How to insure your DIY campervan

What is considered a DIY campervan?

A DIY campervan or conversion van is typically a regular van that has been converted, by the van's owner, into a living space for either travel or camping purposes. To qualify as a DIY conversion, the work must be completed by a nonprofessional.

To satisfy Progressive's motorhome requirements, the following must be permanently installed:

• Cooking facilities
• Bathroom facilities
• Refrigeration
• Sleeping facilities
• Self-contained heating and/or air conditioning (wood-burning stoves are excluded)
• Drinkable water supply system
• 110–125-volt electrical power system (including solar powered systems)

What information do you need to get insurance for a conversion van?

Most RV insurers, including Progressive, will ask for the following information about your vehicle:

1. Year, make, and model
2. Value
3. Materials used for the conversion
4. Usage

While you may not need the van's vehicle identification number (VIN) to get a quote, you will need it to start a policy. If you added solar panels, generators, or interior fittings, disclose that information to your insurer so your campervan is appropriately covered. You may need to provide photo documentation for any upgrades or modifications to the vehicle.

Do you need RV insurance for a DIY campervan?

Nearly every state requires bodily injury and property damage liability coverage before you can get behind the wheel of a campervan, even a DIY one. And if you're financing the conversion van, your lender will typically mandate RV comprehensive and collision coverage.

Find out your state's required RV insurance coverages.

How RV insurance can cover a DIY campervan

Here are some of the motorhome insurance coverages that can protect you and your converted van:

• RV liability: Liability coverage can protect your assets if you're liable for injuries or damages while operating your campervan.
• RV comprehensive and collision: These coverages safeguard your campervan against damage and loss. Comprehensive can cover incidents beyond your control, including RV theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related issues. Collision may cover damage to your campervan in collisions with other vehicles or an object.
• Replacement cost/personal effects: Covers personal items inside your campervan, up to a specified amount, such as your camping equipment and smart phone.
• Emergency expense: Pays up to $750 for hotel and travel costs if your campervan breaks down more than 50 miles from home.
• Vacation liability: If you're vacationing and someone is hurt in or around your campervan, you may be covered up to a specified amount.

Check out additional motorhome insurance coverages and what RV insurance covers.

What if you live in your DIY campervan full-time?

If your converted van is also your permanent residence, you may need full-time RV insurance. You can add optional coverages to your Progressive RV policy, such as personal liability, medical payments, and loss assessment. These coverages can provide additional protection if you reside in your DIY campervan more than six months out of the year.

How much is RV insurance for a conversion van?

Motorhome liability insurance policies at Progressive start as low as $125 per year.^* Your rate will depend on many factors, including your type of campervan, driving history, and coverage selection. Find out more about the cost of RV insurance.

Get insurance for your conversion van with Progressive