RV insurance for camper vans

Need a change of scenery? Camper vans are a great choice! You can venture into nature and still be as comfortable as a sultan. We’ll break down everything you need to know about camper vans and how to go about insuring one with Roamly. 

What is a camper van?

Camper vans are just a smaller type of RV. They are considered what is called a Class B motorhome. While Class A RVs are built on a bus chassis (touring buses are a prime example), Class B RVs are built on a smaller van chassis. 

What’s more, camper vans are typically equipped with a stove, sink, mini-fridge, bathroom, and a dining area with a foldable bed. They’re an affordable alternative to Class A and C RVs and great for a smaller group. 

What are common camper van models?  

There are many Class B models that are perfect for the van life. The most common include the:

• Ford Transit 

• Dodge Promaster

• Mercedes Sprinter

• Volkswagen 

• Winnebago

Like any other vehicle, each has its own benefit in terms of handling, fuel economy, and mechanics. How you plan to use your RV will determine the type that’s best for you. 

What are the benefits of a camper van vs. other types of RVs?

The advantages camper vans have over other RVs are vast. And a lot of the advantages are due to their smaller size. Here are just a few of the perks.

Affordability

Camper vans are more affordable than other RV types. Not only that, they’re typically cheaper to insure due to lower coverage limits.   

Drivability

Owed to their smaller chassis, camper vans are much easier to maneuver than their larger counterparts, especially on narrower, windy roads. Plus, you’ll have an easier time finding street parking. 

Fuel efficiency 

Of the 3 RV types, a Class B motorhome has the best fuel economy. You’ll likely spend less time at the pump and save more money to boot. 

Camper van insurance

Camper vans are insured much like any other RV or vehicle. You can expect the following on a personal RV insurance policy from Roamly.

Liability coverage

Liability covers you and your wallet if you’re at fault in an accident. There are 2 types of liability insurance: 

• Bodily injury liability covers the other driver or pedestrian’s medical bills if they get hurt. 

• Property damage liability covers the cost of repairs or replacement if you damage someone’s car or property.

Also, liability coverage is required in every state except New Hampshire. But hey, New Hampshirites, being financially protected is never a bad idea. And at Roamly, it doesn’t cost much. 

Comprehensive and collision coverage

Comprehensive and collision help cover damage to your RV — and that’s whether or not you’re at fault! 

• Comprehensive covers damages not caused by a collision, including vandalism, hail damage, or theft. 

• Collision covers damages from colliding with another vehicle or object.

Comp and collision are not required by law, but if you’re renting or leasing yours, your lender may require them. 

Medical payments coverage

If you’re in an accident, medical payments coverage can foot hospital bills and other medical fees for you or your passengers — regardless of fault

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

This coverage can be a lifesaver if an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance — or no insurance at all — to cover your repairs or medical bills. Some states even require it. 

Roadside assistance 

If your motorhome breaks down or gets stuck somewhere, roadside assistance can rescue you with a tow, gas, or a jumpstart. 

Additional coverages 

For added peace of mind, here are some coverages Roamly offers:

Vacation liability 

This covers you if you when your RV is parked. It can foot repair costs if you damage someone else’s property, or cover legal and medical fees if a guest is injured in or near your RV and sues. 

No-deductible glass coverage 

This special type of glass coverage replaces your cracked windshield without you having to pay a deductible. A deductible is what you’d typically have to pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in.

Sound system coverage 

This helps cover the cost repair or replace damaged electronic equipment you keep in your camper van.

Full-time RV insurance 

Roamly also offers a full-time RV policy for those who live in the camper van at least 6 months out of the year. It covers everything mentioned above, plus things like:

• HOA fees

• Temporary housing

• Decks, porches, gazebos, etc.

• Debris removal

Insuring conversion camper vans

It’s important to note that there are factory-made camper vans and vans that were converted into a camper van by a professional company. Some adventurous people even do the conversion work themselves. Most insurance companies will cover factory-made camper vans. However, not every insurance company will cover professionally-converted campers (Roamly does!), and even less will insure a DIY conversion van. So it’s important to understand your insurance options before you buy.

If your van is professionally converted, there are certain precautions you should take to insure you’re adequately covered. 

Save your receipts

Factory-built vehicles are indexed in terms of their market value, including for their parts. A custom camper van may be more difficult to gauge the value. 

That’s why it’s not a bad idea to hold onto those receipts. That way, your insurance coverage can account for the repair and labor costs if your vehicle is damaged. 

Take photos

On top of receipts, it’s also not a bad idea to take photos to ensure every installed component is captured. You might even take a video — aside from a sweet social media post, it could come in handy later on.

Get a new title 

So that you can qualify for RV insurance, you might need to retitle your passenger van as a motorhome at the DMV. 

And while you’re at it, get an RV insurance quote from Roamly today. You’ll find that we have some of the most competitive camper van insurance premiums out there. No joke.

DIY camper van conversions

Many take pride in converting their vans into a motorhome on their own. Rightfully so! It allows for more creativity, flexibility, and it’s usually cheaper. Not to mention the bragging rights!

The only disadvantage is it may be harder to find an insurance company that covers DIY motorhomes. Those who do may only cover material costs but not labor. 

Conversions that don’t have permanent cooking areas, plumbing, or electricity may not qualify for an RV policy. Instead you’d have to get an auto policy with additional customized parts coverage. 

As mentioned above, be sure to take photos and save those receipts. If you do find coverage, they can come in handy. 

Where can I rent a camper van?

Renting an RV before you buy one is a smart move. It’s an affordable way to familiarize yourself with how they handle, and see which kind of RV is more your speed. Lucky for you, renting an RV on Outdoorsy couldn’t be easier. 

How much does it cost to rent a camper van?

It depends on the make and model and how long you’ll rent it for. You can browse RV types and costs on Outdoorsy and see which one is fit for you and your wallet. 

What if I want to rent out my camper van?

Have we mentioned Outdoorsy yet? (*Wink*) Some RV owners make more than $50k a year. That’s insane! Plus, Outdoorsy lets you list yours for free. 

Many RV insurance companies will drop your insurance if you rent yours out. Not Roamly. Your coverage stays while you make money. As RV enthusiasts ourselves, we know the game and have your back through and through. 

And if you have a fleet of RVs you want to rent out, check out our specialized commercial RV insurance.