Insuring a van.

[idrankwhat]

Was trying to search for this. I figured someone must have posted it by now.
Just wondering how you  insure your vans. Was wondering if you registered it as an RV, in many states, you could have beer or alcohol in the refrigerator in the back without problems. If it is a regular vehicle, you can't have an open container anywhere in the vehicle. Which would be cheaper, RV insurance or regular vehicle? What would be the pros and cons of registering or insuring as an RV over a personal vehicle?

 

[Wanderer]

I have a PMB (Private Mail Box) and I use that as the addy and I have a 1998 Dodge B1500 which I insure. Regarding alcohol, I only drink when stopped for the night. I have been really fortunate to 3 times having had 3 beers ( Steel Reserve 8.1% alcohol by weight) and not awakened by a cops or guards.

Only time I'd do RV insurance is if I had a RV (Or as I say "Six tires or more") but insurance costs will also depend on your age and the vehicle AND age of vehicle...

 

[Almost There]

What a vehicle can be titled as and what it can be insured as CAN be 2 completely separate issues depending on where you are claiming your residency.

If it's a commercially converted/manufactured vehicle such as a Class B or C, there is usually no problem...neither with title nor with insurance although some people have trouble getting full-timer insurance particularly if it's a B. The insurance companies that specialize in full-time RVrs don't want anything shorter than 20'.

If it's a DIY conversion you  may or may  not be able to get the title changed depending on the jurisdiction and that jurisdictions' requirements. Even if you do get the title changed, you  may have substantial trouble getting insurance on it as an RV. I seriously recommend that you get all the information first before you try changing the title.

I went through insurance hell in Ontario when I tried to get insurance on the van as a converted DIY van. It complied with the DMV regulations but there was no way to insure it. I ended up with specialty insurance with declared value coverage on the van and none of the contents covered. Then I moved to British Columbia where, while I had to jump through a few hoops, the van is now titled as an RV and I have full RV coverage on it. I actually saved 40% of the premium that would have been charged for it as a regular cargo van....  

Do your homework in the jurisdiction in which you reside. I also recommend that you don't speak to your own insurance broker...,mine asked my insurance company specifically about MY coverage and the next thing I knew I was being denied coverage. I had to bust my butt to find another broker and insurance company to cover the van. Go to a broker, any broker and ask questions, someone who isn't handling your insurance so that they can't go to your current insurer.

 

[HyJacker]

thanks for asking this. I need this too! Good Sam's said i had to know who did the conversion on my van before they would insure it. so i couldn't even get a quote from them. what other companies offer RV insurance?

 

[rm.w/aview]

Perhaps an RV Club can provide some help with RV insurance companies. This website, https://escapees.com , near the top of the page has "Support" under which is "Commercial Members" and in this you'll find "Commercial Directory" with a listing of over 150 commercial enterprises that focus on RVs including a variety of RV Insurance listings with their contact information. Hope this helps

 

[rm.w/aview]

bump