subject: Sweet Charity: Minibus Insurance For Charities [print this page] Minibuses give flexibility and versatility that public transport providers simply cannot offer. This makes them particularly valuable for use by charitable organisations. Such non profit-making organisations can benefit from the cost savings associated with specialist minibus insurance. Here are the details charities need to know.
The three specific types of minibus insurance have their pros and cons. Third Party Only insurance is the minimum legal requirement. Such insurance covers liability for injury to, or the death of third parties, along with liability for damage to other people's property, and legal costs related to claims against the policy.
Third Party, Fire and Theft cover comes next in the minibus insurance hierarchy. The benefits of this are fairly obvious. Should the minibus be stolen or be fire damaged, insurance for these eventualities is included.
The third and final type of minibus insurance is Comprehensive cover. This, though it's the most expensive, is the most popular with charities that use a minibus. Comprehensive minibus insurance may provide replacements for personal effects lost in an accident or through theft. Post-accident medical expenses may be met, and cover against damage to the minibus's windscreen and windows may be offered. A specialist minibus insurance broker will be able to detail what is covered and can offer a bespoke policy that caters for a customer's needs.
Often, charity minibus insurance policies carry additional benefits. These can include a provision to pay by instalments rather than in a single lump sum. Post-accident and/or breakdown recovery may be included, as might roadside breakdown assistance, from a known provider capable of dealing with a minibus. A 24-hour helpline, operating from a year-round UK centre that can be called at no charge is a desirable bonus. Also, the option of uninsured loss recovery, including cover for a lawyer, legal costs and vehicle hire costs, is well worth seeking. Again, a specialised minibus insurance provider will be happy to advise you.
Having learned what to expect from a charity minibus insurance provider, it is necessary for you to understand what the provider will expect from you. Apart from meeting the expected driving licence requirements for using a minibus, the charity will need to provide one of two permits. In order to prove to the provider that the minibus to be insured is in fact to be put to charitable and non profit-making use, the charity will have to have a Section 19 or Section 22 permit. Charities whose activities are seen to benefit a community may apply for a Section 19 permit. Under this, minibus drivers may be volunteers or may receive payment, and a small charge for vehicle operating costs may be levied by the charity.
Remaining with charity minibus insurance requirements, a minibus that is used to offer a non profit-making bus service needs a Section 22 permit. For this kind of permit, the driver may not be paid for his or her services; he or she must be a volunteer. Lastly, a minibus operator running a service on a profit-making basis must acquire a PCV/PSV licence.
As can be seen, minibus insurance specific to a charity is slightly different from other kinds of insurance. However, with the aid of a specialised broker, finding such insurance and meeting the permit requirements are easily done.
by: Louise Slee
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