Problems Insuring a Conversion Van?

[yamsack]

Hi all,<br>Has anyone had any problems trying to insure their conversion vans?&nbsp; I was told by an insurance company that a conversion van needed to be insured as a commercial vehicle, even though I am only going to use it for personal use.<br><br>That wouldn't be a problem for me.&nbsp; However, insurance policies for commercial vehicles is more expensive than for personal vehicles.&nbsp; Any feedback/advice for this issue would be much appreciated.<br><br>

 

[Cherry]

I just insured a full RV rated camper van and all my insurance company asked me was "Is that a big van?" and "What will it be used for?" I simply replied that yes it's a big van but that I've tagged it historic and I won't be using it for commercial use nor will I have other passengers. For now I've only got liability insurance (just before I get on the road I'll be switching to full) and my insurance company is Nationwide. She explained that they have to ask with any larger van what it will be used for but aside from that I had no issues insuring it. They didn't even ask if it was a RV<br>

 

[She]

I have that problem here too. Im in NY. I was told by a insurance agent/friend to go on line. They seem to insure you with no problem.

 

[Vern M]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Seems to me the problem is where you are as well as what you want to do.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Out here in the Ozarks hills of Arkansas, State Farm asks none of the questions you posters share. They simply insured my 16 year old van as my next car in the string of vehicles I've had over the years. I did add a rider listing in detail all the improvements I have made, prices new or as acquired and that's it. I have photos that document it all. See articles here as to Stealth Solar and Easy Van&nbsp;Conversion. </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Tell the insurer what you want. Don't ask them what they'll do. That's my approach.&nbsp;</p>

 

[SoulRaven]

His problem I feel is that he may live in CA., if so I am very sorry for you... CA. has, as we all know, the most screwed up sense of serving the public... There is the law in CA. that makes me think he is from CA. where they for some reason give a damn about what use the vehicle will have and then they determine how hard they will screw him... Best bet is to register it out of state and have a PO Box out of state to do your business with... Then the insurrance will follow suit with the laws of that state, all they want is your money and to keep CA. off their back...<br>

 

[SoulRaven]

I am in Missouri how can i insure my van with out owning a house or renting an apartment

 

[Almost There]

Buster, no matter where you are on the continent, you will need to have a 'residence address' for more than just your insurance.

As far as my insurance company knows I live at the residence address I provided them...it's a friends' place but other than for hanging out drinking coffee/tea I've never stayed there more than a few hours.

The entire world as most know it is centered around a person having a place of residence that does  not move (well except for earthquakes... ). I found the best thing to do is to let them play by their rules and I just bend them as much as I need to get by.

BTW, when I had an apartment I had tenants insurance. When I cancelled it the agent wanted to know why. I simply told him that I had downsized to a room in a friends house and had no need to carry (and pay premiums) on a full apartment of furniture. Kept him happy which was all that mattered. And yes, I am fully aware that the contents of my van are no longer covered...better to self insure my clothes and dishes etc than to have to pay a couple hundred a year for insurance. I can always shop at Goodwill if, heaven forbid, I lost everything in an accident.

 

[LoupGarou]

It's not the insurance company your having issues with, it the underwriters that cover the policies they write. If commercial comes up it's because the VIN told them it was a commercial rated vehicle based on GVWR. Make sure all parties are working with the correct VIN number. If it's off by a number or letter it could incorrectly classify the vehicle.

Read the fine print on any commercial vehicle insurance policy. Most have a radius limit. I've seen it as little as 25 miles from the address on the policy.

 

[DrJean]

My van is manufactured as a "commercial" vehicle and this is what comes up on the insurance searches. After a visual by the agent, they insured it as a "commercial vehicle for personal use". $100 a month for now. Progressive in FL through AAA.

Now I will share that come July it's up for renewal and I suspect I will have to have another "visual" by an agent to verify that it is not an RV...but in FL a built in kitchen and bath is what is required to call it an "RV"... but we'll see (I don't have either built in). I'll probably remove most of the movable items out...or empty personal stuff out so I can unclip and roll stuff to show it's just for handicap camping right now. And that will give me another 6 months.

Once it's deemed an RV I'll have to go with an RV club for insurance I think, in FL.