Whether you use your minibus for personal use, private or public hire, it’s important to you that your vehicle and passengers are covered by the right minibus insurance policy. Having the correct insurance for a minibus is crucial, as standard car insurance is insufficient for covering such vehicles.
If you are over 25 years old, driving a 9 to 16 seater plus driver minibus and looking for the right cover for your vehicle, Taxi Insurer will search our panel of trusted insurer partners to find you our best deal.
We will consider all uses, so if you have struggled to get cover previously, we could have the answer.
Minibus insurance is a specialised type of vehicle insurance designed to provide coverage for minibuses, which are vehicles capable of carrying between 9 and 17 passengers. Unlike standard car insurance, minibus insurance is tailored to meet the unique needs of these larger vehicles and their specific uses.
Whether your minibus is used for personal, commercial, or private purposes, having the right insurance is crucial. This type of insurance not only protects the vehicle itself but also covers its occupants and third parties in the event of an accident or other unforeseen circumstances.
Ensuring you have the appropriate vehicle insurance is not just a legal requirement but also a vital step in safeguarding your investment and the safety of your passengers.
When you hear the word ‘minibus’ you might immediately think of school transport. But whether you use yours for personal use, as a minibus taxi for hire and reward, or to carry large groups for a voluntary organisation, you’ll need minibus insurance cover to keep everyone safe.
Businesses and organisations who might need minibus cover include:
Airport transfer services
Charities
Churches
Community transport services
Health and welfare organisations
Local authorities
Nursing homes
Residential homes
Private Hire and Public Hire Vehicle drivers
Schools, colleges and universities
Sports clubs
Voluntary organisations
Youth groups
It's important to note that taxi minibus insurance is essential for those using minibuses to transport passengers for hire and reward.
If you drive a minibus, you’ll know they are expensive vehicles to repair or replace. And if you carry passengers, they’ll need to be protected, too, in case of accident or injury.
From airport runs to school trips, if you’re carrying passengers it’s vital to have adequate minibus insurance. Here’s why:
It’s the law – driving without the correct vehicle insurance is illegal. Larger vehicles like minibuses can cause a lot of damage in a road accident.
To protect yourself financially – minibuses can be expensive vehicles to replace or repair.
Required by contracts – contract work for schools, local authorities and other organisations will require you to provide proof of insurance.
Licensing – if you’re a taxi or PHV driver using your minibus for hire and reward then you’ll need to prove you have the right insurance to the licensing authorities.
Public liability insurance – if you cause damage or injury to a passenger or third party, public liability insurance can protect you against substantial legal claims.
Protects your drivers – a named driver is injured in an accident while who driving one of your minibuses, the right insurance cover could provide them with compensation.
When you’re searching for minibus insurance providers, you usually find that they offer three levels of cover: third party only cover, third party, fire and theft cover and fully comprehensive cover.
Contract hire agreements often require specific minibus insurance coverage.
Read on to find out what these cover levels mean:
The minimum level of public liability cover required for driving on UK roads, third party insurance covers injury and damage to third parties and passengers and their property. It won't compensate you for any injury suffered and it won't pay for repairs to your minibus or a replacement.
If you're searching for cheap minibus insurance, third party cover might cost less than other types of insurance but it only gives you the minimum protection.
In addition to the third party only cover above, third party, fire and theft will also pay for minibus repairs or a replacement if yours is damaged by fire or stolen.
The highest level of cover available, comprehensive insurance provides all of the above as well as compensating you for any injuries and damage to your vehicle. Even if an accident was your fault, you'll still be covered.
Many minibus insurance policies will also include a range of other benefits and features. Check your policy documents carefully to find out what's included as standard and what you might need to add as extras.
Other minibus insurance options you might consider adding include:
Breakdown cover for any roadside emergencies
A breakdown is the last thing you want, especially if you're carrying passengers. Read the Taxi Insurer's article on what to do if you break down in a minibus for further guidance.
Employers' liability cover
If you have one or more members of staff then the law requires you to have employers' liability insurance even if they are a volunteer, temporary worker or family member.
European cover
If you take your minibus over to the continent for business or pleasure purposes, then you'll want to add this.
No claims bonus protection. Cover provided by specialist insurers like the Taxi Insurer may include this.
For businesses or organisations that operate multiple minibuses, minibus fleet insurance offers a comprehensive solution. This type of insurance provides coverage for all the vehicles in your fleet under a single policy, simplifying administration and potentially reducing overall insurance costs.
Fleet insurance can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business, whether you run a transport service, a school, or a community organization.
By consolidating your insurance cover, you can benefit from increased flexibility and streamlined management, ensuring that all your vehicles are adequately protected without the hassle of managing multiple policies.
If you use your minibus for private hire, transporting passengers for a fee, then private hire minibus insurance is essential. This type of insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, its occupants, and third parties, ensuring you are protected against accidents, theft, and other unforeseen events.
Private hire minibus insurance is typically required by law and offers peace of mind that you are covered while conducting your business.
Whether you operate a taxi service, airport transfer, or any other private hire service, having the right insurance is crucial for legal compliance and financial protection.
While the same three levels of cover – third party only, third party, fire and theft and fully comprehensive – are available for minibuses, the risks of driving a minibus are much greater. For starters, they are much heavier vehicles than standard cars, so any accident has the potential to cause more damage or harm.
When considering insurance for a minibus, speaking to a specialist minibus insurance company like the Taxi Insurer is crucial. We will look to ensure you have the cover you need. We have many years of experience in this market and will look to provide a bespoke insurance policy that best suits your needs and budget.
When you're used to insuring standard cars, minibus insurance costs can seem on the high side. The best way to find out the insurance premium price you'll pay is to contact a specialist like the Taxi Insurer for a minibus insurance quote that's tailored to your circumstances.
In order to work out your quote, a lot of factors are taken into account:
The value of your minibus – New or top-of-the-range vehicles are generally more costly to insure as they're more expensive to repair or replace.
The age of the named driver – Younger drivers tend to cost more to insure than older drivers.
Your minibus security features – Expensive vehicles can be a target for thieves. For a more competitive minibus insurance quote, you'll want it to be parked in a secure place with an alarm, immobiliser and steering wheel lock fitted. Talk to the team to see what other security features might help reduce your premium.
The level of cover you want – Your premium will depend on what level of cover you choose and whether you add any extras.
Remember, cheap minibus insurance may not always offer the best value and may prove a false economy in the long run.
The cost of minibus insurance can vary widely based on several factors. These include the type and value of the vehicle, the number of passengers it can carry, the driver’s age and experience, and the level of coverage required. On average, minibus insurance costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds per year.
However, there are strategies to reduce these costs. Shopping around for quotes, increasing your policy excess (you must ensure that you are able to afford the excess in the event of a claim), opting for a lower level of coverage, and enhancing your vehicle’s security features can all help lower your premiums. It’s important to balance cost with the level of protection you need to ensure you are adequately covered.
Comparing minibus insurance quotes through the Taxi Insurer is a great place to start when you're looking for cover. Here's why:
Flexible cover for personal use, private hire vehicle, public hire taxis and minibus
24-hour claims management service
Wide range of cover for minibus, multi-purpose vehicles and cars
Specialist knowledge of minibus insurance procedures and claims process
Panel of trusted insurance providers to help you find the right cover
Extensive cover for wide range of vehicles and uses
Obtaining minibus insurance quotes is a straightforward process that can be done online or over the phone. To get an accurate quote, you’ll need to provide some basic information about your vehicle and your insurance needs. This typically includes the make and model of the minibus, the number of passengers it can carry, the driver’s age and driving experience, and the desired level of coverage.
In the United Kingdom, the classification of a minibus for insurance purposes is a matter of significant importance for vehicle owners and operators.
Typically, a minibus is not classed as a car for insurance purposes, despite sharing some similarities with passenger vehicles. The distinction primarily lies in the vehicle's passenger capacity and intended use.
The Taxi Insurer team works hard to understand you, your vehicle and what you usually use it for, so we can find the right minibus insurance policy for you, at our most competitive rates.
Policies arranged through us can cover private occasional use, frequent use for a range of groups and organisations, including schools, charities, churches, scout groups and sporting clubs.
We understand the risks involved so call our specialist team today and let us help you find the cover to suit your needs.
If you want to compare minibus insurance quotes, the Taxi Insurer should be your first port of call.