What insurance protections can operators get through bus policies?
Bus policies are usually comprised of several coverages, which work together to provide robust protection. Some coverages that a policy might offer are:
- Collision Coverage, which could cover bus damage that occurs during accidents
- Comprehensive Coverage, which could cover bus damage that occurs during other incidents
- Property Damage Coverage, which could cover damage to non-bus assets
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which could cover injuries to bus passengers
- Medical Payments Coverage, which could cover injured bus passengers’ medical costs
- Bodily Injury Coverage, which could cover injuries to persons not on a bus
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, which could cover accidents with uninsured drivers
Do bus operators need to carry workers compensation coverage?
Massachusetts broadly requires employers to carry workers' compensation if they have employees on payroll, and this requirement usually extends to bus operators in the state. The purpose of workers' compensation is to provide coverage for certain on-the-job injuries.
Although most bus operators need workers' compensation, the coverage isn’t always included within a bus policy. It might instead be purchased as a stand-alone policy.
Should school districts look for any specific coverages when choosing school bus insurance?
School districts generally should choose school bus insurance policies that provide extensive protection. This not only requires selecting coverages wisely but also choosing deductibles and limits with care.
An insurance agent who specializes in bus policies can help districts set up a school bus insurance policy that provides extensive protection.
How much are premiums for bus policies?
Premiums for bus policies are based on many factors, and thus they vary significantly among policies. A bus’s size, storage location, miles driven, and type of transport are just some of the factors that influence rates. So too do the coverages and limits needed, the business’s recent claims history, drivers’ experience and many other details.
Because premiums vary so much, determining how much a specific business or organization might have to pay for a policy normally requires obtaining customized quotes. An independent insurance agent can help businesses get customized quotes from several insurance companies.
How can businesses get bus insurance?
For help insuring Massachusetts-registered buses, contact the independent insurance agents at The Feingold Companies. Our agents will help you compare policies from several insurance companies, and we have the expertise necessary to help you choose the best available bus insurance policy for your business’s/organization equipment.
