Motor insurance
Camper Conversion Insurance
cover for a van converted into a campervan, whether you built it yourself or a converter did
Cover for a converted campervan, and the conversion inside it, from the build to the road. Declaring the work, its value and the gas and electrics is what keeps the cover sound.
- Self-builds and professional conversions
- Cover during the build
- Agreed value options
- FCA authorised and regulated
Quick answerCamper conversion insurance covers a van that has been, or is being, converted into a campervan. It insures the vehicle on the road, the conversion itself and your belongings, and it can run through the build and on into touring. The conversion, its value, the gas and electrics, and how the van is registered all shape the terms. Enter the registration and specialist UK brokers can come back with quotes.
This page is about converted vans. Factory-built campervans are covered on our campervan insurance page, larger coach-built vehicles on motorhome insurance, and a van still used for work on van insurance.
No obligation
What Happens After You Request Camper Conversion Quotes?
You complete one short form, specialist brokers who insure conversions get in touch, and you compare their quotes before deciding. There is no obligation to buy.
Complete one short form
The registration, the conversion, who built it, and how you plan to use the van.
Specialist brokers contact you
They may ask for photos, receipts or a list of what was fitted, so they can value the conversion.
Compare, then choose
Check the valuation, the conditions and the excess on each quote, then choose, or walk away.
At a glance
Camper Conversion Cover, in Brief
Six things that decide how camper conversion insurance behaves, before any of the detail.
- The van and the conversion
- Both insured, with the conversion declared
- Evidence the value
- Photos, receipts and a list of what was fitted
- Gas and electrics
- Some insurers ask for them to be checked
- Cover during the build
- Some insurers cover a conversion in progress
- How it is registered
- Some insurers look at the body type on the logbook
- Weight after the build
- The finished van must stay within its limits
The basics
What Is Camper Conversion Insurance?
Motor insurance for a van that has been fitted out as a campervan. Unlike standard van cover, it recognises the conversion, its value and how the van will be used for leisure.
Other road users
Injury and damage to third parties, the legal minimum.
The base vehicle
Damage, fire and theft, depending on the level of cover.
The conversion
Bed, kitchen, cabinets, windows and fitted systems, insured for their value.
Contents
Belongings inside, with limits on valuables.
Leisure systems
Leisure batteries, solar, hook-up and gas, where declared.
Touring extras
Awnings, bike racks, European cover and breakdown, where added.
Why a van policy may not be enough
A standard van policy expects a working vehicle. A converted camper carries fixtures, gas and electrics, and people sleeping inside, and its value can be well above the van’s book price. Cover that recognises the conversion is designed around those differences.
Why the conversion changes the risk
Fitted kitchens and heaters add fire risk, windows and fittings attract thieves, and a well-built interior can take months to replace. Insurers weigh each of these, which is why they ask so much about the build.
How it works
How Does Camper Conversion Insurance Work?
You describe the van and the conversion, agree a value with evidence, choose the cover, and keep the insurer updated as the build or the van changes.
You describe the van and the build
The base vehicle, who converted it, and what was fitted: bed, kitchen, heater, windows and electrics.
You agree a value
Market value or an agreed value, backed by photos, receipts and a list of fittings.
You choose the cover
Third party, third party fire and theft or comprehensive, with extras such as European touring.
You keep it up to date
New fittings, a finished build, a registration change or full-time living can change the cover.
What it covers
What Does Camper Conversion Insurance Cover?
Liability to others, the van and its conversion depending on the level of cover, contents, and extras such as agreed value, awnings and European touring.
Third party only
Covers injury and damage to others. The van and the conversion are not covered.
Third party, fire and theft
Adds cover if the van is stolen or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive
Adds accidental damage to the van and the conversion.
| Section | Where it sits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Third party | The legal minimum | Injury and damage to others |
| Fire and theft | On third party fire and theft | The van if stolen or damaged by fire |
| Accidental damage | On comprehensive | Repairs to the van and the conversion |
| The conversion | Where declared | Fixtures and fittings, insured for their value |
| Agreed value | Optional on some policies | Settles at the value agreed at the start |
| Contents | Included on some policies | Limits apply to valuables and single items |
| Awnings and bike racks | Optional | Sometimes with separate limits |
| European touring and breakdown | Included or optional | Check the days and vehicle limits |
Insure the conversion, not only the van. A policy that values the van at its book price may not pay for the fittings inside. Check the conversion is included in the value.
Exclusions
What Camper Conversion Insurance Does Not Include
Undeclared conversion work, unsafe gas or electrics, overloading, wear and tear, and uses the insurer was not told about.
Undeclared work
Fittings or changes the insurer was not told about.
Unsafe installations
Gas or electrical work that was not fitted or checked properly.
Overloading
A van over its weight limits after conversion.
Unsafe passenger seats
Passengers in seats without proper belts or fixings.
Wear, tear and damp
Gradual damage and mechanical failure.
Hiring out
Renting the van to others needs specialist cover.
Declare as you go. Telling the insurer about each stage of the build, rather than at the end, keeps the cover in step with the van.
Types
Which Camper Conversions Can Be Covered?
A wide range of converted vans, from simple sleeping set-ups to full conversions with kitchens, showers and solar. The base van and the build quality shape the terms.
Large van conversions
Medium and large vans fitted out as campers.
Small van conversions
Compact vans with a bed and simple kitchen.
High-top and pop-top conversions
Extra headroom from a raised or lifting roof.
Self-builds
Converted by the owner, finished or in progress.
Professional conversions
Fitted out by a converter, sometimes with paperwork.
Off-grid builds
Solar, large batteries and inverters for long stays.
Why the base van matters
The make, model and age of the van set the starting value and the repair costs. A popular base van can be easier to repair, while a rarer or older one may need an agreed value to be insured properly.
Why the build quality matters
Insurers look at how the conversion was done. Neat, documented work with certified gas and electrics is easier to assess than a build with no records, whoever carried it out.
Converting a US-built vehicle? See our American RV insurance page.
Who it is for
Who Needs Camper Conversion Insurance
Anyone who owns, is building or is buying a converted campervan.
Self-builders
Converting a van at home.
Owners of finished conversions
Touring the UK and abroad.
Buyers
Checking cover before buying a converted van.
Full-time van dwellers
Living in the van, declared to the insurer.
Weekend adventurers
Short trips and festivals.
Families
With travelling seats for children.
Buying a converted van? Ask the seller for photos of the build, receipts and any gas or electrical certificates. They make the van easier to insure and to value after a claim.
Cover by situation
Which Camper Conversion Cover Suits Your Van?
The right cover depends on where the build is and how you use the van. These are the points to raise in each situation.
| Your situation | What to look for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| A self-build in progress | Cover during the build | Whether materials, tools and part-fitted work are covered |
| A finished self-build | Agreed value | Photos, receipts and a list of what was fitted |
| A professional conversion | Market or agreed value | The converter’s paperwork and certificates |
| A van still used for work | Van cover with the conversion declared | Business use alongside leisure use |
| Full-time living | Specialist cover | Whether the policy allows it at all |
| Trips abroad | European touring | The days allowed and countries covered |
Conversion or van cover
Camper Conversion Insurance vs Standard Van Insurance
Standard van cover is built for work vehicles. Camper conversion cover recognises the fittings, the value they add and how the van is used for leisure.
| Camper conversion cover | Standard van cover | |
|---|---|---|
| The conversion | Insured for its value | May not be covered |
| Sleeping inside | Expected | Not expected |
| Gas and electrics | Declared and considered | Not expected |
| Leisure extras | Awnings, bike racks, touring | Rarely offered |
Motorhome or conversion? Our guide to motorhome insurance explains how the wider category works.
Cost
What Camper Conversion Insurance Is Priced On
The base van, the conversion and its value, who built it, your record, where the van is kept and how you use it. We do not print average premiums.
Your van
Make, model, age and the value of the conversion.
Your drivers
Age, experience, claims and convictions.
Your build
Self-build or professional, and what was fitted.
What the quote is rated on
The main factors
- ValueVan plus conversionBase
- The buildWho fitted it and whatRate
- The driverAge, licence, recordRate
- StorageWhere it is kept and securityRate
- UseMileage, abroad, full-time livingAdjust
Limited mileage
Some insurers offer lower terms for fewer miles.
Club membership
Some insurers look favourably on owners’ club members.
Security
A tracker, deadlocks or alarm can help with theft terms.
The declarations
The Declarations That Decide a Camper Conversion Claim
Camper conversion claims can turn on whether the build was described accurately. Four declarations come up again and again.
Declare the conversion in full
The bed, kitchen, heater, windows, roof and electrics. Undeclared work is a modification and can affect a claim.
Have gas and electrics checked
Some insurers ask for gas and electrical work to be fitted or checked by a qualified person, with a certificate kept.
Keep within the weight limits
A finished conversion adds weight. Weighing the loaded van shows it stays within its limits, and our weight and licence guide explains more.
Fit passenger seats properly
Travelling seats need proper belts and fixings. Passengers should only travel in them.
During the build
Insuring a Van While the Conversion Is Under Way
A van half-way through a conversion is neither a work van nor a finished camper. Some insurers offer cover for this stage; others need the van insured as a van until the build is done.
Tell the insurer before you start
A build in progress changes the risk, even while the van is parked.
Protect tools and materials
Check whether they are covered in the van, at home or in a workshop.
Photograph each stage
Photos and receipts build the evidence for an agreed value later.
Update the cover when finished
Move to camper conversion cover once the build is complete.
Keep it roadworthy
A van driven during the build still needs a valid MOT and cover.
Check the registration
Some owners change the body type on the logbook once finished.
Body type on the logbook. Some owners apply to change the body type to a motor caravan once the conversion meets set criteria, including features visible from outside. Insurers differ on whether they require it, so ask how it affects the cover.
Quote checklist
What You Will Be Asked for a Camper Conversion Quote
Six things shape the quote: the van, the conversion, its value, the gas and electrics, where it is kept, and how you use it.
The van
Registration, make, model and year.
The conversion
Who built it and what was fitted.
Its value
Photos, receipts and a list of fittings.
Gas and electrics
Who fitted them and any certificates.
Where it is kept
Storage and security.
How you use it
Mileage, trips abroad and full-time living.
Comparing
How to Compare Camper Conversion Quotes
Share the van and the build once, then check four areas on every quote: valuation, the build, use, and extras and costs. The price is only one of them.
Describe the van and the build
Registration, conversion and who fitted it.
Gather your evidence
Photos, receipts and certificates.
Choose the cover level
Third party to comprehensive.
Hear from brokers
Specialists in converted vans get in touch.
Valuation
- Market or agreed value
- Whether the conversion is included
- Evidence the insurer needs
The build
- Cover during the build
- Tools and materials
- Self-build acceptance
Use
- European touring days
- Mileage limits
- Full-time living
Extras and costs
- Awnings and bike racks
- Contents limits
- The excess
Check the conversion is in the value. It is a part that can be worth more than it looks. Unfamiliar terms are explained in our plain English jargon guide.
Cutting costs
How to Reduce the Cost of Camper Conversion Insurance
The levers are good evidence, safe installations, security, limited mileage and the excess. We publish no savings figures.
Keep good records
Photos, receipts and certificates support the value.
Get installations checked
Certified gas and electrics can help the terms.
Fit security
A tracker, deadlocks or alarm can help with theft.
Choose limited mileage
If you tour less, some insurers offer lower terms.
Join an owners’ club
Some insurers look favourably on membership.
Choose the excess deliberately
A higher excess is a lever, worth using only at a level you could absorb.
Glossary
Camper Conversion Insurance Terms Explained
The words that come up most on a camper conversion schedule.
- Camper conversion
- A van fitted out for sleeping and living.
- Self-build
- A conversion carried out by the owner.
- Base vehicle
- The van before it was converted.
- Agreed value
- A value set with the insurer at the start of the policy.
- Market value
- What the van was worth just before the loss.
- Motor caravan
- The body type some converted vans are registered as.
- Leisure battery
- A battery that powers the living area.
- Hook-up
- A mains electricity connection at a campsite.
- Modification
- Any change from the van’s factory specification.
- Excess
- The part of each claim you pay yourself.
Why MyMoneyComparison.com
Why Compare Camper Conversion Insurance with MyMoneyComparison.com?
MyMoneyComparison.com is an FCA-authorised UK comparison service that introduces motorhome owners to specialist UK brokers. We do not sell insurance and we do not give advice. Using us is free.
One form, your camper
Enter the registration and describe the conversion once.
Advice given
We are an introducer, not a broker. We do not sell policies and we do not recommend one insurer or product over another. Read our editorial policy.
Authorised and regulated
MyMoneyComparison.com Ltd appears on the FCA register under FRN 916241.
Incorporated
A UK company since 2013. FCA authorisation is separate and later; the register carries its date.
FAQs
Camper Conversion Insurance FAQs
Answers on the build, valuation, gas and electrics, registration and touring.
What is camper conversion insurance?
Motor insurance for a van that has been, or is being, converted into a campervan. It covers your liability to others and, depending on the level of cover, the van and the conversion inside it.
Can I use my van insurance after converting it?
Not without telling your insurer. A conversion is a modification, and a van policy may not cover the fittings or leisure use. Some insurers will update the policy; others will not insure a converted van.
Do I need to change the body type on the logbook?
Insurers differ on whether they require it. Some owners apply to change the body type to a motor caravan once the conversion meets set criteria. Ask each insurer how the registration affects the cover.
Can I insure a van while I am converting it?
Some insurers offer cover for a conversion in progress, and others need the van insured as a van until the build is finished. Tell the insurer before you start the work.
How is a self-build conversion valued?
Sometimes by agreed value, backed by photos of each stage, receipts for materials and a list of what was fitted. Without evidence, the conversion may be valued below what it cost.
Do I need a gas safety certificate?
Some insurers ask for gas installations to be fitted or checked by a qualified person, with a certificate kept. It is worth having one whether or not the insurer asks.
Is my solar kit and battery covered?
Leisure batteries, solar and inverters can be covered as part of the conversion if you declare them and include their value. Check they are listed on the schedule.
Does a conversion affect my licence?
It can if the finished van is heavier. Smaller conversions can stay within what a car licence allows, but larger vans can exceed it once loaded, so check the weight.
Can passengers travel in the back?
Only in seats with proper belts and fixings. Travelling in the living area without a belted seat is unsafe and can affect a claim. Declare every travelling seat.
Can I live in my converted van full time?
Full-time living is a different risk from leisure use. Tell the insurer, as some policies do not cover it and a specialist policy may be needed.
Can I hire my camper out to others?
Not on a standard policy. Renting the van to others needs specialist hire cover, and hiring it out without telling the insurer can leave you uninsured.
Is my awning covered?
Some policies include awnings, sometimes with a separate limit, and others offer them as an extra. Check the terms if you use an awning on trips.
Can I take my camper to Europe?
Some policies include European touring for a set number of days and others offer it as an extra. Check the countries and days covered before you travel.
What security do insurers ask for?
It depends on the van and its value. Some insurers ask for a tracker, deadlocks or an alarm, and set conditions on where the van is kept overnight.
Does a professional conversion cost less to insure?
It can help. Paperwork and certificates from a converter make the build easier to value and assess, but each insurer weighs self-builds and professional builds differently.
Does the base van’s age matter?
It can. Older vans can be harder to value and repair, and some insurers set age limits or ask for an inspection. A well-documented conversion on an older van can still be insured.
What if I add more to the conversion later?
Tell the insurer when you add fittings such as a heater, solar kit or new windows. Additions change the value and the risk, and undeclared work can affect a claim.
Is my conversion covered if the van is stolen?
On third party, fire and theft or comprehensive cover, theft of the van is covered, and the conversion is included where it is declared and in the value. Security conditions can apply.
Do I need breakdown cover for a converted van?
It is worth having, especially for trips abroad. Check the provider can recover a van of your size and weight, and whether it covers the living area’s contents while recovered.
How do I compare camper conversion quotes?
Look beyond the price to whether the conversion is in the value, cover during the build, gas and electrics conditions, European touring, full-time living rules and the excess.
Ready when you are
Get Quotes for Your Camper Conversion
Enter the registration at the top of this page, or start below. Specialist UK brokers can then come back with quotes. Free to use, with no obligation to buy.
- Self-builds and professional conversions
- Free to use, no obligation
- FCA authorised and regulated
Free to use · No obligation · UK insurers
About this page
This page explains UK camper conversion insurance: what it covers, what it leaves out, and how the build, its value and its installations decide a claim. It is general information rather than advice. Policies differ between insurers, so read your own documents and put the questions raised here to your insurer or broker.
How we approached this page
- Published UK motorhome policy summaries
- GOV.UK guidance on changing a vehicle’s body type and on licence categories
- Financial Ombudsman material on motor insurance complaints
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