Whether you’re living the van life full-time, taking weekend getaways, or planning to rent it out, insuring your camper van is a necessary evil of van life. The right insurance policy can protect you from financial loss, cover your belongings, and give you peace of mind while you’re out on the road.
To help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of camper van insurance, we’ve put together this guide. Our goal is to help you save money, avoid headaches, and ensure you’re fully covered.
To read more insights for Geotrek clients, check out our van life financing and insurance guide (plus 10% off insurance rates with Roamly)!
Auto Insurance vs. Class B RV Insurance
When it comes to insuring a camper van conversion, one of the first questions you’ll ask is whether you need regular auto insurance or Class B RV insurance. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
Auto Insurance
If your camper van is primarily used as a vehicle for transportation and hasn’t undergone significant modifications, regular auto insurance might be enough. However, it typically won’t cover the contents inside the van, such as your kitchen setup, bed, or any other customizations. Additionally, many auto insurance policies have strict limitations on what’s covered during overnight stays or extended road trips.
Class B RV Insurance
On the other hand, Class B RV insurance is designed specifically for vehicles like camper vans that serve as both transportation and living space. This type of insurance covers not only the vehicle itself but also the built-in amenities and personal belongings inside. To qualify for RV insurance, your van usually needs to meet specific criteria, such as having a permanent bed, cooking facilities, and sometimes even a bathroom.
What’s Covered?
- Covered: RV insurance typically covers both collision and comprehensive damages, liability protection, personal belongings, and sometimes even roadside assistance. It can also cover the cost of living expenses if your van is damaged while you’re living in it and you need temporary accommodation.
- Not Covered: Standard RV insurance usually won’t cover wear and tear, routine maintenance, or issues arising from improper installation or DIY modifications. This is why proper documentation and professional appraisals can be crucial if you’ve customized your van yourself.
What’s Required to Qualify for RV Insurance?
Your van must meet certain requirements, like having a fixed bed, kitchen, and sometimes a bathroom. It depends on the insurance company. It may need to be certified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) to be eligible for RV insurance, although some insurers will cover non-certified DIY conversions with proper documentation.
How to Get Insurance for Your Conversion Van
Getting insurance for your camper van conversion can be straightforward or a bit challenging, depending on your setup. Here’s what you need to know:
Documentation is Key
This is especially true for DIY conversions where the value of the van can be harder to determine. Make sure to document every aspect of your build. Take detailed photos of the interior and exterior, keep receipts for materials and labor, and consider getting an appraisal to establish the value of your van. This documentation will help if you ever need to make a claim.
Consider an Appraisal
An appraisal from a professional can provide an accurate value for your camper van, which can be crucial to make sure you’re fully covered. This is particularly important if you’ve put a lot of time, effort, and money into your van conversion (as we’re sure you have).
RVIA Certification
If your van is RVIA certified, getting insurance is usually easier. Most insurers are familiar with RVIA standards and are more willing to provide comprehensive coverage for certified conversions.
Why We Partner with Roamly for Van Insurance
We’ve partnered with Roamly because we believe they offer the best insurance options for camper van owners. Roamly specializes in insuring vehicles that don’t always fit the mold of traditional RVs, making them a great option for those with unique or DIY conversions.
Roamly offers tailored coverage, whether you’re living in your van full-time, renting it out, or just using it for occasional trips.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Van Life & How It Impacts Insurance Policies
The way you use your camper van significantly impacts the type of insurance you need.
- Full-Time Van Life: If you’re living in your van full-time, you’ll need a comprehensive insurance policy that covers your vehicle, personal belongings, and liability. Full-time policies often come with higher premiums but offer broader protection.
- Part-Time Van Life: If you’re only using your van for weekend getaways or a few trips a year, a part-time insurance policy might be more appropriate. These policies typically cost less but still provide essential coverage when you’re on the road.
Covering Your Personal Belongings
One of the advantages of RV insurance over regular auto insurance is that it can cover the personal belongings inside your van. This includes everything from electronics and camping gear to furniture and kitchen appliances.
Make sure you review your policy carefully to understand the limits of this coverage. You may need to purchase additional coverage if you have particularly valuable items in your van.
Want to Rent Out Your Campervan?
If you’re thinking about renting out your camper van when you’re not using it, there are a few things you should know. Standard RV insurance usually doesn’t cover commercial activities like rentals. However, Roamly offers specific policies that allow you to rent out your van without voiding your coverage. This can be a great way to offset the costs of owning and maintaining a camper van.
How Much Does Campervan Insurance Cost?
The cost of insuring your camper van can vary widely based on several factors, like
- The value of your van and its contents.
- Your driving history and location.
- Whether you live in your van full-time or part-time.
- The type of coverage you choose.
On average, campervan insurance can range from $500 to $1,500 per year, but this can vary depending on your specific situation.
Common Questions
- What kind of insurance do I need for a camper van? You’ll want RV insurance if your van has been converted into a living space with a fixed bed, kitchen, and potentially a bathroom. This type of insurance covers the vehicle and the living amenities inside.
- What is the cheapest insurance for campers? The cheapest insurance for camper vans will depend on your specific circumstances, but Roamly offers competitive rates and flexible coverage options that cater to the unique needs of van lifers!
- Is camper insurance the same as car insurance? No, camper insurance (or RV insurance) is different from standard car insurance. It covers not only the vehicle itself but also the living space and personal belongings inside, which aren’t typically covered under regular auto insurance.
Save Big with Geotrek
Insuring your camper van conversion is an essential step in protecting your investment and ensuring peace of mind on the road. By partnering with companies like Roamly, we can help you get flexible, comprehensive coverage that suits your unique situation.
