RV · Originally published April 25, 2016 · Updated November 2026
Many RV owners don't stop at the factory floor plan. Solar panels, lithium batteries, new flooring, a remodeled kitchen, upgraded suspension, or a full bus or van conversion can add a lot of value and comfort. Before or right after you make a major change, there are a few things to handle so a loss doesn't leave your investment uncovered.
Your policy was written for the RV as it was described when you bought coverage. A major modification can change:
If you don't report a modification, you may find after a claim that the upgrade wasn't covered, or wasn't covered for its full cost.
Conversions deserve special attention. How a converted vehicle is titled, registered and insured depends on what it was, what it is now and your state's rules. Check with your state's motor vehicle office, such as the Missouri Department of Revenue, on title and registration, and ask your agent how the vehicle should be rated before you hit the road.
Almost every upgrade adds weight. Every RV has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the most it can safely weigh fully loaded, and a cargo carrying capacity (CCC) that tells you how much you can add to it. Heavy additions like batteries, built-in generators, stone countertops or extra water tanks use up that capacity permanently, which leaves less room for gear, food and water on every trip.
An RV that's over its ratings is harder to stop, harder on tires and suspension, and less stable on the long grades and curves of Ozarks highways. After a big project, weigh the RV loaded and ready to travel at a certified truck scale.
Electrical systems, propane lines and structural changes like cutting into walls or the roof are where mistakes cause fires, leaks and water damage. Have that work done or inspected by a qualified RV technician, and keep the paperwork. Water damage from a poorly sealed roof penetration is the kind of slow problem insurance generally treats as maintenance.
After a total loss, you'll need to show what the RV had and what it was worth. Keep:
Store copies somewhere other than the RV, like cloud storage.
For heavily customized RVs, ask whether agreed value coverage makes sense, so you and the company settle on a value ahead of time. Our article on RV total loss and replacement coverage explains the options. If you live in your RV, see full-time RV insurance. If there's a loan, let your lender know about major changes as well.
Planning a big project? Call us at 417.865.4800 or request a quote below, and we'll update your RV insurance to match.
They may be, but many policies limit coverage for equipment that wasn't installed at the factory. Tell your agent about the system so it can be added if needed.
It depends on how the vehicle is titled and registered after the conversion and what the insurance company will write. Call your agent before you start driving it.
Or send your details and an agent will call you back with options from the companies we work with.