Does Car Insurance Cover Vanlife and How to Choose the Best Coverage

If you're living the vanlife, you're likely wondering if your car insurance covers your adventure on wheels. The good news is that many standard car insurance policies do provide some level of coverage for vans, but it depends on the type of policy and the specific circumstances.

Most standard car insurance policies cover vans for liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, but these policies often have limitations and exclusions for vans used for business or commercial purposes. For example, if you're using your van for work, such as a food truck or a mobile business, you may need to upgrade to a commercial insurance policy.

The cost of van insurance can vary widely depending on the type of van, its value, and how you use it. On average, a standard car insurance policy for a van can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per month, but this can increase significantly if you're using your van for business or commercial purposes.

RV insurance can cover a variety of vehicles beyond what you think of as an RV, including Class A motorhomes, Class B motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, pop up and truck campers, and travel trailers. These vehicles typically need to have sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities at a minimum.

Progressive RV insurance, for example, covers professionally converted campervans, but not DIY van conversions. This means that if you've invested time and money into converting your van, you may want to consider an RV insurance policy to protect your investment.

Here are some types of vehicles that can be covered by RV insurance:

It's also worth noting that Progressive does not require your camper van to be registered as an RV at the DMV in order to qualify for an RV insurance policy.

Progressive RV insurance covers a variety of types of vehicles beyond what you think of as an RV.

You can insure large, heavy-duty motorhomes known as Class A motorhomes, camper vans, which are Class B motorhomes, and mid-range or mini motorhomes, also known as Class C motorhomes.

In addition to these, Progressive also covers pop up and truck campers, as well as travel trailers.

To qualify as an RV, a vehicle generally needs to have sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities at a minimum, although the definition of RV and corresponding insurance requirements can differ by insurance company and state.

Progressive doesn't require your camper van to be registered as an RV at the DMV in order to qualify for an RV insurance policy.

Here's a breakdown of the types of vehicles covered by Progressive RV insurance:

It's essential to note that Progressive only insures professionally converted campervans, they do not insure DIY van conversions.

Full-time liability coverage is for campervan owners who are in their van more than 6 months out of the year. This type of coverage is typically required for campervan owners who have a long-term parking spot at the campground or park.

A full-time policy has additional liability and medical payments coverage in case someone gets injured nearby your van. This is especially important for campervan owners who live in their vans full-time.

If you have a lot of blood, sweat, and tears invested in your van conversion, consider getting an RV insurance policy. This type of policy will protect you in case your van is totaled or broken into.

To insure your personal belongings inside your van, you'll need to 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.

Here are some standard coverages to consider:

Make sure to review your policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not. It's also a good idea to keep records of your personal belongings, including receipts and photos, in case you need to file a claim.

An automobile policy is a type of insurance that covers your van, but it won't cover the contents inside.

You'll typically get a standard auto insurance policy when you first buy a van shell with nothing inside. This type of policy only covers the vehicle itself, not the components you install later.

A standard auto policy won't cover items like solar panels, batteries, water systems, bathrooms, beds, toilets, refrigerators, insulation, or lighting that you add to your campervan.

If you're using your van as a camper, you'll need to upgrade to an RV insurance policy, which covers the vehicle and its contents.

If you're considering vanlife, you'll want to know about camper insurance options. Progressive RV insurance is a popular choice, and as a USAA member, you can get a discount on their policies.

Progressive offers different levels of personal effects coverage, so you'll want to have a good idea of the cumulative value of your belongings. Keep receipts and take pictures of your valuables to document their value.

Some insurance companies, like Roamly, specialize in campervan insurance and may offer more competitive rates. Roamly insures both professionally built and self-built campervans and can save van owners up to 25% on RV insurance.

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a camper insurance policy:

Keep in mind that the cost of camper insurance varies depending on your location and the type of van. It's essential to compare quotes and choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.

If you plan to use your camper van for less than 6 months out of the year, you'll want to consider part-time liability coverage. This type of coverage is suitable for weekend getaways or occasional trips.

A key factor in determining the type of coverage you need is how long you plan to use your van. If you're in your van for less than 6 months out of the year, part-time coverage is likely sufficient.

Part-time RV insurance coverage is typically defined as living in your van less than 6 months out of the year, and not owning or residing in another dwelling. This is often the case for people who travel in their van about 6 months out of the year and have a house to return to.

Here's a brief comparison of part-time and full-time coverage:

Full-time policies often come with higher premiums but offer broader protection, including coverage for your vehicle, personal belongings, and liability.

Extra coverages can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency or unexpected event. You can select optional coverages in addition to the standard coverages, such as roadside assistance, emergency expense, total loss replacement, and personal effects replacement.

These extra coverages can be particularly important if you've spent a lot of money on your build or travel with valuables. For example, Progressive RV insurance offers roadside assistance, emergency expense, total loss replacement, and personal effects replacement.

Some extra coverage options to consider include:

Keep in mind that a deductible may apply and coverage may vary by state. It's essential to review your policy carefully to understand the limits of this coverage.

Camp insurance is a must-have for any campervan owner. It's essential to understand the types of camp insurance available to ensure you have the right coverage for your vehicle.

There are several types of camp insurance, including Progressive, State Farm, and Roamly. Roamly is a new insurance company that specializes in campervans and RVs, offering policies for both professionally built and self-built vehicles.

To get a policy with Roamly, you'll need to have a sleeping area and at least one of the following: a stovetop, bathroom, or refrigerator. This is a great option for those who have trouble getting insurance from big-name companies.

Here are some insurance companies that cover campervans:

The cost of camp insurance varies depending on your location, insurance company, and the type of van. For example, Progressive offers a policy for a 2021 ProMaster 3500 that appraised at over $120,000 for $764 per year.

If you're having trouble getting insurance from big-name companies, Roamly is definitely worth considering. They offer policies that can save van owners up to 25% on RV insurance compared to other companies.

It's essential to document your purchases and the progress of your campervan build to ensure you have the right coverage. This will help insurance companies understand the true value of your vehicle and justify coverage.

Here's a list of things you'll need to get an RV insurance policy for your campervan:

Liability coverage is required by law for most vehicles and pays for any damages and/or injuries that you cause. This coverage helps protect the other person if you are in an accident and is required in every state except New Hampshire.

There are two types of Liability Coverage: Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability. Bodily Injury Liability helps cover medical bills or loss of income for the other person if they're injured, while Property Damage Liability covers the damage to someone's property, such as a car or garage door.

If you're in an accident, liability insurance may pay for the other driver's vehicle repairs and medical bills up to your policy's limits. However, this does not cover any damage to your vehicle, which is why comprehensive and collision coverage are important to have as well.

Here's a quick breakdown of the two types of Liability Coverage:

Emergency Expense Coverage is a must-have for any camper van or RV owner. It covers transportation and hotel costs if your vehicle is disabled in a covered incident more than 50 miles from home.

If your campervan or RV breaks down, this coverage can help with a place to stay and transportation fees. You can select the amount of coverage you want - between $750 and $2,000 if your RV is considered recreational, or up to $7,500 if it's your primary residence.

Having this coverage can be a lifesaver, especially if you're traveling to a new area and don't know where to turn. It's a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected in case of an emergency.

Liability coverage is a must-have for most vehicle owners, as it pays for damages and/or injuries you cause to others. It's required by law in most states.

Liability coverage protects the other person if you're in an accident. In fact, it's required in every state except New Hampshire.

There are two types of Liability Coverage: Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability. Bodily Injury Liability helps cover medical bills or loss of income for injured pedestrians or other drivers. Property Damage Liability covers damage to someone's property, such as a car, garage door, or fence.

Here are the two types of Liability Coverage in a nutshell:

If you plan to use your van for less than 6 months out of the year, you'll be considered a part-time owner and may need a part-time liability coverage. On the other hand, if you're in your van more than 6 months a year, you'll need full-time liability coverage, which includes additional liability and medical payments coverage.

Medical Payments coverage can pay for medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.

This coverage is designed to help you cover medical expenses, regardless of who's at fault in the accident. It's a great safety net to have, especially if you're planning to spend a lot of time on the road.

Medical Payments coverage can also be referred to as Personal Injury Protection. It's an important aspect of liability coverage to consider, especially if you're planning to use your van or RV for extended periods.

If you plan to be in your van for less than 6 months out of the year, you may be considered a part-time owner and have different liability and medical payments coverage options.

If the other driver is at fault in an accident and does not have insurance or not enough insurance, this coverage can help pay for your van's repairs or injuries.

Having uninsured or underinsured motorists coverage can be a lifesaver if you're involved in an accident with someone who can't or won't pay for the damages.

This type of coverage can help pay for your van's repairs or medical expenses, so you're not left with a hefty bill.

It's essential to have this coverage, especially if you live in an area with a high number of uninsured drivers.

Collision and damage coverage is a must-have for vanlife. Comprehensive coverage protects your van or RV from events beyond your control, including theft, vandalism, fire, and collisions with animals.

Comprehensive also covers physical damage while traveling in Mexico, but you'll need to purchase a Mexico liability policy. This is a great option if you plan to explore Baja California or other parts of Mexico.

Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers damage and repairs to your campervan in a collision with another car or object. You'll need to have comprehensive coverage first before you can add collision coverage.

If you've invested time, effort, and money into your camper van conversion, getting an appraisal can be a crucial step in ensuring you're fully covered in case of a total loss. This is especially important if you've purchased your camper van new, as total loss replacement coverage will reimburse you for the original purchase price.

Insurance companies can have a hard time assessing the value of a DIY campervan conversion, which is why a certified appraisal can give you a report stating the Fair Market Value of your camper van. This can increase your coverage in case of an accident or theft.

Consider getting an appraisal from a certified appraiser, such as Stacie at CampervanAppraisals.com, who can provide an accurate value for your camper van within a week. If you go with Stacie, be sure to mention that Two Wandering Soles sent you.

An appraisal can also help you set an agreed value in your policy, which is especially important if you're not the original owner of your camper van. This way, you'll know exactly what your vehicle is worth in case of a total loss.

Here are some key things to consider when getting an appraisal:

Remember, getting an appraisal can give you peace of mind and ensure you're fully covered in case of a total loss.

Comprehensive collision coverage is a must-have for campervan owners. It covers damage from events beyond your control, such as theft, vandalism, fire, glass breakage, weather-related incidents, and collisions with animals.

Comprehensive coverage also includes physical damage protection while traveling in Mexico, but you need to purchase a Mexico liability policy for your trip. This is highly recommended if you plan on traveling in Baja California or any other part of Mexico with your campervan.

Collision coverage, on the other hand, covers damage and repairs to your campervan in a collision with another car or object, regardless of fault. You need to have comprehensive coverage before you can add collision coverage.

With comprehensive and collision coverage, you'll also get free Pet Injury coverage, which pays up to $1,000 towards veterinary bills if your pet is injured in an accident.

If you've put a lot of money and time into your van conversion, you'll want to get a Class B RV insurance policy to protect yourself in case of a total loss or theft.

Getting an RV insurance policy requires documentation of your purchases and the progress of your build, so be sure to keep a paper trail.

If your van is RVIA certified, you'll likely have an easier time getting insurance, as most insurers are familiar with RVIA standards and are more willing to provide comprehensive coverage.

Progressive is one of the few major insurance companies that offer coverage for converted vans, but they only insure professionally converted campervans, not DIY conversions.

I've been with Progressive for over 5 years and have used them to insure multiple vans, but it's essential to note that they require a professionally converted campervan to be eligible for coverage.

Insurance companies and costs can vary widely, but here's a general idea of what to expect. The cost of insuring your camper van can range from $500 to $1,500 per year.

The value of your van and its contents is a significant factor in determining insurance costs. If you live in your van full-time, your insurance costs may be higher.

Here are some factors that can affect your campervan insurance costs:

These factors can greatly impact your insurance costs, so it's essential to research and compare different insurance options.

Progressive is one of the few insurance companies that can cover campervan conversions, and we know this from experience.

State Farm is another company that insures campervans, but its availability varies by location - for example, we were unable to get coverage through State Farm in Oregon, but others in Colorado and Texas were able to get it.

You'll need to check with different insurance companies in your area to see if they can cover your campervan conversion.

Getting a campervan appraisal is also crucial to increase your coverage, and we recommend sending it to your insurance company to get covered for the full amount of what your campervan is worth.

The cost of insurance can be a significant factor in your overall expenses.

The cost of insuring your camper van can vary widely based on several factors.

The value of your van and its contents is a major consideration, with more expensive vans costing more to insure.

Your driving history and location also play a big role in determining the cost of insurance.

Whether you live in your van full-time or part-time can also impact your insurance costs.

The type of coverage you choose will also affect the overall cost of your insurance.

On average, campervan insurance can range from $500 to $1,500 per year.