National Interstate reports that it has increased the number of school buses it insures to 30,000, about 20 percent of the national contracted fleet.
“Insuring school buses has always been one of our core markets, and we are excited about our ongoing growth in this business segment,” said Terry Phillips senior vice president of National Interstate. “It is our long-term experience, expertise and commitment to the school bus market that allows us to build our customer base and meet the industry’s highly-specialized needs.”
National Interstate has been insuring school buses since the company opened its doors in 1989. The company offers a full suite of coverages including automobile and general liability, physical damage, garage liability, and workers’ compensation for alternative risk clients. Programs include traditional insurance, as well as several alternative-risk transfer programs for “best-in-class school bus operations.”
Jim Parks, vice president of National Interstate, added that partnerships with customers have contributed to the company’s success. For example, he said that in March the company began offering a school bus driver training course for all clients with current insurance packages. At this writing, 35 percent of National Interstate customers had taken advantage of the program. The company also offers its customer educational webinars.
“One of the ways we foster relationships is by helping our insureds become better operators,” said Parks. “We offer an extensive portfolio of risk management tools, which we are continually expanding and enhancing. This initiative not only helps customers minimize losses, it also assists in controlling insurance costs while making transportation safer for drivers, children and the general public.”
