Running a bus service—whether for schools, tours, charters, or public transport—requires comprehensive insurance to protect vehicles, passengers, and your business. With the rise in passenger transport needs, insurance providers are offering increasingly tailored solutions. But with so many options available, choosing the right policy can be overwhelming.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 Bus Insurance Policies in 2025, highlighting what each offers and why they’re worth considering.
1. Progressive Commercial
Best for: Customizable Coverage
Progressive Commercial continues to lead in the bus insurance market, thanks to its flexible policies and competitive pricing. They cover school buses, charter buses, tour buses, and shuttle services. Key features include:
- Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Rental reimbursement and roadside assistance
- Discounts for safe driving and bundling
Their online tools make it easy to get a quote and manage policies, making them a favorite among small to mid-sized transport companies.
2. Nationwide
Best for: Fleet Management
Nationwide is known for its strong commercial vehicle insurance, and its bus insurance is no exception. It’s especially ideal for businesses managing multiple buses.
- Specialized fleet management support
- General liability and umbrella policies
- Employee dishonesty and crime coverage
- Risk management services included
They offer excellent customer service and tailor-made policies, ideal for school districts or companies operating large fleets.
3. The Hartford
Best for: Small Bus Companies
The Hartford offers comprehensive solutions geared toward small to mid-size bus operators. Their policies are known for being highly customizable, and they have a strong reputation for claims support.
- Property damage and medical payment coverage
- Accident forgiveness
- 24/7 claims assistance
- Discounts for installing GPS and dash cams
With decades of experience in commercial insurance, The Hartford gives peace of mind to emerging transport businesses.
4. State Farm
Best for: Local Bus Operators
State Farm is often associated with personal auto insurance, but they also offer excellent commercial coverage for local bus operators.
- Broad liability coverage options
- Flexible deductibles
- Local agents who understand regional needs
- Excellent customer support
They are ideal for smaller businesses operating locally or regionally, including church buses and community shuttle services.
5. Travelers Insurance
Best for: Charter and Tour Buses
Travelers provides strong, industry-specific insurance for buses used in tourism and charter services. Their coverage is designed to protect high-value assets and large groups of passengers.
- General liability, physical damage, and business interruption
- Specialized coverage for tour operators
- Crisis event management
- Optional cyber liability coverage
Their global reach and deep experience in transportation make them ideal for tour companies.
6. GEICO Commercial Auto
Best for: Affordability
If you’re running a tight budget, GEICO’s commercial auto insurance is among the most affordable options. While they don’t specialize solely in buses, their coverage is solid for smaller operations.
- Basic liability, collision, and comprehensive options
- Easy online management
- 24/7 customer service
- Multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts
It’s best suited for new or smaller companies operating minibuses or shuttle buses.
7. Liberty Mutual
Best for: School Buses
Liberty Mutual is a go-to provider for educational institutions. Their policies are tailored for the unique needs of school buses and student transportation.
- Passenger liability
- Abuse and molestation coverage
- Driver training and background checks support
- Risk prevention training
They also offer crisis management support, which is essential for institutions with child safety as a top priority.
8. AXA XL
Best for: International and High-End Bus Services
For operators running luxury coaches, international routes, or specialized charter buses, AXA XL provides top-tier protection.
- Cross-border liability coverage
- Crisis and reputational risk support
- Fleet telematics integration
- High-value vehicle protection
Their pricing is on the higher end, but the protection and support are unmatched for global or luxury operations.
9. Zurich North America
Best for: Public Transportation Buses
Zurich specializes in large-scale transportation systems and public buses. Their policies are engineered to meet municipal and federal requirements.
- Workers’ comp integration
- Environmental liability coverage
- Extensive risk engineering services
- Compliance-focused policy design
They’re a reliable partner for government transit systems and large city bus services.
10. Sentry Insurance
Best for: Long-Haul Bus Operators
Sentry offers robust insurance options for long-distance and intercity bus services. With a strong focus on road safety and claims handling, they’re a trusted name in long-haul transportation.
- Coverage for drivers, passengers, and cargo
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Accident investigation support
- Training programs to reduce risks
Their policies cater well to companies operating across states or over long distances.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right bus insurance isn’t just about price—it’s about getting the right mix of coverage, customer service, and policy flexibility. Whether you’re a small shuttle company or managing a city-wide transit system, the providers listed above offer specialized policies tailored to your needs.
Quick Comparison Table
| Insurance Provider | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | Custom coverage | Easy quote tools |
| Nationwide | Fleet management | Risk management tools |
| The Hartford | Small operators | 24/7 claims support |
| State Farm | Local services | Local agent access |
| Travelers | Charter/tour buses | Crisis management |
| GEICO | Budget-friendly | Affordable premiums |
| Liberty Mutual | School buses | Child safety features |
| AXA XL | Luxury/global ops | High-value asset cover |
| Zurich | Public transit | Regulatory compliance |
| Sentry | Long-haul | Accident investigation |
No matter the size of your operation, the safety of your passengers and vehicles should be your top priority. An investment in the right bus insurance policy is an investment in your business’s future.
If you’d like, I can help you compare quotes or narrow down the best options based on your specific business needs. Want to do that next?