Camper Van Insurance: What's The Cost And Why?

Campervan insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, and the cost of insuring one varies depending on a number of factors. The average cost of campervan insurance in the UK is £377, but this can be as low as £220 or exceed £1,000. The cost of insurance depends on the age, model, value, and mileage of the campervan, as well as the age and driving history of the driver. Campervan insurance is typically cheaper than car insurance, but it's important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best deal.

Campervan insurance costs

The cost of campervan insurance varies depending on several factors. The average cost to insure a campervan in the UK is £377, but this can range from £220 to over £1,000. Campervan insurance is a legal requirement and is typically cheaper than car insurance.

The cost of insurance is influenced by the following factors:

• The type of cover chosen (third-party, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive)
• The age, model, value, and mileage of the campervan
• The location where the campervan is stored when not in use
• The driving history of the owner, including any claims or convictions
• The number of vehicles owned
• The age of the owner
• The medical history of the owner
• Whether the campervan is the owner's only vehicle
• The frequency of use of the campervan

To obtain cheaper campervan insurance, individuals can consider the following:

• Installing additional security measures such as cameras or tracking systems
• Storing the campervan in a secure location, such as a locked garage
• Calculating mileage accurately and driving fewer miles
• Paying the insurance annually rather than monthly
• Obtaining advanced driving qualifications
• Joining a motorhome or camping club

Campervan insurance coverage

Campervan insurance is a type of motor insurance that is specifically designed for campervans and motorhomes. It covers the vehicle, its contents, and its passengers in the event of damage, accidents, or theft. Campervan insurance is a legal requirement, similar to car insurance.

There are three main types of campervan insurance cover:

• Third-party insurance: This is the minimum level of cover required by law. It covers the cost of compensating others for injury or damage caused by the insured.
• Third-party, fire, and theft insurance: This includes third-party cover and also insures against fire damage and theft of the vehicle.
• Fully comprehensive insurance: This covers everything included in third-party, fire, and theft insurance, and also insures against damage to the vehicle caused by the insured.

In addition to these main types of cover, campervan insurance can include:

Personal belongings cover: This insures any belongingssection end

Belongings kept inside the campervan.

• Awning cover: This covers damage to awnings in storms.
• Windscreen cover: This covers the cost of repairing chips or cracks in the windscreen.
• Breakdown cover: This provides roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown.
• Legal expenses cover: This covers legal costs in the event of a dispute relating to an accident.
• European cover: This extends the insurance policy to cover driving in Europe.

The cost of campervan insurance varies depending on a number of factors, including:

• The value of the campervan: More expensive vehicles tend to be more expensive to insure.
• The age and model of the campervan: Older vehicles are generally cheaper to insure, but classic campervans may be more expensive.
• The driver's age and history: Younger drivers and those with a history of claims will pay more for insurance.
• The storage location of the campervan: Storing a campervan in a secure location can reduce insurance costs.
• Mileage: Higher mileage tends to result in higher insurance costs.
• Use of the campervan: Using the campervan for commuting or business purposes will increase insurance costs.

Optional add-ons to a campervan insurance policy may include:

Agreed value: This is suitable for modified or classic campervans and ensures that the insuredsection end

Insured receives the market value of the vehicle in the event of a total loss.

Contents cover: This insures anysection end

Belongings, including fixed items such as cookers and tables, in the event of theft, loss, or fire.

Campervan insurance vs. motorhome insurance

While campervans and motorhomes share similarities, there are some differences between the two that affect the type of insurance you need.

Campervans

Campervans are generally smaller than motorhomes and don't have a separate driving cab. They typically have more basic facilities for cooking, washing, and sleeping. Campervans are often converted from panel vans, either by an individual or a professional company.

Motorhomes

Motorhomes are usually larger, with extra space for storage and more clearly defined areas for driving and living. They often have additional features, such as an over-cab area with space for a double bed. Motorhomes can range from larger, luxury vehicles like A-class models to smaller, self-built motorhomes.

Insurance

Campervan and motorhome insurance policies are designed specifically for these types of vehicles, taking into account their unique features and usage. While there are some similarities between the two types of insurance, there are also some key differences to note:

• Usage: Campervan insurance typically covers domestic or leisure use, and insurers may set mileage limits assuming you'll only drive your campervan a few times a year. Motorhome insurance, on the other hand, may offer more flexibility in terms of usage, including commuting and business use.
• Contents and Personal Effects Cover: Campervan insurance often includes cover for belongings and valuables stored in the campervan, such as TVs, microwaves, and accessories. This type of cover may be optional or have lower limits in motorhome insurance policies.
• Overseas Cover: Campervan insurance may provide overseas cover, including European breakdown assistance, as some campervan owners like to drive across the continent. Motorhome insurance may or may not include this cover as standard, depending on the policy.
• Agreed-Value Cover: Campervan insurance may offer agreed-value cover, which means the insurer will pay a predefined amount in the event of a claim, regardless of other valuations. This can be particularly useful for classic or vintage campervans. Motorhome insurance policies may or may not include this feature.
• Gas Canisters and Heaters Cover: Campervan insurance typically covers gas canisters and heaters, as well as any accidents arising from their use. Motorhome insurance policies may not always include this cover.
• Cost: The cost of insurance will depend on various factors, including the vehicle's value, age, make, and model, as well as the driver's age and driving history. In general, campervan insurance is often cheaper than motorhome insurance due to the lower value and usage of campervans. However, it's important to compare quotes from different insurers to find the most suitable policy for your needs.

Campervan insurance vs. car insurance

Campervan insurance is a type of motor cover that is specific to motorhomes and campervans. This type of insurance covers your vehicle, you, and your passengers for damage, accidents, and theft. Campervan insurance is legally required, just like car insurance.

The average cost to insure a campervan in the UK is £377, according to Just Kampers Insurance (as of February 2022). However, this can vary depending on factors such as the age, size, mileage, and any customisations. Campervan insurance tends to be cheaper than car insurance because campervans typically have fewer claims, do fewer miles, and are not used for commercial purposes.

When it comes to campervan insurance, there are three main types of cover: third-party, third-party fire and theft, and fully comprehensive. Third-party insurance is the minimum level of cover required to drive on UK roads, while fully comprehensive insurance offers the most protection and often includes cover for the contents of your campervan.

In addition to the standard cover, campervan insurance can also include optional add-ons such as breakdown cover, key cover, and contents cover. These add-ons will increase the overall cost of the policy but can provide valuable peace of mind.

When insuring a campervan, it is important to consider the value of the vehicle, the age of the campervan and the driver, the make and model, and the storage location. These factors can significantly impact the cost of insurance.

Overall, while there are some similarities between campervan insurance and car insurance, campervan insurance is designed specifically for campervans and offers cover for a range of features unique to these vehicles.

Campervan insurance add-ons

Campervan insurance is a type of motor cover that is legally required and is designed specifically for campervans, covering you, your vehicle, and your passengers in the event of damage, accidents, or theft. The cost of campervan insurance varies depending on factors such as the age, size, value, and mileage of the vehicle, as well as any customisations.

Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover provides roadside assistance in case your campervan breaks down, helping you get to a garage quickly. This is not a legal requirement, but it can provide peace of mind and is often cheaper when added to your insurance policy than buying it separately.

Key Cover

If you're prone to losing your keys, key cover can be a valuable add-on. It typically covers all keys attached to a fob, and some insurers also provide recovery services if you lose your keys and can't get home.

Windscreen Cover

Windscreen cover insures against the cost of repairing chips or cracks in your windscreen, which can be expensive if not covered by insurance.

Spare Parts Cover

If you have spare parts for your campervan, especially for classic or modified vehicles, spare parts cover can protect you in case of loss or damage. This usually applies when parts are kept in a locked garage or inside a locked motor vehicle.

European Cover

If you plan to take your campervan to Europe, European cover is essential. It insures you for driving in Europe and often includes breakdown assistance. This add-on can be quite expensive if purchased separately, so it's worth considering as part of your insurance policy.

Agreed Value

If you have a highly modified or classic campervan, agreed value cover can ensure you receive the correct value for your vehicle in the event of an accident or total loss. This add-on sets a fixed value for your campervan based on factors like photos, invoices, and valuations from independent experts.

Contents Cover

Contents cover insures your personal belongings and fixed items inside your campervan, such as cookers and tables, in case of theft, loss, or fire. This is similar to home insurance and can provide valuable protection for your possessions.

These are just a few examples of the add-ons available for campervan insurance. When choosing your policy, consider your specific needs and don't hesitate to ask about optional benefits that can enhance your coverage.

Frequently asked questions