Why a Camper Van Appraisal Is Essential for DIY & Self-Built Camper Vans in Canada
If you’ve invested time, money, and passion into building your camper van, one of the most important steps you can take after completing your conversion is obtaining a professional appraisal. Whether you’re preparing for insurance, planning to sell your van, or simply want to document the value of your hard work, an appraisal provides clarity, protection, and confidence.
Below is a detailed look at why camper van appraisals matter, and why insurers, buyers, and owners increasingly rely on them — especially for DIY builds.
Insurance Companies Want Proof of Value
One of the biggest challenges DIY builders face is getting proper insurance coverage. Most insurers need clear documentation of what your camper van is worth.
A professional appraisal provides:
A verified valuation of the entire conversion
A documented breakdown of components, upgrades, and materials
Evidence that supports your coverage limit
A record your insurer can rely on during a claim
Insurers often require an appraisal before providing full coverage, especially for:
Lithium batteries and electrical systems
Solar installations
Custom cabinetry and appliances
High-value builds ($20,000–$80,000+)
Without an appraisal, you may only receive the value of the base cargo van, not the conversion you’ve poured your time and money into.
Protect Yourself During an Insurance Claim
If the unfortunate happens, such as accident, fire, theft, or water damage, your insurer will want to know:
“How much was this van truly worth before the loss?”
A professional appraisal protects you from:
Being underpaid
Long claim disputes
Adjusters undervaluing your build
Loss of investment
Your appraisal becomes a baseline valuation, so you’ll have documentation proving what the van was worth before damage occurred. This can mean the difference between thousands gained or lost.
Maximize Your Resale Value
If you ever plan to sell your camper van, an appraisal can significantly increase your selling power.
Buyers love transparency, and an appraisal gives them:
Proof of value
A breakdown of the build components
Professional third-party documentation
This not only boosts your resale value but also helps you sell faster than comparable listings without paperwork.
Appraisals Help You Organize & Document Your Build
Many van builders underestimate the value of having:
Organized receipts
Photos of each build stage
Detailed material and component lists
A professional appraisal ties all this together, giving you:
A documented overview of your build
Evidence of materials and components utilized
A clean, organized package you can present to insurers or buyers
This level of documentation is rare among DIY builders, and it makes your van more trustworthy — and more valuable.
Verifies Work Done by DIYers, Upfitters, or Mixed Builds
Whether your van is DIY, professionally built or a combination of the two, an appraisal certifies the value of all components in your build. This is especially important for:
Electrical systems
Plumbing
Lithium battery banks
Heating systems
Roof racks, awnings, and exterior accessories
Even if you hired professionals, insurers still want documentation — and an appraisal neatly fills that gap.
Helps You Determine Coverage Levels
Most builders don’t know how much coverage they actually need.
An appraisal gives you a baseline value so you can confidently choose:
Comprehensive coverage limits
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
Whether to insure the build, the van, or both
Deductible levels based on value
It helps you avoid under-insuring (too little coverage) or over-insuring (paying for coverage you don’t need).
Builds Trust With Insurers & Buyers
A professionally documented appraisal signals:
You took the build seriously
You cared about safety and quality
You understand the value of your van
You’re a lower-risk owner
This can make insurers more willing to cover you, and buyers more willing to pay top dollar.
Final Thoughts: Every Self-Built Camper Van Should Have an Appraisal
Whether you built your van for weekend adventures, full-time travel, or future resale, a professional appraisal gives you unmatched peace of mind. It protects your investment, helps secure proper insurance coverage, strengthens resale value, and provides verified documentation of your work.
If you're ready to protect your investment, you can book an appraisal directly through our secure online system:
