Safety measures will reduce minibus insurance costs
08 November 08
Minibuses are used widely across the UK for all sorts of reasons, from sports teams to school trips, hen and stag weekends to corporate events. Each vehicle must have adequate minibus insurance. The obvious potential problem with minibuses is that if they are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident they will more than likely be carrying more people than you would in a car, which in turn could create more injuries to passengers.
Seat Belts
Because of this exact reason the Department Of Transport stated that vehicles first used on or after 01 October 2001 must have all seats fitted with seat belts by the manufacturer.
Safety Records and Procedures
Minibus operators are required by law to keep records of all safety procedures and how these are implemented. The Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents (RoSPA) do recommend that these records are kept for at least 15 months, but they do actually prefer longer, especially if following an incident there is some risk of litigation. These steps will help to provide evidence that the service being offered by the operator is being run and managed efficiently with all reasonable steps taken to ensure the safety of the minibus passengers and drivers.
MOT Certificates
Obviously as well as these steps every minibus is required by law to have a valid annual MOT certificate. Minibuses with thirteen or more passenger seats are required to complete a class V test. This can only be undertaken as designated testing stations or an LGV testing station. Minibuses with seats below this number can be tested at any MOT approved garage under a normal car (Class IV) test.
Type of Licence Required
Drivers with a licence obtained before 01 January 1997 can drive a minibus in the UK on the following basis:
• Hold a valid full driving licence for private cars.
• Are at least 21 years old
• The vehicle is not being used for Hire & Reward
Drivers with a licence obtained on or after 01 January 1997 are only allowed to drive minibuses with a maximum of eight seats, in addition to the driver’s seat.
Minibus Insurance
As with all vehicles it is required by law for the vehicle to be insured to a minimum standard (Third Party). This however does not cover you for damage to your own vehicle, although this can be added to your policy as additional cover. You may also declare SoRN (Statutory Off Road Notification). Staveley Head Insurance can provide minibus insurance aswell as cheap coach insurance for larger vehicles. From third party only to comprehensive. Cover for different uses is also available from carriage of passengers for hire and reward to social domestic and pleasure and many more.
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