Ontario Van Builders: Diesel Heater vs. Insurance (Factory Holes vs. Drilling a New Hole)
Hey everyone,
I’m planning a modular build in a compact cargo van out here in Ontario, Canada, and I’m trying to navigate the absolute minefield that is auto insurance in this province.
PerhapsAfter addressing the below , you can tell me what insurance company you use or broker to go to? You can pm me also with this information.
Because I want to keep my standard insurance rates low for as long as possible, I’m weighing two different installation scenarios for a diesel heater. I’d love to hear from anyone in Ontario who has dealt with this directly.
Scenario 1: The “No-Drill” All-in-One Setup
The Plan: Use a self-contained, briefcase-style all-in-one diesel heater. Instead of cutting a massive hole in the floor pan, I want to route the hot exhaust pipe out through an existing, pre-stamped factory rubber/plastic floor plug.
The Prep: I know the risks—I plan to wrap the exhaust in heavy fiberglass wrap and use a high-temp bulkhead/thru-hull sleeve so it doesn’t touch the raw chassis or melt anything. I’ll use a funnel and be meticulous about spills inside.
The Insurance Question: Since the vehicle’s metal structure remains 100% factory stock and the unit is technically removable cargo, does anyone know if an Ontario adjuster would still classify this as a “material change in risk” that voids a standard policy?
Scenario 2: The Standard Drill & Turret Plate Setup
The Plan: Do it by the book. Cut a fresh 3.5-inch hole in the floor pan, mount a heavy steel turret plate, and bolt down either a split-kit or an all-in-one unit so that the intake, exhaust, and fuel lines are perfectly separated and sealed outside the cabin.
The Insurance Question: This is obviously a permanent physical modification to the chassis. If you went this route in Ontario, did you disclose it to a standard insurer and get away with it, or did you automatically have to switch to Facility or a commercial/RV policy?
For those living the van life in Ontario—especially if you’re dealing with standard commercial or personal cargo van policies—how did you handle your diesel heater installation without getting dropped by your provider?
Perhaps you can tell me what insurance carrier you utilized or what broker you went to? You can pm me also with this information.
Appreciate any local insight or experiences you can share!