How to Insure a DIY Camper Van Conversion for Van Life | Adventure in a Backpack

[@rvvanlife]

Thank you for sharing this information, this helps

[@annacosentine3616]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@johntorma777]

Wow! What a lengthy process for which you helped create a DIY path for us viewers to use as guides. I'm very interested in who you got to insure it for you, after you went through all the registration processes; mind sharing with whom you went, since I haven't seen it elsewhere as of yet? Thanks for all the helpful videos & content!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We are using Reilly Chunn State Farm out of Arvada, CO.

[@quinnlb4412]

omg this was the MOST helpful video i have found. so grateful! thank you!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No problem. Happy to help!

[@quinnkae6385]

wow this was SO helpful! getting ready to start my build and have been stuck on trying to figure this out!! now i have so much more to go on!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@philipscoccer]

I'm not an insurance hack but have mine with a company called Amica. I spent an insane amount of time finding them, even though they are usually the top pick in Consumer's Report, and it saved me a bunch. Love your channel. Thanks

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Good to know! We haven't heard of them. Glad it worked out well for you!

[@ruinsane100]

Amica covered you? Are you in NJ? We had Amica and bought a Ford Econoline camper van with the intention of modifying it and they WOULD NOT COVER IT. We ended up switching to Allstate. They covered the van but would not cover any of the modifications. We ended up getting rid of the van. Too much trouble dealing with the insurance coverage here in NJ. :(

[@monie948]

how much do you pay in insurance every month? are you insured as an rv?

[@philipscoccer]

@@sheri4673 it's been great so far I get the yearly checks in the mail sometimes totaling $300 for them distributing their savings to their customers. On the other hand I haven't finished my belt so I haven't asked them whether they'll cover me after the transformation. Everything from priced customer service is incredible.

[@BrianBaute]

If you had a business/LLC, could you invoice yourself from the company for the cost of your labor? And that would then be your upfitter?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You'd want to talk to your insurance agent about that & be transparent about what you were trying to do and see what they said.

[@PapaElegua]

One of the most helpful, most crucial topics of VanLife there is... thank you for addressing this!!!

[@cowpunkability]

Is a ram promaster 3500 always going to be considered a commercial van? Then why do people even convert this model if it can’t get insured once it’s converted?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

That's not always the case, no. Depends on the state.

[@ciorstaidh_hall]

What was the van insured as WHILST the build was taking place??

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The van itself was insured as just a van. The contents/build were not covered as part of our vehicle insurance, but in the event of an accident, would be covered under our homeowners/renters insurance.

[@ErinElizabethBurns1]

This was CRAZY helpful! I've called 4 insurance companies & everyone has turned me down so far...I've got way more detailed info to share with them now. Many many thanks!

[@MedicDuck]

Get those receipts scanned quick! Receipt paper works with heat, there a small heated stylus in the machine and that changes the color of the paper to black, it’s not ink on paper. Over time with temperature and humidity changes as well as age the paper can turn black. Thank you so much for this info!!

[@raczyk]

Are copies just as good as the original? Like a cell phone picture.

[@MsBdazzle]

Thank you for this video! Which insurance company did you go with? If you said it in the video, I completely missed it and I don't see it in the notes.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

State Farm.

[@Von-Guti]

Do you know if batteries would be covered under the structure of the vehicle or under the additional -personal-coverage? Battle born batteries are expensive, If the vehicle is totaled, that would be one of the major items I would want fully covered. Thank you!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

They are covered under the build-out of the van.

[@thisspotrules3631]

How did you insure the build while building? If you you needed to show final completion with receipts and photos? Ya kinda jumped over the part. Any mods start from the 1st screw.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The actual build part DURING construction wasn't really insured. There wasn't a good way to accomplish that.

[@cowpunkability]

Is it ok to just insure it as a personal vehicle? I bought a van and it has a diy build someone did, he sent me spreadsheet of cost of things he put in but I don’t have a gal receipts. I want coverage for the van if it’s stolen or if I hurt someone or I get hurt but I don’t really care about the cost of the build being covered. My biggest concern is if I don’t mention the build will it are my insurance void? If my van is registered as an rv then my Hoa won’t allow me to park it at my home. So I’m wondering what’s the advantage of having it inured as an rv, do you have to in order to get covered for the big stuff, like liability?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

You'll want to talk to your insurance agent about that.

[@chipper7711]

Did State Farm REQUIRE you to register/title your van as a Motorhome before they would insure you?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

If you're planning on insuring it as a motorhome, yes, it needs to be registered as a Motorhome.

[@InternetTween]

Thanks for such a great video! Did you insure the van before going to the DMV?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

It was insured as a normal vehicle before we went to the DMV.

[@OLIVIA8302-c9y]

Great video! Thank you 😍

[@VegasD702]

How are you gonna get your labor insured? You would need insurance from your contractor or yourself... lol

[@bikebum2006]

I was told by Riley that I'd have to have other vehicles insured on an auto policy with State Farm in order to have the Van insured as an RV. Do you have other vehicles insured with State Farm?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

If that's your only vehicle, it has to be insured as your primary vehicle, but it will be insured to include the price of the build out.

[@debralewis3864]

Very helpful. I have in mind two commercial vehicles to buy and convert but am trying to get the insurance ironed out first. What sort of coverage did you have on your van prior and during the buildout?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We just had normal vehicle insurance. During the build was also still just standard vehicle insurance, which wasn't ideal, but was the only option.

[@christinboicourt9053]

Thanks so much for the info! Are you able to share who your insurance agent is? I live in Colorado and am currently trying to get my van build covered.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No problem! Glad it helped. Get ahold of Cindy at Reilly Chunn's State Farm office in Arvada. 👍👍

[@0045dmoore]

The entire build was $40000? In detail, how did you two manage this? Does this $40000 include absolutely everything, all the way down to the really cool bumper and tires? If so, this too could my reality. I am Army Veteran, with out a home of my own. I live in a large city now do to my work. Its very expensive to live here, and I cant afford much outside a dilapidated rental. But, if could only build this van for this price, this is do able. This would be a life changer for me. If I did rent, I would become trapped in that life, in such a vicious cycle. Yes, things are what you make of it folks, but for medical reasons, I would not be able to bear it. The van life would suit me right down to the core of my being. Thank you.

[@timothythomas1626]

You May consider Scanning Them. As I found that recipts some more than others FADE. And can fade until they cant be read.

[@sadiegirl303]

Did you have insurance on the van before the build? If so what type? I am building a van now and I am wanting to insure it while I’m working on it

[@EXPLORISTlife]

It was insured as a normal vehicle before the build. A camper van build in progress can't really be insured properly to what it'll actually be worth in regards to the actual build out. The van itself would be insured, but the contents wouldn't be until the build is finished.

[@ValidityJ]

Excellent video. I turned on the notifications with this one. I just got off the phone with my insurance company, totally defeated, they "don't have any way to cover" me if I was to convert a van. Clearly I need to shop around for insurance companies. If any insurance agent or someone who understands this could explain this.... I have no intention on walking away from my condo or quitting my job right now. I am looking into either converting a mini-van to include a kitchen with stove, running water and a place to sleep or buy one that's already set up.....but I want to use it to continue to commute to work, live in my condo and just weekend warrior camp in this van when I can. Seems with Geico - this is a huge problem. What's the difference if I commute back and forth to work or I drive daily to explore the country?? I don't get it. Would love some help/direction on this.

[@ValidityJ]

@Kamper KenI chucked the idea of a minivan for now. I actually bought a Honda Element and am installing an Ursa Minor pop top on it.

[@ValidityJ]

@Kamper Ken for me, a daily driver to & from work is more of the priority.

[@tamarthomson4236]

Thank you so much for this video. I am purchasing an ambo build out in a week in CO. This was so helpful.

[@isaacsvan3566]

Thanks so much for this video!! I'm looking to insure my van in North Carolina and I had some trouble with my broker who wanted to go through Progressive because Progressive requires a permanent cooking appliance and my cooking surface is not permanent. I hope to make a similar video for anyone in North Carolina that is going through this same process.

[@JCRogers3]

Sooooo glad you made this video! Great information.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@calicojunctionisclosed]

We found in keeping receipts many of the print on those store receipts fade with time ( some just 1 yr.) and scanning is important.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yeah, super handy... then you don't have a box of junk laying around as well.

[@raczyk]

Is a copy of a receipt as good as the original?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yes

[@LinkJones]

Great in depth details!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks so much!

[@rebeccarubinstein9813]

Thanks for the info! Why did you decide to retitle the van as a motorhome? Are there any benefits in that? Also does that mean you paid registration twice in one year? As a cargo van, then as a motorhome?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We registered as a motor home because it solidifies our insurance stance (full time living). It's also cheaper registration. ...and no, we didn't pay it twice because in Colorado we had 90 days to register it and we were able to have the build completed enough to be an RV within those first 90 days.

[@Sassytacobites]

Hello thank you again for putting this video out. I was curious as to if the State Farm insurance you have will cover you in Canada or Mexico if not what options do you do. Thanks

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Canada, yes. Mexico, no... and that's not because of state farm. The Mexican government requires Mexican insurance, so no american companies, unless they are licensed in mexico can issue Mexican insurance.

[@livinglifewithaaron7118]

So glad y'all made this video. There's zero info out there on this. Also, do you think this would be the same for Florida?

[@livinglifewithaaron7118]

Also, 60$ a month for the build and the van, etc? Would that change much on a let's say 2016?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks! Yeah... it's a state by state, person by person, build by build basis you really need to talk to your insurance agent about.

[@LinkJones]

I'm Building in Florida and went through Progressive a few months back. (have been insured with them for over 10 years) So IDK if that helped, but they didn't ask for anything other then specs. However CHeapRVliving- Insurance for nomads, Says thats normal, its when there's an incident that you need all the documentation ( There's a trust that you did everything up to code) Talking with an agent about it is the best way to go.

[@PapaElegua]

@@LinkJones hey, if I can ask, what company did you manage to t insurance through for a DIY camper out of FL? I have a good bro in that exact situation and he’s struggling with insurance companies...

[@LinkJones]

@@PapaElegua I got progressive it was super easy. I just called and said I need insurance for an RV.

[@Von-Guti]

You are amazing! Thank you very much, this video is absolutely vital for #VanLife. I assumed Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) certification was required in order to be covered, thankfully I was wrong. I don't understand why commercial insurance companies (other then State Farm) don't up their game. The wonderful VanLife community is growing by the second. It's a Life-Change, not a temporary "trend". Other then the vehicle/structure coverage, is adding the secondary "personal item coverage" better then rental coverage? Wouldn't rental insurance also cover things like clothes, electronics, food, shoes, dishes, and sports gear? I'm genuinely curious about the main differences. Peeps, I would also encourage you to add hotel-rental-stay reimbursement, If the van is your primary and only dwelling, in case of total loss then you would likely need a place to stay while things are figured out.

[@brittmccann]

CHRISTINA Rental insurance can cover your stuff if you have a home address

[@VanInhalin]

basically denver, boulder, fort collins, and greeley are the only places that require gas emissions. On diesel testing add Colorado Springs to the list.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Good to know! Super annoying having to have it done every year... lol

[@kdrguru]

How do you register the car if you dont have a physical address? Im undertaking the same process in CO, so it would be helpful if DMV allows a po box or similar.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We still own a home in Denver that's currently being used as a rental property, so we still have a physical address. You won't be able to register or get a CO drivers license without a physical address.

[@kfstreich4787]

S M look into South Dakota, it appears to be easy to become a resident, you need a recipe from a night in a campground from what I've read, and I believe 3-4% sales tax, no state income tax.

[@kfstreich4787]

Adventure in a Backpack wow. So many people seem to think you have to sell your house, when you decide to settle back down you've got to start all over.

[@madusan1]

Clear and Concise! Excellent as always!! Now just have to find out how to do this in Canada....

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks so much! :D Yeah, we have no clue for our Canada friends.

[@sigurdsonify]

Did you have any luck, and if so, would you please share the name of your insurer? Thank you!

[@jm4672]

Anybody know anything about a box truck to RV in South Carolina for insurance and registration

[@willersmunk1]

Hey, I've been looking into bus and van life stuff, mainly because off the grid always moving living in a vehicle life interests me. You mentioned sending the total costs of everything in a spread sheet, and I was wondering if you had a template of sorts that could be used for something like that. Thank you :D

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We don't really have a template. Just a simple spreadsheet will work fine for this purpose though if you aren't already keeping a detailed budget in your daily life.

[@jtadelski]

Hi, Steph and Nate. Thanks for your great vids and blogs. I'm looking into the option of vanlife and have so far been completely unsuccessful with finding insurance for a van in Wisconsin. I checked with my current auto insurance company, Progressive, which offers RV insurance, and your recommended provider, State Farm, but neither will provide insurance to a self-built camper van. :-/ Do you have any ideas on how to move forward? Is there some specific wording I need to use to get them to consider providing insurance? I'm also thinking that this may require a face-to-face meeting with an agent rather than a phone call.... I also wanted to clarify something about overall insurance. My understanding is that you guys have 1) auto insurance on the van (liability and comprehensive?), 2) motor home insurance on the contents of the van/the van build, and 3) insurance on the individual personal items you own. Is that accurate, and if so, did the auto insurance need to change as a result of the build-out or living in the van? Thanks in Advance!

[@ValidityJ]

I would really love it if you would share your insurance agents information. I am striking out left and right in Nevada with any insurance agency I go to in wanting to do this. I haven't purchased the van yet I want to make sure I'm going to be able to get it covered with insurance and I cannot find a place that will do it. Can you please share your insurance agents information?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

So, insurance agents work on a state by state basis, so ours, specifically can only help Colorado residents. If you like, though, you could call them and maybe they could point you in the right direction. Look up Reilly Chunn from State Farm in Arvada Colorado. Mention us and they will know what they are dealing with.

[@ValidityJ]

@@EXPLORISTlife excellent. Thank you. Yes, I'm going to give them a call just so I can understand how this works. I'm in Nevada, so the problems I'm running into I'm sure are specific to Nevada. Thank you for the help!

[@ValidityJ]

@@EXPLORISTlife I screen shot the info..... If your agent calls you because they are getting bombarded with calls (or you want to prevent that) feel free to delete. Suggest for you to do an indepth interview style video with your agent on this topic, or at least throw it out there to your viewers to post their insurance questions, ask your agent then vlog the Q & A relayed info if your insurance agent can't (or won't) go on video with you. You're right that there is not a lot of information out there on this topic.

[@ValidityJ]

@@EXPLORISTlife so....I just called your agent. Spoke with Cindy. She was great! Super helpful. Walked into a State Farm agent's office here in Las Vegas and YES!!!!! THEY WILL INSURE ME!! 3 times is a charm!

[@camt1818]

Very useful! Thanks! I've been putting this on the backburner while I'm still building. Nice to know being honest is the way to go.

[@lastfrontier_vanscapes5694]

fantastic information! much appreciated

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks for watching! :D

[@jenabiant]

Are the two policies mentioned in this video in addition to the auto policy for the van itself? How much is your total insurance cost for the van?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The two policies are in addition to the van. We pay $60 per month for the van with the build and the deductible is $1000. We also pay $50 per month on the two additional policies (personal articles and contents). Those policies have no deductible. So, $110 total per month.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Also, you may want to check out adventureinabackpack.com/how-to-insure-a-diy-campervan/ for more info...

[@grizzlydiscjockey111]

Very informative. People/travelers don't think about adding extra insurance, and or, adding items to be insured. Thank you.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

SUUUUPER important, IMO.

[@ARepublicIfYouCanKeepIt]

Another great video fulfilling the "Educate" portion of y'all's mission. Thanks s always to both of you for your contribution to the entire #VanLife community.

[@bwbrady8372]

A question I haven't seen anywhere yet: If you do your own DIY custom van build -- cabinets, shower, etc., and THEN sell the van and the new owner is in an accident in which they are injured because of .... say .... a dislodged cabinet, appliance, or similar, ARE YOU LIABLE? Perhaps this is why insurance companies are squeamish.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Insurance is squeamish about it because it's harder to determine the value of the property, which is what they really care about.

[@garyeve3745]

Very interesting. Would you mind telling how much your build came to. Would love to build one myself next year and have been very inspired by yours.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

For sure! All of that info can be found here: adventureinabackpack.com/diy-campervan-conversion/

[@madeinus2000]

You guys are great! The information you are putting out is incredibly valuable for anyone considering a van conversion.

[@barbjoz63]

Great information! Thank-you for making the video! You said at one point that the conversion cost $40,000. Was that for the van itself plus cost of materials for the conversion, or was that just for the conversion?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The van + buildout = $40,000 There's more of a breakdown here if you want it: adventureinabackpack.com/diy-campervan-conversion/

[@malikacarey913]

this information is SUPER DUPER DUPERRRRRRRRRR HELPFUL! Thank you so much!!!

[@monicarandeen8698]

Great info. Thank you! We are getting ready for our build out and will be using the van for my husband's construction biz as well as our adventure rig. It's not too early to talk to our insurance agent. Greetings from the CA Central Coast!

[@ArbitraryExploration]

This is really important information. Thank you for sharing!

[@vraymond108]

Another very informative article. Past two Sprinters were factory builds, Winnebago and Airstream, so this issue has not come up for us. We became citizens of Alaska last year and their policies are extremely liberal. They make allowances for about everything because of the few roads, months of winter, etc that make life if AK for us humans not so easy as in the lower 48. Plus there are great benefits to having AK citizenship which gets even better when you reach 65 which you guys are a long way from but not us. In any case you should be planning a summer trip up there soon.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Nice! Yeah, I can see Alaska being fairly straightforward in that aspect. Especially if you didn't live in Fairbanks/Anchorage. We Can't wait to come back to Alaska. We were there 2 years ago when we were still in the RV and we barely got a taste of what Alaska has to offer. Summer 2019 perhaps. :D

[@safeharbor7]

Thank you... Big help. Thumbs up...

[@davidtmonaghan]

Love the information. Miss not seeing Nate, but then again he was working two cameras ;-) (first time ever, right?). I love the authentic nature of a single camera so don't get too cute/polished. We love you as you are...

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks! I (Nate) had nothing to add to an insurance video. That was ALL Steph taking care of it. I had to make myself useful in the video elsewhere. Lol

[@davidtmonaghan]

Stay simple my friend...

[@EXPLORISTlife]

If something is worth doing. It's worth overdoing. :)

[@ohlawditsvegan7984]

Awesome info. Thanks for being so detailed

[@avivamae5171]

Great video, super informative! I thought it was cute that you seemed a bit nervous, it made for a more down to earth, genuine video. Keep up the good work!

[@chipper7711]

So you filed a claim for a $400 GoPro on your policy that has a $1,000 deductible? Was it beneficial? Will State Farm just raise your premium now? Great video :)

[@EXPLORISTlife]

There is no deductible on the personal articles policy. The deductible is just on the van/build.

[@euphioquestion420]

great video. As to insuring your labor perhaps you can start a van company and just bill yourself an invoice?

[@Gounemporos]

nice

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thank you! :D

[@aarontsur]

wow, excellent post, thank you so much

[@ergo4216]

Excellent video.

[@ataylor2965]

Thanks again. Great info. Im just going to do a build out on you tube and reference everyone to your channel. Lol

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No Problem! Haha, go for it! :D

[@windsongshf]

Thank you!

[@frankmccleary]

Great info !! Thanks

[@rach169]

VERY USEFUL, Thank you!!!!

[@Mr.Roncharles]

So you have to be finished with the build before you can insure it and register it. Dang.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

In our case, yes.

[@MattSears18]

Who’s your agent?? Progressive told me that they’re not renewing my policy so I need a new policy for my build.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Our agent is Reilly Chunn out of Arvada, Colorado.

[@MattSears18]

EXPLORIST life thanks! I found State Farm to be very knowledgeable and helpful! I got a policy with an agent in Boulder.

[@timgiles9413]

Progressive Insurance sucks. Find another company. I had them for years and would never have them again.

[@MattSears18]

@@timgiles9413 Agreed. I'll never go back.

[@leonardopalomera4197]

@@MattSears18 Would you mind sharing who you went with? Maybe a contact?

[@joshuadomenico9821]

Hey girl hey!! Thanks so much for this video! I am actually in CO aboot to embark on my first convert. It will be perfect for me:) So any chance you can refer me to your insurance agent?? I will also go ahead and send nate an email.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yeah! Check out Reilly Chunn out of State Farm in Arvada.

[@ritabroils6339]

You two are silly and cute!!!! Thanks for the info, I shared it on my Facebook page!!👍🏾

[@joehunter6828]

Hi Steph, thanks for the video. I live in up in Fort Collins and would love to contact your agent at SF to see if she'll give me a quote for my DIY van. Would you mind sharing her contact info? Thanks! Joe

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Sure! Its Reilly Chunn out of Arvada. Feel free to name drop as he will already know what he is dealing with if you mention us.