Everything You Need to Know About School Bus Conversion Insurance

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Full-time travel in a school bus conversion has become a coveted lifestyle. Social media is filled with images of freedom and mobile luxury that promise a carefree life on the road. The reality is, a lot of work goes into making these DIY RVs street-legal. Each state has unique laws and ordinances, but some universal steps must be followed to insure a converted school bus properly.

Conversion sleeping quarters | Brian Sullivan / Barcroft Media via Getty Images

The first step school bus conversion owners must take is re-titling their bus. This process differs slightly from state to state, but the basics are the same. Until the bus is fitted with certain features, it must remain titled as a school bus. To be legally driven as a recreational vehicle, a conversion must have current RV insurance. An RV title is necessary to purchase a policy.

While the requirements for an RV title vary, usually clearly defined living areas must be present. A conversion must include sleeping quarters, cooking appliances, climate control, a drinking water supply, and a 110-125 volt power source. Many states require an onboard bathroom as well. Some states go so far as to specify that a vehicle must have black and grey water tanks to qualify.

Once the required features have been installed, a bus can begin being registered as a recreational vehicle. An inspection may be required, but often photos to prove the bus has been converted will suffice. The rest of the process involves less manual labor but can still be a lot of work.

Find the right company for bus conversion insurance

A school bus conversion prepped to be painted with tape and plastic sheeting
Bus conversion prepped for paint | Brian Sullivan Barcroft Media via Getty Images

The community of people who own school bus conversions is an invaluable resource for newcomers and road veterans alike. This nomadic lifestyle comes with unique challenges, and an experienced community can help find solutions. Anyone converting a school bus would do well to seek out other conversion owners.

Not all insurance companies are built the same. Each has its own policies and practices that determine if they’ll insure home-build RVs and how difficult that process may be for drivers. Tapping the school bus community is a great way to narrow down which insurance companies to work with. In addition, Consumer Reports offers a helpful comparison guide of some major companies.

Asking around is a great way to find an experienced insurance agent who understands the challenges of insuring a conversion. Agents can streamline the process and offer expert insights. It’s not uncommon for conversions to be denied insurance. This unfortunate outcome is less likely when an insurance agent works on behalf of conversion owners.

How much insurance do bus conversions need?

The bathroom of a school bus conversion
A school bus conversion bathroom | Brian Sullivan / Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Every conversion owner must decide which insurance products work best for their needs, but there is a basic level of coverage that each state requires. For example, while a bus is under conversion and not titled as an RV, it must be insured with a personal use commercial vehicle policy. After conversion, owners need full-time RV insurance. These policies cover liability, collision, and comprehensive damages.

The insurance company will appraise each bus individually to assess coverage and fees. Additional types of insurance include personal items coverage, roadside assistance, uninsured/underinsured coverage. Personal items coverage is essential for full-time travelers who may have expensive equipment on board. Underinsured/uninsured policies cover the gap if an uninsured driver damages a conversion.

Insuring a converted school bus isn’t as easy as getting coverage for a traditional RV. Each policy is as unique as the build it covers. But, with research, planning, and the right help, it doesn’t have to be a headache. Having the right insurance provides priceless peace of mind while traveling on the open road.

RELATED: Own an RV? Lemon Laws Probably Don’t Protect You

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Bespoke Rallies Retraces the Original Paris-Dakar Steps

by Gabrielle DeSantis

MotoGP may offer exciting motorcycle racing, but bikes compete in more places than paved tracks. Some of the most extreme races take place in off-road locations such as Baja, Mexico. And then there’s one of the most iconic races in the world: the Paris-Dakar Rally. Over the decades, the Dakar Rally route has changed significantly. But now, UK-based Bespoke Rallies is returning to the race’s roots onboard some vintage machines.

The Dakar Rally hasn’t raced from Paris to Dakar in years

Cyril Neveu on the 1982 Honda XR500R Dakar Rally bike | Honda

These days, the Paris-Dakar Rally’s name is a bit of a misnomer. When it started in December 1978, the race did begin in Paris, France, and end in Dakar, Senegal. And although the precise route varied year-to-year, the Dakar Rally always started in Paris and ended in Dakar. Right up until it didn’t.

In 2008, several days before the Dakar Rally was about to start, four French citizens and three Mauritanian soldiers were murdered in Mauritania. Terrorist acts escalated shortly thereafter. As a result, officials canceled the 2008 race completely.

Since then, the Dakar Rally hasn’t returned to its original ‘home.’ In 2009, the race moved to South America, where it stayed until 2019. And since 2020, it’s been held in Saudi Arabia. That’s also where the 2022 race will take place.

However, while the Dakar Rally itself hasn’t returned to Africa, that hasn’t stopped intrepid riders from going there. Fuel Motorcycles’ annual Scram Africa, for example, was inspired by the Paris-Dakar Rally. The upcoming Bespoke Rallies event, though, isn’t just an homage to the race, but a partial recreation.

Bespoke Rallies is bringing classic enduro motorcycles back to Dakar

The route map of the Bespoke Rallies' 2022 Dakar Enduro Rally
Bespoke Rallies’ 2022 Dakar Enduro Rally map | Bespoke Rallies

UK-based Bespoke Rallies has been organizing rallies for vintage and classic cars for more than two decades, MCN reports. The company has led events in Sri Lanka, over the Pyrenees, through the Amazon, and across Norway, to name a few. And for 2022, Bespoke Rallies has a new event: the Dakar Enduro Rally.

To be fair, the Dakar Enduro Rally doesn’t start in Paris, RideApart notes. Instead, it starts at the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, England. But over 21 days, Bespoke Rallies will lead participants south through England, France, Spain, and Morocco. From there, the route snakes through Western Sahara and Mauritania. And the finishing point is indeed in Dakar.

A white-blue-and-red RD03-gen 1989 Honda XRV650 Africa Twin by a gray building
1989 Honda XRV650 Africa Twin RD03 | Bring a Trailer

All told, the Dakar Enduro Rally covers over 4000 miles of pavement, gravel, and sand. And while the event is open to cars, Bespoke Rallies also has a class for motorcycles. But not just any motorcycles.

Technically, this rally is open to any adventure bike. However, in the spirit of the original Dakar Rally, the Enduro Rally organizers encourage riders to show up on vintage or vintage-inspired models, RideApart explains. That means motorcycles like the original Honda Africa Twin and ‘80s BMW GS bikes. Indeed, Evo founder and YouTuber Harry Metcalfe, having previously ridden on a Dakar Rally stage, is taking part on a 1988 Africa Twin.

How can you join in?

Although previous off-road riding experience isn’t required, Bespoke Rallies encourages potential participants to learn the necessary skills. Participants will also need spare parts and tools, a Brantz or similar trip meter, and a skid plate is strongly recommended. However, you don’t need a competition license to take part, just a standard lone with an international riding permit.

The Dakar Enduro Rally kicks off on February 28, 2022; entries start at roughly $8250, MCN reports. That fee includes hotel stays, food, GPS trackers, a full support crew with a medic, and rally clothing. Plus, shipping for whatever ADV you bring along.

To be sure, the entry fee isn’t necessarily cheap. But it’s arguably one of the safest ways to retrace the earliest routes raced in the Paris-Dakar. And riding a classic Africa Twin through Africa has a certain appeal.

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RELATED: Can the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Roam Like Its Adventure Bike Rivals?

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The Tesla Model 3 Is Significantly More Popular Than the Tesla Model S

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Just a few years ago, speculators were impressed by how the Tesla Model 3 began outselling the Tesla Model S. But many of them, along with auto critics, weren’t so sure about the sustainability of those trends. Some even went as far as to assume that “pent-up consumer demand” was all that fueled the Model 3’s explosive success. Nevertheless, approaching Q3 2021, the Tesla Model 3 not only continues to outsell the Tesla Model S but seems to have become the company’s linchpin.

The confounding difference in sales between the Tesla Model 3 and Model S

The Tesla Model 3 | Zhe Ji/Getty Images

“Confounding” is the perfect adjective to describe speculators’ initial confusion in how well Model 3 sales have outperformed the Model S. In a recent report published by GoodCarBadCar, Tesla Model 3 sales figures in the United States grew from a meager 1,667 units sold in 2017 to 206,500 units in 2020.

On the contrary, in a separate GoodCarBadCar sales figures report regarding the Tesla Model S, 18,645 units were sold in 2015, the year it debuted.

Between 2016 and 2018, sales continued a steady ascent with 29,950 being the highest number of units sold. In 2019, the number of Model S units sold plummeted to 14,425 but rebounded above 20,000 units sold in 2020. As Q2 gives way to Q3, the Model 3 is poised to continue outselling the Model S through Q4. Its more affordable price — as promised by Elon Musk, CEO and product architect of Tesla Incorporated — has played a huge role in allowing the Model 3 to outsell the Model S.

Additionally, it received many more updates and refreshes compared to the Model S which finally received an upgrade for 2021. But even with the much-needed upgrade, the Model 3’s estimated MSRP of $38,490 as per Tesla’s website is far more attractive to potential buyers. This holds especially true for those who are first-time Tesla EV buyers and not keen on spending nearly $79,000 on something they’re not yet sure about.

How does the Model 3 stack up against the Model S despite being $40,000 less?

It goes without saying that there are definite differences between the Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model S. The primary contrasts mostly come in the form of overall driving performance and driving range. The Model S is only offered in “Long Range” and “Plaid” trims.

However, the Model 3 comes in three trims including the “Standard Range Plus,” the “Long Range,” and “Performance.” The Model 3 Long Range is the most contiguous model to the Model S Long Range—albeit by a long shot.

The Model S features significantly more cargo capacity at 28 cubic feet; the Model 3 only provides you with 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity, being that it’s the smaller of the two. Both EVs are all-wheel drive (AWD) but the Model S Long Range gets an EPA-estimated 412 miles on a single charge; the Model 3 Long Range has an EPA-estimated range of 353 miles on a single charge. 

If speed and performance mean a lot to you, the Model S has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds; the Model 3’s top speed is 145 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds, according to Tesla’s website.

If you’re willing to sacrifice range for better performance, the Model 3 Performance is capable of running neck-to-neck with the Model S — a top speed of 162 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. Nonetheless, the EPA-estimated range plummets down to 315 miles. But even with such a drop in range, the Model 3 smashes all non-Tesla competitors, hands down.

The Model 3 is the best-selling luxury EV sedan globally, says Musk

The Tesla Model 3 has enjoyed a long run in the limelight. According to The Driven, “In Tesla’s earnings call on Monday (US time), CEO and co-founder Elon Musk underlined the success of the Model 3 globally, overtaking mainstays in the premium car segment.”

Musk stated in the earnings call that “The Model 3 became the best-selling premium car in the world . . . In fact, it is the best-selling luxury sedan of any kind in the world. The BMW 3 Series was for a long time the best-selling premium sedan, it’s been exceeded by the Tesla Model 3.”

While you can’t go wrong with either vehicle, it’s clear that the lower price point sways shoppers toward the Tesla Model 3.

RELATED: Tesla Model 3 Electrifies Consumer Reports in Top 10 of 2021 –‘Otherworldly’

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6 Used BMW Models Consumer Reports Gave the ‘Never Buy’ Label

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When looking at buying a used vehicle from any brand, it can be difficult to sort through which models will be the most reliable. This is because reliability ratings can vary drastically from year to year. To help, Consumer Reports compiled a list of the used BMW models you should avoid by giving them the “Never Buy” label.

Consumer Reports’ list surveyed actual owners of these vehicles to compile an accurate list of what kind of ownership experience you can expect to have. We’ll supplement this data with maintenance costs by Repair Pal to give you a sense of how much these vehicles will cost you on an annual basis.

1. BMW X5: 2012-2014, 2019

BMW X5 | BMW

Starting this list of used BMW models, Consumer Reports says you should avoid the X5. More specifically, the 2012-2014 and 2019 models. This means we’re talking about at least two separate generations of the X5. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports doesn’t list a specific trim level or engine configuration as the most unreliable.

Regardless of which of these two BMW X5 generations you’re looking at, you have a choice of two turbocharged six and eight-cylinder engines.

According to Repair Pal, you’ll pay around $1,185 annually in maintenance to keep one of these SUVs running.

2. BMW X3: 2013,2015,2020

An image of a BMW outdoors, one of the vehicles Consumer Reports gave the 'Never Buy' Label.
BMW X3 | BMW

Next up in this Consumer Reports list of BMW models you should watch out for is the X3. Just like with the X5, Consumer Reports’ list covers various model years, these being 2013, 2015, and 2020.

Since it shares its platform with the 5 Series sedan, the BMW X3 also shares a few of the same engine options on offer. These include a turbocharged inline-four-cylinder and a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder.

According to Repair Pal, you’ll spend around $1,034 annually to maintain this SUV. While this figure is slightly smaller than the X5, it’s still one of the most expensive in its segment.

3. BMW X1: 2014

An image of a BMW outdoors, one of the vehicles Consumer Reports gave the 'Never Buy' Label.
BMW X1 | BMW

If you thought you could escape a costly ownership experience by opting for the smallest SUV BMW built in 2014, Consumer Reports disagrees. That’s because the 2014 X1 managed to receive the dreaded “Never Buy” label.

Like the X3, the X1 is also based on a sedan platform, except this time it’s the smaller 3 Series. One of the better aspects of the X1 is that it offers rear-wheel drive despite its small crossover form factor.

Amongst the other BMW SUVs covered in this list, the X1 has the lowest annual maintenance costs at $915, says Repair Pal.

4. BMW 5 Series: 2011-2013, 2018

An image of a BMW outdoors, one of the vehicles Consumer Reports gave the 'Never Buy' Label.
BMW 5-Series | BMW

While the 5 Series might be a sleek sedan, it seems Consumer Reports deemed it one of the BMW models you shouldn’t buy. More specifically, we’re looking at the 2011-2013 and 2018 model years. If you’re noticing a bit of overlap with the aforementioned X3, it’s likely because they share many powertrain components.

Unlike the SUVs mentioned above, the 5 Series exists with multiple engine and body style configurations. As a result, it’s even harder to pinpoint which version would be the most reliable.

Regardless, Repair Pal estimates you should expect to pay around $977 annually to maintain one.

5. BMW 4 Series: 2017

An image of a BMW outdoors.
BMW 4-Series | BMW

Next up in this Consumer Reports list of used BMW models you should avoid is a relatively new contender with the 4 Series. Introduced officially for the 2014 model year, the 4 Series exists largely as the two-door version of the 3 Series sedan. Although if you opt for the Gran Coupe, you can have a four-door version of a two-door version of a four-door car.

Oddly enough, Consumer Reports warns against the 2017 model alone. This is interesting as the 4 Series appears to be one of the most reliable models on the list.

Unfortunately, Repair Pal doesn’t have any specific information on the 2017 model. However, a comparable 2015 model costs around $1,229 to maintain annually.

6. BMW 3 Series: 2011-2013

An image of a BMW outdoors.
BMW 3-Series | BMW

RELATED: Best 2021 Midsize Luxury Cars According to Consumer Reports

Lastly, in this list of used BMW models Consumer Reports says you should avoid is the 3 Series. More specifically, we’re talking about the 2011-2013 models. These years correspond to the introduction of the sixth generation of the 3 Series dubbed the F30.

If you’re wondering why these early models specifically are the most reliable, it’s because the 3 Series eventually received a revised ranged of engines by the 2016 model year.

According to Repair Pal, you should expect to pay around $1,030 annually to keep one of these cars running.

Regardless of which BMW model you decide to go with, at least you know which ones you’re likely best off avoiding.

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