Everything you need to know about insuring a van conversion, including resources to get started. Jump to resources.
After putting an enormous amount of time, effort and money into a custom van or van renovations, you’re going to want to make sure you can fully protect yourself and vehicle throughout your travels. Insurance policies for van conversions can be quite different and challenging compared to traditional insurance, so it’s important to do your research and be persistent.
First, you’ll need to decide what type of coverage is necessary given your situation - we go into each type below. Liability insurance is required by law for the most part, but you’ll likely also evaluate collision and comprehensive coverage for further damage. Most people are also interested in capturing personal belongings, appliances, equipment and materials when insuring a van conversion.
When shopping for insurance, be thorough in comparing multiple providers and policies. Many popular blogs will coalesce around trending campervan insurance providers (keep in mind their financial incentives) - while these may be the best fit for you and are definitely worth considering, it’s important to at least check the entire ecosystem of providers to make sure you have a full picture. We’ve found that for many DIY vans, talking to other local vanlifers has been helpful to identify smaller-scale insurance providers that are willing to work with you on very custom policies.
RV Insurance
If your van conversion meets the criteria for a recreational vehicle (RV), you may be able to insure it with an RV insurance policy. This type of insurance typically covers your van conversion for collision, liability, and comprehensive coverage, as well as personal belongings and equipment.
The criteria for categorizing a van as a campervan differ among insurance companies and states. Having sleeping and cooking facilities can qualify a van as a campervan for some companies, while others require running water, power, and a toilet. It is important to check with the insurance company for their definition of a campervan and what can be insured as a Class B motorhome, as these requirements may vary by state.
The criteria for RV insurance may vary depending on the insurance company and the state you live in, but here are some general guidelines:
Type of RV: Insurance companies typically classify RVs into different categories based on their size and features. The categories can include Class A, B, or C motorhomes, camper vans, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and pop-up trailers. Each category has its own set of requirements for insurance coverage. Although converted vans like the Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster or Mercedes Sprinter technically fall under the category of ‘class B’, traditional RV insurance often is reserved for campers or vans converted by major corporations (ex. Winnebago). For custom vans or DIY van renovations, a more tailored insurance policy is often needed. This is discussed further in the ‘specialty insurance’ category.
Usage: RV insurance policies may have different requirements depending on how you use your RV. For example, if you use your RV as a primary residence, you may need more comprehensive coverage than if you only use it for occasional weekend trips. Several resources listed below on Reddit describe this distinction in usage, including the pros and cons.
Value: The value of your RV is also an important factor in determining insurance coverage. You'll need enough coverage to repair or replace your RV in case of an accident or other damage. See our notes below on appraisals and valuation.
Driving Record: Your driving record can also impact your RV insurance premiums. Insurance companies may offer discounts for safe driving records, while higher risk drivers may pay more for coverage.
Location: Where you live and store your RV can also impact your insurance rates. For example, if you live in an area with high rates of theft or natural disasters, you may pay more for insurance.
It's important to check with each insurance company to find out their specific criteria for RV insurance. Be sure to compare multiple quotes to find the best coverage and rates for your needs.
Auto Insurance
If your van conversion does not qualify as an RV, you may be able to insure it with a standard auto insurance policy (you'll probably want to do this as the default). This will typically provide liability coverage in case of an accident, but you may need to add additional coverage for any modifications or equipment you've added to the van.
Specialty Insurance
Some insurance companies specialize in insuring unique or custom vehicles, including van conversions. These policies may offer more comprehensive coverage than standard auto or RV insurance policies, but they may also be more expensive. Finding specialty insurance to cover custom DIY camper vans can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do:
Research insurance companies, including smaller/local providers: Look for insurance companies that specialize in insuring unique or custom vehicles, such as camper vans or RVs. Many smaller or local providers will be more willing to work on custom policies. Researching insurance companies often requires picking up the phone and calling around - you may call several insurance providers with no luck - that’s part of the process but important to make sure you end up with the best coverage. When evaluating companies, consider whether they have prior experience dealing with the unique features and modifications of DIY camper vans. Many vanlifers look towards Roamly, AllState or State Farm, but the ideal provider is dependent on your region, budget and build.
Check with local RV associations: Local RV associations may have recommendations for insurance companies that offer coverage for custom DIY camper vans.
Talk to other DIY camper van owners:: If you know other people who have built their own camper vans, especially those that live in your region, ask them what insurance they use and if they have any recommendations.
Compare quotes: Once you've found a few insurance companies that offer coverage for DIY camper vans, be sure to compare quotes and coverage options to find the best policy for your needs.
Consider self-insuring: This isn’t a great permanent solution, but in the meantime while you look for a conversion van insurance provider, consider self-insuring. This means setting aside money in case of an accident or other damage to your camper van.
Remember that insuring a DIY camper van can be more challenging than insuring a standard vehicle or RV, but it's important to have adequate coverage to protect your investment. Be sure to ask questions and thoroughly read any insurance policies before signing up for coverage.
Should I re-title my van as an RV after conversion?
Some custom van owners choose to retitle their van as an RV after renovating. This decision is dependent on the insurance company you decide to proceed with. The difficulty of this process will vary based on your state or region. Therefore, this decision will come down to those two factors, and will result in a different answer for many people. For instance, Progressive, does not mandate that a converted van is retitled as an RV. While some people suggest that retitling a converted van as an RV may reduce insurance premiums, it is advisable to check with the insurance company first before taking any steps.
Do I need to keep receipts from my van build? What else should I retain when building a conversion van for insurance purposes?
In case of emergency, and even when negotiating during the policy creation process, detailed documentation will be critical. Keep all receipts from purchases related to the van, including materials, appliances, accessories, etc. This extends to keeping receipts for any notable personal belongs that will be kept inside the van. Further, take thorough photos of the van, both interior and exterior - you want to document the condition of the document at a comprehensive level. It may even be helpful for some providers to document the amount of time and labor that went into the van build. Keep all of this information in a secure and accessible location - these can be monumentally useful in the event you need to file a claim.
Do I need to get an appraisal for my DIY campervan?
Some insurance companies may require an appraisal from a third-party organization. This process typically requires photos and an assessment of the vehicle, build and all details to understand the condition. Given that many appraisal cost money (often several hundreds of dollars for the reputable companies), and can take a reasonable amount of effort, for most people it makes sense to wait and see if it’s required by the insurance company. This is of course, unless you’re under immense time pressure in which case you may want to get the appraisal to expedite any potential delays, and smooth the policy construction process.
Ultimately, the best option for insuring your custom van conversion will depend on your specific situation, including the value of your van, how often you use it, and how much coverage you need. It's a good idea to research multiple options and compare quotes before making a decision.
Where can I find first-hand experiences from people related to insuring a van conversion?
Reddit is a great start:
The crazy insurance system I had to set up to move into my van full-time
What are the cost benefits vs. complications of telling the insurance company you live in the van?
When doing a custom built conversion on a van, how do you go about getting it insured?
Insurance companies are all telling me they don’t do van conversions. What’s the trick?
I told my insurers I lived in my camper van and they canceled my insurance
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