years. Please refer to: https://www.gov.uk/ for more info.