Campervan Insurance Comparison

Campervan insurance is typically divided into three main types, similar to standard car insurance. However, due to the nature of campervans and how they’re used, there may be additional elements to consider. Here are the standard types:

1. Third-Party Only (TPO): This is the minimum level of cover legally required to drive on UK roads. It covers the cost of compensating other people for injury or damage you cause. It doesn’t provide any cover if your vehicle is damaged or stolen.
2. Third-Party, Fire, and Theft (TPFT): This includes third-party only cover, but also protects you if your campervan is damaged by fire or if it’s stolen.
3. Full Comprehensive: This provides the same cover as TPFT but also protects your vehicle against damage, even if the accident was your fault.

Beyond these standard types, there are additional coverages that can be particularly relevant for campervan owners:

• European Cover: If you plan to travel to Europe with your campervan, this will cover you while you’re abroad.
• Contents Cover: This covers the items inside your campervan, like cooking equipment, personal belongings, and any other equipment that isn’t a fixed part of your vehicle.
• Breakdown Cover: If your campervan breaks down, this type of cover will usually provide roadside assistance and potentially a replacement vehicle.
• Awning Cover: This provides cover for damage to any external awnings attached to your campervan.
• Gas and Explosion Cover: This covers damage caused by gas leaks or explosions within the campervan.

Every insurance company will offer different levels of cover, and premiums will be based on factors like the value of your campervan, how you use it (holidays, rentals, full-time living), where you store it, and your personal driving history. It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of any policy before purchasing.

The exact coverage included in your campervan insurance policy can vary depending on the insurer and the specific policy you choose. However, most policies will offer some or all of the following:

• Accidental Damage: This covers damage to your campervan in the event of an accident, regardless of whether you were at fault.
• Third-Party Liability: This is the minimum legal requirement for all vehicles in the UK, covering any damage or injury you cause to others.
• Fire and Theft: This covers your campervan if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
• Contents Cover: This covers the personal belongings inside your campervan. It can be especially important for campervans because they often contain items like cooking equipment, clothing, and other personal belongings.
• European Cover: If you plan on travelling outside the UK with your campervan, you may want a policy that includes European cover.
• Breakdown Cover: If your campervan breaks down, this cover can provide roadside assistance and recovery to a garage for repairs.
• Vandalism Cover: Some policies will cover you for damage caused by vandalism.
• Awning and Gas and Explosion Cover: This can cover damage to external awnings and issues caused by gas leaks or explosions.
• Legal Expenses: Some policies include legal expense cover, which can help you with the costs of legal action following an accident.

In addition, if you rent out your campervan, you might need additional cover. Some insurers offer policy extras like replacement vehicle cover, which provides you with another vehicle while yours is being repaired. Always review your policy documents carefully to understand what’s included, and consider consulting with an insurance professional if you have specific coverage needs.

There are several manufacturers that design and produce campervans, ranging from small bespoke outfits to large internationally-recognised brands. Here are some well-known campervan manufacturers in the UK and across the world:

1. Volkswagen: Perhaps the most iconic of all campervan manufacturers, Volkswagen produces models such as the California and Grand California.
2. Mercedes-Benz: Known for their luxurious vehicles, Mercedes also produce the Marco Polo campervan.
3. Fiat: Many campervans, particularly larger motorhomes, are built on a Fiat chassis, including many models from the likes of Elddis and Swift.
4. Ford: Ford produces campervans based on their Transit model, which are then often converted by other companies.
5. Peugeot: Like Fiat, many motorhomes are built on a Peugeot chassis.
6. Citroën: The Citroën Relay is a popular base vehicle for campervan conversions.
7. Renault: Renault offers the Trafic model, often used as a base for campervan conversions.
8. Hymer: This German manufacturer is a big name in motorhomes and produces a variety of models.
9. Bailey: A British company primarily known for their caravans, but they also produce motorhomes.
10. Auto-Trail: A UK-based motorhome manufacturer offering a wide range of models.
11. Bürstner: This German manufacturer is well-regarded in the motorhome industry.
12. Rapido: A French brand known for its high-quality motorhomes.
13. WildAx Motorhomes: A UK-based company that converts a variety of base vehicles into campervans.
14. Hillside Leisure: A UK-based company known for its high-quality VW campervan conversions.

While the exact terms and conditions will depend on the specific campervan insurance policy, there are several things that are typically not covered:

• Wear and Tear: Just like car insurance, campervan policies usually don’t cover costs related to general wear and tear or mechanical failures that aren’t related to a specific insured event (like an accident).
• Unsecured belongings: While many campervan policies include contents cover for belongings inside the campervan, they may not cover items that are left unsecured or outside the van.
• Unreported Theft or Damage: Most insurance policies require you to report theft or damage within a certain timeframe, typically within 48 hours. If you don’t report it promptly, your insurer may not cover it.
• Damage while Uninsured or Underinsured: If you cause damage while driving without adequate insurance, or if your policy limit is exhausted, you will typically be responsible for any remaining costs.
• Illegal Activities: Any damage or liability resulting from illegal activities, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is typically not covered.
• Personal Liability: While your policy may cover liability for damage or injury you cause to others with your campervan, it won’t typically cover personal liability claims not related to the use of the van.
• Unauthorised Drivers: If someone drives your campervan without your permission and isn’t named on the insurance policy, any claims made as a result of their driving may not be covered.
• Business Use: Unless you have a specific policy or add-on that covers business use, typical campervan insurance won’t cover you if you’re using your campervan for business purposes, such as delivering goods or renting it out.

The cost of campervan insurance in the UK can vary greatly, depending on a variety of factors including:

1. Value of the Campervan: More expensive campervans typically cost more to insure because they would cost more to replace or repair.
2. Type and Size of the Campervan: Larger, more elaborate motorhomes tend to be more expensive to insure than smaller, simpler campervans.
3. Age and Experience of the Driver: Younger drivers and those with less experience or more traffic violations typically face higher insurance costs.
4. Location: If you live in an area with high rates of theft or accidents, your insurance may be more expensive.
5. Usage: How often you use your campervan and where you travel can impact your insurance premiums. If you use your campervan frequently or travel abroad, your insurance may be more expensive.
6. Security Measures: Having security measures in place, like an alarm system or secure storage location, can reduce your insurance costs.
7. Policy Type: More comprehensive policies that cover more potential risks will be more expensive than basic third-party policies.

As a rough guide, campervan insurance can range from around £200 to £500 per year or more. However, this can vary widely based on the factors listed above.

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ABI –  Association of British Insurers – The Association of British Insurers is the leading trade association for insurers and providers of long term savings. … need to contact their insurer for a Green Card which they will need to carry on them if they wish to drive their vehicle in the EU.

BIBA – British Insurance Brokers’ Association – The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is the UK ‘s leading general insurance organisation.