Van Life Insurance Can Be a Nightmare If You Don’t Know How to Navigate It

When I first tried to insure my van, I thought it would be simple. Call an insurance company, explain my setup, get a policy, and move on. Instead, I hit roadblock after roadblock, denials, high premiums, and confusion over what was actually covered.

Turns out, insuring a converted van, especially a DIY camper van conversion, is way harder than I thought it would be. Some insurance providers won’t touch self-built vans, others won’t cover full-time van lifers, and most policies leave gaps that could cost you big in the long run.

Let’s get into it...

First Let’s Look at What Insurance Companies Actually Care About

(Spoiler: They don’t care that you spent 500 hours on your dream van build.)

When I first started looking for van life insurance, I assumed that my carefully planned, well-executed build would be a selling point. Surely, insurance companies would recognize the effort I put into making my van safe, functional, and roadworthy, right? Wrong.

The harsh reality is that insurance companies don’t care about your craftsmanship. They quite literally only care about risk. Their main concern is how easily they can classify, assess, and insure your vehicle within their existing policies. That’s why getting insurance for a DIY camper van conversion is so much harder than insuring a factory-built motorhome.

To them, it all boils down to two questions.

1) Is your van a cargo van, camper van, or motorhome?

Insurance companies place vehicles into categories that determine what type of insurance coverage is available.

• Cargo van – Considered a commercial or personal vehicle, covered under auto insurance policies. No coverage for the interior build.
• Camper van – A grey area. Some insurance companies consider a converted van a camper van, but requirements vary.
• Motorhome (Class B RV) – The easiest category for obtaining RV insurance, but requires meeting specific criteria.

2) Is it a DIY self-build or professionally converted?

This is where things get super complicated. Most insurance providers, including the big guys like Progressive and State Farm, will usually not insure a DIY van build under an RV insurance policy.

• Professionally converted – If your van was built by a recognized conversion company (e.g., Storyteller Overland, Outside Van), you have a much higher chance of securing comprehensive coverage without a hitch.
• DIY camper van conversion – Tougher to insure because insurance companies struggle to verify the build’s safety, quality, and market value.

If you fall into the DIY camper van category, convincing a major company to give you an insurance policy takes extra effort. But before we get into how to increase your chances of approval, let’s talk about one of the biggest roadblocks: RV classification.

Why Some Vans Qualify and Some Don’t for RV Classification

Most van lifers assume that if their van has a bed and a kitchenette, they should qualify for RV insurance. Unfortunately (and frustratingly), it’s just not that simple.

Insurance companies and state DMVs follow different RV classification rules, which directly impact your ability to secure an RV insurance policy.

State Laws Impact Your Ability to Get an RV Insurance Policy

Each state defines what qualifies as an RV (or Class B motorhome) differently. Some states require that your van has built-in water, electrical, and bathroom facilities to qualify, while others have looser definitions.

If your state classifies your van as a passenger vehicle or cargo van, you may only be eligible for auto insurance, which doesn’t cover the van build.

Some States Require You to Retitle Your Converted Van as a Class B Motorhome

In certain states, the only way to qualify for RV insurance is to actually retitle your converted van as an RV. This process typically requires:

• Photos of your van build showing permanent living features (bed, kitchen, power system, etc.).
• Receipts for materials and labor (if professionally converted).
• A DMV inspection to verify the conversion meets motorhome standards.

While retitling can help you get comprehensive coverage, it’s a major headache that not all van lifers will want to deal with.

DIY Camper Van Conversions Are Harder to Insure

If you’ve built your own camper van, I’m not gonna lie, you’re facing an uphill battle with insurance providers. The reality is that many insurance companies view DIY conversions as high risk due to:

• Lack of industry certification – Unlike factory-built motorhomes, DIY builds don’t have standard safety testing.
• Difficulty assessing market value – Since no two self-builds are identical, insurers struggle to determine the market value of your van build.
• Potential electrical or structural risks – DIY wiring, propane setups, and weight distribution issues are red flags for insurance agents.

How to Document Your Van Build Properly to Increase Your Approval Chances

If you’re applying for van life insurance with a DIY camper van, thorough documentation can increase your chances of approval. Here’s what you should gather:

• Receipts and invoices – Keep records of every major component in your build (solar, plumbing, insulation, appliances).
• Photos of your build process – Documenting each step, from an empty cargo van to the final converted van, helps prove quality.
• Professional inspections – Getting an electrician or mechanic to inspect elements like wiring and weight distribution can boost make a big difference.

Some insurance brokers will still hesitate to cover your build, but companies like Roamly specialize in insuring DIY camper vans (although I did hear from someone recently that they’re dropping full-timers so just beware).

Picking the Right Type of Insurance for Your Van Life Setup

(Because "full coverage" doesn’t mean what you think it does.)

One of the biggest misconceptions about van life insurance is the idea of full coverage. Many van lifers assume that as long as they have a standard auto insurance policy, they’re protected.

But most insurance companies separate vehicle coverage from build coverage, meaning that even if your van itself is insured, everything inside—the cabinetry, bed, solar setup, and gear—may not be. If you want to protect your entire van, you need to know the different coverage options available.

Your Three Main Van Life Insurance Options

*Consult with your individual insurance agent to confirm all of the following info. Some of this might depend on your carrier.

Your insurance choices depend on how your van is classified, how you use it, and whether you built it yourself. These are the three primary options:

1) Auto Insurance Policy – Covers Your Van, But Not the Build

If your van is registered as a cargo van or a standard passenger vehicle, you will likely only qualify for a traditional auto insurance policy. This provides liability coverage and collision coverage for accidents, but it won’t cover your DIY camper van conversion or personal belongings inside.

Best for:

• People with minimal interior modifications.
• Vans used primarily as daily drivers rather than full-time homes.
• Those looking for the most affordable insurance premiums without build protection.

What it covers:

✔ Accidents and damage to the vehicle itself.

✔ Liability if you injure someone or damage property.

What it doesn’t cover:

✘ Your van build (interior structure, appliances, etc.).

✘ Your personal belongings (electronics, outdoor gear, tools).

✘ Water, fire, or theft damage to the inside of the van.

2) RV Insurance Policy – Comprehensive Coverage, But Only If You Qualify

Best for:

• Vans converted by a professional company.
• Full-time van lifers who need comprehensive coverage.
• Those who have gone through the process of retitling their van as an RV.

What it covers:

✔ Your van and the interior build.

✔ Liability protection for accidents.

✔ Collision coverage for vehicle damage.

✔ Protection against theft, fire, and vandalism.

What it doesn’t cover:

✘ Many policies exclude DIY camper van conversions.

✘ May require additional steps, like retitling.

✘ Can be expensive, especially for full-timer coverage.

3) Renters Insurance or Homeowners Insurance Add-Ons to Protect Your Gear

Even if your campervan insurance doesn’t cover everything inside, there’s another way to protect valuable items: renters insurance or homeowners insurance add-ons.

Some policies allow you to list personal belongings like cameras, laptops, and outdoor gear under a separate plan, even if you live in your van full-time. This can be a good option for covering high-value items that aren’t protected under an auto insurance policy or RV insurance policy.

Best for:

• People with expensive gear (photographers, digital nomads, etc.).
• Van lifers using auto insurance who need additional protection.
• Those with an existing homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy.

What it covers:

✔ Stolen or damaged personal belongings inside your van.

✔ Theft and damage outside of your vehicle (e.g., at a campsite).

What it doesn’t cover:

✘ Damage to the van build itself.

✘ Vehicle damage from accidents.

If your insurance provider doesn’t offer the coverage you need, you might want to consider using a combination of policies to protect both your van build and personal belongings.

The #1 Mistake People Make When Applying for Van Life Insurance

The fastest way to get denied coverage? Saying too much, too soon.

Insurance agents work within rigid guidelines, and if they hear certain red-flag phrases like “I live in my van full-time” or “It’s a self-built camper van” they may shut down your application immediately. Some insurance providers don’t insure full-time van lifers, and others avoid DIY camper van conversions altogether. It’s important not to lie, but you also don’t want to give them pause within the first 5 minutes of talking to them.

What to say instead:

• If you’re applying for RV insurance, focus on whether your van meets the insurer’s motorhome requirements.
• If you’re looking for auto insurance, don’t mention interior modifications unless directly asked.
• If you need comprehensive coverage, be strategic about how you classify your van. Some policies work better for “travel vehicles” rather than “full-time residences.”

How to Answer the “DIY or Professional” Question

If you have a DIY camper van conversion, you’ll need to frame your build carefully in conversation.

If your build is DIY:

• Highlight any professional work (e.g., electrical system installed by a certified electrician).
• Avoid phrases like “self-built” and instead describe your van as “customized.”
• If possible, provide an inspection report from a mechanic or conversion specialist.

Even minor upgrades like adding a solar setup or installing cabinets can increase premiums if insurers believe they increase risk. Be prepared to clarify what’s permanent and what’s removable.

Insurance Add-Ons That Most Van Lifers Don’t Think About

Roadside Assistance

Not all roadside assistance plans are created equal. Standard coverage from insurance providers like Progressive, State Farm, or Allstate may work for regular cars, but they often fall short for converted vans, cargo vans, and Class B motorhomes.

Key factors to look for in a van-friendly roadside assistance plan:

✔ Towing distance limits – Some plans only cover a few miles, which is useless if you break down in the middle of nowhere. Look for at least 100 miles of towing.

✔ Coverage for larger vehicles – Many basic policies won’t tow a Sprinter, Promaster, or high-roof camper van without an extra fee.

✔ Trip interruption coverage – Helps cover food and lodging if you’re stranded far from home.

✔ Battery jump-starts, lockouts, and flat tire service – Useful if you’re in a remote area with no quick help available.

Some of the best roadside assistance plans for van lifers include AAA RV & Plus, Good Sam, and Coach-Net. These specialize in recreational vehicles and often have fewer size restrictions than standard insurance plans.

Theft and Personal Property Insurance

Most auto insurance policies and RV insurance policies only cover the van itself—not everything inside. If your laptop, camera gear, or outdoor equipment gets stolen, you could be out thousands of dollars unless you have additional coverage.

How to make sure your valuables are covered:

✔ Check if your renters or homeowners insurance covers belongings in your van. Some homeowners insurance and renters insurance policies allow you to add coverage for items stored in your van.

✔ Ask your insurance provider about personal effects coverage. Some RV insurance policies offer an add-on that protects high-value belongings.

✔ Consider separate personal property insurance. If you carry expensive gear, a dedicated personal belongings insurance policy can offer better coverage than a general plan.

Van lifers who work remotely, travel with expensive equipment, or have high-value outdoor gear should seriously consider this type of coverage.

Insurance Might Be Boring, But Getting Screwed Over Is Worse

Nobody gets excited about insurance until they actually need it. The last thing you want is to put time and money into your van build, only to find out you’re not covered when it really matters.

Key takeaways:

✔ Auto insurance won’t cover your build.

✔ RV insurance is great—if you qualify.

✔ Full-time van life can make getting insured harder.

✔ Add-ons like roadside assistance and theft protection can save you big.

✔ Be smart about how you present your van to insurers.

Get your coverage sorted now, before an accident, a breakdown, or a theft forces you to learn the hard way.

Have you dealt with the van insurance headache? Have you had different experiences than me with insurance companies? Share your experiences (and lessons learned) in the comments!

Also, while you’re here.. you should sign up for the free app, Camping.Tools, to plan, book, and connect with fellow adventurers. It’s more than just a trip planner. It’s a community where van lifers and adventurers share experiences, tips, and insights to make life on the road smoother. Download the app and start exploring today!