If you have spent $30K, $50K, or $100K on a custom van conversion, the last thing you want is to find out after an accident that your insurance only covers the base vehicle. Campervan insurance is one of those topics that gets overlooked during the excitement of planning a build, but getting it wrong can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
We build custom van conversions in San Diego, CA, and insurance questions come up in almost every client conversation. This guide covers what you need to know about insuring a converted van, what it costs, and how to make sure your entire build is protected.
Why Standard Auto Insurance Is Not Enough
Here’s the reality: a standard auto insurance policy covers the vehicle as it left the factory. That’s it.
If you buy a Sprinter for $55K and put $60K into a custom conversion, your van is worth $115K. But your auto policy? It only sees a $55K cargo van. If the vehicle is totaled, you get paid for the base van and nothing for the conversion.
That means your electrical system, cabinetry, plumbing, solar setup, and everything else you paid for is just gone. Your insurer has no obligation to cover modifications they don’t know about.
This is the single biggest insurance mistake van owners make. And it happens all the time.
Types of Insurance for Converted Vans
There are a few different ways to insure a campervan or converted van. The right option depends on the value of your build, how you use the van, and where you live.
Standard Auto Insurance
This is what most people already carry. It covers liability, collision, and comprehensive damage for the vehicle itself. For a converted van, a standard auto policy will cover the base vehicle but will not cover the conversion work.
When it works: If you have a very minimal build (say, a simple bed platform and some storage) and you’re comfortable absorbing that loss, standard auto might be fine. But for anything beyond basic modifications, it falls short.
RV or Specialty Vehicle Insurance
This is the better option for most van conversions. RV and specialty vehicle policies are designed for modified or converted vehicles, and they cover the full agreed-upon value of the van plus the build.
With these policies, you and the insurer agree on a total value upfront. If you have receipts and documentation showing a $60K conversion on a $55K van, the policy covers $115K. Some policies even cover appreciation if your build increases in value over time.
Key providers for converted vans:
- National General - One of the more well-known carriers for custom vehicles. They offer agreed-value policies and have experience with conversions.
- State Farm - Some agents can write specialty vehicle or RV endorsements for converted vans. Coverage varies by agent and region.
- Progressive - Offers RV insurance that can cover converted vans. They’re one of the larger carriers in this space.
- Roamly - Built specifically for van lifers and converted vehicle owners. They understand the van life community and the unique needs of a conversion.
- Proper Insurance - Specializes in short-term rental coverage for platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare. A good option if you plan to rent your van out when you’re not using it, but not a primary campervan insurer for personal use.
Contents and Personal Property Coverage
Your van insurance covers the vehicle and the conversion. But what about the stuff inside? Laptops, cameras, climbing gear, clothing, kitchen supplies. Most auto and RV policies have limited coverage for personal belongings, and homeowner’s insurance usually excludes items stored in vehicles.
If you’re living in your van full-time, consider an inland marine policy or a personal property rider to cover your belongings separately.
How Much Does Campervan Insurance Cost?
The short answer: plan for $1,000 to $3,000 per year for a converted van with full coverage.
The actual cost depends on several factors:
- Total insured value - A $40K van costs less to insure than a $120K van. Higher value = higher premiums.
- Coverage type - Liability-only is cheaper than full coverage with collision and comprehensive. But liability-only defeats the purpose of protecting a conversion.
- Your driving record - Clean record means lower rates. Accidents and tickets push premiums up.
- Where you’re based - Insurance costs vary by state. California tends to run higher than average.
- Full-time vs. part-time use - Living in the van full-time can increase your premium because the vehicle is exposed to more risk and more miles.
- Deductible - A higher deductible lowers your premium but means more out-of-pocket cost after a claim.
For a Standard tier van conversion valued at $80K-$100K total (vehicle + build), expect to pay somewhere in the $1,500 to $2,500 per year range for comprehensive coverage.
Pro tip: Get quotes from at least three providers before committing. Rates vary significantly between carriers, especially for converted vans.
Getting Your Conversion Value Covered
This is where documentation becomes critical. An insurance company won’t just take your word that the conversion is worth $60K. You need proof.
What Insurers Want to See
- Itemized build sheet - A detailed breakdown of every component, system, and material in the build, with costs attached. This is the foundation of your claim for conversion value.
- Receipts and invoices - Every major purchase should be documented. Electrical components, cabinetry materials, appliances, plumbing fixtures, solar panels, batteries, heaters. Keep everything.
- Photos - Before, during, and after the build. Progress photos showing the work being done are powerful evidence of the quality and scope of the conversion.
- Professional appraisal - Some insurers require (or strongly prefer) a third-party appraisal of the completed conversion. An appraiser inspects the van and provides an independent valuation.
- RVIA certification - The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association offers a certification program. Some insurance companies give better rates or easier underwriting for RVIA-certified builds. Not all builders carry this certification, and it’s not always required, but it can help.
Why Build Documentation Matters
We provide detailed build documentation to every client at Emery Custom Builds. That includes itemized component lists, progress photos at every stage, and a complete record of the systems installed in the van. This isn’t just for your peace of mind during the build. It’s the paperwork that protects your investment when you go to insure the van.
If your builder doesn’t provide this kind of documentation, you’ll have a much harder time proving the value of your conversion to an insurer. When you’re planning your build, factor in how well-documented the process will be.
Thinking about a van conversion? We handle everything from design to build to documentation, so your conversion is insured and protected from day one. Call us at (714) 257-5446 or email hello@emerycustombuilds.com to start the conversation.
Liability vs. Comprehensive vs. Collision
If you’re new to insurance terminology, here’s a quick breakdown of the three main coverage types and how they apply to a converted van.
Liability
Liability covers damage you cause to other people and their property. If you rear-end someone in a parking lot, liability pays for their repairs and medical bills. It does not cover damage to your own van.
Every state requires liability insurance. As of January 1, 2025, California requires minimum limits of $30K/$60K/$15K (bodily injury per person/per accident/property damage) — the first increase since 1967, enacted via SB 1107. Even with the higher minimums, those limits are dangerously low for a high-value converted van. Most van owners should carry at least $100K/$300K/$100K.
Collision
Collision covers damage to your van from an accident, regardless of fault. If you slide off an icy road or back into a pole, collision pays for the repair or replacement. With an RV/specialty policy, collision coverage includes the conversion value.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive covers non-collision damage: theft, vandalism, hail, falling trees, fire, flooding. For a converted van that might be parked at trailheads, campgrounds, or city streets, comprehensive coverage is important. Van break-ins happen, and a fire in the electrical system (rare but possible) could total the build.
Bottom line: If you’ve invested in a quality conversion, carry all three. Liability protects others. Collision and comprehensive protect you and your build.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Van Life Insurance
How you use your van significantly affects your insurance options and cost.
Part-Time Use (Weekender or Vacation Van)
If the van is a secondary vehicle and you use it for trips and weekends, insurance is more straightforward. Most RV and specialty vehicle policies are designed for this use case. Premiums tend to be lower because the van spends less time on the road and less time exposed to risk.
You can typically keep the van on a standard auto policy with an RV endorsement, or move to a standalone RV policy.
Full-Time Use (Living in the Van)
Full-time van life changes the equation. When the van is your primary residence, insurers see more risk: more miles driven, more time parked in unfamiliar areas, and more personal belongings at stake.
Some carriers won’t cover full-time van dwellers at all. Others, like Roamly, specifically cater to this market.
If you live in the van full-time, make sure your policy covers:
- Full-time residence use - Not all policies allow it. Ask specifically.
- Personal belongings - Standard auto policies won’t cover your laptop, clothing, and gear. You may need a separate rider.
- Roadside assistance - Full-timers depend on their van. A good roadside assistance plan is worth the extra cost.
- Total loss replacement - If the van is totaled, you want enough coverage to replace the vehicle and the conversion, not just the depreciated market value.
California-Specific Insurance Notes
Since we’re based in San Diego, CA, most of our clients are insuring their converted vans in California. Here are a few things specific to the state.
Registration vs. Insurance Classification
California does not require you to register a converted van as an RV in most cases. Your Sprinter, ProMaster, or Transit can stay registered as a standard vehicle with the DMV. However, your insurance classification is a separate matter.
You can carry RV or specialty vehicle insurance on a van that’s registered as a standard vehicle. The DMV registration and the insurance policy don’t need to match classifications. What matters is that your policy accurately reflects the vehicle’s actual use and value.
For more on how California handles van registration, we’ve put together a separate guide.
California Insurance Requirements
California requires all vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance. But as mentioned above, even the updated state minimums ($30K/$60K/$15K) are very low for a high-value converted van. If someone hits your $100K van and only carries minimum liability, their insurance won’t come close to covering the loss. Carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and make sure your own policy reflects the true value.
Proposition 103
California’s Prop 103 requires insurers to base rates primarily on driving record, annual mileage, and years of experience. California fully prohibits the use of credit-based insurance scores for setting auto insurance rates — one of only four states to do so. This is actually favorable for van owners with clean records and lower annual mileage.
Common Campervan Insurance Mistakes
We see these mistakes regularly. Avoid them.
1. Not Disclosing the Conversion
If you modify your van and don’t tell your insurance company, you’re risking a denied claim. Insurers need to know about significant modifications. Failing to disclose a conversion could be considered material misrepresentation, which gives the insurer grounds to deny your claim entirely.
2. Underinsuring the Build
Getting the minimum coverage to save $200 per year on premiums is a false economy. If your conversion cost $60K and you only insure it for $30K, you’re eating the other $30K if something happens.
3. Assuming Homeowner’s Insurance Covers Contents
It almost never does for items inside a vehicle. Check your homeowner’s policy carefully. Most exclude vehicle contents entirely or cap coverage at a few hundred dollars.
4. Skipping Uninsured Motorist Coverage
A meaningful percentage of California drivers are uninsured. If one of them hits your van, you need your own policy to cover the loss. Uninsured motorist coverage is inexpensive relative to the protection it provides.
5. Not Updating Your Policy After the Build
If you insured the van before the conversion started, the policy still reflects the base vehicle value. Once the build is complete, update your policy immediately with the full conversion value, documentation, and photos.
What to Document During Your Build
Whether you’re doing a DIY build or hiring a professional shop, keep records of everything. Here’s what to track:
- Every receipt - Parts, materials, appliances, fixtures. Digital copies stored in the cloud are ideal.
- Progress photos - Photograph each stage: empty van, insulation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing, cabinetry, finished product. Date-stamped photos are even better.
- An itemized build sheet - List every component with its cost. Electrical system, plumbing system, interior, exterior, HVAC. Break it all down.
- Labor costs - If you hire a professional builder, your invoices serve as documentation. If you’re DIY, document the hours and the tasks.
- Appliance serial numbers - Fridges, heaters, cooktops, inverters. Serial numbers help with both insurance claims and warranty issues.
- A professional appraisal - Once the build is done, consider getting an independent appraisal. This locks in the value for insurance purposes and gives you negotiating power if you ever need to file a claim.
At Emery Custom Builds, we include comprehensive build documentation as part of every project. When we hand over your van, you get the records you need to insure it properly. Check out our completed builds to see the level of detail we put into every conversion.
How to Get Insured: Step by Step
- Finish (or nearly finish) the build. Most insurers want to see a completed or near-complete conversion before issuing a specialty policy.
- Gather your documentation. Build sheet, receipts, photos, appraisal.
- Get quotes from multiple providers. Start with Roamly and National General for van-specific coverage. Then check Progressive and State Farm for comparison.
- Disclose everything. Tell the insurer about every modification: solar, electrical, plumbing, structural changes, added weight, roof-mounted equipment.
- Choose agreed-value coverage. This locks in the total value of the van and conversion. Avoid “actual cash value” policies that depreciate your build over time.
- Review annually. If you add upgrades or your van appreciates in value, update the policy.
Protect the Investment
A custom van conversion is a significant investment. The build itself might cost $15K to $100K+ depending on the scope, and the base vehicle adds another $30K to $70K on top of that. Proper campervan insurance makes sure that investment is protected.
Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Get your van life insurance sorted out before you hit the road, and keep your documentation current so you can prove the value of your build if you ever need to.
Ready to start planning your build? We handle conversions on Sprinter, ProMaster, and Transit platforms, and we make sure you leave with the documentation you need to insure your van properly. Tell us about your build and we’ll get back to you with a custom estimate.