Campervan insurance

What is the difference between motorhomes and campervans?

Campervans and motorhomes are both mobile homes, giving you the freedom to explore and travel independently. But they each need specific insurance policies, so you should be clear about exactly what type of vehicle you have before you get insurance.

Campervans are assembled on a van chassis, with manufacturers basing them on existing van models to create a compact living space. There are also DIY campervans, which people have converted themselves from a basic van body. Plus, those that have been professionally converted.

Motorhomes, on the other hand, are built on a bus or truck chassis, so they can be much larger than campervans. Unlike campervans, motorhomes often have a divider between the driver’s cab and the actual living area.

What level of campervan insurance is right for me?

Campervan insurance is specifically designed to protect against accidents, damage and theft. But there are three main levels of cover you can get for your campervan.

• Third-party is the minimum level of cover you'll need to drive a campervan in the UK. This covers the cost of any vehicle damage or personal injury claims from other people if an accident was your fault. It doesn't cover your own campervan.
• Third-party, fire and theft provides an extra level of cover to third party. So you'll also be covered if your campervan is stolen or damaged by fire.
• Comprehensive is the highest level of cover you can get for your campervan. This includes third party, fire and theft as well as covering your campervan for damage in an accident where you’re to blame.

What does campervan insurance not cover?

Unfortunately, campervan insurance won’t cover everything that might go wrong while you’re travelling or at home. You should check your policy wording so you know what is and isn’t included. Campervan insurance usually doesn’t cover:

• Damage through general wear and tear
• Theft through lack of security, such as leaving a window or door open
• Damage through insect or vermin infestation
• General punctures and cuts to your tyres

How can I get cheaper campervan insurance?

Here are some ways to cut the cost of your campervan insurance:

• Install additional security measures such as cameras or tracking systems to reduce the risk of theft
• Store your campervan in a secure location, like a locked garage
• Calculate your mileage as accurately as you can. The less you travel, the lower the risk of getting into an accident
• Pay annually rather than monthly
• Earn a no-claims bonus

Getting cheaper campervan insurance is important, but so is making sure you get the right policy for you.

Can I insure a campervan conversion?

You can insure a campervan conversion, but you’ll likely have to provide the insurer with a little more information about the vehicle. This will give them a better understanding of the modifications that have been made. The insurer may ask for photos of your campervan and a copy of the gas certificate.

Generally, it’s easier to get campervan conversion insurance if the vehicle has been registered with the DVLA as a motorcaravan or a van with side windows.