Minibus Insurance
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Why Compare Cheap Minibus Insurance with SimplyQuote
SimplyQuote understands how time-consuming and stressful it can be when searching for cheaper minibus insurance. It’s stressful transporting passengers to and from various destinations and finding cheaper insurance shouldn’t be as intense.
That’s why we’ve designed the perfect solution: the 100% free, online comparison tool.
Simply fill in a few details on the online form, click “compare” and voila! Find better minibus insurance cover in just a few clicks today!
What Do You Need To Get A Quote?
Please provide the following information so we can give you an extensive list of suitable minibus insurance quotes:
- Personal details – name, UK address, age.
- Vehicle details – make, model, size, age and average mileage.
- Vehicle use – what the vehicle is predominately used for (personal or business).
- Policy details – the level of cover you’re interested in.
- Insurance details – claims history.
Why Do You Need Minibus Insurance?
You’ll need minibus insurance if your vehicle has between nine and 17 seats (including the driver), whether you’re using it for private or commercial purposes. It’s a legal requirement to have the appropriate vehicle insurance to drive on UK roads.
Note:
- Most insurance providers require minibus drivers to be at least 25 years old.
- A vehicle with 17+ seats is considered a coach.
- The terms “minibus”, “multiple-purpose vehicle (MPV)” and “passenger-carrier vehicle” are often used interchangeably.
When do I need minibus insurance?
As mentioned, you need minibus insurance if you’re transporting passengers in a vehicle with between nine and 17 seats. This can be for personal use or business-related purposes.
It’s considered “hire and reward” if the vehicle is used commercially. This means you are carrying passengers in exchange for payment such as:
- Airport shuttle services and transfers
- Private hire taxi services (pre-booked services)
- Public hire service (where you pick up hailed passengers)
- Employee transport services
- Nursing home transportation
- Sports clubs
- Schools
What Does Minibus Insurance Cover?
Minibus insurance covers a wide range of road-related incidents and liability cover.
A typical comprehensive minibus insurance policy covers:
- Accidental damage
- Public liability cover
- Legal expenses
- Vehicle repair costs (when in a collision)
- Breakdown cover
- Windscreen cover
- Employers’ liability insurance (if you employ drivers)
What’s not covered
- General wear and tear on the vehicle (tyres, brake pads, etc.)
- Driving with a suspended/expired licence
- Driving under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol
- Costs incurred due to negligence
- Goods in transit/personal belongings
- Uninsured/unnamed drivers
What kind of vehicles does minibus insurance cover?
Minibus insurance covers any vehicle that has between nine and 17 seats (including the driver). Here are a few examples:
- Ford Transit
- Iveco Daily
- Volkswagen Crafter
- Peugeot Boxer
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Renault Master
What Types Of Minibus Insurance Are Available In The UK?
There are several types of minibus insurance, depending on what you use the vehicle for.
Hire and reward insurance
There are two types of hire and reward cover in the UK: public or private hire.
Public hire – used to pick up “hailed” passengers who flag you down spontaneously on the side of the road, such as taxi ranks or cab services.
Private hire – used to carry passengers who have pre-booked your services. These include private taxi services, organised tours, school or nursing home transportation or private airport shuttles. It’s also called “contract hire” or “minibus taxi” insurance.
Van insurance
Van insurance provides suitable cover if you own a small bus that’s used privately or commercially. This means the minibus isn’t used for hire and reward purposes (i.e. non-fare-paying passengers).
For instance, a family with four children owns a minibus as their day-to-day vehicle or a building contractor transporting tools and equipment to and from site/s.
Note: There is no “social, domestic, pleasure and commuting” option for vans in the UK. Chat with your insurance broker about whether you need private hire van insurance or business van insurance to suit your needs.
Short-term minibus insurance
Sometimes, you may need short-term flexible cover for your minibus, such as when going on a family trip or another one-off occasion.
If you’re hiring a minibus, the car rental company will probably arrange private hire minibus insurance on your behalf. If you’re borrowing the vehicle from a friend, you must arrange the appropriate cover or become a named driver on their insurance policy.
Car insurance
If your private minibus has less than nine seats, you won’t need to look for specialist insurance. A car insurance policy can offer the right cover for your minibus.
What Levels Of Minibus Insurance Can You Get?
Like any standard motorcar insurance policy, minibus drivers have three levels of cover to choose from:
Third-party only (TPO)
This is the lowest level of minibus insurance available and is a minimum legal requirement in the UK.
TPO covers damage and injury to others and their property, including any passengers you’re transporting.
It doesn’t protect you or your vehicle if damages or injuries occur.
Third-party fire and theft (TPFT)
Third-party, fire and theft cover offers a mid-tier level of insurance cover.
It provides compensation for claims made by other people and it will also cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your vehicle is damaged by fire or stolen.
Comprehensive cover
Fully comprehensive minibus insurance policies offer the whole hog, including both TPO and TPFT along with other added benefits.
This means you’ll also receive compensation if you’re injured, or your minibus sustains damage in an accident, even if you were at fault.
Some comprehensive plans may include breakdown, windscreen and key replacement cover as standard.
What Add-Ons Are Available For Minibus Insurance?
Here’s a list of optional extras you can add to your standard minibus insurance policy:
Breakdown cover
This policy ensures you receive help in getting your minibus repaired or towed to a garage when it breaks down. This may be included in comprehensive plans.
Trailer cover
Your average minibus insurance premium generally won’t cover trailers.
Having a trailer cover means you’ll receive compensation if your trailer is damaged in an accident.
Key replacement cover
As the name suggests, this policy add-on will pay to replace lost, stolen or damaged keys.
European cover (EU cover)
European cover means you’ll be protected if you drive your minibus abroad (i.e. across the UK border).
You’ll be able to call an English-speaking helpline to provide roadside assistance. If your minibus can’t be repaired at the side of the road, your insurer will arrange for it to be towed to a garage for repairs.
Note: This may be particularly helpful for tour guides.
No-claims bonus protection
Protecting your no-claims bonus means you can have several “at fault” road incidents without your bonus being affected. This allows your no-claims bonus to stay intact even if the insurance company can’t get their money back.
Any driver cover
Add “any” additional drivers to your policy to protect you from the risks involved, no matter who drives your vehicle.
Windscreen cover
Add this policy to basic TPO and TPFT policies to ensure cracked/damaged/broken windscreens are repaired without dipping into your pocket.
Telematics cover
Black boxes are installed in your minibus as a way for insurers to monitor how you drive. The insurance company receives data on your driving habits and adjusts your premiums accordingly (safe driver = lower premiums).
Minibus fleet insurance
If you manage a fleet of minibuses (usually in a business setting), you’ll want to upgrade your policy to ensure the right kind of cover. Generally, 3+ minibuses are considered a fleet.
Legal expenses cover
This policy add-on offers supreme protection and compensation if you are taken to court or have any legal disputes brought against you. As the name suggests, it covers all legal and litigation fees.
Goods in transit
Protects the items you are carrying from damage or theft.
Personal belongings cover
Compensates you for personal items that are lost, damaged or stolen while in transit.
Personal accident cover
Similar to public liability cover, this policy covers your (the driver/s) medical and liability fees.
How Much Does Minibus Insurance Cost?
Basic minibus insurance can start from as little as £12.80 per month in the UK.
Prices vary depending on several criteria such as the make and model of your minibus vehicle, the level of cover you opt for and where the minibus is parked when not in use.
What impacts minibus insurance prices?
- Vehicle type
- UK location – Cities will have higher rates than rural areas
- Vehicle value – expensive vehicles are more costly to insure
- What the vehicle is used for – personal or business
- Driver age – drivers aged 25 and up generally have lower premiums
- Level of cover chosen – TPO, TPFT or comprehensive
- Add-ons selected – optional extras rack up the price
- Vehicle security – where the minibus is parked and any other security features
How Can You Reduce Your Minibus Insurance Premiums?
There are several ways to lower your insurance premiums:
- Don’t settle for one minibus insurance quote – use SimplyQuote’s online comparison tool to find the best deal from multiple UK insurance providers.
- Regularly service your minibus – routine maintenance is vital in keeping your minibus running smoothly and preventing premature breakdowns.
- Consider the age of the driver/s – only add additional drivers who are 25+ years old.
- Pay insurance premiums annually – to mitigate monthly interest.
- Keep mileage low – the more you drive your minibus, the higher the premium.
- Only choose optional extras you need – to avoid unnecessary expenses.
- Downgrade your minibus (if possible) – cheaper models are cheaper to insure.
- Opt for telematics technology – so insurers can base your premiums on how you drive.
- Be responsible – ensure your driving license is always valid, obey traffic rules and regulations and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How To Compare Minibus Insurance Quotes With SimplyQuote?
Comparing minibus insurance services with SimplyQuote is simple:
- Fill in the short form: Tell us about yourself, what the minibus is used for and where you are based in the UK.
- Choose policy add-ons: Choose which additional extras you want to include.
- Compare quotes: Find suitable quotes with SimplyQuote’s online comparison tool.
- Save money: Get the best deal today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Minibus insurance is a type of car insurance specifically aimed at vehicles with between nine and 17 seats (including the driver).
Yes, it’s a legal requirement for every motor vehicle to be insured with at least third-party cover in the UK – including minibuses.