Progressive sent me a Dear John letter a few months back, saying they are no longer covering any converted buses. My converted 1989 MCI-96A3 was previously insured with Progressive. I recall it was quite a challenge to find insurance for my bus in Massachusetts in the first place.  Post by: scooter01922

The bus wasn't really slated to go anywhere, so I wasn't too worried at the time and figured I'd find something.  Now, it seems my only option from calling around is National General Insurance.  However, after receiving a quote and sending them pictures of the bus as requested, they have informed us that they will not cover any converted transit buses.  They said they will only cover school buses.

Frankly, I'm a wee bit upset that we are currently required to have insurance, but somehow, it's okay for nobody to provide insurance for vehicles that have been legal all along.  Our bus is legally titled as an RV.  Don't even get me started on how well transit buses and Skoolies are built compared to a traditional RV.  Do any of you have any valid options for insuring a converted bus these days?

Post by: freds

Call them back and argue that it's not a transit bus but a charter or intra-city, over-the-road bus.  A transit bus would have another door mid-chassis.

Post by: scooter01922

The guy was adamant, in that they only covered converted school buses.

Post by: luvrbus

Try State Farm.  They handle the process with photos.  Progressive will cover the bus if it goes through an agent.  Here in AZ, Progressive is asking for a commercial policy.  The price is not that bad for a commercial policy.  Insurance Companies are getting a little gun-shy on writing a full coverage policy on a bus conversion, as they been burned too many times in the past with bogus claims.                                  

Post by: Runcutter

I agree with Fred.  That is not a transit bus.  It's an over-the-road coach (converted if that's true).  Entirely different creatures. In your area, a quick call to Jim Michaud at Michaud Bus Sales, a Bus Appraiser in Brentwood, NH, may get you insights into local insurance agents and companies that can help.

Post by: luvrbus

Commuter buses are classified as transit buses by some insurance policy writers.  MCI has the transit bumpers, and I can tell you they don't install transit bumpers on a bus just for looks.  Those bumpers are functional but, in my opinion, ugly.                

Post by: thomasinnv

I went through the very same problem about six months ago.  I was with Progressive for years, and I received the letter.  I called around and ended up going with State Farm.  They provided full coverage with pictures, but no full-timer's insurance.

Post by: scooter01922

I talked to State Farm, no dice. My progressive policy was through an agent.  Even then, it was for liability only.                       

I agree totally different creatures re: transit vs over-the-road converted.  But underwriting says what it says, and arguing otherwise didn't sway them.  It's a fully converted, legally titled RV.  So, I'm not sure what their problem is.  I am only looking for liability, as NOBODY would offer anything more than that in the state of Massachusetts.

Post by: thomasinnv

You might try another State Farm agent. The first agent I spoke with said, “No, they don't insure bus conversions.”  But another agent in the same office got it done. I think she had to use a different computer system or something. National General will cover it, but with them, liability is about the same price as what I ended up paying for full coverage. National General is owned by Allstate.

Post by: David Anderson

I went through the same hassle six months ago.  I got full coverage through Progressive, through my FMCA membership. (Now Family RV Association). However, they may not renew the policy next year. Oh boy.

Post by: scooter01922

I have talked with Progressive through several agents and directly to Progressive.  Their unanimous response: "Converted buses of any kind present too much additional risk to insure".  Amica tells me the same; Unless I can prove it was converted by a company specifically doing bus conversions, they will not cover the vehicle. I don't know how this hasn't become a real issue up to this point, if insurance companies will only cover professional conversions.        

Post by: luvrbus

Laws are different from state to state.  When Van moved from Nevada to Arizona, he had been with Progressive for years.  They would not insure his Prevost in Arizona.  My State Farm agent had no problem.  It was $200 less with more coverage.  Van loved the $19-a-year towing price.  He dropped his Coach-Net.  Next, he went for the Arizona plates for $55 for five years.  He didn't believe me on the price on that one.

Post by: David Anderson

So, Scooter, what did you finally do about insurance?                                 

Post by: scooter01922

Per my post from earlier today, it’s been a very frustrating road. Calling places on and off for the last several months has yielded NO good results.  It's a good thing I don't have any trips planned.  Note that I did just get a quote this afternoon, a place that WILL cover it, but liability only, and then only if they insure all my other vehicles.  The cost is north of $1,000 for the bus and way too much for the other items.

Post by: David Anderson

I guess I’m in for the same treatment next April when mine is due for renewal.

Post by: luvrbus

There will always be some kind of battle with DIY conversions.  You also have the 10-year rule at campgrounds, and some require a photo of the RVIA sticker with a number to make reservations.  You won't get into Sam's Town KOA in Vegas without the RVIA sticker or plaque.  It never ends.  A good friend has a very nice converted MCI coach.  He gets denied by campgrounds because he and his wife kept all the bus windows intact to let in more light.  He has tossed the towel and is selling his bus.  It is listed for sale now.                       

Post by: David Anderson

I received a letter from Progressive today saying my 2026 renewal is ready.  The premium is the same as last year.  Boy, I am glad to get this notice. I’ve been concerned.

Post by: Glennman

I have Safeco, and so far, there haven't been any problems.