SMB insurance and registration

[Chinook]

When registering your SMB do they register and isure them as a recreational vehicle (RV) or just as a van?

[danbr]

Here in CT, I was able to persuade the DMV to register me as a "passenger" vehicle rather than a "motor home". But it was a discussion, rather than anything that was cast in concrete :-)

[simplesez]

If it an actual SMB it is registered as an RV. Homebuild you have to jump through some hoops. Depends on the state and insurance company.

[Chinook]

I ask because on my Chinook it is an RV and insurance is far cheaper than insuring a passenger vehicle. Im considering buying a 2012 Quigley with 25,000 original miles and building it out.

I hear all kinds of rumors about what is required to have it classified as an RV. For instance some folks say it has to have a toilet, others say it has to have a shower and stove, ect.....

[simplesez]

So you are talking strictly insurance?

I just insured a home built RV through State Farm. Agreed upon value. Done the same through Allstate in the past. Call around.

[marret]

Originally Posted by Chinook

I ask because on my Chinook it is an RV and insurance is far cheaper than insuring a passenger vehicle. Im considering buying a 2012 Quigley with 25,000 original miles and building it out.

I hear all kinds of rumors about what is required to have it classified as an RV. For instance some folks say it has to have a toilet, others say it has to have a shower and stove, ect.....

Each state is different on what is required for a vehicle to be titled and registered as an RV...water, toilet, 120AC, cooking, HVA, etc.

My van is still registered as a van even though it is a factory SMB with RVIA sticker.

[BrianW]

My SMB is registered as a passenger vehicle and insured as RV. In my state there is a form to complete to change from a van/truck to a passenger vehicle. Must have windows on the sides, seating in back with seatbelts, etc.

[wander]

I'm in Missouri and registered and insured my 1998 SMB as a motorhome.

[ctb]

RV/INS, RV/Title, Iowa

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by simplesez

I just insured a home built RV through State Farm. Agreed upon value. Done the same through Allstate in the past. Call around.

It clearly depends on what state your in. I currently have State Farm, and have had the "agreed value" discussion with them multiple times and the reply is always the same "State farm does not offer agreed value policy's" Getting adequate insurance for a high value SMB can be difficult, and if registered as a passenger vehicle, any claims settlements will likely be at the blue book value for an empty van and nowhere close to it's true value. I would discuss the difference with your insurance broker before deciding.