How to Get Skoolie Insurance Fast and Hassle Free!

[@psychkosys]

Been having the worst luck, im 98% finished and cant find anyone to insure my curaeay shittle bus conversion. Will be calling Kelly tomorrow with hipefully good results. Thank you very much for this hard to find information. Subscribed.

[@River-Channel]

You're welcome! Best of luck...

[@barbaramajoca4118]

Thank You!

[@River-Channel]

For sure!

[@Cliff-KI5OPP]

Just a heads up this still works

[@River-Channel]

Great to hear, thanks! Glad it worked out.

[@prepparig144]

Just bought a shuttle bus and I'm in Florida so I'm gonna give kelly a call. Thank you!!

[@River-Channel]

Thanks! Best of luck!

[@cruzzx6r161]

Just want to say THANK YOU for referring Kelly Newsome because she did in no time what others couldn't do in days. Was told by multiple agents and insurance co. that I had to get commercial insurance for 15k to 20k a year. But she got me insurance for about $360 a year before convert or registering as RV.

[@River-Channel]

No problem...glad it all worked out for you! Best of luck moving forward!

[@Thatoneninja22]

Dang I wish mine was quoted that low they tole me 860

[@cruzzx6r161]

@@Thatoneninja22 It's actually $35 a month or $421.08 a year for basic liability.

[@Thatoneninja22]

Nice definitely still a better rate do u have multiple vehicles on it

[@River-Channel]

@@Thatoneninja22 I wonder if we're in a sparsely populated place...

[@truefuschniken]

Thank you SOOO much!!!!

[@gamerdan2310]

Great video! Thank you!! Please don't ever delete this information!

[@River-Channel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danieldeuter8476]

So helpful

[@River-Channel]

Glad it was useful!

[@tylerferrand8786]

Just emailed Kelly! Thanks a lot 😊

[@Phoenixa3]

Thank you so much! Good Sam was so nice and helpful getting me a quote for the initial drive home and conversion time. I've been pulling my hair out until now 🎉🎉

[@River-Channel]

Bureaucracy can be such a hassle! I'm glad it helped!

[@sharoneasley]

I’m stressing about insurance with good reason… my bus is in Pennsylvania I need to move it to Maine to pack up all my furniture and end up in Tennessee. Trying to figure out where to register the bus. I’m not asking for advice I’m just letting you know my situation. I’m definitely pulling my hair out. 8/17/21This was helpful because I guess I will get Good Sam until I know what I’m doing. 😱

[@River-Channel]

Sharon, call Kelly Newsome for insurance. Many people get an insurance card within an hour. My small town office in Maine was great...showed them my title and insurance card, told them my bus was done, and they registered it as an RV. (Before it was done, they gave me a temporary transportation tag which allowed me to drive it for...I think a week. Best of luck

[@sharoneasley]

@@River-Channel thank you for your quick response. I have so many things to do. I just sold my house (Berwick area) trying to get packed up to move. I have to be out in three weeks. 50 years of stuff to get rid of. And now I’m binge watching your videos. 😂🤣😂

[@southernprojectsyt6340]

This is what many people need to know. Your information while doing the conversion is AWESOME... HUGE THANKS.

[@River-Channel]

Thanks so much! Makes my day that you're finding the videos helpful! All the best! Ted

[@Nivasi]

To change a title classification from Bus to any other body type in Pa you need an MV-41 form and $53, registration is $37 for a wagon $120 for a motorhome plus the agency fees. You can't just take a bus title and register it as a wagon or motorhome without changing the body type on the title first. THEN you get Insurance. as for the air brakes, then you have get a DIFFERENT license

[@River-Channel]

Thanks for the info!

[@jakeleese7104]

This is incorrect for PA. Air brakes requires no special license. If it's a motorhome, you can drive on a normal license unless it's over 26,000. I also just got motorhome insurance while it is still a bus but I had to certify I would convert the title when I get home.

[@jaketheriault21]

Kelly is having me fill out a form and one of the questions is, Value of the bus. Not sure what to fill in.. How much I paid for the bus? I’m not sure how much it’s worth now that it’s converted.

[@River-Channel]

I would do a search on a few of the Facebook skoolie groups for skoolies for sale, and do some comparison shopping. Base your value on similar builds!

[@joannesinspirations]

Thanks, how much is that insurance costing you, if you don't mind me asking?

[@River-Channel]

We bundled it with home insurance so it's about $30 a month.

[@kccaldwell6739]

I need insurance for my school bus what to do

[@River-Channel]

Call Kelly.

[@AlohaOhana14]

I just got a skoolie I live in Washington DC and im.looking to get insurance to register my GMC short bus, do you have kelly's info, thank you for all your help.

[@River-Channel]

It's in the description below the video. Best of luck!

[@AlohaOhana14]

Thank you very much ;)@@River-Channel

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Yes. a key part. I don't recall what I was insuring but we go it done when we restructured with a new company, they like the business and risk was worth it. Mosquitoes are now just coming out, been in blackflies for a while now. waiting for those nasty deer flies.

[@River-Channel]

Funny how some companies like to manage the risk and other don't! They all stack the odds in their favor! Black fly season was mercifully short this year. Mosquitos on the move here, too. Time to start working on those screens!

[@makaylapritchard6594]

Any advice for those of us who have roof raises? Allstate told me I could do a roof raise, I had a licensed welder do the work, and when we were done they canceled the policy saying frame modification was not allowed. Any advice?

[@River-Channel]

Wish I had some! We didn't do a roof raise...

[@sheilacharle-mcatee8195]

Ha. So happy to find this post. I am from Maine as well and getting ready to travel soon. This information is just so helpful. I do have a question though, what about skoolies that have not built, but secured down fixtures form house ? Bed, chair and dresser?

[@River-Channel]

Good question... I think I would bolt something to that furniture (like a 2x4 or 2x6) then bolt that to either the floor or the ribs on the wall. You know the roads in Maine...bumpy and stuff goes flying!

[@River-Channel]

And, being from Maine, stop by sometime!

[@melaniedonker1277]

Schoolie insurance......no matter what state you are in.........its simple.........Call Kellie!!!....one and done, super helpful, super nice....super easy

[@River-Channel]

Melanie Donker Yup! We’re insured AND registered now!

[@budensity]

A number would also be nice

[@stevejones891]

i need kellys number

[@ronaldbeckham4185]

I need a number plz

[@andrisecasimir4930]

I think u r full of it! Because why don't u give info for that insurance company that can sell cool bus personal insurance? No I r full of it!

[@zolaburgess8344]

I have insurance through national general for my shuttle bus. The first six months I paid 60.80 per month, but, the second term shot up to 163.00 a month. Yeah- There reasoning was they asked the state of Washington if they could charge more and Washington said yes!

[@River-Channel]

Yikes! That's outrageous! Drop 'em!

[@jessj.jesusistheonlyway]

So now who do you go through?

[@River-Channel]

I'm still with State Farm.

[@jessj.jesusistheonlyway]

@@River-Channel OK I just entered this world of buses in conversions I have a 99 Ford shuttle bus and I tried getting insurance on it today and nobody wants to ensure me the guy bought it from put in like a sync with a hand pump for water a organic type of toilet OK I just entered this world of buses in conversions I have a 99 Ford shuttle bus and I tried getting insurance on it today and nobody wants to ensure me the guy bought it from put in like a sink with a hand pump for water ..a organic type of toilet ..compost? Lol.. has like a converter in battery hooked so the lights in stuff work 12 volt and doing all this on my own and I have a title in my name it says BS instead of RV haven't rcvd the plates yet but I have temporary plates that last a year on the back of my shuttle bus I am at a loss of what to do progressive said no safeco said no I feel like selling the bus I'm in Arizona state ..

[@victorpeguero5506]

Thank you Ted I got my bus ensured just like 15 minutes call Kellie

[@River-Channel]

Congrats, Victor! Yup, she's definitely the way to go!

[@cruzzx6r161]

Don't know if you know the answer to this question but here it goes anyways. How does one get a school bus home from another state if you can't register it in that state?

[@River-Channel]

We live in Maine and bought our bus from New York. We got the VIN from the seller, got insurance, then went to our town office and got a temporary transportation tag. Pretty easy for us. Other people in other states have said they've had a hard time getting a temporary registration, but we're lucky to live in a place with reasonable people, I guess!

[@jessj.jesusistheonlyway]

Is a mini shuttle bus a schoolie?

[@River-Channel]

No, it's a full size.

[@jessj.jesusistheonlyway]

@@River-Channel I have a full size? Or you do? Lol..I'm sorry..I'm confused

[@River-Channel]

Oops, sorry, I misunderstood the question! Yes...we have a full sized bus. Does a mini-shuttle bus qualify as a "Skoolie?" Interesting philosophical question. I suppose technically not since it never functioned as a SCHOOLbus. However, it fits the general concept of converting a bus to an RV!

[@HarmonyExpressSkoolie]

Nice video, Ted! This information needs to get out there! We went through Kelly as well and she did the legwork to connect us with a PA agent who set us up with insurance easily. Was quick and painless...and CHEAP! We paid the year up front so that we didn’t have a monthly payment as well. Thanks for putting this out there for all to see!!

[@River-Channel]

Thanks, Mike! I remember scrambling trying to get insurance to go get our bus before someone else bought it. Hopefully we can spare some others the stress! Yes, we paid the year, too!

[@raymondseals6852]

What number can I reach Kelly Newsom at

[@Thatoneninja22]

How much was a years worth

[@veglady46]

I didn't see a link and phone for Kelly.

[@joannesinspirations]

Who'd you go through, and how much did it cost you, if you don't mind me asking?

[@IppiopaidFEEDBACK]

I just called and spoke with her (She seemed very nice and helpful) and she’s going to email me a schoolie quote sheet that I need to fill out and send back to her.

[@River-Channel]

Cool...post any updates here so that people know if anything has changed with the process!

[@katy-t6h]

Great video-was the link removed with her info?

[@River-Channel]

It should be in the description...I can see it on my end. Check there. If you don't see it let me know and I'll find a way to get you the info. Thanks for watching and best of luck!

[@scottwehrman6721]

Nice and straight forward info

[@River-Channel]

Thanks...it's my favorite kind of info!

[@brandonfox6952]

Skoolies are a no go with Allstate in Oregon. Actually a no go with pretty much everywhere in Oregon now.

[@River-Channel]

Bummer... What did you end up doing?

[@jeanbuckley5917]

No go in nj too

[@sqwirlegirl]

For Good Sam to move it from NY to Maine what did you tell them? I'm looking at moving a Shuttle Bus form NY to MA.

[@River-Channel]

Pretty sure I just told them that I bought a bus and needed to move it. State Farm might be easier with Kelly because she told me they would specifically cover unfinished skoolies. Have you talked to her?

[@57trainboy]

What is Kelly's full name and what is her phone

[@River-Channel]

Here is the contact info for Kelly Newsome: Phone [phone] Cell 352-603-1653 Fax [phone]

[@jeanbuckley5917]

Anyone have insurance in nj?

[@brucespierce2913]

Did I see the Nose of the Schoolie in a photo at PRO last weekend? :) I can't wait to see the next upcoming episodes to the completion of the interior :)

[@River-Channel]

Yup! Needed to test some things! Learned a lot about what we should modify and add. Back at it today working on plumbing!

[@vaughn6371]

Anyone interested in driving a full size bus before and after conversion(RV or not) needs to know if the manufacturers gross weight is over 26000 lb you may need a NON commercial cdl class B or A depending on state. Air brake vehicles require a system knowledge test as well. If you're lucky you live in one of the states that don't require special licensing. Short buses just require a normal driver's license due to weight being under 26000 lbs. If you strip a full size bus of weight to squeeze in under 26000 lbs then convert to over the magic number you can get into big trouble.

[@River-Channel]

Good feedback, thanks!

[@dawnschouest4942]

Don't see Kelly's #

[@River-Channel]

You can find it in the description: Here is the contact info for Kelly Newsome: Phone [phone] Cell 352-603-1653 Fax [phone] US HWY 27 Suite #110 Leesburg , FL 34748 Email [e-mail]

[@arielb333]

to get insurance through allstate does it need to be registered as an RV?

[@River-Channel]

I don't believe so. When I spoke to Kelly she said that Allstate understood that people wanted coverage before the bus had been completed. If you don't meet the requirements of an RV...you can't register it as one in many states.

[@melaniedonker1277]

Ayahhh, Thanks for posting this Ted, very helpful. (That's yes in Mainer)

[@River-Channel]

Melanie Donker Yessah! Thanks, Melanie!

[@ahoyt7523]

We are looking to buy a very short non-cdl school bus just to transport our large family, for daily use-we will NOT convert it. We also live in Maine. The alternative, a passenger van-is one of the most dangerous vehicles (and prohibitively expensive even very old and used)-vs an old school bus, the SAFEST at a very affordable price. We plan to remove the last 3 rows for cargo/groceries and to make it 15 passengers or less. We are having trouble finding anyone to insure it-they all say it’s because of the weight (23,000lbs and they won’t do over 10,000). I’ve heard of (personally met once) of larger families getting one-how did they get it insured?

[@River-Channel]

That's a good question. And unique. Jane Bell at Sate Farm in Gorham was really helpful with us. Give her a call and see what she says. And let me know how it goes. Best of luck...

[@ahoyt7523]

Thank you so much! We will definitely be calling her on Monday! We will let you know :-)

[@ahoyt7523]

Hello! We had spoken with FAP insurance on Friday, and they actually called us first thing Monday morning and we got insurance with them. We got it really cheap too! Not just liability, but everything, $374 for the entire year (we pay $90/mo USAA for our mini van so $1,100/yr). We went through with our bus purchase (as insurance was the only thing holding us back) and we will be going back to MA to pick it up from New England Transit Sales within the next couple weeks (great people! They’ve been in business for 45 years they only sell school busses, and they service them)

[@Thatoneninja22]

Can u use this pre conversion

[@River-Channel]

Yes. When I interviewed Kelly Newsome she said that they recognized that Skoolies needed coverage before they were completely built.

[@ckokomo808]

Thanks for the advice. Great background knowledge in the difficulties. Sending an email and hopefully we’ll figure it out! Thanks again and good luck with the rest of the conversion! Peace!

[@River-Channel]

Thanks! Best of luck!

[@southernprojectsyt6340]

What this doesn't help with, is a person like myself who can only have 1 vehicle. Those insurance companies listed here require a person to have a primary vehicle.

[@River-Channel]

Bummer...that's got to be frustrating. If I remember correctly, in Maine we had to switch over our house insurance as well...which for us was no big deal. If I remember correctly (I should have written it down) it was because people were buying RV insurance and then dropping it quickly for some reason. Sorry it's been such a hassle..

[@jaysonschor]

OK works for home owners but most of us in a schoolie don't have a house and other cars and ect not really realistic.

[@River-Channel]

That's a bummer... I wonder if it's worth it to buy some old beater vehicle for a hundred bucks or so. It would be cheap to insure and give you access to skoolie insurance...

[@mattsuter7060]

and then there's New Jersey.......🤬🤬🤬

[@River-Channel]

Sorry to hear that, Matt...What's the deal? What do NJ folk need to know?

[@dirtylikethegovernment3204]

So I called Allstate, and asked to speak with Kelly, which you don’t need to ask for her all of the office staff are on top of the whole Skokie thing. I was emailed a form to fill out and supply 4 outside pictures and 2 of the inside. No roof top decks, solar panels are ok, and absolutely no wood burning stoves. If I can attach the form I will but I have it available by email as well. By the tone of the women in the office they get a million calls a day regarding this! So please be polite

[@River-Channel]

Great feedback, thanks! I'm glad it's still working out. Do you mind sharing what state you are in?

[@dirtylikethegovernment3204]

The arm pit of America Indiana. I was trying to be careful of how much money I had out in it as it’s a bastard to get insurance on these. In order to get insurance however you need to be done with the actual conversion. In Indiana you will also have to have Form 39771 filled out and inspected by a police officer. That is to change it legally to an Rv from a bus. Called BODY CHANGE FORM. There are so many dead ends I contemplated just pulling the drivetrain out and burning the rest as they purposely make it hard for you to do this! But go blow 300k on an actual POS Rv that’s what they want you to do!

[@River-Channel]

Good information, thanks!

[@jakeleese7104]

Working with Kelly now on mine but I'm on a tight timeline, sent the form back today and I pick my bus up Friday evening halfway across the country, wondering how quick you got it back?

[@dirtylikethegovernment3204]

@@jakeleese7104 I was told 24/48 hours, I still haven’t heard back but I have called and spoke to Lisa who said as long as I didn’t have any of the uninsureables that it would be fine. Please keep me posted when you get info back! I’m chomping at the bit to get mine out this weekend!