Campervan Insurance: Your Top 9 Questions Answered
Insuring a campervan can be confusing and frustrating. Whether you’ve built a DIY campervan or purchased a professional van conversion, you need to make sure its correctly protected. Our partner insurance agents, Mark and Alyssa Myers, have insured countless van conversions. In this blog post, Mark will answer the most common campervan insurance questions we receive.
#1: What type of converted campervan insurance policy do I need?
A: The way to insure your van to a value that reflects the cost of the conversion is with an RV policy. Adding a vehicle to your standard auto policy often only insures it as a passenger vehicle. That may not reflect the transformation from van to campervan or your full investment in the conversion.
#2: What characteristics make my campervan eligible for an RV policy?
A: This is the hardest question to answer because it is a bit of moving target. Over the last year, insurers have altered the criteria that enable your van to qualify for an RV policy. In general, the van must be professionally converted by a shop whose primary business is van conversions.
They must have to have an official place of business, corresponding licenses, a website, etc. As well, many insurance carriers will require the van to have the following permanently installed:
- Bed
- Cooking facilities
- Refrigeration
- Independent electrical (solar, house battery, etc.)
- Independent heating/cooling (furnace or AC)
- Some plumbing, preferably a toilet and/or sink with water tanks.
#3: Will insurers accept self-converted campervans?
A: One of the most common questions we get is about DIY van conversions. As with many aspects of insurance the rules vary by state and each insurer. Generally, vans over a certain age (usually 15-20 years) that are self-converted will not be eligible. Additionally, vehicles previously used in a commercial capacity (for a business, government use, etc.) are typically not eligible.
Commercial policies, which are more robust than standard auto policies, are sometimes available for that type of van. However, the quality of the conversion must be provably above average.
Very often self-converted vans are required to have a toilet. As a general rule, if the market value of your DIY campervan is below $30,000-$40,000, you may have a challenging time insuring it as an RV.
#4: Does my van need to be titled as an RV to be insured as an RV?
A: You are not required to retitle your van as an RV to get coverage, but we recommend it. It is relatively easy and it properly categorizes the vehicle title for its intended purpose. We call it the “cherry on top” step when the van conversion is complete. Re-titling rules vary by state.
Generally, they involve getting an inspection from the State Patrol, a weigh slip from a truck stop (with the VIN on it), and filling out paperwork at the DMV to change the title.
#5: During what part of the conversion process should I insure my campervan as an RV?
A: Before the van is 100% converted it should be insured as you would a normal passenger vehicle. You cannot insure it as an RV until it is 100% completed.
#6: What kind of coverage should I get?
A: Campervan insurance is quite affordable relative to the amount our converted vans are worth. We recommend high coverage levels, especially when it comes to liability and property damage.
Vans are large vehicles. Because of that they expose owners to high medical liability and property damage risks. Do not skimp on liability and property damage coverages. Getting high coverage levels will minimize your exposure to lawsuits.
#7: What If I’m living in my van full-time?
A: You will need a “full-timer” policy if you spend more than six months per year in your van. Full-timer eligible policies offer liability similar to a homeowner’s policy. Not all campervan insurance carriers offer this type of coverage. Make sure that if you’re a full-timer your policy reflects that so your claims will not be challenged or denied.
#8: How do I make sure the van is insured properly?
A: Often (very often) we speak to people who have heard three different things from three different insurance entities. Van insurance is a niche product and can be confusing. It’s important to work with an agent who has experience with campervans.
#9: Who should I contact to get insurance for my campervan?
A: You will have the best experience by working with an insurance broker. They will be able to get you the correct policy coverage and type for your specific situation. Insurance brokers don’t charge fees (in most states but not all).
They have the experience and access to the correct insurance companies to find you the right coverage. There is no one-size-fits-all policy for campervan insurance. A broker will help you obtain the correct coverage and the best rate.
Mark and Alyssa are van insurance experts in Denver, CO. They are licensed in CO and CA, with agent partners in all other states except HI.
https://agents.goosehead.com/co/wheat-ridge/4045-wadsworth-blvd
You might also be interested in:
Ram Promaster Lift Kit: A Complete Guide
