Looking for School Bus Insurance?
Protect your school bus operation from accidents, passenger injuries, liability claims, and vehicle damage. Get coverage for school bus contractors, transportation services, and student transport operations.
What is School Bus Insurance?
School bus insurance protects student transportation from accidents, passenger injuries, liability claims, and vehicle damage. Coverage includes commercial auto, passenger liability, and physical damage. School districts, state regulations, and DOT require proof of insurance before transportation contracts or operations.
Passenger Protection
Coverage for student injuries during transport, boarding, and alighting from buses.
Fleet Coverage
Protects school buses from collision, comprehensive damage, and liability.
Operations Liability
Covers accidents, property damage, and third-party claims from bus operations.
Certificates
Fast proof for school districts, DOT, and transportation contracts.
Who Needs School Bus Insurance?
- School Bus Contractors : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Student Transportation Companies : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Private School Buses : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Special Needs Transport Services : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
Why Harper?
School Bus Expertise
We understand student transport risks—passenger injuries, accidents, special needs transport, and regulatory compliance. Get coverage for contract buses, private schools, or transportation companies.
Fast Proof for Districts
School districts require specific insurance before transportation contracts. We deliver certificates quickly with the required endorsements.
Clear Simple Guidance
We explain passenger liability, fleet coverage, and school bus requirements clearly.
Tailored to Your Operations
Match coverage to your service—regular routes, special needs transport, field trips, or charter services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do school bus operations need?
School bus companies need commercial auto liability with significantly higher limits than standard commercial vehicles (typically $5-10 million minimum) due to passenger capacity and vulnerable population, passenger liability coverage specifically for students being transported, and physical damage (collision/comprehensive) for the bus fleet. Medical payments coverage provides immediate care for injured students. Hired/non-owned auto covers situations where drivers use personal vehicles, while umbrella coverage provides additional protection beyond primary auto limits, given catastrophic loss potential.
Is school bus insurance required?
Federal and state DOT regulations require school bus operators to carry minimum liability coverage far exceeding standard commercial auto requirements, typically $5 million or more, depending on passenger capacity. School district transportation contracts require proof of coverage meeting or exceeding district requirements (often $10 million+), adding the school district as additional insured, and meeting specific policy endorsements. State education departments require insurance for operating authority and school bus permits.
How much does school bus insurance cost?
Small school bus contractors with 1-3 buses pay $15,000–$40,000 annually per bus for required coverage. Mid-sized operations with 5-15 buses pay $200,000 to $600,000+ annually. Large student transportation companies with extensive fleets pay $1,000,000 to $5,000,000+ annually. Costs depend on the number of buses, driver experience and records, types of routes (regular versus special needs), accident history, bus values, coverage limits, and whether serving urban or rural areas.
Does insurance cover student injuries?
Passenger liability and commercial auto liability cover student injuries during transport, including injuries from accidents, sudden stops, boarding/alighting incidents, or incidents while students are under driver supervision. Coverage applies when drivers follow proper safety procedures, buses meet safety standards, and proper student management protocols are followed. Coverage extends to loading zones and during emergency evacuations.
Does insurance cover special needs transport?
School bus insurance can cover special needs student transport, but this significantly increases premiums due to unique risks, including wheelchair lift accidents, restraint system failures, medical emergencies during transport, and specialized equipment. Insurers require proof that drivers have proper training for special needs transport, vehicles have appropriate equipment and restraints, and individualized transport plans exist for students with complex medical needs.
Can school districts require specific insurance?
Yes, school transportation contracts contain extensive insurance requirements, including minimum commercial auto liability (typically $5-10 million), adding the school district and board of education as additional insureds, requirements that school bus coverage be primary over district insurance, waiver of subrogation clauses, and specific fleet safety program requirements. Districts require annual proof of coverage renewal and a 30-60 day advance notice of any coverage changes or cancellations.