Full-Time RV Living

doug • September 20, 2021

Being a minimalist and Full Time RV Living

Full-Time RV Living

Transitioning from a home where you have roots in one place to a full-time life on the road is a drastic change. There are many things that draw people to this “nomad” lifestyle. Is it the flexibility, or the love of traveling? Maybe you just want to get out of your comfort zone and try something new! Whatever the reason may be, if you’re preparing to go full-time RV living, kudos for having the courage. Are you ready to embrace this exciting lifestyle change?

We know it can be overwhelming to think about the details involved with full-time RV living. It’s your choice to welcome the open road that may seem impulsive to others. That’s okay. Life is short, and who knows … you may end up regretting not doing this sooner!

Here are some tips to help you prepare for full-time RV living.

Become a Minimalist.

Adapting a minimalist lifestyle often requires major changes. You’re probably going from a normal-sized home to a roughly 270 square foot space. This forces you to ask: “What do I really need?” To determine this, start by writing down everything you want to bring. Then write another list of everything you actually need. This will help you visualize and prioritize your items.

Bring all the necessities, of course – clothes, toiletries, shoes, cookware, etc. However, you won’t need 10 pairs of boots. Nor do you need the many t-shirts that have been sitting in your drawers for 2+ years. What about the 20 drinking glasses that you currently have in your kitchen, probably not? Remember, this is full-time RV living.

You may need to make some tough decisions, but take this opportunity to de-clutter your belongings. Make a “take” pile and a “donation” pile. It’s always a good idea, even if you aren’t planning for full-time RV living!

Go Paperless.

Life on the road means you won’t be home to pick up your mail and see if you received any bills. Move all of your bills (cell phone, medical, credit cards, auto insurance, etc.) to automated billing. Once you make the switch, you should get all notifications for your bills via email moving forward. Plus, this helps save the environment!

Sell or Keep Your Home?

This brings us to our next question – will you make the commitment to sell your home and have your RV be your only residence? This depends on how much you plan to travel throughout the year. Also, can you afford to keep your home while traveling? You will still have your mortgage payments, maintenance on the home and other obligations. If you decide to keep your home, there’s always the option of renting it out so you won’t have to worry about any mortgage payments. If you don’t start renting, make sure you have someone regularly stopping by your home to get the mail and take care of any maintenance needed as the seasons go by.

For full-time RV living, if you do decide to sell your home or cancel a lease, you will need to choose a domicile state and receive mail. Getting a domicile means you are choosing a state for your legal residence. This state will be listed on your driver’s license. Also, where you purchase your health insurance. And where you can vote and where you will accept mail. (There are lots of mail-forwarding services that will set you up with a street address so you can officially establish residency. This is helpful because a P.O. Box address will not be accepted as your legal residence). The best states for full-time RVer domiciles are Texas, Florida or South Dakota.* People usually choose these states because they are income tax-free!

Selling your home will also allow more financial freedom for your RV travels! Get that estate sale ready, or find a storage unit to put all of your furniture in, just in case you ever want a break from the RV life. Full-time RV Living.

Determine a Monthly Budget.

You may think you’ll be saving a lot of money when you live on the road – but you will be surprised. Since your expenses will be drastically different from when you lived in a home, you need to budget and keep track of everything you spend. Things like campsite fees, eating out frequently, gas and unexpected RV repairs can add up. Once you get a good idea of how much you’re spending each month, you can adjust your budget accordingly. Full-time RV Living.

Purchase Full-Time RV Insurance.

Since your RV will be your permanent residence, you need a specific type of insurance coverage called “Full-Time RV Insurance.” You will be covered against liabilities, Additional Living Expenses, medical expenses in the case of an accident and more! Select Source Insurance in Spartanburg, SC has exactly what you need. Get more information on how you can get covered, so you can enjoy your travels across the U.S. Make sure you have the correct insurance for Full-Time RV Living.

Stay Connected with Family and Friends.

Communicate with your friends and family on a regular basis. (They will miss you!) It’s also a good idea to let a few people know your current location and where you’re headed next on a regular basis, just in case of an emergency. To make your loved ones feel like they’re part of your adventure, post pictures frequently on social media or send them via text or email. It will let everyone know you and your companions are safe, and also allows you to stay connected with everyone even when you’re not physically with them.

Enjoy Every Minute.

Living life on the road is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will see amazing things, meet one-of-a-kind people and make the best memories. Don’t take it for granted! With traveling, you will always run into some bumps in the road – but that’s part of the journey. Don’t let it discourage your long-term goals. You’re not tied down to a routine now, so enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with RVing full-time. Stay safe and happy travels from Foremost! Full-Time RV Living, is it for you?

 

By Doug Stockman October 27, 2025
The TL;DR (No Cap) Car insurance isn't some cheugy boomer paperwork. It’s about protecting your present and future bag. It’s what turns a life-altering financial disaster into a manageable Tuesday. Think of your insurance agent as your hype squad. We're here to explain the tea on deductibles, coverage limits, and make sure you're not paying for a policy that’s mid. The Bottom Line: Don’t simp for a cheaper premium that leaves you exposed. Get the right coverage. Secure your whip. Protect your peace. That's true main character energy. The Tea on Car Insurance: Why Do I Need to Drop Stacks on Something I(hopefully) Won't Even Use? Hey besties. Let's be real. Nobody is stoked about spending their hard-earned cash on car insurance. It feels like one of those things your parents—bless their hearts, they're kind of cheugy—keep telling you is "essential." You’re probably thinking, "Big Yikes, is this even a vibe? Why do I need to drop stacks on something I (hopefully) won't even use?" We get it. You're trying to save your bag, maybe finally afford that drip, or just keep that avocado toast habit alive. But hear us out, because don't simp for cheaper premium, because life without car insurance is seriously not the vibe, and honestly? That’s some major delulu behavior. 🚗 Scenario 1 : You're on Vibe Check Street and Things Go Sideways Picture this: You’re cruising, the playlist is absolutely slapping, and you're feeling like the main character. Then, BAM! A chaotic squirrel runs into the road, you swerve, and now your bumper is looking kinda… mid (or worse, completely busted). Without car insurance, that little "oopsie" instantly becomes a gigantic L. You are now personally funding the body shop, which is an express ticket to Brooksville (population: you). If you have a loan, your lender is going to be shook—and not in a good way. The Insurance Slay: If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, you can low-key just file a claim. You pay your deductible (which is usually much smaller than a whole repair bill), and your insurance company steps in and says, "Bet." Suddenly, that Big Yikes situation is just a minor inconvenience, not a financial dumpster fire. You're winning, which is a big fat W. 💥 Scenario 2 : It Wasn’t You, It Was Karen Okay, so let’s say you are driving perfectly. You have that rizz behind the wheel. But then, some absolute NPC runs a stop sign and totals your whip. What about your car? If the other person has terrible insurance (or, yikes, none), and you only have basic liability, your car is toast, or is it? Would you be getting ghosted by your savings account? The Insurance Slay: If you went for Uninsured(required)/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (which is a total flex), your policy steps up to pay for your stuff (up to the limits) when the other driver is broke or capping about their coverage. You get your ride fixed, you avoid being salty, and you keep the good vibes rolling. What if it is your fault? This is where your Liability Coverage is the real MVP. Legally, you need this at a bare minimum. It means if you are at fault for an accident, your insurance pays for the other person's damages (car repairs, medical bills, etc., up to the policy limits) so that they don't drag you in court and take your house money. Do you have the right limits? Ready to stop being delulu and get a quote that actually slaps? Hit us up. We'll make it quick, easy, and not at all cheugy. Bet! Our clients live in Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Inman, Duncan, Roebuck, Moore, Lyman and the general upstate.
But it wasnt my fault
By Doug Stockman September 25, 2025
Ugh, My Rate Went Up for a Not-at-Fault Accident? It's the ultimate insurance head-scratcher. You're driving along, minding your own business, and then BAM! Some other driver turns your day into a metal-crumpled mess. But wait, it's not your fault! The police report says so, the other driver's insurance company agrees, and you're feeling pretty good about the whole thing. You and the other driver are not hurt and now your car is fixed. Then you get your renewal notice. Your heart sinks. Your insurance rate has gone up. But…why? Didn't we just establish that you were the innocent bystander in this whole debacle? It's a frustrating, perplexing situation that feels about as fair as getting a parking ticket for a car you don't even own. At Select Source Insurance, we hear this question a lot. We get it, it's maddening. So let's try to demystify this insurance riddle together, one slightly-less-maddening explanation at a time. The Crystal Ball of Risk Insurance companies are essentially professional fortune-tellers. They use all sorts of data to predict who is most likely to file a claim in the future. The "riskier" you appear, the more you're likely to pay for insurance. A not-at-fault accident, while not your fault in the traditional sense, can still be a blip on their risk radar. Here's what they're seeing: You're on the road more. If you're involved in an accident, even if it's not your fault, it indicates you're spending time on the road where these things happen. The more you drive, the higher the chance of being in an accident, even if you are the world's most defensive driver. Driving Habits: Even if you're not at fault, an accident can be a sign of unsafe driving habits. Consider this common scenario: you're following a car too closely, and they suddenly hit their brakes. You manage to stop in time, but the car behind you doesn't, resulting in a rear-end collision. While you may not be considered at fault, your decision to tailgate created a domino effect, leading to the crash. This is just one of many examples of how a lack of attention to safe driving practices can contribute to an accident. Stand Alone: This one incident, in and of by itself, may not impact the rate that much, but if another incident similar or different it will have more impact on the rate. The insurance company starts to see a pattern. The "Luck" Factor. Some insurance companies use a more statistical approach. They see that you've been in an accident, and their data might show that people who have been involved in one accident, even a not-at-fault one, are slightly more likely to be involved in another. It's not a judgment on your driving skills, but a cold, hard, and somewhat comical statistical reality. The Cost of Doing Business. Even in a not-at-fault claim, your insurance company might still have to pay for things. They might cover the rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or towing until they're reimbursed by the other driver's insurance. These costs, however small, are still part of a claim, and claims affect rates. The Solution: We Can Help! So, what's an innocent driver to do? The good news is, you're not stuck. This is precisely where being an independent insurance agency like Select Source Insurance makes all the difference. We aren't tied to a single insurance company. We work with a whole bunch of them! If one company decides to punish you for being a victim of circumstance, we can shop around for you. We can find a different insurance company that has a more favorable view of not-at-fault accidents. Think of us as your personal insurance matchmaker. We know which companies are more forgiving and which ones are more likely to raise rates for even the smallest claim. Our job is to find you a policy that offers great coverage without making you pay for someone else's mistake. The Bottom Line Yes, it's a bit ridiculous that your rates can go up for a not-at-fault accident. It's one of those bizarre insurance quirks that makes you want to shake your fist at the sky. But it's not a dead end. Give us a call. We'll do the shopping and negotiating for you. Let us find you a rate that reflects your driving, not someone else's.
Car Tax Refund
By Doug Stockman August 21, 2025
Getting your Spartanburg vehicle tax refund: A guide from Select Source Insurance. Did you sell, trade, or wreck (as in a total loss) your vehicle? Did your vehicle get repossessed, or have you moved out of state? You may be eligible for a refund! We understand that navigating property taxes can be confusing, especially when life events like selling or wrecking a car come into play. Many Spartanburg residents don't realize they might be eligible for a refund on their vehicle property taxes in such situations. At Select Source Insurance, we're here to help clarify the process and ensure you get the refund you deserve. When are you eligible for a refund? Spartanburg County offers vehicle property tax refunds in several instances: Selling, Trading, Wrecking, or Repossessing a Vehicle Returning a Leased Vehicle Moving Out of State before your vehicle tag decal expires Transferring a tag does to another vehicle does not qualify What documentation do you need? The required documentation varies depending on why you are seeking a refund. The Spartanburg County Auditor's Office may require: a Bill of Sale Trade-in agreement A statement from your insurance or repossession company Documentation from the leasing company Your new out-of-state registration. How to apply for your refund? You can apply: in person by email: countyauditor@spartanburgcounty.org. by mail: to the Spartanburg County Auditor's office at 366 N. Church Street, Suite 200, Spartanburg, SC 29303 We're here to help Understanding vehicle property tax refunds can be complex. As your local independent insurance agency, we are here to assist with your car insurance needs and related questions. Here is a link: Spartanburg County Tax Refunds Also, did you know you can turn a vehicle tag in online? Yes, it is called a virtual tag turn in or decommissioning a tag. Here is the link: Decommission a Tag If you have questions about eligibility or need help with documentation, contact Spartanburg County. Informational purposes only. Check with the appropriate government entity for actual process.