Converted Campervan Insurance

Whether you get a professional to carry out the work or do it yourself, a campervan conversion gives you the freedom of the open road and a more relaxed lifestyle. As a road-going vehicle, your campervan conversion must be insured by law if it is used or kept on public roads. Standard vehicle insurance may not cover conversions, which is why it’s important to consider specialist converted campervan insurance. At Park Insurance, we’re here to help you find competitively priced cover.

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What is Converted Campervan insurance, and why is it important?

Converted campervan insurance, also known as modified van insurance, is cover specifically designed for vehicles that have been converted from standard vans into vehicles that can be lived in. Converted van insurance doesn’t just cover the vehicle. It also provides insurance for the fixtures and fittings added to the interior. It’s similar to motorhome insurance but considers the unique nature of a campervan modification, as well as the vehicle type, age, and power.


The differences between standard campervan or motorhome insurance and converted cover

The key difference between motorhome and converted campervan insurance is that the former covers mainly factory-built leisure vehicles, while converted van insurance covers both the vehicle and the modifications, custom fittings, and the overall value of a conversion, whether that’s professionally done or a DIY version. In short, converted van insurance can cover the entire investment and helps ensure the vehicle is appropriately insured for road use.

Modifying a van can have a considerable impact on your insurance, increasing the vehicle's market value but also your premiums. That’s why it’s important to check that you have the right kind of insurance for your vehicle.


Benefits of having insurance cover

The biggest benefit of having specialist insurance is that it helps protect your investment, including the van itself and all the conversions, fixtures and fittings. At Park Insurance, we talk to insurance providers who understand the time, money, and value of converted vans and that every conversion is unique. Self-converted campervan insurance reflects the whole investment, not just the value of the base vehicle.

What does converted campervan insurance cover?

It will depend on the type of insurance you take out and the individual policy, but generally, converted van insurance covers:

  • Vehicle insurance, including Third-party only, Third-party, fire and theft, or fully comprehensive (similar to standard vehicle insurance)
  • Vandalism (depending on the type of cover)
  • Storm and flood damage
  • Interior fittings, including beds, cabinets, and kitchen units (when declared and included in the policy valuation)
  • Gas and electrical installations, including solar (these may need to be signed off by a professional engineer for DIY builds)
  • Awnings, seats, and power supplies
  • Personal accident cover (although not always included as standard)
  • Breakdown and windscreen cover
  • European travel cover

Our top tip: Look for insurance that offers Agreed Value Cover reflecting the true worth of a custom-built campervan.

What isn't covered

You will need to check your policy carefully to see if there are any additional exclusions, but generally, aspects that are not covered include:

  • General wear and tear, including rust
  • Mechanical breakdown (unless covered by a breakdown policy)
  • Damage caused by pets or pests
  • Damage caused by poor maintenance
  • Theft of an unsecured vehicle
  • Full-time living or business use – may not be covered under standard policies and so may require specialist cover

How much does it cost?

The cost of your converted campervan insurance will depend on several factors. As every conversion is unique, you will need to talk at length with a broker to discuss the overall value of your conversion, as well as any extras. It will also depend on your driving history. Your broker will be able to fill in the details for you and help you find a policy that is right for both your needs and your budget.

Do you have to tell the DVLA if you convert a van to a camper?

A campervan conversion constitutes major modifications to a vehicle, and as such, you must inform DVLA. Failure to do so may affect the validity of your insurance or any future claim. Bear in mind that reclassification as a motor caravan is not always guaranteed.


Can I drive my campervan on my car insurance?

Generally, the answer is no, unless your insurance specifically includes your converted campervan on the policy. Most car policies exclude vans and all leisure vehicle conversions, which means if you do drive without the right level of cover, you may be uninsured to drive on public roads.


Do I need a special licence to drive a campervan?

It will depend on the weight of your campervan or motorhome. If you have a standard Category B car licence, you can drive any campervan or motorhome up to 3,500kg. If your vehicle is heavier, you will need a C1 category entitlement, which may involve taking an additional test.


Does home contents insurance cover items in my campervan?

It may, but to a limited degree. You will have to check your home contents insurance policy, and if not, look for campervan conversion insurance that does include personal items, fixtures, and fittings.


Hit the open road with Park Insurance

For over 30 years, Park Insurance has specialised in offering niche and specialist insurance, including campervan conversion insurance for those who want to travel the open roads in confidence. Using our position as preferred brokers to some of the UK’s largest insurance providers, we can help you find cover that represents the true value of your campervan. You can use our Get a Quote service for an instant, online quote, or call us directly and talk to one of our brokers for more information. Get in touch with us now.

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Give us a call on 0117 955 6835 or click on the button below and we will be happy to contact you to discuss your needs.

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