Campervan insurance costs between $800 and $3,000 per year for most owners, but the price depends heavily on the van's value, how you use it, your driving history, and where you live

Unlike standard auto insurance, campervan premiums reflect both vehicle and lifestyle risk. An insurer pricing a campervan is not just covering a vehicle that moves between two points — they are covering a mobile dwelling that may sit parked for months, travel across state lines, or be rented out to others. A 20-year-old van worth $15,000 might cost $600 to insure annually, while a newer $80,000 Class A motorhome could run $2,500 or more. The actual number depends on what the van is worth, whether you live in it full-time, how many miles you drive yearly, and whether you use it for commercial purposes like peer-to-peer rentals.

Standard auto insurance does not cover campervans at all — most policies explicitly exclude vehicles with living quarters. You need a specialized campervan or RV policy, and the quotes you receive will vary significantly between insurers because each one weighs the risk factors differently. Some companies focus on full-timers; others prefer seasonal users. Some charge more for older vans; others price by actual cash value regardless of age. Understanding what moves the needle on your quote helps you find the right coverage at a price that makes sense.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard auto insurance does not cover campervans, so you must purchase a separate RV or campervan policy from a specialized insurer.
  • Annual premiums typically range from $800 to $3,000 depending on the van's value, your age, driving record, and how you use the vehicle.
  • Full-time living in a campervan usually costs more to insure than seasonal or weekend use because the vehicle is occupied year-round.
  • Rental use through platforms like Outdoorsy or Airbnb requires commercial coverage and will significantly increase your premium.
  • Deductibles, coverage limits, and optional add-ons like roadside information can swing your final quote by $200 to $500 annually.

How Van Value and Age Affect Your Premium

Insurers price campervan policies based on the vehicle's actual cash value — what it would sell for today, not what you paid for it. A 2015 Class B van worth $35,000 will cost more to insure than a 2005 Class B worth $12,000, because the insurer's potential payout is larger if the van is totaled. However, the relationship is not perfectly linear. A $50,000 van does not cost twice as much to insure as a $25,000 van; the increase is usually proportional but smaller.

Age itself is less important than value, but it does matter indirectly. Older vans are often worth less, which lowers the premium. However, an older van with mechanical issues or outdated safety features may be rated higher by some insurers, or declined altogether. A well-maintained 2008 van might actually be cheaper to insure than a neglected 2015 model, because the insurer is assessing condition and reliability, not just the calendar year. When you get a quote, have the van's current market value ready — check NADA Guides or Kelley Blue Book's RV section to get a realistic number.

Full-Time Living Versus Seasonal Use

How you use the campervan is one of the biggest cost drivers. Full-time residents pay more because the van is occupied continuously, increasing exposure to theft, break-ins, and liability claims. A family living in a campervan year-round will pay roughly 20 to 40 percent more than someone who uses the same van for weekend trips or two-week vacations. Some insurers charge a separate full-time living endorsement; others straightforward rate you higher across the board if you declare the van as your primary residence.

Seasonal users — those who park the campervan most of the year and use it for defined trips — often get discounts for low mileage or storage during off-season months. If you use the van only from May through September, you can sometimes purchase coverage for just those months, though not all insurers offer this option. When you request a quote, be honest about how many months per year you actually live in or use the van. Underreporting can lead to a claim denial later if the insurer discovers you were full-timing when you said you were seasonal.

Driving History and Age of the Driver

Your personal driving record and age affect campervan insurance the same way they affect standard auto insurance, but the impact can be larger because you are insuring a more expensive asset. A clean driving record with no accidents or violations in the past three to five years will get you a standard rate. One at-fault accident or a speeding ticket can increase your premium by 10 to 25 percent, depending on the insurer and the severity of the incident.

Younger drivers (under 25) and older drivers (over 75) typically pay higher premiums, because insurers see both groups as statistically higher-risk. A 22-year-old insuring a campervan might pay 30 to 50 percent more than a 45-year-old with the same van and driving record. If you are financing or leasing the campervan, the lender may require that the primary driver be at least 25 years old, which can force you to add an older co-owner to the policy — a workaround that costs more but satisfies the loan requirement.

Commercial Use and Peer-to-Peer Rentals

If you rent your campervan to others through Outdoorsy, Airbnb, or similar platforms, your standard campervan policy will not cover it. Peer-to-peer rental is considered commercial use, and most personal policies exclude it. You will need a commercial RV rental policy or a specialized endorsement that covers short-term rentals. This coverage is significantly more expensive — often double or triple the cost of a personal policy — because the insurer is now covering damage caused by strangers, not just you and your family.

Some insurers, like Outdoorsy's in-house coverage, offer rental-specific policies that are cheaper than buying commercial coverage separately. However, these policies often have higher deductibles and lower liability limits than personal coverage. If you are considering renting out your campervan, get a quote for rental coverage before you buy the van, because the cost can be substantial enough to affect whether the rental income makes financial sense.

Deductibles and Coverage Limits

A campervan policy typically includes collision, comprehensive, liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. The deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — is usually $500, $1,000, or $2,500. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your annual premium, sometimes by $200 to $400 per year. If you have savings set aside and are comfortable paying $2,500 out of pocket for a minor accident, a higher deductible makes sense. If you are financing the van or do not have emergency savings, a $500 or $1,000 deductible is safer.

Liability limits — the maximum the insurer will pay if you injure someone or damage their property — vary by state and by your choice. Most states require a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, but many insurers recommend $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for a campervan, because you are operating a larger vehicle with more potential for serious damage. Higher liability limits add $100 to $300 per year but protect you significantly if you cause a major accident. Optional add-ons like roadside information, full-time living endorsements, and coverage for personal belongings inside the van can each add $50 to $150 annually.

Geographic Location and State Requirements

Where you live and where you plan to travel affects your rate. Urban areas with higher theft and accident rates typically have higher premiums than rural areas. If you live in California, Florida, or New York, expect to pay more than if you live in Montana or Wyoming, because population density and claim frequency are higher. Some states also require higher minimum liability limits, which increases your base premium.

If you plan to travel across multiple states, make sure your policy covers travel outside your home state. Most do, but some regional insurers limit coverage to specific regions. If you are a full-timer planning to travel the country, confirm that your policy is valid in all 50 states and that roadside information works nationwide. Some insurers charge extra for extended travel or require you to notify them of your travel plans in advance.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

When you contact an insurer for a campervan quote, have the following information ready: the van's year, make, model, and current market value; your age and driving history; how many months per year you use the van; whether you live in it full-time; your annual mileage; and whether you plan to rent it out. Vague answers will result in a vague quote that may not reflect your actual premium.

Get quotes from at least three insurers that specialize in RVs or campervans. National companies like Progressive and GEICO offer RV policies, but regional or RV-focused insurers like Good Sam, Nationwide, and Safeco often have better rates for specific situations. Compare not just the annual premium but also the deductible, liability limits, and what add-ons are included. A $900 policy with a $2,500 deductible and $50,000 liability limits is not the same as a $1,100 policy with a $500 deductible and $300,000 liability limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my regular auto insurance to cover my campervan?

No. Standard auto insurance explicitly excludes vehicles with living quarters. If you get into an accident while living in or traveling in a campervan, a regular auto policy will deny the claim. You must purchase a separate RV or campervan policy.

Why is campervan insurance so much more expensive than regular car insurance?

Campervans are more expensive to repair or replace, they are often occupied (increasing liability exposure), and they may sit parked for long periods (increasing theft risk). Insurers also see them as a niche market with less predictable claims data, so they price conservatively.

Does my campervan insurance cover personal belongings inside the van?

Not automatically. Basic campervan policies cover the vehicle itself, but personal items like electronics, furniture, or clothing are usually excluded. You can add a personal belongings endorsement for an extra fee, or cover high-value items under your homeowners or renters insurance if you have it.

What happens to my insurance if I rent out my campervan?

Your personal campervan policy will not cover rental use. You will need to purchase commercial rental coverage or a specialized peer-to-peer rental policy, which costs significantly more. Some platforms like Outdoorsy offer built-in coverage, but it is usually more expensive than personal policies.

Do I need roadside information coverage for a campervan?

It is not required, but it is worth considering. Campervans are larger and more complex than cars, and breakdowns can be more expensive to fix. Roadside information that covers RVs — including services like fuel delivery and lockout help — typically costs $50 to $150 per year and can save you hundreds if you need a tow.