So you’ve poured your blood, sweat, & probably a fair amount of tears into building the custom camper van of your dreams. You’ve learned carpentry, electrical wiring, & maybe even a little plumbing. The open road is calling your name, but there’s one HUGE, often overlooked, hurdle to jump before you can truly be free: getting that beautiful, handcrafted home on wheels insured.
Honestly, figuring out how to get insurance for a DIY camper van conversion can feel like one of the hardest parts of the entire process. A lot of van lifers think their standard auto insurance will cover them, but here’s the thing: it probably won’t. At least, not in the way you need it to. Your regular car insurance might cover the value of the empty cargo van you started with, but it won’t touch the thousands of dollars & hundreds of hours you’ve invested in the build-out. We're talking about your custom cabinets, that fancy electrical system, the wet bath you're so proud of... if you get into an accident, you could be facing a devastating financial loss.
That’s why getting the right kind of insurance is so important. It’s not just about being legal; it’s about protecting your investment & your peace of mind. But where do you even start? It’s a confusing world of RV classifications, stated values, & insurance companies that have never even heard of a "DIY camper van."
Don't worry, I've been down this rabbit hole, & I'm here to share what I've learned. This is your insider's guide to navigating the tricky waters of camper van insurance.
The Big Secret: Your Van Isn't Just a Van Anymore
The first thing you need to wrap your head around is that your vehicle is no longer just a van. It's a recreational vehicle, or RV, & it needs to be treated as such by both the DMV & your insurance company. This is the foundational step that makes everything else possible.
Why You MUST Re-Title Your Van as an RV
When you first buy a cargo van, it’s titled as a commercial vehicle. This comes with things like commercial license plates & sometimes even extra weight fees. But once you’ve permanently installed living quarters, you’ve essentially created a Class B motorhome. Getting the title changed to reflect this is a game-changer for a few key reasons:
- Insurance, Insurance, Insurance: This is the big one. Many insurance companies won’t even talk to you about RV insurance until your vehicle is legally classified as an RV. It shows them that you’re serious & that the vehicle meets certain standards for habitation.
- Lower Costs: In some states, like California, re-titling from a commercial vehicle to a "Van Camper" can actually save you money on your annual registration fees by eliminating commercial weight fees.
- Avoiding Hassles: In many states, commercial vehicles over a certain weight have to stop at weigh stations. Re-titling as an RV can help you bypass that requirement.
How to Re-Title Your Van: A State-by-State Puzzle
Here's where things get a little tricky, because the process for re-titling your van varies WILDLY from state to state. You'll need to do some research on your specific state's DMV requirements, but here’s a general overview of what you can expect & some examples from different states:
The "Habitation" Requirements: Most states have a list of requirements your van needs to meet to be considered a motorhome. This usually involves having a certain number of the following permanently installed:
- Sleeping quarters (a bed)
- Cooking facilities (a stove or microwave)
- A refrigerator
- A sink with running water
- A toilet
- 110-volt electrical system
California's Process: California, being a van life hub, has a pretty defined process. You'll need to fill out a "Statement of Facts" (form REG 256) & a "Certificate of Vehicle for Human Habitation" (form REG 256A). This often involves a physical inspection at the DMV where they look inside your van to confirm you have the required features.
Florida's Simpler Path: Florida, on the other hand, makes it surprisingly easy. You just need to submit a signed affidavit stating that your conversion meets at least one of their requirements (like having a 110-volt electrical system installed). You don’t even necessarily need a notary; you can often just sign it in front of the DMV clerk.
Colorado's Checklist: In Colorado, you'll likely need a certified weight slip & a VIN inspection from the State Patrol. They have a "4 out of 6" rule, where your van must have at least four of their six listed "permanently installed independent life support systems" to qualify.
The key takeaway here is to check your local DMV's website or even call a local office. Be prepared to bring your title, registration, receipts from your build, & of course, your finished van for inspection. It might seem like a bureaucratic headache, but it is SO worth it.
Document Everything: Your Build Bible
This is a piece of advice I can't stress enough: document your entire build process like you’re preparing evidence for a court case. This isn't just for your own memories; it's crucial for getting the right insurance coverage.
The Power of Receipts & Photos
From the moment you start buying materials, create a system to keep track of everything. A simple spreadsheet will do the trick. Log every single purchase, from the big-ticket items like your solar panels & refrigerator down to every last screw & tube of caulk. Scan or take photos of your receipts & keep them organized in a folder on your computer.
As you build, take photos at every stage. Got the insulation in? Snap a pic. Finished the framing for the bed? Photo time. This creates a visual record of the work & quality that went into your conversion.
Why This Matters to an Insurance Company
When you go to get insurance, especially a "stated value" policy (more on that in a minute), you're not just insuring a van anymore. You're insuring the total value of the van PLUS the conversion. Your spreadsheet of receipts is the proof of that value. It shows the underwriter exactly how much money you've invested in the vehicle, making it much easier for them to justify the coverage you're asking for. The photos back this up by showing the quality of your workmanship.
Finding an Insurance Company That "Gets It"
Now for the main event: finding an insurance company that will actually cover your masterpiece. The hard truth is that many traditional insurance companies will flat-out refuse to insure a DIY camper van. They see it as a risk they don't understand. But don't get discouraged! There are a few companies that have become go-to's for the van life community.
The Top Contenders for DIY Van Insurance
- Roamly: This company is a game-changer. Roamly was started by the same people who created Outdoorsy, the RV rental platform, so they are deeply embedded in the RV world. They are one of the few companies that explicitly states they insure self-built camper vans. They understand the value of your conversion & are set up to handle it. A HUGE bonus with Roamly is that their policies often allow you to rent out your van, which is a big no-no with most other insurers. This is a fantastic option if you're thinking about using your van to generate some extra income.
- State Farm: Surprisingly, this major insurance provider has been a reliable option for many van lifers. The trick with State Farm seems to be working with a local agent rather than calling the national hotline. Local agents are often more familiar with the unique needs of their community & may have experience insuring other conversions. People have reported success with State Farm even without having their van officially re-titled as an RV, though it's still highly recommended. You'll likely need to provide photos of the interior & exterior of your van.
- Progressive: The information on Progressive has been a bit mixed in the past, with many people reporting that they were denied coverage for a DIY build. However, there has been a recent & exciting development. In late 2023, Progressive officially announced that they are now offering coverage for DIY camper van conversions nationwide. This is a big deal & opens up another major option for van builders. It seems having your van re-titled as an RV is a key factor for getting approved with them.
- Allstate: Allstate is another company that has been mentioned as a possibility for insuring self-built vans, though there are fewer firsthand accounts available compared to the others. It’s definitely worth getting a quote from them to compare.
When you start making calls, be prepared to explain your situation clearly & confidently. Use the term "self-built Class B motorhome" or "camper van conversion." And be completely honest about the fact that you did the conversion yourself. Lying to your insurance agent is a surefire way to have a claim denied down the road.
Stated Value vs. Actual Cash Value: A Crucial Distinction
When you're getting quotes, you'll hear the terms "Actual Cash Value" & "Stated Value" (or "Agreed Value"). Understanding the difference is CRITICAL to protecting your investment.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): This is the standard for most car insurance policies. With ACV, if your van is totaled, the insurance company will pay you what they determine the vehicle was worth at the time of the loss. This includes depreciation. The problem for a camper van is that they might only see the value of a 5-year-old cargo van, not the $20,000 you just put into the conversion.
- Stated Value / Agreed Value: THIS is what you want for your DIY build. With a stated value or agreed value policy, you & the insurance company agree on the total value of your van, including the conversion, when you purchase the policy. You'll use your "build bible" of receipts & photos to justify this value. If your van is totaled, they will pay out that pre-determined amount. It gives you the peace of mind that your entire investment is protected.
Getting a stated value policy might cost a little more in premiums, but the extra coverage is absolutely worth it.
Don't Forget Your "Stuff": Personal Property & Full-Timer's Coverage
Your insurance journey doesn't stop with the van itself. What about all the things you have inside it? Your laptop, your cameras, your hiking gear, your clothes... that can all add up to thousands of dollars.
Personal Effects Coverage
Most RV insurance policies will offer some form of personal effects coverage, which protects your belongings in case of theft or damage. Pay close attention to the coverage limits. Some policies might have a low cap, so you may need to purchase additional coverage. State Farm, for example, offers a separate "Personal Articles Policy" that allows you to insure high-ticket items like cameras & laptops individually.
Full-Timer's Insurance
If you plan on living in your van for more than six months out of the year, you'll want to look into "full-timer's insurance." This is a special type of policy that combines traditional RV insurance with some of the features of a homeowner's policy. It can include things like personal liability coverage, which protects you if someone gets injured in or around your van while it's parked.
What About When You're Not on the Road? Parking & Storage Solutions
Van life isn't always about scenic vistas & remote campsites. Sometimes, you need to be in a city for a while, or maybe you need to store your van when you’re not using it. This is where parking can become a real headache. Finding a safe, legal, & affordable place to park your home on wheels can be a constant struggle.
This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. It’s a pretty cool platform that connects people who have unused driveway or garage space with people who need a place to park. For a van lifer, this is an incredible resource. You can find a secure spot to park your van for a few days, a few weeks, or even longer, often for a fraction of the cost of a commercial storage lot. It’s a much better alternative than constantly worrying about street parking tickets or having your van towed.
And if your van life adventures are seasonal & you need a place to store your gear or even the van itself during the off-season, Prked can also be a great storage solution. You can rent out someone's garage to keep your van out of the elements or find a secure spot for your extra equipment.
Making Money from Your Unused Space
On the flip side, if you're a homeowner with an empty driveway or garage, you have a money-making opportunity right at your fingertips. You can list your unused space on Prked & earn some passive income by renting it out to someone who needs parking or storage. It's a fantastic side hustle that requires very little effort on your part. You can help out a fellow traveler & make some extra cash at the same time.
The Final Stretch: Getting Your Policy
Okay, let's bring it all together. Here are the actionable steps to get your DIY camper van insured:
- Document Your Build: Keep every receipt & take tons of photos.
- Research Your State's RV Re-Titling Laws: Figure out what you need to do to get your van's title changed to a motorhome or RV.
- Complete the Re-Titling Process: Go to the DMV, fill out the paperwork, get your inspection, & get that new title in hand.
- Get an Appraisal (Optional but Recommended): A professional appraisal can strengthen your case for a higher stated value.
- Contact the Right Insurance Companies: Start with Roamly, a local State Farm agent, & Progressive. Be upfront & honest about your DIY build.
- Push for a Stated Value Policy: Use your build documentation to justify the total value of your van & conversion.
- Don't Skimp on Coverage: Make sure you have adequate personal effects coverage & consider full-timer's insurance if you're living in your van.
Getting insurance for your custom camper van is definitely a process, but it's not impossible. It takes some research, some paperwork, & a bit of persistence. But once you have that policy in hand, you can hit the road with the confidence of knowing that you & your incredible handcrafted home are protected.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think, & happy travels
