Cruising through the bucolic British landscape and beyond in your very own campervan is a dream for many. Whether you’ve lovingly converted a van or purchased a brand new model, safeguard your lifestyle asset with campervan insurance. These unique vehicles won’t receive sufficient insurance coverage from a standard motor insurance policy, so you’ll need to give your prized possession the protection it deserves with a tailored insurance policy.
What is campervan insurance?
Campervan insurance is a specialist policy that offers the same coverage as a standard vehicle insurance policy while also protecting the unique features of your campervan’s construction.
This type of insurance has to be tailored to the individual vehicle. For example, is it a DIY van conversion or a luxury campervan from a leading brand? The accessories and modifications will all be carefully considered to ensure the insurance cover is sufficient. This can make getting a campervan insurance quote online a little tricky, and it may be best to speak directly to a specialist insurer, like Park Insurance, to make sure all aspects of your camper are covered.
When would I need campervan insurance?
A campervan faces a range of risks. En route to a blissful weekend by the sea, you could be involved in a road traffic accident, leaving you unable to drive or stay in your beloved camper. Imagine returning to your campsite after a leisurely lunch to find your campervan stolen or burned out following a gas explosion in your kitchen.
Campervan insurance, therefore, provides peace of mind on the road and when you’re parked up and using your vehicle as accommodation.
What is and isn’t covered
When you take out an insurance policy, you’ll be asked to pick your level of coverage, just as you would for a standard van. You can choose between third-party, third-party fire and theft, and comprehensive coverage. Many campervan owners opt for comprehensive coverage, which provides the reassurance of cover for accidental damage, vandalism, fire, theft, and third-party damage and injury for which you’re at fault.
In addition to this motoring-related cover, many policies also cover the following as standard:
- Awnings
- Generators
- Gas explosions
- Windscreens and windows
- Navigation and audio equipment
- Keys and locks
- Personal possessions
Some things won’t be covered as standard by a campervan insurance policy, such as:
- Damage caused by general wear and tear
- Theft attributable to poor security
- Vermin or insect damage
- General tyre damage, such as punctures
What types of policies are available
The world of campervans is wonderfully varied, and it’s good to know that you can obtain insurance for a variety of different camper styles. These include modified, converted, and self-converted vans, as well as classic campers. There are even specialist policies for the conversion process.
An experienced insurer like Park Insurance will ask the right questions about your campervan and may even ask for photos, so the policy is the perfect fit. From retro 1960s Volkswagen campervan insurance to policies for a converted Ford van, there are plenty of options for protecting your pride and joy.
Campervan vs motorhome insurance
Choosing the right insurance for your campervan is vital – and it’s essential to understand the difference between a campervan and a motorhome. A campervan is a modified version of an existing van model, and therefore, it sits on a van chassis. A motorhome is built on a larger chassis (such as a bus or truck chassis), creating a more generous living space.
Each vehicle needs a specific policy; you cannot cover your campervan with a motorhome policy.
Do I need campervan insurance?
It is legally required to insure a campervan you’ll be taking out on the road with a campervan-specific policy. Even if you’re sprucing up your camper and it will be parked up on your driveway for the next year, it’s still a great idea to insure it to protect against theft or damage. Don’t forget that you can also get policies specifically for the conversion process if you’re taking on a DIY project.
How much is campervan insurance?
When making campervan insurance comparisons, cost is often a deciding factor. It’s important to take out the right level of coverage, as campervans have historically been underinsured, which can lead to financial losses.
A premium is calculated according to:
- Your level of cover (third party being the cheapest and comprehensive most expensive)
- Your campervan’s model, age, and current value
- Where you park and store your camper
- How often you use your campervan
- Your driving history
Frequently asked questions
How can I reduce the cost of my campervan insurance?
There are savings to be made if you pay annually rather than monthly, add security features such as tracking systems and cameras, and store your campervan in a secure spot such as a locked garage.
I’ve converted a van, can I drive it on my existing van insurance?
You cannot legally drive a campervan under anything other than a specialist campervan policy. This means car or van insurance will not provide valid coverage.
Can I insure a converted campervan?
Yes, there are campervan policies for both professional and DIY conversions. Make sure you tell your insurer what type of conversion your camper is, or your policy could be void.
Can I make my campervan my sole vehicle?
For many reasons, your campervan could become your household’s only vehicle. If you commute to work, fetch groceries, and drive for pleasure in your camper, you must let your insurer know that it has become your primary vehicle. This will raise your insurance premium because the vehicle will face increased risks.
Can I get temporary campervan insurance quote?
Yes, temporary policies are available and are commonly used for one-off trips in a campervan.
If you’ve worked hard to buy a campervan or spent your weekends lovingly converting a van into a camper, let Park Insurance protect your asset. We have over 30 years of experience crafting bespoke specialist policies, so call our friendly team of experts today to see how we can give your campervan the insurance it deserves.
A legal requirement
Every vehicle with an engine that uses UK roads needs insurance, and that includes campervans. Whether that’s third party only, third party, fire and theft, or fully comprehensive, you must have insurance to drive. But with campervans, there’s also a lot more to think about, and full campervan packages should include things such as insurance for awnings and camping equipment, breakdown cover, discounts for secure storage and low mileage, and so on.
To give you the best possible protection, our experienced and certified advisers will find out more about you and your campervan, so that they can put together a package that’s perfectly tailored to your exact needs. Only use your campervan a few times a year? That’s fine – we can find insurance that takes into account low mileage and infrequent use to give you cheaper cover.
Delivering a service for over 20 years
For over two decades Park Insurance has worked hard to seek out the very best in specialist insurance for our customers. We pride ourselves in understanding not just the insurance marketplace, but learning exactly what our customers want too. From campervan insurance to personal injury cover, we make sure that you’re fully protected from life’s little ups and downs. And with our insurance policies, you can be certain that you’re on the right side of the law as well.
Keeping things secure
Our experts will also look at other factors, such as where you store your campervan when it’s not being used, what security devices you use, and whether you want to include multiple drivers on your policy. We talk not just to insurance companies, but expert camping organisations to track down the best deals on the market, so that you have total peace of mind without breaking the bank.
To find out more about our campervan insurance cover, contact us today and talk to one of our friendly, expert advisers for further information, or send us a query using our online contact form for an instant, no-obligation quote.