So one of the big things that I've been researching before I start my road-trip is insurance. I've searched through previous posts on this topic and see that there are very few that refer specifically to campervans. And even more specifically to campervans that have NOT been fitted out by a professionally recognized company who does that type of thing!
I have spoken to CIL, Ken Tame, QBE, and Suncorp - all of whom insure RVs, motorhomes and campervans (including contents cover) and all of them have been unable to insure my campervan because it was not fitted out by a recognized company. I explicitly ask the consultant do they insure a non-professional fitout and as soon as I ask that I am on hold while they confirm with the underwriters that it is not possible to proceed with insurance. I'm guessing this is because there are safety standards that need to be adhered to - fair enough!
But that leaves me with potentially no insurance - has anyone else experienced this or have any other suggestions?
I think the only option available to me now will be to take out regular vehicle insurance although the value of the vehicle will be based on it being classed as a regular van, and will not nearly reflect what I paid for it!
BTW my vehicle is a 2005 VW Transporter converted to a campervan......and I don't have a home contents insurance I can use to cover my vehicle contents - so I'm a bit stuck now
Your thoughts and advice would be highly appreciated!
I would have thought that IF the vehicle is licensed as a campervan then you should be able to get an independent valuation done and then get insurance based on the valuation. Who converted it shouldn't be an issue provided that the vehicle is roadworthy and the modifications are complianced accordingly.
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Steve, Di & Ziggy We named our Motorhome "Roadworx" because on the road works "On The Road Again" Ford Transit with 302 Windsor V8 conversion, C4 Auto, 9 Inch Ford Diff All Lighting L.E.D., 260 Amp/h AGM, 530 Watt Solar + Kipor Backup Gen.
I built my van and had a similar problem with insurance, however CIL directed me to an "online" valuation service that provided the necessary paperwork for them to insure my van.
However; I needed to supply the following:
1. Dept of Transport vehicle inspection report (WA)
2. Electrical/plumbers certificate.
3. Vehicle license/receipts details.
4. Compliance plate.
5. Photos of all aspects of the vehicle.
6. $; from memory, i think it was about $150.00
CIL were very helpful, and I would recommend them to you.
Thanks for the replies everyone- the vehicle is registered as a van ie a regular car, not a campervan with VicRoads - therein lies the problem.
The previous owner had it insured with CIL but I suspect that the question about the fitout being professionally done and everything certified didnāt come up in the discussion. He never made a claim so the insurance was never ātestedā
My understanding is that Ken Tame have a number of DIY Campervans and Motor homes insured by them.
If in SA with your situation(appreciate you may be in another state) I would call Vehicle Registration to find out what is required to convert the Registration to a Motorised Caravan (or what ever its officially called) and have the vehicle inspected.
Any problems with the above, I would see a certified Engineer (with Hetho comments ie Gas/ electrical certificates and Tare weight) who would resolve the issue and you would then need to have the vehicle inspected at Transport SA. Then inform/join the insurance company
To me your state should have a similar routine to change the Rego details.
I believe you would need to get it Certified as a compliant campervan (By an Automotive engineer- It would then need a blue slip to be registered as a camper van.
A point to note is that if you modify any motor vehicle by removing seats, install or remove panels etc and install a gas stove -you will need to have unit recertified by an approved Automotive engineer any way - If you are pulled over for any reason and officer notices you are no longer compliant to original VIN Details You will be pinged for unregistered/unroadworthy.
What modifications has been done to the Van from Factory Specification (original delivery)?
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
I just noticed you are from Victoria which is a pretty good State to have modifications Authorised (that's why most caravan manufacturers set up down there)
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.