Camper Van Insurance

What is campervan insurance?

Campervan insurance is a type of car insurance policy designed specifically for campervans.

Campervan insurance is different to motorhome insurance, and it’s also different to regular car insurance because insurance policies are tailored to the size, type and use of your vehicle.

Is there a difference between campervan insurance and motorhome insurance?

Yes, there is.

Motorhome insurance is for motorhomes, which are classed differently from campervans.

To break it down, there are three vehicle types you need to remember when comparing campervans and motorhomes:

Class A Vehicles:

These are large motorhomes – the biggest you can get – and often include relatively luxurious facilities, including a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen, air conditioning, and full sleeping and lounge areas.

In terms of size, the largest motorhomes of this size you’ll likely see in Europe are up to 40 feet long.

You’ll need specialist insurance for motorhomes for a Class A vehicle.

Class B Vehicles:

Class B vehicles fall under the other end of the campervan scale. While Class C vehicles are like smaller versions of Class A vehicles, Class B campervans are the smallest type of campers you’ll likely see on the roads.

Class A campervans usually have only basic living facilities such as a fixed or retractable bed and a small kitchen area with a sink, hob and possibly a small fridge.

They are designed for greater mobility compared to larger motorhomes and greater fuel efficiency. Class B campers are usually a lot cheaper than Class A or C vehicles and include the subcategory of van conversions.

Converted vans or vehicles can be anything from old minibuses to panel vans or even large family cars converted to ‘van life’ vehicles.

You’ll need camper van insurance for a Class B vehicle. Depending on your vehicle’s specifications, you can get covered for a campervan on standard van or car insurance. Still, it may not be cheaper depending on how much you’re using it.

Class C Vehicles:

Like Class A vehicles, Class C vans are also defined by the term ‘motorhome’.

They are smaller versions of Class A motorhomes without all the bells and whistles. Although still larger than a converted sprinter van, they might not have the size and luxury of a Class A, although they’ll typically be cheaper, more mobile and more fuel efficient.

You’ll need specialist motorhome insurance for a Class C vehicle.

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How much does campervan insurance cost?

Campervan insurance costs vary based on several factors. Here are the main things to consider when shopping around and comparing campervan insurance quotes:

1: How you’re using your campervan

If your campervan is your only vehicle and you’re using it for commuting and general use and holidays, you’ll pay a higher premium.

Your annual mileage: if you agree with your insurance provider that you won’t go over a certain mileage threshold per year, it could get you a cheaper deal.

2: No claims history

If you have a good history of no claims on your existing insurance policy, you can use this as leverage to get a cheaper premium.

Remember, this doesn’t have to be for your campervan – you can use no claims history that you’ve built up while using your car or another vehicle and apply it to your new campervan insurance policy.

3: Vehicle size and type

Unusual vehicle types can be tricker to insure, and so your policy could be more expensive. The age of your vehicle will also affect your premium, and if you’ve converted your campervan yourself, it could also cost you more as your insurers don’t know all the details of the modifications you’ve made.

Insurance for a converted horsebox, for example, can be harder to secure due to the unique structure of the vehicle.

4: The security of your vehicle

The more secure your vehicle, the cheaper your insurance premium could be. Fitting an extra alarm, adding additional external locks to doors, or getting a wheel clamp are all ways in which you could bring your premium down.

Top tips for getting cheaper campervan insurance

1: Pay your insurance premium annually

If you pay monthly or quarterly, you’ll pay more in total. Saving throughout the year to pay off your premium as an annual lump sum will save you money in the long run.

2: Vehicle security

Alarms, additional locks, and wheel clamps can help lower your premium, and being able to park on your drive as opposed to on the roadside is also a factor as it reduces the risk of break-ins.

3: Getting advanced driving qualifications

Particularly for larger vehicles, this can be essential. Still, any additional driving licenses you can secure can help your premium while making you a safer driver on the road and protecting your campervan.

4: Getting the right level of cover

Only get the add-ons that you need. For example, if you’re insured for breakdowns via another car insurance policy for your primary vehicle, you don’t want to pay for it twice for your campervan and can skip the breakdown cover option.

Additionally, if you want to take your campervan on a voyage across Europe, make sure you’re covered for European travel – but if this isn’t in your plans, don’t pay for it!

But, don’t forget about your camper van’s Agreed Value: You need to make sure your campervan is covered for its actual value. If you’ve converted your campervan and added a kitchen, solar panels and leisure batteries and a fixed bed, you’ve probably invested a lot of money into your self-build. It is probably worth a lot more than the empty panel van you started with.

Update your policy with its true value after doing significant work and installing expensive facilities.

In addition, don’t forget to consider that you may have your laptop, mobile phone, and other expensive personal belongings in your campervan overnight or during the day when you’re out exploring, so make sure your personal belongings are covered in your policy if you need them to be.

Benefits of camper van insurance

All campervan insurance policies vary, so it is vital to check the small print before choosing camper van insurance. However, some of the benefits offered by many camper van insurance providers can include:

• Accidental damage cover
• Audio equipment cover
• Cover for driving in the EU
• Windscreen repair and replacement

Types of camper van insurance

Policy options for your camper van insurance include:

• Third party only insurance – this is the minimum level of vehicle insurance required by law in the UK and covers damage to property or injury to others caused by your vehicle. However, it doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle.
• Third party fire and theft – this type of insurance covers the same things as third party only insurance, with the addition of cover for damage to your vehicle by fire or the loss of your vehicle through theft
• Comprehensive insurance – this type of insurance will cover you for the same eventualities as third party fire and theft, plus loss or damage to your vehicle, personal effects cover, windscreen damage, accidental damage, and even medical expenses.
• Telematics insurance – this type of insurance involves installing a ‘black box’ in your vehicle that tracks how you drive, meaning that you could receive cheaper premiums for showing safe driving behaviours

Make sure you get the best possible deal for your requirements – compare camper van insurance quotes from across the market using our fast online service.