Converting Our Honda Odyssey to a Full-Time Motor Home: A Comprehensive Insurance Journey

Converting Our Honda Odyssey to a Full-Time Motor Home: A Comprehensive Insurance Journey
Photo by Sarah Brown / Unsplash
Living in Your Vehicle Full-Time: Converting a 2014 Honda Odyssey EXL
As housing costs rise and the desire for freedom and adventure grows, more people are choosing to live in their vehicles full-time. A 2014 Honda Odyssey EXL offers ample space and flexibility for a comfortable, mobile lifestyle. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of converting your Odyssey

Introduction

Embarking on the journey of converting our 2014 Honda Odyssey into a full-time motor home has been an exciting adventure. However, securing the right insurance coverage proved to be a challenging and essential task to ensure we are fully protected on the road. This article summarizes our experiences and provides insights into the process of obtaining suitable RV insurance.

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Step-by-Step Guide Converting a car to a motor home in Texas involves several steps, including form submissions, obtaining necessary certificates, and meeting specific requirements. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process. Required Forms and Certificates 1. Rebuilt Vehicle Statement (Form VTR-61) 2. Application for Texas Title and/

The Challenge

Initially, we were using Geico for our regular car insurance, paying $160 per month. While it offered basic coverage, it didn’t include comprehensive protection or windshield coverage—essential for our new lifestyle. The search for an insurance provider willing to cover our self-converted motor home, not done by a professional, was met with several rejections, notably from Geico, romaly and Good Sam (because they would never send the quote).

Finding the Right Insurance

Our quest led us to explore multiple options:

  1. Progressive: Known for its comprehensive RV insurance, Progressive offered various packages catering to RV owners.
  2. RVInsurance.com (National General): Another contender providing tailored insurance for RVs with comprehensive coverage options.
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Good Sam and RV Memberships

Good Sam, a well-known organization providing RV-related services and benefits, also turned out to be a significant player in our journey. Despite the initial rejection from Good Sam (two agents zero quote provided after providing information) and denial when we contacted National General directly, we found that going through Good Sam & RVInsurance.com facilitated the acceptance of our application for National General (Allstate). Additionally, they recommended various RV memberships that could potentially offer discounts and other benefits:

  • AmeriGo RV Club:Offers discounts on camping, RV products, and services. Also provides travel assistance and member-only benefits.
  • Escapees:Provides mail forwarding, domicile assistance, educational programs, and an active community for RVers.
  • Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA):Offers tire discounts, roadside assistance, and access to FMCA’s health insurance program. Provides a strong community with rallies and events.
  • Fleetwood Motorhome Association (FMA):Specifically for owners of Fleetwood motorhomes. Offers rallies, events, and a community of Fleetwood RV owners.
  • Forest River Owners Club (FROG):For owners of Forest River RVs. Provides rallies, community events, and exclusive discounts.
  • Heartland Owners Club:Specifically for owners of Heartland RVs. Offers community events, technical assistance, and discounts on parts and services.
  • Jayco RV Club:For Jayco RV owners. Provides rallies, events, and member benefits such as discounts on RV services and parts.
  • Other Manufacturer Clubs:Includes various other manufacturer-specific clubs. These clubs typically offer community events, technical support, and discounts specific to the brand.
  • RVillage:An online community for RVers to connect, share experiences, and find meetups and events.
  • Rving Women:A community specifically for women RVers. Offers rallies, events, and a supportive community for women traveling alone or with others.
  • Thousand Trails:Provides access to a network of RV parks and campgrounds across North America. Offers discounted camping rates and other member benefits.
  • Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club (WIT):For Winnebago and Itasca RV owners. Offers rallies, events, and discounts on RV parts and services.
  • GoLife Perks:Offers various discounts and benefits for RVers, though specific details can vary.
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Comparing Quotes and Coverage

We received detailed quotes from both providers and compared them meticulously to ensure we chose the best option.

Progressive Insurance Quote Details:

  • Premium: $1,527 annually ($127.25 per month)
  • Coverage Includes:
    • Liability: $30k per person / $60k per accident / $25k property damage
    • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $30k per person / $60k per accident
    • Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $5,000
    • Full-Timer’s Package: $50k per person / $100k per accident, including medical payments, loss assessment, and storage shed contents
    • Comprehensive: $500 deductible (with $0 deductible for windshield repairs)
    • Collision: $500 deductible
    • Emergency Expense: $2,000
    • Roadside Assistance: Included
    • Replacement Cost Personal Effects: $5,000

RVInsurance.com (National General) Quote Details:

  • Premium: $1,773.52 annually ($147.79 per month)
  • Coverage Includes:
    • Similar to Progressive, but with a higher premium and specific inclusions like Mexico RV coverage.

Geico (automobile) - $160 for terrible coverage

Final Decision

After careful consideration, we opted for the Progressive insurance policy. Despite some initial hurdles, Progressive offered the most comprehensive coverage at a lower cost compared National General and our current automobile insurance Geico. We finalized our policy, ensuring that our Honda Odyssey is well-protected as a full-time motor home.

Verification Process

To complete the process, Progressive required real-time photos of our converted Honda Odyssey. We meticulously documented our vehicle, both inside and out, showcasing the:

  • Exterior: Front, back, and sides.
  • Interior: Sleeping area, cooking area, living space, storage, and any unique features.
  • Special Features: Solar panels, custom cabinetry, and other modifications.

We uploaded these photos through the Progressive app, providing all necessary documentation to verify our vehicle as a motor home.

Conclusion

Securing insurance for a self-converted motor home can be daunting, but with thorough research and careful comparison, we found a solution that fits our needs. Progressive’s comprehensive coverage gives us peace of mind as we embark on our full-time RV adventure, knowing we are protected against various risks.

Tips for Others on a Similar Journey:

  1. Research Thoroughly: Compare multiple insurance providers and their offerings.
  2. Prepare Documentation: Ensure all modifications are well-documented with photos.
  3. Understand Coverage Needs: Prioritize comprehensive and collision coverage, especially for full-time living.
  4. Explore RV Memberships: Consider joining RV clubs for potential discounts and benefits.

Our experience underscores the importance of comprehensive insurance in protecting your investment and lifestyle. With the right coverage, you can confidently enjoy the freedom of the open road in your converted motor home.

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