Motorhome insurance

A motorhome is a vehicle that serves as both transportation and living accommodation. It can range in size from bigger vehicles, such as A-class, to smaller models, to self-built motorhomes or coach-built vehicles.

Motorhomes are spacious, with clearly defined living and driving areas, as well as permanent facilities such as sinks and cupboards. There is also a sleeping area. They're built to get you around the country. Campervans are often smaller, with only the most basic sleeping and kitchen amenities.

A campervan can be covered by car or van insurance depending on its features. Motorhomes are classified as a motor caravan by the DVLA and require a specialist policy for motorhome insurance UK.

We use your motorhome's registration number to validate it's a motorhome, we can offer you the best cover. We help you compare motorhome insurance quotes online alongside motorhome insurance comparison from a range of insurance providers. Some insurance providers may have an offer of motorhome insurance with breakdown cover. These are the ones to look out for which will be more value for money.

What is the definition of motorhome insurance?

Motorhome insurance protects you whether it's parked up or on the road. A comprehensive cover, like car insurance covers:

  • Traffic accidents on the road
  • Repairing your motorhome or other vehicles that have been damaged
  • Damage from a fire
  • Break-ins led to theft and property destruction.
  • Pedestrians, other drivers and their passengers, as well as you and your passengers
  • It is a legal requirement to cover your motorhome, but do not choose the cheapest policy without first reading the information provided by the insurer.

How much cover do I require?

The highest level of motorhome insurance available is comprehensive insurance. It normally covers the contents of the camper, including expensive camping gear and personal belongings that make your van feel like home. However, personal belongings cover can be added as an add-on.

Third-party theft and fire (TPTF) and third-party only (TPO) policies are also available. Although the quotations may be less expensive than comprehensive insurance, depending on your driving history and situation, you will be responsible for some or all of your repairs if you make a claim.

It is important to compare all three types of insurance to ensure you obtain the best policy at the best price. If you're going camping in Europe, you might be protected for driving abroad, depending on your cover

What are the different types of motorhome insurance?

There are three levels of cover to choose from when getting a motorhome insurance quote:

Commuting – You are covered when travelling to and from a single place of business.

Usage in personal business - You're still covered for commuting to work, as well as business meetings and events that take place elsewhere.

Social, household, and recreational activities - non-business trips are covered, such as school runs, shopping, family vacations, and camping, but you cannot use the motorhome to commute to work.

Motorhome insurance cost UK

Motorhome insurance costs depend on the following factors:

  • Your age
  • Your address
  • Your motorhome mileage - Keeping your annual mileage within a pre-determined limit might save you a lot of money on your insurance costs. You may be required to sign a declaration at the start of the policy stating how many miles your vehicle has travelled or send a picture of your odometer to the insurer.
  • How long you have been driving a motorhome – experienced drivers with this kind of vehicle may get a better rate.
  • Type of usage - If your camper is your only mode of transportation and you use it for daily travel and commuting as well as vacations, it will be more expensive and difficult to insure. If you leave your motorhome parked for weeks at a time and merely drive for pleasure, you may be spoiled for choice with a variety of less expensive plans from provides.
  • No claims discount - A few years of claim-free driving can help you save a lot of money on your insurance. Most insurers will allow you to use a no-claims history acquired on a car if it isn't currently in use on another vehicle.
  • The make and model (Vehicles that are unique) - It might be difficult to acquire insurance for modified or non-standard vehicles, ranging from antique VW buses to eccentric micro-campers adapted from big cars. You'll still be able to obtain cover thanks to our panel of insurers, who specialise in these types of vehicles.
  • If you want to add any additional named drivers to your policy.
  • Discounts for members of clubs - You can get a discount on your premium if you belong to a camping club or association. You must present proof of membership to the insurer. The Caravan and Motorhome Club, offers driving safety courses that may qualify you for further savings.

Tips on saving money on your motorhome insurance?

You may be able to save money on your motorhome or campervan protection in a number of ways:

Pay on a yearly basis - If you can, paying your insurance all at once will save you money.

Enhancements to security - Consider security equipment such as alarms and wheel clamps, albeit the cost of installation may take a few years to recoup through insurance savings.

Get the correct self-build cover - Modifications to any vehicle might increase the cost of insurance. If your motorhome has been significantly modified or you built it from scratch, insurers who specialise in this area may be able to cover it for less.

Become qualified - Obtaining advanced driving certifications may get you a discount.

Park in a secure area - If you have a garage or driveway, use it instead of parking on the street. This has additional risks and can raise your insurance premiums.

Add-ons should be avoided at all costs- Only purchase the extra insurance features you require.

Shop around - Compare motorhome insurance quotes to find the cheapest price.

Frequently asked questions

How much does motorhome insurance cost in the United Kingdom?

One of the largest annual expenses of owning a motorhome is insurance, which normally costs between £300 and £400 per year. (28 November 2020)

What size motorhome can I drive in the United Kingdom?

In the United Kingdom, motorhomes must be less than 12 metres long and 2.55 metres wide to be registered. Driving mirrors, rear bumpers, headlights, and reflectors are not included in the measurements.

Is a specific licence required to operate a motorhome?

A motorhome weighing up to 3.5 tonnes can be driven by anyone with a full UK driving licence (3,500kg). To drive a motorhome weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, the driver must have taken their test before January 1, 1997, and so be capable of driving a vehicle weighing up to 7.5 tonnes (7,500kg). If the driver completed their test after 1st January 1997, they will need to take a special test to be allowed to drive this weight of motorhome. The same applies for anyone wanting to drive a vehicle that weighs more than 7.5 tonnes.

Is it true that motorhome insurance is less expensive than van insurance?

In general, leisure vehicles, such as campervans, are less expensive to insure than panel vans. This is due to the fact that they have fewer claims, travel less miles, and aren't used for commercial purposes. Campervan insurance is often 10% to 50% less expensive than van insurance. (19 November 2020)

What is the maximum number of passengers that can travel in a motorhome?

You can only drive the same number of people as there are seatbelts if there are seatbelts. If there are no seat belts, visit your owner's manual to learn more. The majority of motor homes can accommodate at least 4–6 people, including the driver.

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