I spent six months and $15,000 building out my dream Promaster, including a shower and kitchenette. Three months into my trip, a PEX crimp failed while I was hiking, flooding the van and ruining the subfloor and electrical system. My insurance company sent a denial letter stating: “Damage resulting from uncertified workmanship is excluded.” They covered the van chassis, but the $15,000 build and the water damage were my problem.
Key Takeaways
- Chassis vs. Conversion: Standard insurers (like Geico) often only cover the empty cargo van (the chassis). They assign $0 value to your cabinets, solar, and plumbing unless endorsed.
- The “Professional Workmanship” Clause: Many policies exclude damage caused by work not performed by a certified mechanic or RV technician.
- Agreed Value is Mandatory: If you don’t have an “Agreed Value” policy, you will get the depreciated value of a used cargo van, not the value of a camper.
- Roamly is the Exception: As of 2026, Roamly is one of the few major players explicitly underwriting DIY builds without requiring a professional appraisal for every bolt.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Unapproved Alterations.”
When you insure a cargo van as a personal vehicle, the insurer assumes it has seats and a steering wheel. When you cut a hole in the roof for a MaxxAir fan or tap into the fuel line for a diesel heater, you have technically modified the vehicle in a way that increases risk (fire, leaks, structural integrity).
If a fire starts because of your DIY wiring, a standard auto policy will deny the claim citing “improper maintenance” or “unauthorized modification.” Even worse, if your plumbing leaks (like mine did), they view it as a failure of a non-covered part. Since the plumbing isn’t “factory equipment,” it—and the damage it causes—is excluded.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Major Carriers)
I called three carriers to insure a self-converted 2022 Ford Transit.
State Farm
- The Experience: Highly dependent on the specific agent.
- The Verdict: My local agent said they could cover the conversion if I provided receipts for all materials. However, the underwriter required photos. When they saw the wood stove (a common DIY addition), they instantly declined coverage.
- Pros/Cons: Good if your build is simple; bad if you have “risky” DIY elements like wood stoves or roof decks.
Progressive
- The Experience: Automated and rigid.
- The Verdict: They offer an “RV” policy for conversions, but they require a “Conversion Affidavit.” You have to sign that the vehicle has a permanent sleeping area, cooking area, and bathroom.
- The Risk: If you claim a DIY electrical fire, their adjusters are aggressive in proving the work wasn’t to code. They pay for the van, but often fight the conversion payout.
Roamly
- The Experience: Seamless for DIYers.
- The Verdict: They didn’t blink at “DIY.” They asked for the estimated value of the build. They categorize the vehicle correctly as a Class B RV, not a modified commercial van.
- The Win: They explicitly cover the conversion components (batteries, fridge, plumbing) as part of the vehicle value, not just “contents.”
[IMAGE: Photo of a burnt fuse block in a DIY van setup]
Comparison Table
| Feature | Roamly | State Farm | Geico (Commercial) |
| Accepts DIY Builds? | Yes (Core business) | Agent Dependent | Generally No |
| Valuation Method | Agreed Value (Chassis + Build) | Stated Amount | Actual Cash Value (Chassis only) |
| DIY Plumbing/Electric Coverage | Included | Scrutinized | Excluded |
| Proof Required | Photos + Value Estimate | Receipts + Photos | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get an “Agreed Value” Policy: Do not accept “Actual Cash Value.” You need a policy where the insurer agrees upfront that the van is worth $80k, not $40k.
- Keep Digital Receipts: Scan every Home Depot and Amazon receipt. Upload them to a cloud folder. If you can’t prove you bought the Victron inverter, they won’t pay for it.
- Safety Check Your Build: If you are unsure about your electrical or gas, pay a certified RV technician for 2 hours of labor to inspect it and sign off. Having that receipt can save your claim if a fire happens later.
- Disclose Everything: Tell the agent about the roof deck, the heater, and the solar. If you hide it to get a policy, they will use it to deny a claim later.
FAQ
Does insurance cover my labor hours building the van?
Rarely. Most insurers cover the cost of materials and the chassis. They usually do not reimburse you $50/hour for the 400 hours you spent sanding cabinets.
Can I insure a “work in progress”?
It is difficult. Most RV policies require the conversion to be “completed” (bed, kitchen, water, electric installed) before binding coverage. You may need a commercial auto policy on the cargo van until the build is done.
What if I bought a DIY van from someone else?
You are in a tougher spot. Since you don’t have the build receipts, you usually need a professional appraisal to establish the Agreed Value before an insurer will touch it.