Camper van insurance

There are thousands of camper van enthusiasts in the UK, and it’s not surprising why. There’s an undeniable romance to loading up and heading out wherever the open road takes you, whether it’s in the UK or beyond. But to properly protect your investment – not to mention stay on the right side of the law – you need a particular type of van insurance, particularly for camper vans.

The difference between camper vans and motorhomes is usually considered to be drawn at chassis level, and whether there is a split cabin and living quarters. Camper vans tend to have some amenities in the rear with no divide from the front seats, while a motorhome will have distinct sections.

What sort of insurance is available?

The options of cover available to camper van drivers are similar in some respects to the levels offered in car insurance. These are as follows:

Third party only

This level of insurance, the minimum requirement, will cover damage to the property of others and liability for injury to others, including passengers in your vehicle. However, in the event of any damage to your own camper van, you won’t be covered.

Third party, fire and theft

This level of cover will provide all the features of third party insurance, plus the benefit of protection if your vehicle is stolen. Third party, fire and theft will also cover the costs of damages caused by fire or attempted theft.

Comprehensive

This is the most thorough insurance, but it’s also the most expensive. It will provide cover for your own camper van, plus the benefits of third party, fire and theft insurance, and offer a great deal of options. These may include cover for European driving, windscreen and glass, vandalism and personal effects, and a courtesy car if your camper van is stolen or written-off (subject to the terms and conditions of your policy).

However, each insurer will offer a different package, so check what you’re buying thoroughly.

Each insurer will have their own list of exclusions – certain circumstances which are outlined in the policy – in which they will not pay out, or will invalidate your insurance. Most insurers will only give policies to professionally built camper vans, and not examples converted by the owner.

Exclusions can differ from insurer to insurer. However, common exclusions include using your camper van as a residence or for trade; deterioration of the vehicle and vermin damage. If there is theft from the camper van without forced entry, your contents cover is also likely to be invalidated.

How to save money on your premium?

There are plenty of ways you can keep your insurance premium down. Insurance companies want you to be as low-risk as possible, and will offer cheaper premiums to drivers they perceive to be safer.

You can do this through a number of ways, the easiest and most inexpensive being to drive safely and within the law. Previous accidents and driving convictions count against you, and could raise your premium.

Keeping your camper van safe is also a big plus. Locking up your camper van in a garage overnight and investing in security (be it a steering wheel lock, alarm or even a tracking device) make you less risky.

You may also consider agreeing to a fixed mileage, which will make your insurance cheaper, if your camper van is used sparingly for recreation.

Scouring for the best deal is easier than ever thanks to comparison websites: they allow you to browse the price and features of quotes from a wide range of providers quickly and effectively. It’s always important to bear in mind that the cheapest quote might not necessarily be the best. After all, you don’t want to be left short if you need to make a claim at any point.