Minibus Insurance

We can usually provide insurance for converted minibuses. It’s very common for minibuses to have modifications, just please disclose them all when you speak to us.

Typically, drivers over 21 can be insured to drive a minibus without any problems.

Insurers will usually insure minibus drivers up to 80 years old but if special considerations are needed for drivers older than this we can also talk to underwriters on your behalf.

Yes, Minibus policies can be arranged to cover: Named drivers; Any authorised driver; Fleet arrangements.

Yes, if you have a valid Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) certificate BCD can help you get exclusive discounts.

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

If the minibus is not being used for hire and reward you might be able to drive with up to 16 passengers using yIf the minibus is not being used 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.

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’re looking for the best Minibus Insurance for your needs, we recommend speaking to our experienced team first. As specialist Minibus Insurance brokers, we have access to a panel of leading UK-based minibus insurers. We will negotiate with them on your behalf to get the most competitive price we can. Then we will talk you through your cover options and help you compare different policies so you can make an informed decision about what the best Minibus Insurance for you is.

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 reduce your Minibus Insurance costs in a very similar way to car insurance. Keeping the number of drivers to a minimum, 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 the minibus insurance cost.

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

Minibus Taxi Insurance (also known as Private Hire Minibus Insurance) is a specialist commercial vehicle policy designed for minibuses used to carry passengers for hire or reward. The hire and reward element is a legal requirement. You will need to provide evidence that you have this cover in order to get your taxi business credentials and to then apply for contracts.

Yes. BCD has policies for first time taxi and private hire operators.

This depends on:

• The size of the minibus
• Number of passengers
• Whether you charge fares
• Local council licensing rules

In the UK, you may need:

• A PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence
• A PSV operator licence
• A local authority taxi/private hire licence

Yes. Standard minibus insurance usually excludes “hire and reward” use. Taxi insurance specifically covers carrying paying passengers and is a legal requirement to work.

In many cases yes, you will need a taxi badge before getting Minibus Taxi Insurance, although some insurers may offer quotes beforehand.

Yes. Operating a taxi or private hire business for hire and reward without proper cover is illegal in the UK.

Often yes, just let us know and we will ensure your covered

Yes, the Minibus Insurer will ask whether you do any of the following: private hire, school transport, airport transfers, community transport, contract work or night-time services.

Yes, the area where you operate and drive your minibus taxi or private hire minibus is a factor that can impact the cost of insurance. For example, if you mostly work in city centres where there is more traffic, you are more likely to have an incident. However, if you most commonly complete airport transfers you are usually considered less likely to have an incident.

Common reasons for policies being invalidated include:

• Undeclared drivers
• Incorrect vehicle use
• Unreported modifications
• Expired taxi licence
• False information on the application

Before buying insurance for a minibus taxi or private hire minibus, you should ask the following questions:

• Is hire-and-reward fully covered?
• Are passengers covered?
• What excess applies?
• Are replacement vehicles included?
• Are there mileage restrictions?
• What exclusions apply?