Whether you're in a Factory RV, Shuttle Bus Conversion, Skoolie, Van, or Box Truck, the idea of RV Insurance is, at best, difficult to understand. There is a great deal of confusion about what type of insurance to get, which company to use, and what type of policy you need for your current situation.
Additionally, the cost and local requirements can vary greatly from state to state. Sometimes it's easy to find Cheap RV Insurance, and sometimes it's a major expense that requires inspections, pictures, weight tickets, and multiple appointments with the Insurance Company.
Let's run through the most common questions and get some answers.
First and Foremost: - For those of you doing a Build (we will use the terms “Bus”, “Skoolie”, “Shuttle”, “Box Van”, and “Rig” interchangeably) everything about Insurance gets easier once you have “Converted Your Title to RV”. Depending on your location it will probably take less time, effort, and expense to do this than it will to obtain your first RV Insurance Policy, even after your conversion is complete. When you see the phrase “Convert Your Title”, this is what we mean. If you haven't already read our blog on that topic please take a look here.
If your Converting a Sprinter, Transit, or Cargo Van, (“Vanlife”) regular vehicle insurance will work at first, but you might run into trouble when attempting to find Full Time RV Insurance. Start with the section on “...while Doing My Build” below.
If you're driving a Factory RV (new or used) it is fairly straightforward. Your main concern is understanding the difference between “Recreational Only” and “Full Time RV” Insurance. You can skip ahead to that section.
What type of RV Insurance do I need?: - There are essentially four points along your Skoolie, Van, or RV Lifestyle journey at which you need to consider this, and four types of insurance that go along with them:
Driving your School Bus (Box Van, Etc.) home when you purchase it.
Insurance for your vehicle while doing your Build.
Insuring a “Recreational Only” RV (including Converted Titles.).
Full Time RV Living Insurance.
Do I need Insurance to drive my Bus Home from the Auction, Dealer, Etc.?: - Yes. - On the surface, it isn't much different than when you buy a car from a dealership or individual, but the rules get a little vague when it comes to “commercial” vehicles. Many states will allow a “binder” agreement for vehicle purchases for the purpose of getting that vehicle home. You're only required to provide proof of the policy (or a “Binder Policy Number”) and have your purchase documents with you. Understand that this is not your long term solution, but will cover you if you get pulled over on the way back from the lot.
There are a few different options, depending on your location, financing, and the amount of risk you are willing to take.
Option 1: You paid Cash for the vehicle (not financed). Your only concern is having “Proof Of Insurance” for the police, and you're willing to take the risk of “Liability Only” (meaning that any damages incurred to your rig will not be covered). - In this case, start by calling your agent, or logging into your policy online, and attempting to add the vehicle to your existing policy by providing the VIN.
*Be advised that if the VIN on your Shuttle Bus comes up as a “Ford E-450”, or a “Chevy 5500” with no mention of Commercial Application, that is what you are insuring. While this is fine for the police officer that pulls you over, you may be in trouble if you get into a wreck. Many companies don't insure commercial vehicles at all, and in their eyes, until you Convert Your Title and complete your Build, that's what you are driving.
Option 2: The above conditions apply, but you couldn't add the vehicle to your existing policy, or you are a little nervous about potential liability if you have an accident. - It's worth a moment to explain to your agent that you're just looking for a Temporary, Liability-Only Policy for the purpose of getting the Rig home. Some carriers offer 24, 48, or 72 hour policies, or “Transport Only” options that are a bit more flexible, but what to do if they still won't cover you?
If you can't get a policy from your current carrier (or don't have a carrier), you need to look for an “Insurance Broker” - Not an Agent from another company. You may be tempted to start calling 800 numbers or checking websites of major carriers, but I can tell you from personal experience that it is frustrating and very time consuming (to say nothing of the inevitable Spam that comes with it). An “Insurance Broker” will check with multiple companies and underwriters for a “Commercial Liability”, “Commercial for Personal Use”, or even a “Catastrophic” Policy. It might be expensive, but it will get you home, and you can always cancel next month.
Option 3: Your Bus is financed and you need (or want) Full Coverage. - Again, start with your current Insurance Provider. Some companies in some places might just add it to your existing policy and not have an issue. - It's worth a shot, but don't be offended if they say “No.” - The next step is to check with the company that is writing the loan. If they finance this type of vehicle they can likely recommend an insurance company that will cover it. You'll probably need a “Commercial Comprehensive” Policy (or similar) at first. It will be expensive, but once you've Converted Your Title you can shop around and change policies. Failing that, explain your situation to an Insurance Broker. They will find you something that will get your Rig home.
Option 4: Get Creative. - If none of the above work for you (or it's too expensive), see if the Seller will Deliver the Bus for a fee (shifting the liability to them), or perhaps they can “store it” for you until you Convert Your Title. - If you use the Vermont Method you might pay for a month or so of Storage, but it still may be cheaper and easier than finding commercial insurance.
Failing that, hire an “RV Drive-Away” company, or find a trustworthy friend who owns a farm or small business (e.g. construction) and already insures a fleet of vehicles. Pay them to deliver it to you under their existing coverage. -This could get messy and expensive, so it should only be used as a last resort.
Please Note: Laws regarding driving a “commercial vehicle” might factor in if you happen to get pulled over or have an accident on the way home. See our blog “Do I Need a CDL...” to minimize this risk.
Do I need Insurance while Doing my Build (parked, in storage, etc.)?: - Yes. Your storage facility could burn down or get broken into. You're going to want to take the Rig for a spin from time to time, or at least practice driving it and, if nothing else, you'll soon find out that it's much easier to take the Bus or Van to pick up building materials, rather than loading and unloading everything twice.
Throughout the Build Process you can continue to carry some type of Personal or Commercial Liability, as described above, but consider the fact that this won't cover the items you Install in your Bus. (Cabinetry, Solar, Appliances....) Commercial Comprehensive Policies are expensive, and even Full Coverage on Your Sprinter, may not include your Build Items. You should Convert Your Title as early in the process as you can, and look into an RV Insurance Policy that will.
*Whether Recreational or Full Time, Skoolie, Vanlife, or otherwise, you will very likely need to provide images or have inspections done to get RV Insurance. If you want the policy to cover the expense of your Build, or any elements you add, you should be prepared to show the cost of the items installed. Some carriers are okay with a spreadsheet, but some will require the actual receipts. Be sure you keep accurate records of everything you put in your Rig.
What is the difference between “Recreational Only” and “Full Time RV” Insurance?: - If you just get a quote for “RV Insurance”, it is almost certainly “Recreational Only”. It can be surprisingly inexpensive, but comes with limitations. Specifically, the policy generally states that you cannot live in your RV or use it as a permanent domicile. In addition, it might limit miles driven, types of use, and even where you camp. Most policies assume that the Rig is in storage or parked most of the time and you only take it out camping a few times a year.
For a Factory RV it more or less works like your car insurance. It covers damage to the vehicle and standard equipment, and a certain amount for injuries (but probably not the solar panels you added on). For a Converted Title (Bus or Vanlife), on a Recreational Only Policy you might have a tough time getting any of your Build Elements covered at all. Sometimes it will. Sometimes it won't. - Read the fine print, and check the list of “ad-ons” below.
“Full Time RV Insurance” is more like renters or home-owners insurance. The goal is to cover the Rig and a certain value for your Build elements and personal possessions. Often, this is accomplished by adding on certain coverages in an “a-la-cart” fashion, the most important of which are: (names may vary by provider) Full-Timer's Liability, Personal Property and Belongings, Personal Attachments, and Roadside Assistance (towing a Bus or RV is very expensive). - Be sure you ask for these coverages specifically.
You may also want to consider: Collision, Comprehensive, Emergency Expenses (e.g. a hotel while your Rig is in the shop), Total Loss Replacement, Companion Auto, Storage, and Uninsured Motorist.
You should also ask your agent what else is available. When it comes to Full Time Insurance, “Too much is never enough.” You might even check into an “Umbrella Policy” to cover additional Liability.
Please note that some of these Ad On Policies may be available through Camping Clubs like Good Sam, Escapees, KOA, etc. Be sure to check with them while doing your shopping.
Where do I look for Affordable RV Insurance?: - Prices and types of available coverage vary dramatically from state to state, and many major carriers do not cover Converted Titles at all. Once you've exhausted your efforts with your current provider, work with this list of the Top RV Insurance Carriers:
*** Update: 07/07/2021: There have been recent changes to the list below. Please note - It depends on your geographic location, but Allstate and Progressive have stopped covering “converted” vehicles in many areas. Good Sam has also been reported to be hesitant on Skoolies, Shuttles, and Van Conversions (All are still okay with Factory RVs). It’s still worth giving them a call and asking the question. Don’t get discouraged if they say “No”. If all else fails, you should still be able to get coverage through an insurance broker.
Additionally, you can look into Establishing Domicile in a state with more friendly options for converted vehicles (such a Texas), and shop for policy options there. You can technically do this before you’re even on The Road full time, or hold a commercial policy until you make the move. Click for info.
*As the market changes, we will keep a list of companies that we hear are now writing policies for self-conversions. Currently only one additional that we know: Renegade Insurance (half a dozen states but adding all the time). Call for info: 682-250-0193
Farm Bureau: - Better known in the Midwest and the South, they claim to have agents in all 50 states. We’ve heard both extremes; “…easiest Insurance ever…” and “They never returned my call.” - As of 2/25/2022 Farm Bureau seems to be the most likely to cover self-converted vehicles. - Call them first.
State Farm: - They could be ridiculously expensive in one state, and offer “Cheap RV Insurance” in another. It’s worth the call, but see the section above on Domicile if you’re having difficulty finding local Skoolie Insurance.
Those in The Midwest, specifically IL, MO, IA, and KY can contact Damon Priddy, a State Farm Agent who specializes in Skoolies.
RVer Insurance Exchange: Works in Partnership with Escapees RV Club (Click the link above). What they can do for you will vary by state and vehicle, but it’s worth checking! - You might be contacting them again for health insurance.
Good Sam, RVInsurance.com, National General: - We list these together because they all pretty much point to National General Insurance. You'll want to to get a quote from all three. You might actually get a better rate through Good Sam (if you're in an RV, already a member, or “sign up” with the quote), or RV.Insurance.com (depending on your locale). *Note: If you’re in a self-converted vehicle you’ll need to go directly to National General.
Progressive: - Formerly one of the “go-to” companies for self-conversions, Progressive is tightening the reigns and even discontinuing coverage on many of us who were “grandfathered in”. - They write good policies for “Factory RVs, and do partner with KOA (Kampgrounds Of America). Get a quote through them if you're a member, or check into a discount for signing up.
*Those of you in Florida (or planning to Domicile in Florida) should take a look at this blog post by Destination Unknown for in-depth info on Skoolie Insurance in FLA.
Allstate: - ***Update: It’s still worth contacting Kelly, but Allstate has stopped covering self-converted vehicles in most states.*** In general, Allstate tends to be expensive and a little more “picky” when it comes to Converted Titles. That being said, one particular Allstate Agent is rapidly cornering the Skoolie Insurance Market. - Kelly Newsome is an Allstate Agent in Florida who has gained quite a reputation for solving Skoolie Insurance “issues” nationwide. If you're having trouble finding what you need, it's worth sending her an email. - kellynewsome1@allstate.com -
A word on “Lying”: You will find many people in Forums and Groups that offer “creative alternatives” for finding Cheap RV Insurance. Some even advocate being less than completely honest when purchasing a policy. Perhaps you like to gamble or your Build is cheap enough that it seems like a non-issue. Feel free to follow this path, but please do your Due Diligence if you do and understand that, while you may meet state insurance requirements, you will be effectively Self-Insured.
If you never have a problem, congrats! You saved a little dough... But it only takes that one bad day, and that one denied claim to put you in a world of hurt...
Please let us know if you have a provider to add to this list or a “better way” to find Skoolie, Van or RV Insurance.
-Stay safe in your Travels!
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