Insurance Companies Don't Like Skoolies. Here's Why

[@bigrollinghome2091]

State Farm should be able to give you liability coverage to insure a bus as a commercial vehicle for personal use.

[@CheapNomads]

I thought so too but I’ve contacted 3 offices(2 in my home state and one here) and was only able to speak with one person. No call backs. No messages or emails.

[@bigrollinghome2091]

@@CheapNomads the laws may vary state by state and different underwriters may be involved ... nothing consistent!

[@CheapNomads]

That is exactly the case according to our current insurer. But I have a feeling that agents hear the words BUS CONVERSION and are simply "forgetting" to call back. So many insurers I spoke to for some reason can't conceptualize that someone like me only wants DRIVING insurance. Thanks for watching!

[@bigrollinghome2091]

@@CheapNomads and we're not even talking about "registration" - that varies and can be a nightmare for some!

[@nascarpj5723]

As he said, they ARE able to but not WILLING ....

[@nascarpj5723]

it depends on the state too I bet!

[@CheapNomads]

It does indeed. A great example would be the difference in monthly payments between a policy written for a customer in Chicago and one in rural Virginia. You will pay a premium in a city like that whereas in a rural area it will be much cheaper. My thing is that if the company underwrites a policy for you in one state it should just transfer to another. But that doesn’t happen sometimes. Thanks for watching.

[@feetincheseighths]

A school bus takes a CDL drivers license. Did you discuss your CDL driving experience?

[@CheapNomads]

That depends on the state. I am licensed in Virginia and Virginia does not require a CDL to drive a bus that is privately owned and for personal use. Some states do and some don’t. Where I was and where I am currently, do not. None of the companies I spoke to even asked.

[@Baynewsvideo]

What if someone is injured or killed and makes a claim on your "business policy"???
You will go to JAIL for CRIMINAL insurance fraud.
Plus you will be forced to pay restitution to the victims, once you get out of prison.
All states allow you tp post a cash bond in lue of insurance for the amount of you states's
liability limits.
NEVER lie on insurance applications , because that can easily be criminal fraud.

[@MagentaRV]

You don't need a business. You can get a commercial policy for personal use. Yes, it's probably a bit more expensive than if it was a manufactured RV, but it's by the book.

[@CheapNomads]

Depends on the company. Many of them do not offer such a policy. At least not in all areas. Getting a business license is also by the book. Plus, a business license, while adding to the expense and trouble involved, would open doors to other resources that aren't available to non-commercial drivers. Such as commercial only pricing for maintenance. The downside is that in some states if the vehicle is registered and insured as a commercial vehicle then all drivers of that vehicle must have a CDL. So there are trade offs either way.

[@robertmiranda2444]

The cost is most likely due to the greater chance of fire as most of these vehicles are conversions by non professional. Completely understandable.

[@CheapNomads]

Not entirely correct. True, most of them see something like this as too much of a liability. But, the insurance we were seeking was liability only. Just for driving and driving related damages only. IOW, only what is required by law. Not full coverage. No one will give it full coverage. Even if it's built professionally. Plus the cost wasn't really the issue. The issue was not being given coverage no matter how much I was willing to pay. Thanks for watching!

[@SurfingFLA]

About 15-years ago, I called AIG for a quote on my Ford van. The rep asked, "Do you still have a 1974 Jeep CJ5?-And before you answer, I would like to inform you that we have a recording from several years ago of you attempting to buy insurance for a Jeep CJ5." I said, "Yes, I still own a '74 CJ5, but what's that got to do with my '97 Ford E250? AIG Rep, "So, you admit you have a 1974 Jeep-we don't insure those." Me, "I already have my Jeep insured with State Farm, I want a quote on my Ford Cargo Van." AIG, "You could take that Jeep and wreck it driving it through the woods, then have us pay to fix it." Rather confused, I replied, "My Jeep has liability only, how could you pay for me wrecking it on a trail drive? Besides, you would not be insuring it, State Farm already does." AIG Representative, "You have to insure all of your vehicles with us." I responded, "OK, quote all of my vehicles and just put liability on the Jeep." AIG, We can't do that, you could wreck the Jeep driving off road." Me, "So you aren't going to insure me because I own a 35-year old vehicle that may get dented driving off-road, that I can't possibly make a collision claim on because it will be insured for liability only?" AIG, "That's correct sir, and I would like to remind you this conversation is being recorded if you ever attempt to buy automobile insurance from us in the future while you own the Jeep."

[@CheapNomads]

What the frickety fracking hell…lol. Yeah I’ll tell you this, once we switch to something else or by some miracle find another insurance company for this bus we are planning to never do business with NG again. But never have we dealt with that level of…just…man I don’t know. I think you may have the insurance nightmare story to beat all insurance nightmare stories.

[@nascarpj5723]

LOL... U MEAN "CONVERSIONS?"

[@robertmiranda2444]

@@nascarpj5723 Yes you are correct, probably an auto correct that I overlooked. Thanks

[@rubberbandman200]

So im better off buying an actual rv and just refurbishing it.

[@CheapNomads]

Based on our experience, in our opinion yes. You would be. If for no other reason than the insurance issue alone. If you’re fairly handy with home and/or automotive maintenance then you’ll more than likely do ok. Thanks for watching.