I was standing on the side of I-70 near the Colorado border, staring at my crushed Sprinter van, when the claims adjuster asked me the question that cost me $45,000: “So, you mentioned you were driving to a client meeting—does that mean you use this van for business?” Two days later, my claim was denied because my “Full-Timer” policy had a hidden Commercial Use exclusion that categorized my freelance design work as “commercial trucking.” I was homeless, vehicle-less, and owed $20,000 on a van that was effectively scrap metal.
Key Takeaways
- “Full-Timer” isn’t enough: Most standard full-time policies strictly exclude “business use,” which in 2026 can be interpreted as simply answering work emails from a campsite.
- Roamly is the DIY king: If you built your van yourself, Roamly is currently the only major carrier that will insure the conversion value without a fight, while Progressive and Geico often only cover the chassis.
- Watch the Depreciation Cliff: Unless you have “Total Loss Replacement” (TLR), you will receive the Actual Cash Value (ACV) for your rig, which could be 40% less than what you owe on the loan.
- Domicile matters: Registering your vehicle in South Dakota or Texas can save you $1,200+ annually compared to states like California or Colorado.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The biggest trap in 2026 isn’t the cost of the premium—it’s the “Digital Nomad” Commercial Exclusion.
Years ago, “commercial use” meant you were hauling cargo or passengers. Today, insurance algorithms and adjusters are trained to flag any activity that looks like work. If you are a digital nomad, photographer, or travel vlogger, and you mention to an adjuster that you were “headed to a shoot” or “driving to better Wi-Fi for a call,” you have just walked into a coverage gap.
Most carriers classify this as “commercial usage” but refuse to write a commercial policy for a vehicle you sleep in. You end up in limbo: too commercial for personal RV insurance, but too residential for commercial truck insurance.
The Second Trap: The ACV Clause
Standard auto policies pay “Actual Cash Value.”[1] If your 2023 Winnebago Revel cost $160,000 new, by 2026 it might book out at $110,000. If it gets totaled, you get $110,000. If you still owe $130,000 on the loan, you are personally liable for the $20,000 difference and you have no home. You must specifically request Total Loss Replacement coverage to avoid this.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Major Carriers)
I spent the last two weeks running quotes and grilling agents from the three biggest players in the game for a 2023 Sprinter conversion. Here is what I found.
Roamly
Roamly remains the most specialized option for us. When I spoke to their agent, I didn’t have to dance around the “DIY” question. They explicitly cover self-builds, which is rare.
- The Good: They have a specific endorsement that allows for “Rentals,” meaning if you put your rig on Outdoorsy, you don’t lose coverage. They also understand the “digital nomad” profile and don’t freak out if you work from the road.
- The Bad: Their customer service is almost entirely digital. If you want a human on the phone during a crisis, it can be a wait.
National General (NatGen)
National General is often the “insurer of last resort” for bad driving records, but they are also a powerhouse for full-timers.
- The Good: They offer a “suspended collision” option. If you park your RV for 3 months at a campground, you can turn off the collision coverage (since you aren’t driving) and save huge money while keeping the “comprehensive” (theft/fire) and liability active.
- The Bad: Their claims process has become heavily AI-driven in 2026. I found multiple reports of automated denials for minor paperwork errors that required weeks of appeals to fix.
Progressive
The giant. They are the most affordable if you have a factory-built RV (like a Winnebago or Airstream) and bundle it with other insurance.
- The Good: Their “Disappearing Deductible” is real. If you are claim-free, your deductible drops by 25% every period. They also have the best “Pet Injury” coverage included automatically, which covers vet bills if your dog is hurt in a crash.
- The Bad: They are notoriously strict on DIY conversions. If you installed your own diesel heater or electrical system, I would avoid them. I’ve seen them deny claims solely because a “non-certified” electrical system was present, even if it didn’t cause the accident.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a sample policy Declarations page highlighting the “Business Use” exclusion line item]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Roamly | National General | Progressive |
| Best For | DIY Builds & Digital Nomads | Full-timers with “Storage” periods | Factory RVs & Bundling |
| DIY Conversion Coverage | Yes (Fully covered) | Limited (Requires professional appraisal) | No (Rarely accepts self-builds) |
| Commercial/Rental Use | Allowed (with endorsement) | Strict Exclusion | Strict Exclusion |
| Depreciation Coverage | Offers Replacement Cost | Offers Replacement Cost | Offers Replacement Cost (first 5 years) |
| Avg. Monthly Cost (2026) | $185 – $240 | $210 – $280 | $150 – $210 |
| Personal Effects Limit | High ($5k – $10k+) | Moderate | Low (often starts at $3k) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Establish a Domicile: Before you quote, you need a legal address. If you are truly mobile, use a service like Escapees or America’s Mailbox to establish domicile in South Dakota, Texas, or Florida. This single step can drop your rate by 30% compared to a NY or CA address.
- Document Your Build (DIY Only): If you built it, you must prove its value. Create a Google Drive folder with:
- Receipts for every component (batteries, fridge, wood).
- Photos of the installation process (proof behind the walls).
- A spreadsheet totaling the Material Cost vs. Labor.
- Get the “Full-Timer” Endorsement: Do not settle for a standard auto policy. You need “Full-Timer’s Liability” (Personal Liability). This covers you if someone trips over your camp chair and sues you—basically Homeowner’s insurance for your van.
- Request “Total Loss Replacement”: explicitly ask the agent: “If this van is totaled today, do I get the market value or the replacement cost?” If they say market value (ACV), ask for the upgrade to Replacement Cost.
- Inventory Your Gear: Your laptop, camera, and drone are likely not covered under the vehicle policy’s “Personal Effects” limit (which often caps at $3,000). You may need a separate “Personal Articles Floater” or a renter’s policy for high-value electronics.
FAQ
Can I use my parents’ address for my RV insurance?
Technically, yes, but it is risky. If you “garaging address” is listed as Ohio (parents’ house) but your GPS data and credit card usage show you have been in Arizona for 8 months, a claim can be denied for “Material Misrepresentation.” It is safer to use a legal mail-forwarding service that insurers recognize.
Does RV insurance cover mold or leaks?
Generally, no. Slow damage like a leaking roof seal or mold growth is considered “maintenance” and is excluded. Coverage applies to “sudden and accidental” damage, like a branch falling on your roof.
What is the difference between Vacation Liability and Full-Timer Liability?
Vacation Liability covers you only while the vehicle is parked at a campsite for a short trip. Full-Timer Liability covers you 24/7/365, anywhere the vehicle is parked, acting as your primary residence liability coverage. If you live in it, Vacation Liability is insufficient.
Will my laptop be covered if my van is broken into?
Likely not fully. Most RV policies have a limit for “Personal Effects” (e.g., $3,000). If you have $10,000 worth of camera gear and laptops, you need a separate “Scheduled Personal Property” add-on or a specific photographer’s insurance policy.