Insurance headache: Van with xtra seats or minibus?

[thehangmen]

Having major headaches getting someone to insure me minibus now. Seems like the words Ford Transit are welcome anywhere until you say the word minibus. 'oh we don't do minibuses'. But they do Transits with extra seats and windows. But not if its a minibus! Even when half the seats have been removed making it the same passenger capacity as a people carrier (8).
Its for social domestic and pleasure as well.
MBPs renewal after 2 years no claims is as high as it was with zero no claims 2 years ago so I'm loathe to go to them.

I'm going to check the logbook to see if its registered as a van or minibus. If I start off saying its a van though, they get awkward when I say its got 8 seats.

Any tips or leads...??? Thanks once again in advance!

[FredTransit]

I can suggest one of two things. Do a search specifically for minibus insurance, or think about getting trader's insurance, that's how we insure ours (amongst others!). The trader's insurance company don't care what we drive as long at it's no more than 3.5 ton gross. As you said, check what it's actually registered as, and once you know get insurance for that, to avoid problems. Get quotes for both and think about changing the registration if it's cheaper.

[FredTransit]

I noticed when I googled minibus insurance charity, church and club was mentioned. I would not say you use it as transport for a band, try music club! Insurance companies are notoruis about being scared of anything to do with entertainers, showbusiness and the music industry.

[thehangmen]

I can suggest one of two things. Do a search specifically for minibus insurance, or think about getting trader's insurance, that's how we insure ours (amongst others!). The trader's insurance company don't care what we drive as long at it's no more than 3.5 ton gross. As you said, check what it's actually registered as, and once you know get insurance for that, to avoid problems. Get quotes for both and think about changing the registration if it's cheaper.

To get Traders insurance dont you have to be in the motor trade?

[FredTransit]

You no longer need premises, we are not strictly traders, our official title is 'Vehicle Deliverers'. There are a lot of types of motor trade work, not just dealers. Our only proble getting the cover was the bit about film work, if I hadn't mentioned that (too honest) it would have been very easy.

[thehangmen]

CIS sorted it. 8 seats is not a problem minibus or otherwise to them.
Beat the renewals (hammered down) quote by £200.
Thanks all.

[mickdee]

glad you got sorted mate.
CIS is who i 1st went with,dont forget to shop around at renewal time