Any vehicle that’s to be driven on public roads needs to have a basic level of insurance in place. Failing to do so means you’re breaking the law, leaving you open to criminal proceedings and huge financial loss, so doesn’t it make sense to be prepared? The same applies no matter what type of vehicle you drive and minibuses are no exception, and if you’ve got one or are thinking of investing then seeking private minibus insurance is essential.
This type of insurance is intended for owners of private minibuses who will use the vehicle for social, domestic or pleasure use only. In other words, it can’t be used for commercial purposes—in order to meet the criteria of a private insurance policy it can only be used by individuals or families for their own use, perhaps for ferrying around relatives on days out and being ideal for larger families, but if you intend to use your vehicle to transport passengers for money you should be seeking a specific policy that covers you for business use.
Private insurance for minibuses is generally available for any vehicle that has between seven and seventeen seats, and it’s important to make sure that you’ve got an appropriate driving licence that’s valid both in the UK and for driving this kind of vehicle. Be warned that younger drivers (i.e. those younger than 21) might find it more difficult to source appropriate cover, and it’s important to always seek insurance from specialist providers to ensure you’ve got the kind of policy that meets your individual circumstances.
As well as getting a basic level of cover you should consider including things like breakdown assistance, personal accident cover, in-car entertainment cover, windscreen protection and even public liability, and if you intend to be driving abroad then make sure you’re covered for EU use (most policies will include a certain amount of European cover as standard). Because of the niche nature of this kind of policy it might be difficult to track down, but if you make sure to head to specialist insurers and always choose your private minibus insurance wisely you can get out on the road and enjoy your vehicle in confidence.