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MadMatt · 03-16-2025, 06:47 PM

Brand new here Guys, Gals. I have a really nice International 4300 ambulance that I have been working on for a while. It is now titled as a motor coach here in Florida. I have done everything possible to keep this on the road but hit one wall after another. I have a CDL, my credit is above 800 and no tickets/wrecks,anythings. My insurance has been been cancelled twice now within the last year. I have tried commercial at first and then went to Progressive (via USAA). Commercial cancelled because; their words "I was not within their appetite" as an RV. I went to Progressive who is now cancelling me as an RV. They have not told me why- still waiting on their letter.........
I really want to keep this truck and I really need applicable help. I have been throughout the forums here but haven't seen much that applies to me. I can say from experience that if the word "ambulance" comes up during your quote, you hear dial tone.
I am pretty sure I have tried every company mentioned in most of the forums with one or two exceptions- I plan on trying those two tomorrow.
The bottom line- I am desperate at this point. I appreciate any help at all.

SafariBen · 03-16-2025, 08:02 PM

Being in FL is not helping you. Have you tried looking in Schoolie forums? Those guys are the roachiest hippies you're gonna find, if anybody will write them insurance, that's who you need to find.

Fatboyroy · 03-17-2025, 05:13 AM

I think because its a homemade RV, unknown risk to insurer. I would have just registered it as a truck to begin with and you would have low insurance. Im sure there is a insurance company specializes in custom built rigs. Schoolie is a good start to find info.

wildtoad · 03-17-2025, 06:54 AM

What does you VIN decode to? As above try just registering it as a truck, liability only if you can.

MadMatt · 03-17-2025, 12:06 PM

Yeah.....still looking because I am stubborn. Watched youtube vids, etc. looking for solutions. I have called at least 50 different companies and and still getting call backs; same answer. Not giving up yet.

d23haynes57 · 03-17-2025, 12:13 PM

How old is it? Maybe try insuring as a collectible, specialty vehicle. Hagerty or JC Taylor.

MadMatt · 03-17-2025, 12:21 PM

Since being registered now as an RV, I can only assume the vin comes up as such. I have had questions about the vin before and had to verify it because one company told me there weren't enough digits. They also ask for a make and model (Forest River, etc.) International does not fit their script and they get frustrated most times. I think that the companies do a standard Google search and see the big red ambulance come up from previous pics or something, then they start the cancellation letter.
I will look more in the schoolie forums, but I bet there arent many busses in Florida because.........well, its Florida.
Yes, tried the specialty/collector route, even looked at one or two that insure military vehicles.....same answer again. Will look at JC Taylor- dont think Ive tried that one.

wildtoad · 03-17-2025, 01:29 PM

Have you tried contacting a local commercial independent insurance agent and shown it to them, or has all your queries been online or phone calls. Perhaps once they see it they can figure out what to do. Have you tried taking to DMV about getting it re-registered as a truck conversion something w/out the RV moniker as it's only an RV in your usage?

Bigceasar · 03-17-2025, 03:58 PM

Is your issue getting liability coverage or comp and collision? Liability should be easy. Covering what you feel is the value of your conversion is will be a real hard hurdle to overcome.
Home built rigs are usually worth only a small fraction of what people spend on them. The insurer has no way of knowing if the wiring behind the walls is up to code or a bunch of extension cords plugged together. They don’t know if everything you have installed will not just fall apart when you hit the first pothole. If the is propane in use they don’t know if it is properly plumbed for a vehicle in motion or if it is vented in a way everyone doesn’t die the first time the furnace is run.
It is very likely you will just have to get liability insurance and self insure the rig itself.

MadMatt · 03-18-2025, 11:14 AM

Hey Guys- First, thank you for all the suggestions/advice. Yes, I have tried every suggestion offered so far. I have tried just the bare minimums to make it legal. I explained that if I can do that, I can discuss not only upgrades, but bundling as well. No joy in any case.
I haven't given up yet but it looks like "the man" may have defeated me in this case. I am still trying hard- it is almost like I have been blacklisted because of the previous cancellations...I think there may be some kind of flag associated with this vin now. In my mind there is no logical or reasonable explanation.

SafariBen · 03-18-2025, 12:23 PM

It is entirely possible there is a blacklist on previous cancellations, I don't know, but I might be able to ask, after some "loosening up" liquid. One strategy to deal with that is to go away for a bit, then attempt to add the correct policy at a later date when it might be viewed with less prejudice. Find out what the schoolies do as a last resort, then attempt that.

The problem is that a registered vin without current insurance is going to be a red flag by itself. If you can let the registration lapse, switch all your other policies to "XYZ" company that the schoolies use, then apply for a clean correct policy as an existing customer, I'd think that's your best shot.

Paul_D · 03-18-2025, 01:08 PM

Can your State Insurance commissioner. You might end up in the assigned risk pool, but at least you would have insurance.

Florida insurance industry is different from many other states. Several years past, they enacted a law resulting in skyrocketing insurance claims and lawsuits.

Companies fled the state. They revised the law but damage was done. The other factor is the State places an assessment on all insurance in Florida to maintain the liquidity of Florida Insurance Guaranty. So even those who are not homeowners, pay part of the cost due to homeowner insurers leaving the state.

Could be considered a stealth tax

Bigceasar · 03-18-2025, 01:11 PM

The insurer of last resort in Florida is FAJUA. It’s a state sponsored program for those who are otherwise uninsurable. You can get a minimum liability policy from them. It will be very costly.

MadMatt · 03-18-2025, 07:40 PM

Just got my reason today from Progressive. They claim they cancelled because this is a converted school bus. I explained I knew they did not insure those- I read it in the policy fine print. I also told them this is not, nor has it ever been a bus- of any type.
They then sent me to the commercial side. Commercial explained that in Florida, they do not insure commercial vehicles under the owner unless it is an LLC, etc.
Back to personal, back to USAA, shuffled for over an hour. They finally STILL declined saying someone misinterpreted the the reason on the letter. Their policy specifically states "no bus conversions"... that's it, no other mentions of any other vehicle......I still lost my case. I am calling FAJUA tomorrow to get their cockomamie reason for not insuring me- Cant wait. I may get an LLC and try that as a last ditch effort with Progressive commercial, or I may put my dream on the block. Thanks for all the help, I will definitely keep everyone updated on the outcome.