Van life offers a level of freedom many people crave, especially with real estate prices spiraling out of control. Whether you plan to live on the open road or take your home to work, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind, especially when it comes to insurance. Here is a brief overview of this lifestyle. 

What Is Van Life?

Van life is just what it sounds like: driving and sleeping in a van converted into a camper. Many van lifers go for spacious vehicles that can be outfitted with a bed, dresser, and a few other creature comforts. This gives you the freedom to travel anywhere without driving a large, cumbersome, expensive vehicle like an RV.

The Pros & Cons of Van Life

Pros

Freedom and flexibility are the main draws of van life for most people, especially those who like to be close to nature. You can also be location-independent, letting you pursue opportunities and work on the road. If you love simplicity and crave the unexpected, van life may be perfect for you.

Cons

There are some downsides to living in even a well-designed van. You’ll likely have to shower at campgrounds or public gyms, and finding a bathroom can be difficult. You’ll also be living with limited space, which can quickly get frustrating if you’re sharing with a partner or have pets.

Buying Insurance for Your Converted Van

Most auto insurance policies won’t cover the improvements and conversions you’ve made to the van, so you’ll likely need special coverage. If you had a professional convert the van, a Class B RV policy is usually the best way to cover your personal possessions and the modifications to your vehicle.

If you modified the van yourself, you might need to work with an agent to design a policy around your needs. They may need to ensure that your conversions meet safety regulations before a carrier issues a policy.

If you're going to give van life a try, turn to Simmons Insurance Group of Southeastern Ohio for your insurance needs. For over 50 years, they've helped drivers, campers, homeowners, and everyone in between get the coverage they need. Their agents have over 130 years of combined experience and access to a broad range of policies from some of the industry’s top carriers. Visit the website to learn more about them, or call one of their office locations:

Athens—(740) 249-4571

Belpre—(740) 423-7871

Coolville—(740) 667-3111

Marietta—(740) 373-5383

Pomeroy—(740) 992-3381

Racine—(740) 949-3138