Virginia Bus Insurance

What Bus Insurance Covers

Commercial auto liability is the primary coverage, and the per-occurrence limits must be adequate for a bus full of passengers. FMCSA requires for-hire carriers operating buses with seating for 16 or more passengers (including the driver) to maintain a minimum of $5 million in liability.

Physical damage covers the bus chassis and body. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects passengers when another driver is at fault. Medical payments provides first-party coverage for passenger injuries regardless of fault.

• Commercial auto liability (up to $5M for large buses)
• Physical damage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist
• Medical payments for passengers

Bus Types We Insure

We insure over-the-road motor coaches, smaller transit buses, minibuses (15–30 passengers), cutaway buses, double-decker charter buses, and commuter shuttle buses. Note: under Progressive's program, church-owned vehicles that transport passengers to and from home and school/daycare are not eligible.

FMCSA and Virginia Requirements for Bus Operations

For-hire bus operators in interstate commerce are regulated by FMCSA under 49 CFR 365. Buses designed for 16 or more passengers need operating authority and must maintain $5 million in liability. Buses designed for 15 or fewer passengers need $1.5 million. Virginia intrastate for-hire passenger carriers follow tiered minimums of $350,000 for one to six passengers, $1.5 million for seven to 15, and $5 million for 16 or more, plus for-hire vehicle registration.

What Affects Your Bus Premium

Seating capacity, for-hire vs. employee-only use, operating territory, driver qualifications, and prior loss history all affect pricing. Charter and tour bus operations are rated differently than fixed-route transit operations.

How to Get a Bus Insurance Quote

Have your bus details, seating capacity, driver list, use description, and prior insurance history ready. Call (703) 551-2000 or request a quote online.