Van insurance can be confusing. We can help. While coverage and policies vary widely by state, this post will guide you through finding the right insurance for you—and how being RVIA-compliant can give you better coverage at a lower cost.
Even Though Van Life Is Booming, Insurance Can Still Be Confusing
The popularity of van life has soared in recent years, yet much of the insurance industry still lags behind. A converted camper van sits somewhere between an auto and an RV, so insurance companies—and even individual agents—often treat coverage differently from one policy to the next.
After navigating these challenges for our own vans—and working with hundreds of DM Vans owners—we’ve gathered insights to help you find the coverage you need. Keep in mind: coverage depends on your state, your van’s registration, your age, driving record, loan requirements, and more. You’ll need an insurance broker or agent to finalize your quote, but this overview will get you started.
Types of Insurance
Auto Policy
• Pros: Often the simplest, sometimes the cheapest.
• Cons: Only covers the vehicle itself, not the conversion, build, or add-ons.
We generally don’t recommend an auto policy for a fully converted camper van because most of the van’s value is in the build. If something happens to your interior, an auto policy won’t cover those custom features or any personal property inside.
Class B RV Policy
• Pros: Covers both the vehicle and the build; easier to prove value if it’s a professional conversion.
• Cons: Insurers require your builder to be RVIA certified (or otherwise recognized as an RV manufacturer).
Here’s the good news: DM Vans are now RVIA-compliant—meaning we meet RV industry standards and can be officially recognized as Class B RVs. This often makes coverage less expensive and more accessible through traditional RV insurance carriers, because insurers see professional builds (especially those with RVIA certification) as less risky than DIY conversions.
Where a DIY build might have to prove its value piece by piece, DM Vans’ recognized professional status speeds up the underwriting process, lowers liability concerns for the insurer, and reduces potential coverage hurdles. You generally just need to provide photos of features, a bill of sale or invoice for the conversion, and the standard documentation for your vehicle.
The Insurance Process
1. Collect All Necessary Information
Before contacting an agent, gather:
• Driver’s License & Social Security Number
• VIN & Vehicle Title Info
• Proof of the Van’s Value (build + chassis)
If you’re going the Class B RV route, your insurer may ask for additional proof that your van has RV-related features like a bed, kitchenette, water system, and permanent wiring. As an RVIA-compliant company, DM Vans makes this easy—we can provide documentation showing our professional build and certification.
2. Determine Your Coverage Needs
At a minimum, you’ll need liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, especially if you financed your van. Consider adding:
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage
• Medical (for you and your passengers)
• Personal Property coverage (for belongings inside the van)
• Full-Time RV Living coverage (if you live in your van 6+ months per year)
Some full-time policies may include benefits like emergency expense coverage for temporary housing or coverage for adjacent structures and debris removal. Requirements vary by lender and state, but opting above the bare minimum often pays off.
3. Find an Insurance Broker or Shop Around
Insurance can be confusing—especially for vans—so we often advise working with a broker who understands van life. A good broker can:
• Present quotes from multiple carriers
• Highlight coverage differences (like whether or not they recognize RVIA certification)
• Potentially snag better rates due to their relationships with insurers
If you’d rather handle it personally, get multiple quotes from well-known insurers offering Class B RV policies. Being RVIA-compliant smooths the process because the build’s value is easily verifiable, and insurers see DM Vans as a lower risk.
4. Weigh Your Options and Choose Coverage
Once you have quotes, compare:
• Deductibles: Are they payable in an accident or damage claim?
• Coverage: Do you have enough to repair or replace both chassis and build?
• Extras: Does the policy cover personal items, roadside assistance, rental coverage, etc.?
You’ll need active insurance before picking up your van if you’re financing or want to drive off the lot legally. Make sure you secure the policy that best protects your investment.
Our Recommendation
For a straightforward, specialized, and van-focused option, we recommend Roamly. They offer:
• Collision, Comprehensive, and Medical coverage
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
• Roadside Assistance
• Full-Time Coverage (if you live in your van 6+ months a year)
With RVIA compliance, DM Vans owners find Roamly is often easier to work with than mainstream carriers unaccustomed to van-specific issues. If you plan to rent your van on sites like Outdoorsy, Roamly’s policies let you do that without invalidating coverage—something many traditional carriers don’t allow.
We’ve partnered with Roamly for a reason: their policies simplify the process for DM Vans owners, offering better coverage at competitive rates for your 2025 Lifestyle Vehicle®. To learn more, email info@dmvans.com or start your Roamly quote at their official site.
Conclusion
Yes, van life insurance can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Because DM Vans are now RVIA-compliant, insurers view us as Class B RVs, which brings better coverage at lower costs compared to custom or DIY builds. By knowing what type of policy you want, gathering the right documents, and working with a broker or specialized insurer, you’ll be well on your way to a secure (and fully covered) #VanLife.
When in doubt, reach out—our team of trusted educators at DM Vans is here to help you navigate every aspect of your new adventure.
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Got questions on coverage? Email info@dmvans.com and we’ll point you in the right direction.