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Get the cheapest quotes on your auto insurance
Enter your ZIP code to see insurers near you.
Your information is secure.
Get the cheapest quotes on your auto insurance
Enter your ZIP code to see insurers near you.
Your information is secure.
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 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 conversion inspections or photos, which helps them quickly title and insure as an RV. Yet state laws are meant to ensure 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.
What taxes should I expect to pay for my bus?
Typically, you’ll need to pay for the sales tax when buying your bus, then tags and registration after that. Registration costs vary by state, but can cost $200 or more in some.
Where can I park my bus to sleep?
You’ll find a variety of legal parking spots for sleeping in your vehicle, including truck stops and grocery stores.
How can I pay for my bus conversion?
If you don’t have the savings on hand to renovate your bus, consider your home improvement loan options. Bus conversions can cost tens of thousands in renovations, depending on the bus’s size and extent of your renovations.
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