Updated questions on Commercial Insurance vs. a Not-For-Hire business

[Dakell12]

Hi everyone, I wrote a few weeks ago about my search for commercial insurance. I want to run an interstate entertainer coach that I will rent out to bands traveling around the country. I am having A LOT of trouble finding insurance, however. The main reasons seem to be the age of the bus (1985 MCI 96a3), my age (24), and a speeding ticket on my MVR (20-39 over in a car). I am principally going to work with one band, so does anyone know anything about a loophole that I could expose if i were to only work with a single entity? Thanks for the help! Also, if you DO have insurance referalls, I'll take them!

[Len Silva]

It's sometimes a fine line between what's right and what's expedient.  While it's not right, I know for a fact that there are leased entertainer coaches running up and down the road as private motor homes.  I doubt that the DOT would ever pull you over but an accident or moving violation might expose you to world of problems.

Perhaps if you were a member of the band it might make a difference.

[compedgemarine]

in the legal definition if the band is paid or compensated in any way you are a commercial vehicle. you could probably get away with calling yourself private but if push came to shove you will lose out.
steve

[kyle4501]

FWIW, I don't buy insurance because the law requires it. I buy insurance to cover my a$$ & limit my cash outlay in case things go badly. When the stuff hits the fan, I want the insurance company backing me up - NOT assisting in the fraud charges against me.

So, it is with that background that I say that anyone who is lying/ deceiving the insurance company just to get coverage, is wasting their $$.


If the speeding ticket is the issue, ask if there are training courses they recognise to allow you coverage.

I remember my insurance rates when I was 24, & I feel for you. In my case, it was justified     

[zubzub]

keep looking.  You would be amazed at the different prices/possibilties different brockers have.   Sometimes as much as 500%.  My insuarance co wanted to double my rates for no reason (no accidents just a change in policY)  I changed brokers and now pay less for 2 vehicles than I used to pay for one, and when I started with the first insurer they were the least expensive, a few years later everything had changed.   Another possibilty is licensing/insuring/registering in a more leniant state.  Just make sure it's legal.
p.s. where I live a commercial vehicle has much more stringent safety standards, and a fairly constant inspection schedule (yearly)

[HB of CJ]

Also check out the rates for different States.  For example, auto/bus insurance in general is quite $cheaper$ up here in Oregon than in Commiefornia (California) just 30 miles south. We also have found that a good relationship with your private insurance agent may make quite a difference.  Business is business. Good luck.