Minibus Insurance

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 important. 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.

Whether you use your minibus 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.

• Third party only: 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.
• Third party, fire and theft: 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.
• Fully comprehensive: 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.

Yes, Taxi Insurer offer coverage for various uses, including social, domestic, and leisure purposes. This means you can use your minibus to transport family and friends, go shopping, run errands, or take trips without any issues.

However, even if your minibus is used solely for personal purposes, insurance premiums are typically higher compared to those for large family cars or vans. This is because minibuses are bigger, have a higher passenger capacity, and can potentially cause more damage in the event of an accident.

Yes, minibus insurance covers vehicles with seating capacities ranging from 9 to 16 passengers. When you request a quote, you’ll be asked to specify the number of seats in your minibus. The number of passenger seats is an important factor in determining the appropriate type of minibus insurance.

If you use your minibus as a taxi, you will need insurance that specifically covers either public hire or private hire use. Public hire insurance is designed for drivers such as licensed black cab drivers, who are authorised to pick up passengers directly from the street.

Private hire insurance, also known as ‘hire and reward’ insurance, applies to drivers who transport customers who have pre-booked their journey via phone, text, or app. However, these drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers who hail them on the street.

Yes, you can add additional drivers to your policy at any time. Just give us a call on 0192 645 949, and we’ll update your policy promptly. Before adding a driver, please review your policy’s terms and conditions to ensure the new driver meets all the necessary requirements.

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.

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.

• Locate your insurance documents and ensure you have all necessary information ready, including your policy number.

• Contact the claims team and clearly describe the incident.

• Submit photos if requested to help us quickly assess and process your claim. Having the correct policy features can facilitate a smoother claims process.

Common exclusions in minibus insurance policies often include:

• Damage or theft resulting from leaving the keys in the ignition or leaving the vehicle unattended outdoors overnight

• Using the minibus for activities not covered by your insurance policy

• Loss of keys

If you have any doubts or need clarification, please consult your policy documents or contact us at 0192 645 929 for support.