| Author |
Message |
Molsdorf (208.18.102.91)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 2:26 pm: | |
I have a conversion bus. I was told from 20 or so insurance companies that they wont cover my converted bus which is very professionally done. They all said it is a federal law that we have a 5 million dollar liability policy because it is 35ft or over. I need to have, or I should say like to have full coverage policy, rather than just liability. Has anyone ever heard of this before and where can I get insurance? |
Henry R. Bergman, Jr. (Henryofcj) (63.224.197.10)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 2:49 pm: | |
With all frankness, I have never heard of that. My situation is that I bought a used Crown school bus with the notion of making it into a motorhome myself.
Got insurance thru Progressive using a very knowledgeable local agent who went the extra mile for me in binding the coverage. I have PL and PD...
Plus a $500 deductable comp. and a $5000 dollar replacement value. As the conversion progresses, I will notify my agent of the increased
Value of the coach and she will adjust the policy accordingly. I was very upfront with her describing myself doing the conversion work.
As far as I am concerned, I think she told the insurance company the truth. No real reason for her not too. Anyway, your questions have me
Now thinking that I perhaps need to talk to her again just to make sure my policy is what I think it is. Thanks and good luck. |
Molsdorf (208.18.102.91)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 3:09 pm: | |
Thanks for the post, my agent this morning said he was going to Progressive. So maybe our last resort will work, I will post the reply from him when he finds out. I would not open a can of worms if I had it (just something to think about). Hope I can get it or I'll have a unit for sale.
Thanks,
Larry |
Jim Ashworth (Jimnh) (172.170.69.89)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 4:28 pm: | |
The $5M amount is the minimum for a commercial bus. It's got nothing to do with a motorhome which is what a conversion is.
Jim |
Randy Schlotthauer (Up8009) (205.188.209.11)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 4:35 pm: | |
I am on my second conversion and IMHO the best company hands down is RV Alliance America. They will cover the bus for liability only while you are doing the conversion, and then move you up to a full package when you're done. They have a "mutually agreed value" provision where you and a qualified appraiser (we used ADP) agree on the value of the completed conversion. They have great service, especially if you have a claim. I recommend them highly. Their number is 800 521-2942.
Randy Schlotthauer
MC9 |
Molsdorf (208.18.102.91)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 4:42 pm: | |
Jim,
You are right! Progressive wrote it just a couple minutes ago. They confirmed what you say.
But all the others (insur companies) are taking it to mean bus and said no. They just missed the boat, right?
But I hope this will help anyone else who might run into this in the future.
Henry you can rest now also, just make sure it says aything but "Bus".
Thanks, to you guys.
Larry |
Molsdorf (208.18.102.91)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 4:44 pm: | |
Thanks Randy,
I know others will need this info also.
Larry |
Ross Carlisle (Ross) (207.88.96.244)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 5:58 pm: | |
Interesting thing... My agent who has me through progressive on every vehicle I own said he could not insure the motorhome (bus). He said progressive siad they do not insure conversions.
I went to RV Alliance who wrote the policy with no problems for $208/Yr for lability and they esimated $376/yr for full coverage once the bus is 80% or better. Guess who the underwriter is that actually wrote the policy...You guessed it...Progressive. Go figure....
I've learned ont thing. When you talk to insurance companies or DMV you should never say the word "bus". I have an MCI motorhome, not a bus. As soon as they hear bus, doors start slamming.
Ross |
Peter (Sdibaja) (209.242.148.130)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 6:07 pm: | |
I too have full coverage with RV Alliance, no claim experience but the rates were great and service was even better. |
Johnny (63.159.128.26)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 9:27 pm: | |
Look for agents that deal with motorcycles--they tend to be a bit more accommodating. My agent is, fortunately, an RVer, so she didn't bat an eye when I explained my plan (converted long-nose school bus). She only has a small motorhome (Toyota Dolphin), but has always liked converted buses. |
Doug Dickinson (Dougd470) (206.71.111.23)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 10:31 pm: | |
I ran into a problem with Progressive - they claimed they didn't insure conversions any more. I would up with RV Alliance and am very happy with the service and the rates.
Odd thing is that I called Progressive several months ago when I was getting the finances together to buy my MC-9 and they gave me a quote. They even had it on record when I called, but the person I spoke to was quite sure they don't insure conversions. I guess they had a change in how they do things or maybe this applies only to Missouri (they do some things differently in different states).
Go figure! |
Scott Whitney (66.82.9.13)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 12:04 am: | |
I use GMAC. (800) 325 1190. The premium is $76/6mo. for liability-only while converting. Listed as: 1974 BUSC FLEXIBLE
It is: 1974 Flxible Transit bus [conversion]
When the conversion is 'complete' their underwriters will review receipts, pictures etc. to determine additional coverage. Never had a claim issue.
Scott |
Doug Dickinson (Dougd470) (65.161.188.9)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 9:20 am: | |
Scott
That sounds a LOT high on the rates. With RV alliance, all I had to do was prove that it was no longer a bus (seats out) and they were ready to write the policy. I am paying $183 a YEAR for coverage with RVAA and I have more than liability. Remember - the operative word here is RV and not Bus. If you insure and register as a bus, you pay the price, if you register as an RV, it is mucho cheaper. |
Ross Carlisle (Ross) (207.88.97.187)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 10:20 am: | |
"I ran into a problem with Progressive - they claimed they didn't insure conversions any more. I would up with RV Alliance and am very happy with the service and the rates. "
The odd thing is that if you are insured through RV Alliance, the underwriter is probably Progressive. RV Aliance told me that thier underwriter in 95% of all cases is Progressive. Classic axample of the left hand not knowing what the right is doing.
Check out this funny insurance story...
A few years ago I wanted to insure a Pitts aerobatic airplane. I called Avemco (a well known aviation insurer) and the person on the phone told me that they did not insure aerobatic aircraft that would be used in competition or airshow performances. Later that day a friend who was flying in competition told me that he was insured with Avemco.
I called back and got a different person on the phone who said that they had no such rule regarding competition or airshow flying...But...I had to have an FAA low level waiver, which at the time, I did not have.
I went back to the airport and my friend said...Huh?, I don't have a low level waiver. Its not needed for competition flying, just low level airshow flying.
I called Avemco back and a different person said she did not know of a rule requiring a low level waiver. She said all I needed was 20 hours in the airplane type I was insuring...Which I had.
I Finally got insured, but there is an example of 3 people sitting in the same office who have completely different interpretations of the companies rules. I have no idea to this day which of the three was right. It's possible that the first was right and the third, who wrote the policy, had no idea of what she was insuring.
In some cases I've found that you just need to keep calling back until you get someone on the phone who agrees with you.
Ross |
DaveD (216.18.113.69)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 10:53 am: | |
I had trouble getting insurance on my bus before it was converted. I finally found out that my regular company doesn't insure buses and my broker then arranged insurance (expensive) with another company. He was pretty skeptical about insuring the bus as an RV, but once he saw it he changed his tune. I got the feeling he was originally thinking in terms of an old beat up multicoloured school bus occupied by a bunch of long-haired hippies. Once I had it registered as a motor home, I got insurance as an MCI RV with my regular company for $275 (Cdn $) for 5 months including fire, theft and collision at an agreed upon value. I'll have it appraised when essentially completed and the insured value will be changed to suit.
It seems like the concept of a motor coach conversion is hard for some people to grasp and the term RV or motor home is what should be used rather than bus.
DaveD |
Peter (Sdibaja) (209.242.148.130)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 3:36 pm: | |
The old Bus - RV question:
1. in March I went to drop off some paperwork with my accountant in down town Ensenada (Baja, Mexico) and was pulled over by a cop. After a few minutes of him explaining that buses are not allowed downtown and me explaining/showing that it is my casa (home) he was very apologetic and put out some cones for me so I could double park in a good spot.
2. a few months back I was picking up my sister at the Oakland, Ca airport. When I got in front of the baggage claim the traffic cop came to me red faced and said “No Buses in the Terminal!”. I said this is my home and is a RV! She said “It used to be a BUS!”, I said no way, Glenn Miller bought it new and it was a Parlor Coach and never was a bus. I offered to show the paper trail of ownership, she said “keep it moving!”.
I made 2 more loops before my sister was at the curb, each time the (now sweet) traffic cop smiled and waved. When I finally needed to stop for my pickup, she even flagged for me so that I could get curbside so Kathy did not have a big step up…
We don’t to buses or motor homes, we do RVs and that is that!!!
Peter |
Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (216.67.217.142)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 8:08 am: | |
Doug,
I would love to know what coverage, etc you get for $183 a year. I don't even pay that for my old class A Apollo, and I have a long "no claim" history and multi-vehicle policy.
There seems to be a big difference in rates that we are paying for coverage and often it seems that we are being insured by the same company, Progressive, and through the same broker, RVAA.
I pay $50+ a month, but this is for an uncompleted conversion and $14K value. I have read others are paying similar, but like Doug, some are paying a fraction of that. Very strange. Maybe it is our locations that are affecting these rates?
Peter. |
Peter (Sdibaja) (209.242.148.130)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 1:23 pm: | |
I pay about $256 a year with RV Alliance, full coverage, agreed value of $68k, (full replacement). Includes towing and road service with about $1500 limit per occurrence.
I have no commercial license or other certificates to reduce the rate; my wife is a covered driver also. The policy reads like a homeowner’s policy, includes lodging and transport if I don’t have a place to sleep or cook.
Maybe it was $356 a year…. Less than I pay for full coverage on any of my cars.
Peter |
Phil (204.89.170.126)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, August 30, 2002 - 3:35 pm: | |
Insurance also varies by state and locality. New York is one of the more expensive states for insurance with New York City quite a bit more. My Monaco is insured by State Farm (not in NYC) with a value of $120,000 for about $500 per year for full coverage. This is half their rate for a year but if you have your car(s) with them the coach is only charged for half a year. I guess they figure you only use it part time. This is less then I pay for my car or pickup that are worth about 20% of the coaches value. When I checked with some of the specialty companies some could not write coverage in NY. |
(Comet) (209.245.175.172)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 12:33 am: | |
Phil is right. Insurance varies by state and even within regions of each state. This could explain the differences in rates and coverage. In addition, when dealing with a broker instead of an agent, they often times do not know each company's coverages and underwriting guidelines as well. It is the underwriter that determines insurability, not the broker. They sometimes mis-interpret rules because they deal with so many companies. Having said that, I believe you get the best coverage and rates in dealing with brokers, unless you are shrewd insurance shopper that knows about all the evils that is "insurance." |
(Comet) (209.245.175.172)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, August 31, 2002 - 12:34 am: | |
Phil is right. Insurance varies by state and even within regions of each state. This could explain the differences in rates and coverage. In addition, when dealing with a broker instead of an agent, they often times do not know each company's coverages and underwriting guidelines as well. It is the underwriter that determines insurability, not the broker. They sometimes mis-interpret rules because they deal with so many companies. Having said that, I believe you get the best coverage and rates in dealing with brokers, unless you are a shrewd insurance shopper that knows about all the evils that is "insurance." |
Rodger Manecke (216.170.203.187)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 02, 2002 - 6:43 am: | |
If you are having problems insuring a conversion or unseated shell, I suggest you contact Miller Insurance Agency in OR. Miller is a conversion knowledgeable broker and can get you insured at competetive rates. They've had me - '76 Prevost Champion - with Progressive for 3 years now. Rewrote the policy in April after we moved from NC to WA. The annual rate dropped almost $100 due to change of home address. The rig must be appraised professionally each 3 years for value. This can be done by mail for about $100.
Good luck,
Rodger |
Doug Dickinson (Dougd470) (65.161.188.9)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 10:28 am: | |
Peter and all
My coverage is extended limits liability and only 10K for coverage on the coach itself. The coach is all that is covered until I reach a point where it is somewhat complete and then we will re-evaluate it on a "agreed value" basis with an appraisal.
I know insurance varies from state to state, but when you get differences of over 200% it would be wise (IMHO) to check out "why" since insurance agents without knowledge will write you as something THEY think you are - probably not a little niche like a bus conversion.
BTW - my policy through RVAA is NOT underwritten by Progressive - I can't recall the underwriter, but I know it's not progressive.
BTW - I am in St Louis MO and the rates here are about par for the US as a whole - but LOTS lower than CA, NY, NJ, and some other places. Peter is paying roughly 300% of my rate (or 200% higher if you want to think of it that way). In parts of NY or CA, that may be normal. I suggest shopping around. Car insurance usually doesn't vary that much, but specialty insurance really does! This is a specialty or niche market we are discussing here. One last thought - like a mechanic - if your insurance agent doesn't understand what he/she is working on - run away. You don't want a car mechanic working on your MCI bus, do you? |
Steven Gibbs (12.148.43.6)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 05, 2002 - 7:43 am: | |
Doug,
It's probably Royal & Sunalliance (sp?) which we get through RVAA. We have had Royal since Alexander & Alexander in Detroit was the agent. I think their service and rates are better than a Progressive policy.
The only drawback may be that I think they (Royal) only allows one year to reach 85% completion. I've heard that Progressive goes two years.
Steve Gibbs
MC9
Pontiac |
Doug Dickinson (Dougd470) (65.161.188.9)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, September 05, 2002 - 9:23 am: | |
I don't recall any time limit. I better read the policy again - or is this a practice of theirs? |
ED-NJ (67.85.224.113)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 31, 2003 - 8:34 pm: | |
Hey Rodger - can you send me the phone number for Miller Insurance that you mentioned? Thanks! When we purchased our MCI-9 last summer, I spent 5 hours on the phone trying to get insurance. Progressive doesn't write insurance in NJ. RV Alliance wasn't helpful AT ALL! They, in fact, told me that "they don't cover such things - only professionally converted buses". We have GMAC on our production unit motorhome as members of Good Sam; they said they don't cover conversions unless done professionally. We finally found coverage through Thum Insurance Agency - liability only, until the conversion is complete. Upon completion, the insurance company wants copies of receipts to establish an "agreed upon" replacement cost. Ours seems expensive in comparison to some of your prices mentioned. It's amazing that all these "RV" clubs us busnuts belong to don't help with conversion insurance issues!! |