The Risk Business: Keeping Minibus Insurance Costs Down

In insuring a minibus, or any other vehicle for that matter, you are balancing the risk of accidental damage, theft or vandalism against the cost of guarding against it. Insurance is a legal necessity and it would be foolish to avoid having it in any case. However, there are ways to reduce both the initial cost and the risks it is protecting against. Here are nine ways to keep costs down.

1. By using a special minibus insurance provider
Most providers can offer insurance cover for virtually any vehicle. However, a company that specialises in minibus insurance will be able to provide the right kind of cover at an attractive price. This is a direct consequence of experience and it can extend to the matters of recovering a vehicle or making a claim.

2. By not paying for unnecessary cover
Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't buy something you don't need so why pay more for minibus insurance cover that is over specified. For example, there is little point in paying for comprehensive cover on a minibus worth less than, say, £2000. The less costly third party fire and theft insurance would be more than adequate.

3. Don't insure too many drivers
How often do you need an extra driver? Minibus use can dictate that another driver is needed for particular trips but it is pointless to insure him or her all year long. Organising temporary insurance cover with your minibus insurance provider is simple and costs considerably less.
Though drivers must be at least 21 to legally drive a minibus, someone of this age remains a young driver. As a result minibus insurance for him or her will be more expensive.

4. By not making small claims
Every insurance policy has an excess. Should the repair costs after a minor accident be at or only slightly above the excess figure, it makes sense for the costs to be met without making a claim on your minibus insurance. This will protect your no claims bonus and keep the insurance premium down.

5. By taking a recognised driving course
Minibus drivers who have successfully completed a recognised driving course may be entitled to a significant discount on their insurance premium. The Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MIDAS) is such a course.

6. By driving carefully
This may seem to be obvious advice but keeping your minibus in prime condition and driving it safely can reap benefits. This approach reduces the risk of accidents and helps build up your no claims bonus.

7. By not parking by the roadside at night.
A minibus parked in a garage or on a private drive at night is much less likely to be damaged by vandals or by passing vehicles. If you must park a minibus at the roadside overnight, try to put it in a secure, well lit area.

8. By not driving distracted
It only takes a moment's inattention at the wheel to invite an accident. When driving your minibus, never attempt to use your mobile phone or communicate with your passengers via an on-board microphone. Discourage your passengers from talking to you while you're driving. If the need to adjust a satnav or consult a map arises, find somewhere safe to stop first.

9. By keeping your speed down
Speeding in a minibus (or any other vehicle) can be costly in more than the obvious way. Points on a driver's licence adversely affect his or her insurance premium, while over ambitious progress increases fuel consumption and vehicle wear.

About The Author

Louise Slee is a Web Marketer and driving enthusiast for over 25 years, with no penalty points to date! See her articles at Minibus Club where she imparts some useful driving and travel tips when you are out and about in your minibus