Cheap Auto Insurance for Bus Drivers in 2024 (Save With These 9 Companies!)
When it comes to cheap auto insurance for bus drivers, Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate offer the lowest rates. Bus driver auto insurance costs an average of $70 per month, but you can save by enrolling in a UBI program like Progressive’s Snapshot or taking advantage of a government employee discount.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Bus Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Bus Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Bus Drivers
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate offer the cheapest auto insurance for bus drivers, especially if they are safe drivers and sign up for a usage-based insurance (UBI) program.
At $50 per month, Progressive offers the cheapest auto insurance for bus drivers thanks to its long list of car insurance discounts for safe driving and budget-friendly tools.
Our Top 9 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance for Bus Drivers
Company | Rank | Monthly Rates | UBI Discount | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | $50 | 30% | Budget Shopping | Progressive | |
#2 | $55 | 30% | Cheap Rates | State Farm | |
#3 | $60 | 40% | UBI Discounts | Allstate | |
#4 | $65 | 40% | Deductible Savings | Nationwide | |
#5 | $70 | Money Rewards | Personalized Service | Erie Insurance | |
#6 | $75 | 15% | Safety Discounts | Farmers | |
#7 | $80 | 30% | Add-on Options | Liberty Mutual | |
#8 | $85 | 20% | Discount Availability | American Family | |
#9 | $90 | 20% | Unique Coverage | Travelers |
Explore our picks for the best cheap auto insurance for bus drivers below, and enter your ZIP code above to compare personalized quotes from multiple companies.
- Progressive has the overall cheapest bus driver auto insurance rates
- Average car insurance for bus drivers costs $70 per month
- Usage-based insurance programs and safe driving discounts can help you save
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#1 – Progressive: Best Budgeting Tools
Pros
- Snapshot: Snapshot is Progressive’s usage-based insurance (UBI) program that tracks your driving behaviors. Drivers who consistently practice safe habits save an average of $156 per year with Snapshot.
- Name Your Price tool: Progressive helps drivers save with the Name Your Price tool. This tool allows you to name your monthly budget, and Progressive creates a list of coverage options that fit it.
- Safe driving discounts: As professionals, bus drivers tend to have a good driving record. Progressive offers plenty of discounts for safe drivers to take advantage of. See more discounts in our review of Progressive insurance.
- User-friendly mobile app: Progressive is known for its modern take on managing policies. The Progressive mobile app lets you view policy documents, manage your coverage, start a claim, and download your ID cards.
- Low rates: Progressive is usually one of the cheapest options for coverage in every state.
Cons
- Mixed customer service ratings: Progressive may have the cheapest auto insurance for bus drivers, but that doesn’t matter to some customers. The company struggles with low customer loyalty ratings.
- Rates can be high for some drivers: Younger drivers and people with at-fault accidents in their records might be able to find cheaper rates elsewhere.
#2 – State Farm: Best for Low Rates
Pros
- Discount availability: With 13 discounts, State Farm makes it easy to save. Safe drivers will find numerous discounts they may qualify for.
- Drive Safe and Save: Maximize on your driving skills by signing up for Drive Safe and Save, which can earn you a discount of up to 30%.
- Affordable rates: State Farm is often the cheapest option for car insurance regardless of where you live. See how State Farm’s rates compare to other companies in our State Farm auto insurance review.
- Young driver savings: State Farm offers bus drivers under 25 plenty of ways to lower their rates, including the Steer Clear program and student discounts.
Cons
- Limited online options: Getting quotes and buying coverage online is difficult with State Farm as the company focuses on its extensive network of agents.
- Add-on availability: Despite being one of the largest insurance companies in America, State Farm lacks a few add-on options. The most notable among the lacking options is gap insurance.
- Some drivers pay more: Although State Farm is usually affordable, drivers with bad credit scores often find lower rates with other providers.
#3 – Allstate: Best UBI Savings
Pros
- Drivewise: Drivewise has one of the best UBI discounts on the market. Drivers who regularly practice safe driving habits can save up to 40% with Drivewise.
- Excellent discount options: With 12 discounts, including multi-policy and safe driving savings, Allstate has plenty of ways to save.
- Ample coverage options: Allstate offers some of the best options for full coverage policies, with enough coverage to protect every inch of your car. Read more about this provider in our Allstate auto insurance review.
- Claims satisfaction guarantee: Allstate guarantees all its claims, promising a credit on future premiums if you’re unsatisfied with the service you receive.
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews: While it usually gets positive reviews, Allstate struggles with reports about its customer service experiences.
- High rates: Allstate is typically one of the most expensive insurance options, no matter where you live.
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#4 – Nationwide: Best Vanishing Deductible Program
Pros
- Vanishing deductible program: If you enroll in Nationwide’s Vanishing Deductible program, your deductible will decrease by $100 for every year you spend claims-free, up to $500.
- SmartRide: Enrolling in Nationwide’s SmartRide UBI program nets you an automatic 10% savings. Then, you can earn an additional 30% by driving safely.
- Ample discount opportunities: Save on your insurance by taking advantage of Nationwide’s 11 discounts, including savings for bundling policies and staying accident-free.
- Low rates for bad credit: People with bad credit scores typically pay more for their insurance, but you’ll pay much less at Nationwide than at other companies.
Cons
- Limited local agents: Nationwide is a great option if you prefer buying your insurance online, but you’ll have a harder time finding a local agent if you prefer face-to-face help.
- Higher quotes for some drivers: Nationwide has low rates for the average bus driver, but many others see higher quotes. That’s particularly true for drivers with a DUI. Find out how much you might pay for coverage in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
#5 – Erie Insurance: Best for Personalized Service
Pros
- Personalized service: Erie focuses more on its customer experience, ensuring that policyholders get as much attention as they want.
- Competitive rates: Erie is one of the cheapest options for insurance, often beating larger competitors like Progressive and State Farm. Our Erie insurance review explores the company’s affordable coverage and discounts.
- High customer satisfaction: Since Erie is focused on a good customer service experience, it should be no surprise that it receives high satisfaction ratings.
- YourTurn: YourTurn is Erie’s UBI program that tracks behaviors like hard braking and phone use. Unlike other programs that offer a discount on your insurance, YourTurn rewards safe drivers with their choice of gift card or charitable donation.
Cons
- Limited availability: Erie offers excellent insurance plans but only in 12 states.
- No online quotes: Drivers looking for a new Erie policy will need to contact a local agent for a quote, as it lacks an online quote option.
#6 – Farmers Insurance: Best for Safety Discounts
Pros
- Good discount availability: With a whopping 23 discount possibilities, Farmers makes saving on your insurance as easy as possible.
- Signal app: With Farmers’ UBI app Signal, you can save up to 15% on your policy for good driving behaviors. Check out our online Farmers review for more information.
- Extensive network of local agents: It’s easy to find personalized help on your insurance with Farmers’ large network of local agents.
- Affinity discount: Bus drivers who work for the city might be eligible for Farmers’ affinity discount for government workers.
Cons
- No new policies in Florida: If you live in Florida, you won’t be able to purchase a new Farmers policy for your car.
- Higher-than-average rates: Although Farmers’ rates usually aren’t the most expensive, they also aren’t the cheapest. Farmers rates tend to stay a bit above the national average for most drivers.
- Lacking online options: If you’re looking for a more modern car insurance experience, Farmers might not be the best choice. It lacks many of the online options its bigger competitors offer.
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#7 – Liberty Mutual: Best Add-on Options
Pros
- Diverse coverage options: Liberty Mutual offers coverage that can be hard to find elsewhere, including original parts replacement and better car replacement insurance.
- Ample discounts: Liberty Mutual offers 17 discounts for drivers to take advantage of, including government employee savings that city bus drivers might qualify for.
- RightTrack: Enroll in the UBI program RightTrack for an automatic 10% savings. After a 90-day observation period, you could save up to 30% on your insurance.
Cons
- Rates are sometimes high: Young drivers might find excellent deals from Liberty Mutual, but this provider rarely offers the best deals on car insurance. To see monthly premiums and honest rankings, read our Liberty Mutual review.
- Claims satisfaction rating is below average: Most customers agree that Liberty Mutual’s customer service reps are friendly and knowledgeable, but the company struggles with its claims satisfaction.
#8 – American Family: Best Discount Selection
Pros
- KnowYourDrive: American Family offers a respectable savings of 30% for drivers who consistently practice safe driving. Learn more about KnowYourDrive in our American Family auto insurance review.
- Underwrites Costco auto insurance policies: Costco members might find lower car insurance rates from the warehouse, which American Family sells through CONNECT. Learn more about your eligibility for coverage in our Costco car insurance review.
- Discount options: With 18 discounts, most American Family drivers find a way to save. Popular AmFam discounts include savings for
Cons
- Limited availability: American Family sells car insurance in just 19 states, but it operates CONNECT in 44.
- Higher rates: While it’s rarely the cheapest option for insurance, drivers with bad credit scores will see particularly high rates.
#9 – Travelers: Best Unique Coverage Options
Pros
- IntelliDrive: Save up to 30% on your insurance by enrolling in Travelers’ IntelliDrive program and downloading the app.
- Unique coverage options: You’ll find plenty of coverage options at Travelers, including rideshare and gap insurance.
- Excellent discount availability: Travelers offers policyholders 15 discounts to lower their rates, including savings for bundling policies and driving a hybrid vehicle.
Cons
- Mixed customer satisfaction: While some Travelers policyholders love the service, many report dissatisfaction with the claims process. Read our full review of Travelers insurance for more information.
- Average insurance rates: Travelers’ rates usually match the national average. While it’s not the most expensive option, it can be difficult to find competitive Travelers’ quotes.
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Auto Insurance Rates for Bus Drivers
Although bus drivers are professional operators, many are surprised to learn that their occupation doesn’t guarantee low car insurance rates. However, that doesn’t mean finding affordable coverage is hard. Check below to see how much the average bus driver pays for minimum insurance.
Bus Drivers Minimum Coverage Monthly Rates From Top Providers
Insurance Company | 21-Year-Old Female | 21-Year-Old Male | 25-Year-Old Female | 25-Year-Old Male | 30-Year-Old Female | 30-Year-Old Male | 35-Year-Old Female | 35-Year-Old Male | 40-Year-Old Female | 40-Year-Old Male | 45-Year-Old Female | 45-Year-Old Male |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Progressive | $90 | $95 | $80 | $85 | $70 | $75 | $60 | $65 | $50 | $55 | $40 | $50 |
State Farm | $95 | $100 | $85 | $90 | $75 | $80 | $65 | $70 | $55 | $60 | $45 | $55 |
Allstate | $100 | $105 | $90 | $95 | $80 | $85 | $70 | $75 | $60 | $65 | $50 | $60 |
Nationwide | $105 | $110 | $95 | $100 | $85 | $90 | $75 | $80 | $65 | $70 | $55 | $65 |
Erie | $110 | $115 | $100 | $105 | $90 | $95 | $80 | $85 | $70 | $75 | $60 | $70 |
Farmers | $115 | $120 | $105 | $110 | $95 | $100 | $85 | $90 | $75 | $80 | $65 | $75 |
Liberty Mutual | $120 | $125 | $110 | $115 | $100 | $105 | $90 | $95 | $80 | $85 | $70 | $80 |
American Family | $125 | $130 | $115 | $120 | $105 | $110 | $95 | $100 | $85 | $90 | $75 | $85 |
Travelers | $130 | $135 | $120 | $125 | $110 | $115 | $100 | $105 | $90 | $95 | $80 | $90 |
As you can see, auto insurance for bus drivers typically matches the national average.
While being a bus driver doesn't negatively or positively affect your rates, there are plenty of things you can do to lower your monthly premiums. Taking advantage of discounts for things like safe driving or enrolling in a UBI program are easy ways for bus drivers to keep insurance costs low.Heidi Mertlich Licensed Insurance Agent
Other factors like your location, age, and driving record play a much bigger role in your car insurance quotes.
The Best Auto Insurance for Bus Drivers
It makes no financial sense to purchase auto insurance policies you probably don’t need. In addition to that, nobody really enjoys writing checks to car insurance providers every month.
Below, we have detailed the essential types of coverage and tips for getting the right amount of protection at a cheaper price.
Liability Coverage
In most cases, this type of coverage is required to drive in U.S. states legally.
If you get into an accident and it is determined that your actions on the road led to the unfortunate incident, liability auto insurance coverage will cover the costs of resultant bodily injuries as well as damage to the vehicle or any other third-party property.
Of course, the level of coverage will depend on the set limits.
If the financial loss from an at-fault accident exceeds your coverage limit, you will have to pay for the upper limit of the settlement from your own pocket.
If you can afford it, it is important to purchase liability coverage above the state-mandated level which will add an extra layer of protection. That way, you won’t have to dig deep into your pockets if you get involved in an at-fault accident.
Personal Injury Protection
Some states include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in their auto insurance laws as a requirement for all drivers.
If you get in an accident and you or other occupants in your car sustain bodily injuries, PIP will cover all medical expenses even if the accident was your fault.
Depending on your insurer and your coverage, PIP may even pay for the funeral expenses in case of any deaths resulting from the accident. To learn more about which providers have the best coverage, explore what companies offer cheap PIP auto insurance here.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Protection
Despite all the state laws demanding all motorists get minimum liability coverage, there are still a large number of uninsured drivers on the road.
The uninsured/underinsured coverage protects you from financial losses if you get hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Worse still, you could be a victim of a hit-and-run. The uninsured/underinsured is a policy you can ill afford to skimp on, given that it’s one of the cheapest policies in the insurance business.
Comprehensive Coverage
If it fits into your budget, comprehensive auto insurance is an important policy to have on your vehicle. This type of coverage will pay for the damages to your vehicle caused by natural disasters, vandalism, and theft.
Whether or not you purchase this coverage depends on the value of your car. It’s probably not worth it if you drive a relatively old inexpensive car.
If you decide to buy this coverage, installing anti-theft tracking devices in your vehicle can slightly reduce the coverage costs.
Collision Coverage
Collision insurance pays for the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle in the event of a covered accident.
Your auto insurer will pay for the market value of the vehicle if it’s totaled if the cost of fixing the damage exceeds 70 percent of the vehicle’s value.
There are other types of auto insurance coverage suitable for bus drivers, but these are the most critical ones. You can purchase a combination of all of them to get what is commonly referred to as full coverage, or you can select either of them as you see fit.
No matter which type of insurance you want to purchase, you can get rate information simply by starting a quote. Make sure to compare quotes with multiple companies to find the lowest rates for your vehicle.
Cutting Down Auto Insurance Costs
Although millennials tend to pay average rates compared to younger drivers, there are always ways to save more. Consider the following tips to help keep your insurance rates as low as possible:
- Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need. Research on your own and decide what you need and what you don’t.
- Avoid getting flagged for traffic offenses. This will ruin your driving records and raise your rates. You are a bus driver; you should know all the rules. Follow them.
- If it’s possible, pay upfront. You may be subjected to interest if you spread your payments throughout the year.
- Start your search for car insurance early. The earlier you start comparing, the higher the chances of getting a better quote.
- If you have an older, more experienced driver in your household, add them to the policy and significantly drop your rates.
- Apply for organizational, low-mileage, professional discounts as well as any other types of discounts you qualify for.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare multiple quotes until you find a cheaper, appropriate quote from a reputable insurer.
Be a responsible citizen and drive with the right amount of coverage both for your sake and for the sake of other road users.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which auto insurance companies for bus drivers have the cheapest rates?
The companies with the cheapest bus driver auto insurance quotes are Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate. However, you should always compare quotes before signing up for insurance becuase you might find lower rates with a different company.
Do bus drivers need car insurance?
Bus drivers typically require a specific type of auto insurance known as commercial auto insurance to drive a bus. Commercial auto insurance is designed to provide coverage for vehicles used for business purposes, such as buses. It offers protection for the vehicle, passengers, and liabilities associated with operating a bus.
What does commercial auto insurance for bus drivers cover?
Commercial auto insurance for bus drivers typically includes coverage for property damage, bodily injury liability, medical payments, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Additionally, it may provide coverage for passenger injuries, employee liability, and physical damage to the bus.
Are there different types of commercial auto insurance policies for bus drivers?
Yes, there are different types of commercial auto insurance policies available for bus drivers, depending on the specific needs and operations. Some common types of commercial auto insurance policies for bus drivers include public transportation insurance, school bus insurance, charter bus insurance, and limousine service insurance. Each policy is tailored to the unique risks and requirements of the specific type of bus operation.
Can bus drivers use personal auto insurance for their vehicles?
Personal auto insurance policies generally exclude coverage for vehicles used for commercial purposes, including buses. Bus drivers cannot rely on personal auto insurance to adequately cover their vehicles and liabilities. It’s essential to obtain a commercial auto insurance policy specifically designed for bus operations to ensure proper coverage.
What factors affect the cost of commercial auto insurance for bus drivers?
Several factors influence the cost of commercial auto insurance for bus drivers. These include the driver’s experience and driving record, the type and size of the bus, the number of passengers transported, the geographical area of operation, and the coverage limits selected. Additionally, factors such as the bus’s safety features, maintenance records, and the insurance provider’s underwriting criteria can also impact the premiums.
Are bus drivers required to have a certain amount of liability coverage?
The specific liability coverage requirements for bus drivers vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of bus operation. Public transportation or commercial passenger carriers are generally subject to higher liability coverage requirements due to the increased risks associated with transporting multiple passengers. It’s crucial for bus drivers to familiarize themselves with the local regulations and consult with their insurance provider to determine the appropriate liability coverage limits.
Can bus drivers purchase additional coverage beyond liability insurance?
Yes, bus drivers can purchase additional coverage beyond liability insurance to enhance their insurance protection. Additional coverage options may include comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, medical payments coverage, and coverage for roadside assistance or rental vehicles. Discussing your specific needs with an insurance provider can help determine the most suitable coverage options.
Are there any discounts available for commercial auto insurance for bus drivers?
Some insurance providers offer discounts to bus drivers for various reasons. These may include factors such as the driver’s experience, safety training, implementation of safety measures on the bus, or bundling multiple insurance policies with the same provider. It’s advisable to inquire with your insurance provider about available discounts to potentially reduce the cost of commercial auto insurance.
Do bus drivers get cheaper car insurance rates?
Unfortunately, bus driver auto insurance rates typically match the national average. However, your driving skills can help lower your rates with a safe driving discount.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.