Tips 'n Quips Reader submitted suggestions for converters and RVers Insurance Bus conversion insurance is becoming increasingly more difficult to obtain, especially if you do the conversion yourself or are interested in a school bus. These conversions are generally considered high risk. The following information should be helpful in obtaining insurance. Part of the problem lies with the word "conversion". Just what is a Bus Conversion? A Monster Truck? Chicken Coop? Garbage Truck? Car Hauler? Storage Shed? The list goes on and we have seen them all. And yes, they do convert buses into storage sheds and chicken coops. One of the first things you must do is reregister your bus with the state as a motorhome, housecar or whatever your state calls it. You dispose of the old "Bus" or "Commercial" license plates and the state recognizes the rig as a motorhome. When you obtain insurance, you need RV insurance. I know of no state where term "bus conversion" appears on the title. You will be insuring a 1985 GM MOTORHOME or a 1989 Eagle MOTORHOME. The VIN number will tell the insurance company that this is a bus chassis. If you are questioned, DO NOT try to skirt the issue as being deceptive can void a policy when you need it most: At "crunch time". (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Bottom line is, the state recognizes your rig as a motorhome. The insurance should also. Still, not all companies will insure your motorhome. But chances are, any underwriter that specializes in RV insurance will insure a GM, Chevy, Ford, Dodge, or even a Gillig or a Crown motorhome. If your insurance company will not insure your motorhome, try one of these companies: RV Alliance America offers insurance for non-sKOOLie home conversions. Additionally, the site has links to RV safety and an excellent pre-trip checklist. 800-521-2942. Thum Insurance Agency, LLC offers insurance for non-sKOOLie home conversions in most states. Phone 800-866-0777 . sKOOLies offer unique challenges for insurance. If your company does not offer it, try GMAC: School Bus Conversion Insurance: GMAC offers liability insurance on home School Bus conversions in most states and may offer other coverages on professional conversions. Rates seem reasonable, too. Call them at: at 1-800-325-1190. If you are a member of the Good Sam Club, FMCA or other major RV club, you may be able to buy GMAC insurance at a discount. Call Good Sam at 1-800-847-2886. Important note: If the GMAC operator sys they don't insure sKOOLies, tell them that the classification is "Bus-C" If they still resist, call back in a few minutes and talk with a different operator. For basic liability most people I have talked with pay about $250 / year for basic liability, depending on driving record. With a sKOOLie, you can probably forget about anything beyone the basics, but try to get towing. This information was contributed by individual owners and "borrowed" from other web postings. Information has not been verified. Bus Type Registered as Insurance Carrier Contact Info Coverage Info Cost Comments International Motorhome Progressive through independent agent $125 / Yr. Listed as a "Non-Professional Conversion Bus for Recreational Use". 1964 Superior Coach Supercruiser Motorhome USAA 1-800-531-8111 About $200 / Yr Full Great company. Generally serves active and retired military and Gov't service personnel only. 1974 Crown Supercoach Motorhome GMAC through Good Sam VIP PL and PL $106 / Yr. . 1978 Superior Motorhome Allstate Basic liability $152 / Yr. . 1985 Chevy BlueBird RV State Farm Bare minimum - $140 / Yr. Told agent it was a model C60 Chevy motorhome. (It says C60 on it.) 1986 Ford/Thomas passenger bus Liberty Mutual $700 / Yr. Liability Not coverted, signed waver saying I would not use commercially and only had enough seats to carry less than 15 passegers. 1987 International Thomas shortie RV GMAC $600 / Yr Basic coverage. GMAC told me first that they don't do buses, but a second call got a different answer. 1990 Chev Carpenter RV GMAC through Good Sam VIP Liability 250/500K, 100K prop damage, uninsured motorist $600 Yr. . 1982 Chevy Wayne RV State Farm Liability and Comprehensive $138 Discounted for multi car & years with State Farm. I live in a rual area. If you know of other national insurance companies offering home conversion insurance, please e-mail me the information. Other topics Tired of your coffee cup sliding off the table or counter when the driver makes a turn or sudden maneuver? Set the cup on a wet paper towel. Bill & Karen, Orlando Water tank running low? Before being overly anxious to refill it at a convenient roadside stop, be sure to test it. Not necessarily for content, I don't know of any city approved water that will kill you, at least not right away; test it for taste! And not just one swallow, either. There is some bad tasting stuff out there masquerading as water. Ben Last summer our old gas refrigerator overheated. Considering the temperature averaged 105 degrees, so did we! We are installing a small solar powered fan in the refrigerator's exhaust duct which will help circulate the air on the cooling fins. Should help considerably and uses no power, other than the sun. (Anon.) Traveling alone? When leaving the coach, call back inside that you will be back in a little while. Also, keep an extra pair of old boots just outside the door. Cost is only about $5.00 at the thrift store. Kathy, Kansas City Winterizing your RV? After draining and blowing out the water system, open all the faucets and drains and take a drive over uneven terrain (hills, curves, etc). There is always some water left in the system and this technique will often "encourage" it to find the nearest exit. Louise, Cascade RV and Marine Supply, Marysville, WA. Don't forget the traps! RV drain traps will freeze and break costing you both time an money. After draining and flushing your system, pour enough RV antifreeze into the drain to protect the traps. Whether you are seriously considering a bus conversion, just dreamin' or are ready to take the plunge, we have the books you need to get started! Return to the rv-busconversions.com homepage Have an interesting Tip, Trick or Quip? send 'em & I'll try to add 'em to this page. Add your name (or handle) & city, if you like. Your submission may also be included in future updates of "Select and Convert..."