Life on the road isn’t free—but it can be simpler
Living on wheels comes with jaw-dropping views and freedom galore—but it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to adulting. Bills, insurance, taxes—they all still exist, just in a more mobile, sometimes slightly more confusing form. But don’t worry, you can totally stay on top of it without letting it kill your vibe.
Table of Contents
In this guide, we’re breaking down everything from health and vehicle insurance to how to handle taxes and monthly bills when you don’t have a fixed address. So whether you’re full-timing or still in the planning phase, here’s how to handle the not-so-glamorous stuff while chasing epic sunsets.
Health insurance on the road
You may live in a van, but you still need a safety net. Getting hurt in the middle of nowhere without coverage? No thanks.
Options for nomads and full-timers:
- Marketplace plans: U.S.-based citizens can enroll via state or federal exchanges—just pick a domicile state first.
- Travel health insurance: Great for international trips or part-time nomads. Check out SafetyWing or World Nomads.
- Health sharing programs: Peer-based models like Medi-Share or Liberty HealthShare can work if you’re open to alternatives.
- Telehealth access: Most plans now offer virtual doctor visits, which are super helpful from remote campgrounds.
Pro Tip: Save a digital copy of your ID, insurance card, and basic medical history—cloud storage or password-protected folders work great.
Vehicle insurance for vans and RVs
If you’ve put time, money, and soul into your van build, make sure it’s properly insured. Standard auto policies don’t always cover your off-grid home’s full value.
Look for these coverage types:
- Liability: Covers damage to others and is legally required in most states.
- Comprehensive + collision: Helps with theft, vandalism, storm damage, or accidents.
- Full-timer’s RV insurance: Acts more like homeowners coverage for full-time nomads.
- Personal belongings: Especially if you’re rolling with tech gear, camera equipment, or tools.
Pro tip: Look into Progressive, Roamly, or Good Sam for van-specific coverage. And don’t forget—upgrades like solar may need to be documented in your policy.
Establishing a domicile (aka your legal home base)
Even nomads need an official “residence” for things like taxes, voter registration, and insurance. The solution? Domicile states that cater to full-time travelers.
Top states for nomads:
- South Dakota: Easy vehicle registration and no income tax.
- Texas: Friendly laws for travelers and great medical options.
- Florida: Another no-income-tax option with perks for seniors and snowbirds.
Use services like Escapees, Americas Mailbox, or Traveling Mailbox to help set this up. It’s the foundation for all your legal and financial stuff.
Do vanlifers still pay taxes? Yep.
Unplugged or not, the IRS still expects to hear from you. But there are ways to make tax season less painful while living on the move.
Vanlife tax survival tips:
- Track everything: Use apps like QuickBooks or Wave to monitor income and expenses.
- Deduct smart: If you’re freelancing, blogging, or YouTubing from the road, you may be able to write off gear, fuel, or part of your van.
- Hire a tax pro: Find someone who understands remote work or nomadic life—it’ll save you stress and maybe money too.
Monthly bills and modern nomad essentials
Vanlife simplifies a lot, but you’ll still have a few bills to wrangle. Here’s how to manage the basics without getting bogged down.
Common recurring costs:
- Phone/data plans: Hotspot-friendly plans are a must. Verizon, Visible, and T-Mobile are solid choices.
- Mail forwarding: Needed for receiving important documents and renewals.
- Streaming services: A Netflix night after a long drive? Totally necessary.
- Storage units: For stuff that doesn’t fit in your rig but you’re not ready to let go of.
Keep it simple:
- Use autopay or banking apps to stay on top of bills
- Consolidate services where possible
- Use budgeting apps like Rocket Money to cancel unused subscriptions
Emergency funds: Because stuff happens
From surprise repairs to sick pets, life on the road comes with curveballs. Having $1,000–$2,000 stashed away can be the difference between a hiccup and a disaster.
Want to build that emergency stash while traveling? Check out our vanlife income guide for real-world ideas.
Handling breakdowns and insurance claims
Flat tire in the middle of nowhere? Broken window in a national park? It happens. Here’s how to be ready.
- Know your roadside coverage and policy details
- Document everything with photos or video
- Keep hard and digital copies of all your paperwork
- Call your provider ASAP to start a claim
Extra tip: AAA, Coach-Net, and Escapees Roadside Assistance are worth every penny if you want extra peace of mind.
Planning ahead: Yes, even nomads need retirement funds
Living for today doesn’t mean forgetting tomorrow. The good news? You don’t need a cubicle job to save for the future.
- Open a Roth or SEP IRA if self-employed
- Use micro-investment apps like Acorns or Betterment
- Review your goals yearly—yes, even if retirement feels light-years away
Final thoughts: It’s freedom, not a free ride
Vanlife can be magical—but you still need to manage your behind-the-scenes life. With the right setup, handling insurance, taxes, and bills becomes a smooth part of your travel rhythm—not a buzzkill. Put systems in place early so you can focus on the good stuff: winding roads, campfire chats, and wherever you wake up next.
For more road-tested wisdom, read our guide on financial prep for vanlife or explore how to stay connected off-grid.
Be inspired on YouTube
How to stay LEGAL in Van Life. Taxes, Van Registration, Banking, Address! 😮👍
