Running a coach business comes with a range of responsibilities, from looking after passengers and employees to protecting your vehicles and keeping your operation running.
Having the right insurance in place is an important part of managing those risks. The cover you need will depend on the type of passenger transport business you operate, the vehicles you use and the services you provide.
Motor Insurance
Motor insurance is a fundamental part of operating a coach.
Your vehicles need appropriate motor insurance for the way they are being used, whether you operate a bus fleet, coach business, school transport service, private hire operation or another form of passenger transport.
The type and level of cover required can depend on your vehicles and how your business operates, so it's important that your insurer understands your operation.
Employers' Liability Insurance
If you employ staff, you will generally need Employers' Liability Insurance. GOV.UK states that employers must have at least £5 million of Employers' Liability cover from an authorised insurer, subject to certain exemptions.
For coach operators, this can provide protection against claims from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.
Public Liability Insurance
Public Liability Insurance can help protect your business if a member of the public suffers injury or their property is damaged in connection with your business.
For passenger transport operators, this can be particularly relevant because businesses regularly interact with passengers, customers and members of the public.
The exact cover and limits you need will depend on your business and the contracts you undertake.
Passenger Liability
Carrying passengers creates risks that are specific to the passenger transport industry.
A suitable passenger transport insurance policy can provide cover for liabilities arising from incidents involving passengers, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy.
This is one reason why choosing an insurer or broker with experience in passenger transport can be valuable.
Fleet Insurance
If you operate multiple buses, coaches or other passenger-carrying vehicles, fleet insurance can help bring your vehicles under one insurance arrangement.
As your fleet changes, it's important to keep your insurer informed about additions, removals and changes to vehicle use.
Other insurance to consider
Depending on your business, you may also need or benefit from additional insurance covers.
These could include:
- Breakdown Cover
- Legal Expenses
- Personal Accident
- Engineering Inspection
- Property Insurance
- Business Interruption
The right combination will depend on your individual operation.
Why specialist passenger transport insurance matters
Coach operators don't all face the same risks.
A coach tour company, school transport provider and specialist passenger transport business may have very different vehicles, drivers, journeys and contractual requirements.
That's why it's important that your insurance reflects how your business actually operates.
Changes to your fleet, drivers, vehicle use or services can also mean your insurance needs to change.
Passenger Transport Insurance from Wrightsure
At Wrightsure, we understand the specific risks faced by coach and passenger transport operators.
Our Passenger Transport Insurance solutions can be tailored around the individual requirements of your business, helping you arrange appropriate cover for your vehicles and operations.
If you're starting a passenger transport business, expanding your fleet or simply reviewing your existing insurance, our team can discuss your requirements.
Click here to find out more about Wrightsure Passenger Transport Insurance
Sources
GOV.UK – Employers' Liability Insurance — information on when Employers' Liability Insurance is required, the £5 million minimum cover and exemptions.