
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Updated
If you’re planning to renovate and live in a converted school bus, try insuring with one of these policies:
Settle on the types of coverage you need based on your state laws and how you’ll be using your converted bus.
These specialty insurance companies can insure your bus before it’s converted or the final school bus conversion:
Typically no, because most states require you to meet specific guidelines before you can title your bus as an RV. You’ll need the motorhome title to qualify for RV insurance.
However, some skoolie owners find loopholes that don’t require inspections or photos of their conversion, which helps them title and insure as an RV quickly. Yet state laws are meant to make sure of your bus’s safety before you drive and live in it. Consider getting a safety inspection even if you can get your RV title and insurance before renovating.
If you’re living in your bus, consider making RV insurance your end goal since this policy covers vehicles used for both living and driving. Bus conversions for a business will need commercial vehicle insurance.
To qualify for RV insurance, you might need to take these steps:
Since your bus isn’t livable during the renovation process, you may need to insure it as only a vehicle and switch to an RV policy later. Many people have found success buying commercial vehicle insurance for personal use.
To meet your state’s motorhome classification, you probably need at least sleeping quarters, a water source and cooking capabilities like a stove and refrigerator in your bus. Along with that, you might need a bathroom and air conditioning, and you’ll be required to remove the school bus signs and paint over the color.
Many states require you to get a safety inspection before approving the title. Reach out to your Department of Motor Vehicles to see if you need an inspection and to find your closest safety inspection station.
Once your bus meets the motorhome criteria, you can change your bus title to a motorhome title. You’ll need proof of your renovations and may need an inspection.
With the motorhome title in hand, you can apply for an RV insurance policy the same way as any other RV, either online or by phone.
In specific cases, your insurance company may want proof that your new home is well-built and secure. Provide any proof needed — you might have this on hand from the motorhome titling process.
Currency exchange offices deal with vehicle titles for many areas, making the representatives familiar with the titling process. The representatives may contact the right authorities even if they can’t complete the process themselves.
You’ll need some basic information to prove that you own and have converted your bus to an RV.
Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 per year to insure your converted bus, or $80 to $170 each month.
The exact price will vary based on the size of your bus and the type of insurance you’re getting. For example, a commercial vehicle policy for personal use may cost around $1,000 per year. An RV policy could cost $1,000 to $2,000 each year because of extra coverage for your custom bus and belongings.
By renovating your bus mindfully and meeting state motorhome laws, you could qualify for an RV policy or bus insurance from a company that allows do-it-yourself conversions.
Frequently asked questions about bus conversion insurance
Learn cost-sharing terms to find out how much you’ll really pay for healthcare.
Get an incentive to meet your existing health and fitness goals with a discounted premium.
Find unusually low face values for a whole life policy, ideal for supplemental insurance.
Learn your policy options based on the type of transplant and your health status now.
Use your death benefits to help pay for medical expenses while you’re still alive.
Transform your home without leaving insurance gaps while your home’s under construction.
No-cost options are available, but these policies may not offer the coverage you need.
A no-exam policy may work best, but shop around if you’re in good health otherwise.
Learn which short- and long-term add-ons are free and why others might be worth the extra cost.
From gathering your financial documents to finding a good therapist, we asked the experts for their No. 1 tip for divorcing spouses.