Insurance Issue

[glad nomad]

I have just finished my van build on my 1999 Ford E-150 Conversion Van.  Through out the entire van build out I have relied on information from forums and You Tube entirely.  On the subject of acquiring insurance for DIY RV build, I've come to believe that the best source for RV insurance on a self build (DYI) van was through State Farm as this insurance company unlike most insurance companies does insure DIY builds wheras most other companies only insure manufactured RV's.

Having that understanding, I set out today to visit my local State Farm agent to inquire about insuring the van as an RV. As I sat there, the agent called State Farm's underwriting department because she didn't know if the build should be classified as a cargo van modification or a bona fide RV, having never had such a similar circumstance. As I was asked whether the van was capable of living in, cooking in, had plumbing and electric, I answered YES to all. Next I was asked through the agent whether I had an electrical and plumbing license, which I answered NO. Subsequently, the agent was told by her underwriting dept. that State Farm would probably NOT insure the van since they would have no basis electrical and plumbing reliability and safety.

So now that you've heard my story, can any one tell me what insurance companies (other than State Farm) will insure a true DIY campervan.  Of all the insurance information I was able to garner through either forums or You Tube, NEVER was it disclosed that electrical and plumbing work on a DIY camper van build had to be done by licensed individuals. Has any one out there done their own electrical and plumbing (with a drainage system with gray water tank outside and mounted under the van), are not licensed in electrical AND plumbing and got insurance? If so, please let me know through which insurance company'

Thank you very much in advance for any help you can give me

 

[B and C]

I would imagine most people just get liability insurance and don't try to get comprehensive. Get a dash cam and a cam for the rear.

Even if the other guy is at fault, you probably won't get much more than the van alone is worth.

If you get the title changed to an RV, you probably won't have these issues.

These are all just speculation on my part...

 

[WalkaboutTed]

What we ended up doing after numerous calls and inquiries is just insuring the vans like regular vehicles and have renter's insurance cover the contents (replacement value).

It did require 2 different insurers-Geico for the vans and trailer and a USAA rental policy. Geico won't write a renter policy unless you live in sticks and bricks. USAA is far more flexible-they've written renters policy for me when I was living on a boat and now, the trailer, since we don't have sticks and bricks home.

Ted

 

[glad nomad]

What we ended up doing after numerous  calls and inquiries is just insuring the vans like regular vehicles and have renter's insurance cover the contents (replacement value). 

It did require 2 different insurers-Geico for the vans and trailer and a USAA rental policy.  Geico won't write a renter policy unless you live in sticks and bricks.  USAA is far more flexible-they've written renters policy for me when I was living on a boat and now, the trailer, since we don't have sticks and bricks home.

Ted

Thanks for both replies. I have liability and comprehensive on the van but I'll be hit with losing the interior contents. Not living in it full time due to medical issues and need to stay reasonable close to home and not much BLM land in TN. So, renter's insurance won't be an option, I don't think.

 

[highdesertranger]

I know the License electrician thing has been brought up on this forum before. I believe Nevada will not let you do a change over to an RV without a licensed electrician at least signing off on the work.

have you converted the title yet? shouldn't that be done before the insurance? i would try again with a RV title in my hand.

when you say you converted it to a RV. Is it self contained? did you use RV products or camping products? if you use camping products the insurance might deny you if you ever needed them.

you might be better off just insuring it as a regular van and getting renters insurance. I am not sure why you think that will not work.

highdesertranger

 

[jacqueg]

Thanks for both replies. I have liability and comprehensive on the van but I'll be hit with losing the interior contents. Not living in it full time due to medical issues and need to stay reasonable close to home and not much BLM land in TN. So, renter's insurance won't be an option, I don't think.

Why not?

My renter's insurance policy covered my vehicle contents and storage unit contents, as well as my apartment contents, when I was still living in my apartment. And I think that's pretty standard. When I moved out of my apartment, I told my agent I was going to travel full-time in my van for at least a year. He didn't even blink, and I just carried on paying about $100/year for the renter's insurance. I also get my regular vehicle insurance through him, so I get a (very modest) discount on both policies.

Maybe it's different in your state. But you need to ask, not just assume. 

And be honest with your insurance person.

(PS - I have a no-build build, I'd never qualify for a self-converted RV, and don't even want to.)

 

[Thomas]

I'll bet you know someone who knows someone who has an electricians license and someone who has a plumber's license.  One technician can probably refer you to another.  And I'll bet you've done your electrical and plumbing correctly.  I think you should pay a technician to check your work, make any adjustments, and sign off on it.  Techs get all excited about this kind of project - they would love to take a look.

 

[Weight]

If you can't have renters insurance is it because you have homeowners insurance?