I listed my Sprinter on Outdoorsy to make extra cash. It sat in my driveway waiting for a booking. A tree fell on it. My personal insurance (Geico) denied the claim. “You listed the vehicle on a rental platform. That is commercial use.” Outdoorsy denied the claim. “It wasn’t on an active rental.” I was in the Period 1 Gap.
Key Takeaways
- The “Period 1” Gap: This is the time when the vehicle is available for rent (listed) but not currently rented. Personal policies often exclude this because the “intent” is commercial. Platform insurance (Outdoorsy/RVshare) only covers the rental period. You are uninsured in the middle.
- Commercial Exclusion: Standard personal policies have a clause that voids coverage if the vehicle is “available for hire.” Merely listing it can void your policy.
- You Need “Commercial Use” Endorsement: You must switch to a policy that explicitly allows “Peer-to-Peer Rental” (like Roamly or specific commercial plans).
- Consignment Risks: If you leave your RV at a dealer for consignment rental, your policy might not cover it while it sits on their lot.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Material Change in Risk.”
When you decide to rent out your van, the risk profile changes. Strangers will be driving it. It will be on the road more. Personal insurers want no part of this.
The platforms (Outdoorsy/RVshare) provide great insurance while the renter has the keys (Period 2 & 3). But they provide $0 coverage while the van sits in your driveway waiting for the renter.
If your personal insurer finds out you are renting it (and they check these sites), they can drop you immediately.
The Investigation (My Analysis of 3 Carriers)
I pretended to be a host looking for coverage.
Geico / Progressive (Standard Personal)
- The Answer: “No.” Explicitly forbidden. If I list it, they cancel me.
Roamly
- The Answer: “Yes.” This is their entire business model.
- The Fix: Their policy allows you to list the vehicle. They cover you during “Period 1” (personal use/storage). When the rental starts, their coverage pauses, and the Outdoorsy coverage takes over. It is seamless.
MBA Insurance (Commercial)
- The Answer: “Yes.”
- The Use Case: This is for people with a fleet (3+ RVs). It’s a true commercial policy. Expensive for a single van owner, but necessary if you turn this into a business.
[IMAGE: Diagram showing “Period 1” (Owner), “Period 2” (Renter Pickup), and “Period 3” (Rental Active) and which insurance applies]
Comparison Table
| State | Standard Personal Policy | Roamly Policy | Outdoorsy Protection |
| Listed but not Rented | Void / Denied | Covered | Not Covered |
| During Rental | Not Covered | Paused (Premium saved) | Covered |
| Personal Vacation | Void | Covered | Not Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Do Not Lie: Do not list your van on Outdoorsy without changing insurance. If you have a claim, they will Google your VIN/License plate and find the listing.
- Switch to Roamly (or similar): Currently, they are the main player solving the “Period 1 Gap” for individuals.
- Read the Platform Policy: Understand the Outdoorsy deductible. It is often high ($1,500+) for the renter. You might want to require the renter to buy the “Premium” protection package.
- Document Condition: Take a 4K video of every inch of the van before every rental. The Platform insurance requires proof that the scratch wasn’t there before.
FAQ
Does my umbrella policy cover me if a renter sues me?
Likely no, because it excludes business activities. You need the Platform’s liability coverage (usually $1M) to sit in front of you.
What if a renter steals the van?
This is “Conversion” (voluntary parting), not theft. Some policies exclude this! Outdoorsy/RVshare usually cover it, but check the “Conversion” clause specifically.
Can I rent it to a friend for cash without the platform?
ABSOLUTELY NOT. You have ZERO insurance. Your personal policy excludes “hire,” and you don’t have the platform’s commercial policy. If they crash, you lose everything.