Campervan insurance

A straightforward guide to cover for your campervan

Campervan insurance is a specialist type of motor cover that protects you, your vehicle, and others on the road. It sits somewhere between car and motorhome insurance, but the details matter. Policies are designed for leisure use, occasional touring, and seasonal storage - not daily commuting or heavy commercial work. The right policy can pay for repairs after an accident, theft, fire, or weather damage, and it can help with third-party liabilities if you injure someone or damage their property.

In the UK, many owners pay between £300 and £500 a year for cover, with 51% of motorhome quotes below roughly £417 annually in late 2025. Campervans often cost less than larger motorhomes because they are smaller and used for leisure. Premiums are shaped by vehicle classification on your V5C, modifications, where you live, and how you use the van. Converted vans that are not classed as motor caravans may require modified van cover, which typically costs more.

Recent market shifts may help. Van premiums fell significantly year on year in late 2025, while motorhome rates softened as new business enquiries cooled. That can mean better pricing for some drivers, though claims still carry weight and insurers remain careful. This guide sets out the facts clearly so you can compare options with confidence and avoid surprises.

Insurance can offer real protection - but only when you understand what is and is not covered.

What is typically covered and what is not

Most policies offer third-party only, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive cover. Comprehensive usually includes damage to your campervan after an accident you cause, theft, fire, vandalism, and many weather events. Third-party sections pay if you injure others or damage their property. Some policies include personal belongings, awnings, and fixed equipment like cookers or pop-top roofs, subject to limits. Windscreen cover, European use, and UK breakdown may be included or optional depending on the insurer.

There are limits. Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, and mechanical or electrical failure are generally excluded. Unauthorised modifications, unsecured accessories, or living equipment not declared may also be excluded. If your van is a conversion but not recognised as a motor caravan on the V5C, you might need modified van insurance, which can be pricier and may have different terms. Business use can be covered, but premiums are often higher due to increased mileage and risk.

Claims usually start with contacting your insurer promptly, providing photos, a crime reference number for theft, and repair quotes. Approved repairers may be required. Excesses apply to most claims, and no claims discounts can be affected. If your campervan is written off, payouts are typically based on market value at the time, not what you paid originally.

Who benefits most

Campervan insurance is ideal for UK drivers who tour for leisure, camp seasonally, or take occasional road trips. Owners of factory-built campervans or DVLA-recognised motor caravans usually find it straightforward to insure at competitive prices. Drivers with clean records, secure storage, and modest annual mileage often see lower premiums. Those living outside high-risk urban areas may also benefit from reduced costs.

If you are converting a van and it is not yet classified as a motor caravan on the V5C, you may need specialist modified cover. That can be more expensive but ensures the right protection for custom interiors and electrical upgrades. If your van is used mainly for business - such as rentals, mobile work, or frequent urban deliveries - a commercial vehicle policy may be more suitable. For very occasional use, adding temporary cover for specific trips can be a practical alternative.

Choosing your level of protection

1. Basic - Third-Party Only
   • Covers injury or damage you cause to others. No cover for your campervan. Lowest legal level, suitable only if vehicle value is low and you accept the risk of paying your own repair costs.
2. Mid - Third-Party, Fire and Theft
   • Adds protection if your campervan is stolen or damaged by fire. Still no cover for accidental damage to your own vehicle. Often chosen for older vans with modest values.
3. Comprehensive - Standard
   • Includes accidental damage to your van, plus third-party, fire and theft. Common extras may include windscreen cover and personal belongings up to a limit. Good balance for most leisure users.
4. Comprehensive - Enhanced
   • Higher limits for contents and fitted equipment, cover for awnings, more generous European use, and sometimes UK breakdown. Suitable for newer or higher-value campervans used regularly.
5. Optional Add-ons
   • Breakdown cover UK and Europe
   • European driving for longer trips
   • Protected no claims discount
   • Courtesy vehicle or hire costs after a claim
   • Legal expenses cover
   • Cover for modifications and camper equipment
   • Key cover, misfuelling, and personal accident enhancements

Good to know: If your conversion is not DVLA-recognised as a motor caravan, ask about modified cover before you buy.

Prices today and what shapes them

Typical ranges reflect a competitive UK market, with many campervan policies between £300 and £1,000 a year and a mid-point around £500. Half of motorhome quotes were below roughly £417 in late 2025, with campervans often cheaper. Regional variation is real - London usually costs more due to traffic and theft rates. Falling van premiums through late 2025 and softer motorhome rates may help some drivers, while commercial use can push costs up.

Can you get it and what insurers ask for

Most UK residents with a valid driving licence and insurable interest can apply. Insurers typically ask for your V5C details, evidence of ownership, past claims and convictions, annual mileage, where the campervan is kept overnight, and any modifications. If your van is a conversion, you may need a list of changes, photos, and receipts. For European cover, expect to confirm travel dates and destinations.

Common decline reasons include undisclosed modifications, inaccurate mileage, high-risk usage without appropriate cover, non-UK residency, serious motoring convictions, or vehicles that cannot be safely insured due to condition or security. If you plan any commercial activity, disclose it early - a fleet or commercial policy may be required. Being transparent improves quote accuracy and reduces claim disputes later.

From quote to claim in simple steps

1. Gather V5C, licence details, mileage, storage location, and modification notes.
2. Get multiple quotes tailored to leisure use and your campervan classification.
3. Compare cover limits, exclusions, excesses, and any European use requirements.
4. Choose the level that matches your budget and real travel plans.
5. Set a realistic voluntary excess to balance premium and claim costs.
6. Buy the policy, store documents safely, and set reminders for renewal dates.
7. If something happens, report promptly, follow instructions, and keep all evidence.

Clear upsides and honest drawbacks

Key checks before you buy

Read the schedule and policy wording carefully. Confirm excesses for accidental damage, windscreen, and theft. Check limits for personal belongings, awnings, and fitted equipment, plus any single item caps. Understand the definition of your campervan and whether your V5C lists it as a motor caravan. If not, ask about modified cover. Note any storage or security requirements, such as alarms, trackers, or locked compounds. Review European use rules, territorial limits, and maximum trip durations. Look at renewal terms, potential price changes, cancellation fees, and how your no claims discount is protected or affected. Keep receipts and photos of modifications for smooth claims handling.

Alternatives and related options

1. Commercial van insurance - Better for business use, frequent urban driving, or hire activity.
2. Temporary campervan cover - Short-term policies for specific trips or test drives.
3. Motorhome insurance - If your vehicle is larger or fits motorhome criteria.
4. Contents or travel insurance - For valuables taken on trips, subject to policy limits.
5. Breakdown cover - UK and European assistance for roadside recovery and onward travel.

Common questions answered

Q: How much does campervan insurance cost in the UK? A: Many pay between £300 and £500 a year, with typical ranges from £300 to £1,000. Costs vary by region, vehicle type, classification, usage, and your driving record.

Q: Is a converted van more expensive to insure? A: Often yes if it is not recognised as a motor caravan on the V5C. Modified van insurance may be required and can cost more due to bespoke parts and repair complexity.

Q: Are premiums going up or down in 2025? A: Van premiums fell notably year on year by late 2025, and motorhome rates softened. Prices still vary by insurer and risk, so comparing multiple quotes remains essential.

Q: Does location make a big difference? A: Yes. London and other urban areas generally see higher premiums due to traffic density and theft risk. Secure storage, alarms, and trackers can help reduce costs.

Q: Will my no claims discount help? A: Usually. A longer no claims history often reduces premiums. Consider protected no claims options if offered, but note this usually adds a cost and has conditions.

Q: What about road tax for campervans? A: Vehicle Excise Duty often depends on maximum authorised mass and use. Campervans under 3,500 kg used mainly for leisure can sit in lower bands, reducing running costs.

What to do next

Take a few minutes to list your vehicle details, usage, and any modifications. Compare quotes that reflect your V5C classification and planned travel. Focus on cover limits, exclusions, and excesses, not just price. When you are ready, choose the option that fits your needs and budget.

Next step: Get two or three comparable quotes and review the policy wordings side by side.

Important information

This guide provides general information only - not personal financial advice. Policy terms vary by insurer. Always read the schedule and full wording, and check that your vehicle classification, modifications, and usage are accurately declared before you buy.