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Campervan Insurance

Campervan Insurance

In the UK Campervan insurance is available in three main types
Third Party Only,Third Party Fire & Theft and Comprehensive.:

The minimum legal requirement is Third Party Only, while Comprehensive offers the most extensive coverage. 

 
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of campervan insurance:
  • Third Party Only Insurance
    This is the most basic level of cover, and it’s the minimum required by law to drive on UK roads. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, or property, but it doesn’t cover damage to your own campervan.
  • Third Party Fire & Theft Insurance
    This type of policy includes the same third-party cover as above, but also protects you if your campervan is stolen or damaged by fire.
  • Comprehensive

    This is the highest level of cover and includes all the benefits of the other two types, plus it covers accidental damage to your campervan, even if the accident was your fault. 

     
Additional Considerations:
  • Classic Campervan Insurance

    If your campervan is a classic model (often defined as pre-1992), you may be able to get specialist classic campervan insurance. 

     
  • Self- build Campervan insurance

    If you are converting a van into a campervan yourself, you’ll need specialized self-build campervan insurance. 

     
  • Mileage and Usage:

    The amount of mileage you expect to do with your campervan and how you use it (e.g., daily driving vs. leisure trips) can affect the cost of your insurance. 

     
  • European Cover:

    Some policies offer European cover as standard or as an optional extra, which is useful if you plan to travel abroad. 

     
  • Breakdown Cover:

    You may also want to consider adding breakdown cover to your policy, especially if you plan to travel long distances or in remote areas.

    Campervan insurance in the UK: a comprehensive guide
    Owning a campervan in the UK offers the freedom to explore at your leisure, but it also brings the responsibility of ensuring adequate protection for your valuable asset and those around you. This guide explores the essential aspects of campervan insurance in the UK, covering key considerations and helping you navigate the landscape of available policies. 
     
    1. Why campervan insurance is essential
    Campervan insurance is not just a wise choice, it’s a legal requirement to drive your vehicle on public roads in the UK. While standard motor insurance might offer some basic coverage, it typically won’t account for the unique features, usage patterns, and potential risks associated with a campervan. Specialist campervan policies are specifically designed to address these distinct requirements, providing tailored protection that aligns with the realities of campervan ownership and travel. 
     
    2. Key types of policies
    Similar to standard car insurance, several levels of campervan insurance are available: 
    • Third-party only: This is the minimum legal requirement in the UK. It covers damage or injury caused to other people, vehicles, or property but doesn’t provide protection for your own campervan.
    • Third-party, fire and theft: This level extends the basic coverage to include protection if your campervan is stolen or damaged by fire, in addition to the third-party coverage.
    • Comprehensive: Offering the highest level of protection, comprehensive insurance covers all of the above, plus accidental damage to your own campervan, vandalism, and other specified risks, even if the accident is deemed your fault. 
     
    3. Factors affecting the cost of campervan insurance
    The cost of campervan insurance isn’t a fixed price and can vary significantly based on several factors: 
    • Your personal circumstances: Your age, driving experience, claims history (including any no claims bonus), and even your occupation can influence your premium. Younger or less experienced drivers, for instance, may face higher costs.
    • The campervan itself: The make, model, value, and age of your campervan all play a role. Expensive or classic models, or those with pricier repair parts, are likely to attract higher premiums.
    • Modifications and conversions: If you’ve modified or self-built your campervan, this can impact the cost. Extensive modifications or a custom build may require specialist coverage and could lead to a higher premium. Insurers will consider the value added by modifications and potential repair costs when determining the price.
    • Usage: How often you use your campervan (e.g., daily driver, occasional trips) and your annual mileage will affect the premium. More frequent use or higher mileage generally means higher premiums.
    • Location and storage: Where you live and where you store your campervan can impact the cost, with areas experiencing higher crime rates potentially leading to higher premiums. Secure storage (e.g., in a garage versus on the street) can help reduce the risk and potentially lower your premium.
    • Security features: Investing in security features like alarms, immobilisers, or tracking devices can not only enhance the safety of your campervan but may also result in discounts on your insurance premium. 
     
    4. Specific coverage considerations for campervans
    Unlike standard motor policies, specialist campervan insurance offers features tailored to the unique needs of campervan owners: 
    • Personal belongings: Policies often include coverage for your belongings stored within the campervan, such as camping gear, electronics, and furniture. Ensure the coverage limit is sufficient for the value of items you carry.
    • Modifications and conversions: For those who have converted a van into a campervan, specialist policies can cover the value of the conversion and its specific features, like fitted kitchens and sleeping areas.
    • Awnings and generators: Coverage for attached awnings (including storm or accidental damage) and generators can be included in some policies.
    • European cover: If you plan to embark on European road trips, look for policies that include European travel coverage to ensure protection abroad.
    • Breakdown assistance: While not always mandatory, having breakdown cover is highly recommended. Specialist breakdown cover for campervans can offer comprehensive assistance, including roadside repair, recovery, and even onward travel options, especially important for larger or heavier vehicles that may not be covered by standard breakdown policies. 
     
    5. Tips for finding the right policy and potentially lowering your premium
    • Compare quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Use comparison websites or contact various providers directly to compare policies and costs.
    • Review policy details carefully: Ensure the policy adequately covers your specific needs, considering the value of your campervan, your typical usage, and any modifications or valuable belongings you carry.
    • Maintain a clean driving record: Practising safe driving habits and avoiding claims can help reduce your premiums over time.
    • Consider increasing your excess: Opting for a higher voluntary excess can sometimes lower the overall premium, but ensure you can comfortably afford to pay the excess amount if you need to make a claim.
    • Utilize security features: As mentioned, alarms, immobilisers, and trackers can be beneficial both for peace of mind and potentially reducing your premium. 
     
    6. Understanding the differences: campervan vs. van insurance
    It’s important to differentiate between campervan insurance and standard van insurance. While a converted campervan may have started life as a standard van, modifying it for sleeping and cooking purposes alters its use and classification. Standard van insurance policies usually become invalid once a vehicle is modified for campervan use. Specialist campervan insurance caters specifically to these modifications and the recreational nature of a campervan, often leading to different premium calculations. Interestingly, converting a van into a campervan can sometimes result in cheaper insurance compared to a commercial van, as campervans are typically used less frequently and don’t carry work tools. 
     
    7. Insuring a self-build campervan
    If you’ve undertaken a self-build campervan conversion, it’s crucial to inform your insurer and ensure you have the appropriate coverage. Your vehicle may be reclassified by the DVLA as a “motor caravan,” requiring specialist coverage that reflects the unique value and modifications of your build. Even during the conversion process, it’s advisable to have adequate insurance in place, as standard van insurance may not be valid once modifications begin. Some insurers offer “in-conversion” policies to bridge this gap. 
     
    Conclusion
    Campervan insurance in the UK is a multifaceted topic, but by understanding the types of policies available, the factors influencing costs, and the specific needs of campervan ownership, you can make informed decisions to adequately protect your vehicle and enjoy countless adventures on the open road. Remember to compare quotes from various providers and carefully review the policy details to ensure you have the coverage that best suits your needs and budget.