Insurance for Camper Van

[DanDweller]

Hello all, so now that I've invested lots of time and work in making my Ford Transit Connect into a mini-camper, I'm starting to feel a bit anxious about having some kind of insurance on it all. I have regular insurance with Geico, but they won't offer a policy for a DIY camper or class B RV or whatever that covers all the living systems I'm installing .  I called all the big names and got the same negative answer.  

What do people here typicallh do?  Can someone recommend a company that will g8ve me a full-timer's policy so that in the event of an accident or whatnot I'm not up sh*t creek as far as all the expensive items I've installed?  There are solar panels, charge controller, vent fan, DC-DC charger, shore power charger, stove, sink, bed etc.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

[trailer-t]

We used to have a cargo trailer with mounted smokers and equipment for BBQ contests.
Our agent had to place something called "inland marine coverage" (I think) for the personal property mounted in the trailer
(separate coverage than the trailer policy itself). Not sure if that coverage is available for an individual personal policy.
We were operating as a sub S corporation for tax reasons. As I recall it was very low cost for our setup for less than $10,000
of covered personal property. T

 

[Van-Tramp]

Most insurance companies have a stated value policy where you can state the total value of your vehicle (along with custom additions) . That value determins how much they will charge you each month as well as the maximum value of the payout if the auto is "lost"

That is what I did with Gieco and my old sports car since it had a ton of expensive suspension and such on it

 

[1shemp]

Ahh,don't worry about it.Get liability for $80 every 6 months and enjoy life.

 

[Almost There]

^^^^ Worst advice I've seen on insurance yet!...sigh!

We had one woman at Jamies' Van Build who lost her entire rig and possessions to a vehicle fire that had just that coverage. Other then the generosity of her fellow nomads, she would have been up the proverbial creek. Relying on charity and others to replace a total loss is not sound advice.

Get stated value insurance after you've sat down and figured out what it would cost you to replace the vehicle as it is. Include everything including nuts, bolts, wiring, appliances, etc. etc. You just might shock yourself as to what the total comes to, I know I did.

Yes, you will pay premiums based on what value you place on the vehicle but better that than losing everything if the vehicle is totaled in an accident.

Any vehicle that can not just be found as is in Kelly books can and should have stated value insurance applied.

I also carry loss of use coverage (again at a stated amount) so that if my home is 'injured' or totalled, I have coverage that will allow me to rent an RV while the insurance companies sort it out and cut me a cheque. It's not expensive but IMO totally worthwhile.

 

[maki2]

Good idea to have coverage that provides an RV rental. I have not heard of that kind of policy but then again not too surprised there is such a thing given how many people are living full time in big class A rigs and how many musicians, film crews and other professionals rely on having an RV to stay in for long periods of time. It certainly would be true for the youtube RV channels that rely on making those films for their source of employment.

 

[trailer-t]

DanDweller, You would be well served to address this issue to an independent insurance broker (one that writes policies for numerous different companies). The problem as I understand it, is that personal vehicle insurance does not cover the contents of the insured Vehicle. Many things you are concerned about are really personal property contents of your van that you have added. According to my insurance broker, the furnishings, solar, bed etc in my cargo trailer and/or Suburban are not covered under any of my personal vehicle coverages. It is not a question of value of the items --the personal property contents are not insured or even considered when you make a claim. My broker says the personal property items placed in my vehicles are covered for loss under my homeowners policy presently (I am unsure of that one)---but what if you have no homeowners policy??? You are asking a very good question, and I am not convinced it has been solved. If you find something out as a solution please share back.

PS If someone else is at fault for the damaged property, they could be on the hook under their liability property damage coverage for ALL actual damage they cause to everything that is lost, but that was not your question.

t

 

[DanDweller]

Thanks for the answers. I will try the recommendations and see what I find out.

 

[crofter]

Is insurance cheaper in some states? I have no accidents for decades and still pay $100 per month for full coverage on a van. That seems like a lot for an inexpensive van. I tried getting quotes, but they were all higher than what I am paying. 

Also, how can you have a renters policy if you don't pay rent? Does that go back to the domicile address? -crofter

 

[B and C]

Yes, insurance is cheaper in some states than other and at least in Texas, the county you are in. Generally less populated areas have cheaper insurance than the big city counties.

As far as renters insurance, this is a question for your insurance broker.