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!
madaboutled said
05:39 PM Oct 18, 2017
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.
Tony Bev said
06:24 PM Oct 18, 2017
I have seen many home made converted campervans around
I am sure we have some members who have them
Hopefully someone will come along, and say what insurance they have
Perhaps you can get in touch with the previous owner
macka17 said
06:28 PM Oct 18, 2017
Hi.
IF it reg'd as a Campervan and you have paperwork to show.
Try the "Agreed Value" way.
I always do that with boats vans and cars.
You take Photo's. assessor comes. Takes Photo's.
You argue a little. Figures on paper.
Home built Motorhomes do. They have to be insured b4 getting into van parks.
yogi said
06:56 PM Oct 18, 2017
macka17 wrote:
Hi.
IF it reg'd as a Campervan and you have paperwork to show.
Try the "Agreed Value" way.
I always do that with boats vans and cars.
You take Photo's. assessor comes. Takes Photo's. You argue a little. Figures on paper.
Home built Motorhomes do. They have to be insured b4 getting into van parks.
is it only motor homes that have to be insured to get into a park.?
Hetho said
08:39 PM Oct 18, 2017
Hi MN.
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.
Hopefully this helps, and good luck.
Regards.
Hetho.
MN said
08:47 PM Oct 18, 2017
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
macka17 said
09:37 PM Oct 18, 2017
Regarding ins.
I (Personally) thought anybody going in Van Parks. Nat parks had to be insured. for their own peace of mind.
I've never not been insured. Boats bikes cars homes. even my treddly's. and fishing. Shooting gear.
Irresponsible to others if you ain't I reckon.
This old girl and her mate always were (Avatar)
-- Edited by macka17 on Wednesday 18th of October 2017 09:39:00 PM
PeterInSa said
10:24 AM Oct 19, 2017
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.
Peter
Possum3 said
01:04 PM Oct 19, 2017
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)?
Possum3 said
01:07 PM Oct 19, 2017
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)
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.
I am sure we have some members who have them
Hopefully someone will come along, and say what insurance they have
Perhaps you can get in touch with the previous owner
IF it reg'd as a Campervan and you have paperwork to show.
Try the "Agreed Value" way.
I always do that with boats vans and cars.
You take Photo's. assessor comes. Takes Photo's.
You argue a little. Figures on paper.
Home built Motorhomes do. They have to be insured b4 getting into van parks.
is it only motor homes that have to be insured to get into a park.?
Hi MN.
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.
Hopefully this helps, and good luck.
Regards.
Hetho.
Regarding ins.
I (Personally) thought anybody going in Van Parks. Nat parks
had to be insured. for their own peace of mind.
I've never not been insured. Boats bikes cars homes. even my treddly's.
and fishing. Shooting gear.
Irresponsible to others if you ain't I reckon.
This old girl and her mate always were (Avatar)
-- Edited by macka17 on Wednesday 18th of October 2017 09:39:00 PM
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.
Peter
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)?