Insuring Your Adventure: Converting Your Van Into A Camper

Do You Need to Tell Auto Insurance You Turned Your Van into a Camper?

If you've converted your van into a camper, you might be wondering if you need to inform your auto insurance company about the changes. It's a tricky situation, and the answer may depend on various factors. Let's explore this topic and provide some insights to help you make an informed decision.

The Challenges of Insuring a Converted Van

Converting a van into a camper involves significant modifications, and insurance companies often view these changes as risks that can affect coverage. Some insurance providers may have specific requirements or definitions of what constitutes a campervan, and they may request documentation or photos to assess the vehicle's new classification.

Understanding Insurance Options

There are typically two main insurance options for converted vans: standard auto insurance policies and RV insurance policies (Class B). A standard auto insurance policy usually covers only the vehicle itself and may not include any modifications or personal belongings inside. On the other hand, an RV insurance policy can provide coverage for the entire campervan, including the build and your possessions.

The Importance of Disclosure

While it may be tempting to avoid informing your auto insurance company about the conversion, honesty is crucial. Failing to disclose modifications could lead to issues with claims or even insurance fraud. It's essential to be transparent about your van's new purpose and any alterations made.

Shopping Around for Insurance

Finding the right insurance provider for your converted van can be challenging. Some companies may not offer coverage for DIY conversions, while others may have specific requirements or limitations. It's recommended to shop around, compare quotes, and read the fine print to ensure you get the coverage you need.

Conclusion

Converting your van into a camper is an exciting project, but it's important to navigate the insurance complexities carefully. Be prepared to provide detailed documentation and shop around for insurance providers who understand and can accommodate your unique situation. Remember, honesty is always the best policy when it comes to insurance matters.

DIY campervan insurance is hard to find because insurers worry about the quality of the work and whether safety regulations have been followed

DIY Campervan Insurance: Navigating the Challenges

Finding insurance for a DIY campervan can be a challenging endeavour, and it's not surprising that many insurers are hesitant to offer coverage for these unique vehicles. The primary concern for insurers is the uncertainty surrounding the quality of the work and whether safety regulations have been followed. This worry is not unfounded, as there have been numerous reports of insurance companies dropping customers with DIY campervans due to issues with the build. As a result, it is essential for van lifers to conduct thorough research and be transparent with their insurance providers about their vehicle.

Understanding Insurer Concerns

The hesitation of insurance companies to offer coverage for DIY campervans stems from several key factors. Firstly, there is no guarantee of the quality of the work done on these vehicles. Insurers worry about the potential consequences of subpar craftsmanship, which could lead to accidents or breakdowns. Additionally, it can be challenging to determine the overall value of a DIY conversion, as the time and effort invested in the project may not be easily quantifiable in monetary terms.

Furthermore, insurers are uncertain whether these conversions adhere to proper weight and safety regulations. This is a significant concern, as non-compliance with safety standards could result in increased risk and liability for the insurance company. As a result, many insurers choose to avoid offering coverage for DIY campervans altogether, opting instead to focus on professionally converted vehicles or factory-built campervans.

Strategies for Insuring a DIY Campervan

Despite the challenges, it is not impossible to find insurance for a DIY campervan. Several insurance companies, such as State Farm and Progressive, have been known to offer coverage for these vehicles, although their policies may vary depending on the state. Additionally, there are specialised insurance providers like Roamly, which cater specifically to van lifers and offer coverage for both DIY and professionally built campervans.

When approaching insurance companies, it is essential to be transparent about the nature of your vehicle. Provide detailed documentation of your conversion, including receipts, invoices, and photographs. This paper trail will help insurance companies understand the value of your vehicle and the work that has gone into it. It is also beneficial to contact local insurance agents, as they may be more knowledgeable and motivated to help you find a suitable policy.

While finding insurance for a DIY campervan can be difficult, it is not an impossible task. By understanding the concerns of insurers and taking the right steps, van lifers can increase their chances of securing adequate coverage for their unique vehicles. Being transparent, providing detailed documentation, and exploring specialised insurance providers are all strategies that can help navigate the challenges of insuring a DIY campervan.

If you have a DIY campervan, you may need to provide a detailed spreadsheet of the cost of materials, photos, and receipts to get insurance

Converting a van into a campervan is a rewarding project, but it can be frustrating to get it insured. If you've modified your van yourself, you may need to provide detailed documentation to the insurance company to prove its value. Here are some steps to help you get insurance for your DIY campervan:

Keep a Detailed Spreadsheet of Costs:

Create a spreadsheet that lists every purchase made for your campervan conversion. This includes items like solar panels, lumber, mattresses, and any other materials used. Note the date purchased, description, quantity, and cost for each item. This spreadsheet will help you keep track of your expenses and provide a paper trail for insurance companies to follow.

Take Photos of Your Build:

Document your build process with photos. Take pictures of major systems and components, especially those that will be covered up during the build, such as water tanks. Once your conversion is complete, take additional photos of the interior and exterior of your clean van. These photos will not only be great to share with friends and family but also provide valuable documentation for insurance purposes and appraisal.

Get a Campervan Appraisal:

Insurance companies may have difficulty assessing the value of your DIY campervan conversion due to the unique nature of each project. Consider getting a certified campervan appraisal to determine the fair market value of your vehicle. This report will help increase your coverage in the event of an accident or theft.

Choose an Insurance Company:

Finding an insurance company that covers DIY campervans can be challenging. Some companies, like Progressive and State Farm, are known to insure campervan conversions, but their availability may vary by state. If you encounter difficulties, consider contacting an insurance broker or a company that specialises in campervan insurance, such as Roamly or Just Kampers Insurance.

Provide Receipts and Invoices:

When applying for insurance, be prepared to provide receipts and invoices for all the materials and labour involved in your conversion. This will help the insurance company understand the true value of your van and ensure you have adequate coverage.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to getting the necessary insurance for your DIY campervan. Remember to shop around, document everything, and don't be afraid to ask for help from insurance professionals or companies that specialise in campervan insurance.

Some insurers will only cover campervans if they have a toilet and running water

It can be challenging to find insurance for a DIY campervan conversion. Insurers have different requirements for what constitutes a campervan, and these can vary by state. Some insurers will only cover campervans if they have specific features, such as a toilet and running water.

Requirements for a campervan

Insurance companies have different criteria for what they consider a campervan. Some insurers require the van to have the following permanently installed:

• Independent electrical (solar, house battery, etc.)
• Independent heating/cooling (furnace or AC)
• Some plumbing, preferably a toilet and/or sink with water tanks

Other insurers may require the van to have sleeping and cooking facilities, which can be as basic as a mattress and a camp stove.

Re-titling your van as an RV

While not required by all insurers, re-titling your van as a recreational vehicle (RV) can make it easier to get insurance. The process for re-titling varies by state but generally involves getting an inspection, a weight slip, and filling out paperwork at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Finding insurance for a DIY campervan

If you're having trouble finding insurance for your DIY campervan conversion, here are some tips:

• Contact a local insurance agent who has experience with campervans. They may be more knowledgeable and motivated to help you than someone on the main company line.
• Be prepared to provide detailed documentation, including receipts, photos, and a list of modifications made to the van.
• Be honest about your modifications and intended use of the van. Insurance fraud can have serious consequences.
• Consider getting a personal articles insurance policy to cover valuable items inside your van, such as camera equipment or computers.
• Be persistent and call multiple companies and agents. Don't be discouraged if you get turned down; keep trying until you find an insurer that meets your needs.

Campervan insurance can cost between $500 and $1,000 per year, depending on various factors

Campervan Insurance

Campervan insurance is a complex topic as there are many factors that affect your coverage options. These include whether your campervan is a DIY or professional build, and insurance requirements and policies vary from state to state.

If you've converted a van or purchased a converted van, you may have found it frustrating trying to get it insured as a camper. This is especially true if you've done a DIY conversion.

Campervan Insurance Cost

• Type, age, and condition of the vehicle: Motorhomes are generally more expensive to insure than travel trailers. State-of-the-art motorhomes will usually cost more to replace than most trailers, pop-up campers, truck campers, and fifth-wheel trailers.
• RV class: The larger and more luxurious the RV, the more it will cost to insure. Insurers rank RVs into three classes: Class A, B, and C, with Class A being the most expensive.
• Usage: If you live in your RV for more than six months a year, you may need additional coverages, similar to a homeowners insurance policy. The more you use your RV, the higher your policy's premium is likely to be.
• Location: The state, region, and ZIP code where you live affect the cost of your insurance. Highly populated areas mean more risk for motor vehicle accidents, which increases your RV insurance cost.
• Financing: If you're financing your RV, lenders usually require comprehensive and collision coverage, which raises the price of your policy.
• Extra coverages: Adding extra coverages like roadside assistance, vacation liability, and total loss replacement can increase the cost of your RV insurance policy.
• Driving experience: Inexperienced drivers typically pay more for RV insurance than veteran RV operators.
• Driving record: A clean driving record can help you get a more competitive rate, while a history of motor vehicle insurance claims will typically increase the cost of your insurance.

Campervan Insurance Companies

Some insurance companies that offer campervan insurance include:

• Progressive
• State Farm
• Allstate
• AAA
• Geico
• Roamly
• Foremost
• Outdoorsy
• USAA
• Country Financial
• Schneiderman Insurance

Tips for Choosing Campervan Insurance

• Part-time or full-time coverage: If you plan to use your campervan for less than six months out of the year, you will likely need part-time or vacation liability coverage. Full-time coverage is for campervan owners who live in their vans for more than six months of the year.
• International travel: If you plan to travel internationally with your campervan, make sure your policy includes international travel coverage.
• Renting your campervan: If you plan to rent out your campervan, you'll need additional insurance to cover the renters. Traditional insurance companies may not offer this, but companies like Roamly, which is owned by Outdoorsy, cater to this need.
• Appraisal: Insurance companies may have a hard time assessing the value of a DIY campervan conversion. A certified campervan appraisal will give you a report stating the Fair Market Value of your campervan, which can increase your coverage in the event of an accident or theft.

If you're in the US, Progressive is a popular choice for campervan insurance

Progressive's RV insurance is available in all 50 states and starts at $125 per year for a basic liability policy. However, this does not include travel trailers and is not available in all states. They also offer a range of discounts, such as for being the original owner of the vehicle, having a clean driving record, and paying your premium in full.

When insuring your campervan with Progressive, you will need to provide information such as the make, model, and year of your vehicle, whether it was purchased new or used, and whether it was professionally converted or DIY. You may also need to provide documentation such as invoices and receipts for any conversions or additions to the vehicle.

It's important to note that insurance requirements and policies can vary from state to state, so it's always a good idea to check with your local laws and regulations, as well as with Progressive directly, to ensure you have the correct coverage for your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions