Motorhome insurance

A straightforward guide for UK motorhome owners

Motorhome insurance protects you financially if your vehicle injures someone, damages property, or is stolen or damaged. It is different from standard car cover because motorhomes are larger, often carry personal belongings, and may include fitted equipment like kitchens and sleeping areas. With more than 225,000 motorhomes and campervans on UK roads and registrations up over 20% in 2024, the market is growing quickly. That means more choice, but also more variation in price and cover.

In 2025, just over half of motorhome quotes came in below about £417 a year, although averages for mid-value vehicles sit just under £500. Prices vary with vehicle value, storage security, usage, and driver history. Smaller campervans used for leisure often cost less than larger coachbuilt models, while converted vans not officially classed as motor caravans may need specialist policies and can be pricier.

This guide explains how the main cover types work, what affects premiums, and the steps from quote to claim. We will be clear about limits and common exclusions so you can make informed choices. The aim is simple: confidence. Insurance can offer real protection, but only when you know what is covered and where the gaps are. We will keep jargon to a minimum and focus on practical points that matter to you and your budget.

Prices are trending softer in 2025, but claims costs and repair pressures still influence premiums. Secure storage and the right vehicle classification can make a meaningful difference.

What is covered in practice

UK motorhome policies sit on three levels: third party, third party fire and theft, and comprehensive. Third party meets the legal minimum and pays for injury or damage you cause to others, but not your own vehicle. Third party fire and theft adds protection if your motorhome is stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive typically covers your own vehicle for accident damage, including at fault incidents, subject to your excess and policy limits.

Policies often include windscreen cover, personal effects up to a limit, and cover for fitted accessories. Many will offer European use for a set number of days and a choice of breakdown options. Common exclusions include wear and tear, gradual damage, using the vehicle as a permanent residence, and business use beyond the declared purpose. If your van is a self-build or conversion, insurers may require evidence of modifications and certification. If it is not registered as a motor caravan, some features may be excluded or the policy may be specialist.

Claims usually start by notifying your insurer as soon as safe to do so, providing photos, details of the incident, and any third party information. If the vehicle is repairable, an approved repairer is appointed. If it is written off, settlement reflects market value minus excess. Delays can occur where parts are scarce, a known issue given high repair costs across UK motor insurance. Being accurate at application helps avoid disputes later.

Is this cover right for you

Motorhome insurance is essential if you own a motorhome or campervan and drive it on UK roads. It is especially valuable for newer or higher value vehicles, those carrying expensive equipment, or owners taking regular trips in the UK and abroad. If you store your vehicle securely in a locked garage or high quality facility, you are likely to benefit from lower premiums, while driveway or on-street storage can increase costs.

If you have a small campervan used a few weekends a year, premiums can be lower than for large coachbuilt models. If your vehicle is off the road for a long period and declared SORN, you will not need road cover, though you might still want fire and theft protection. If you rarely drive and the vehicle has minimal value, comprehensive cover may be less cost-effective, but you must still meet the legal minimum to drive.

Choosing your level of protection

1. Basic - Third party only

   • Meets the legal minimum for driving on UK roads.
   • Covers injury and property damage you cause to others.
   • No cover for your vehicle after an at fault incident or vandalism.
   • Best for low-value vehicles you could afford to repair or replace yourself.

2. Standard - Third party, fire and theft

   • Adds cover if your motorhome is stolen or damaged by fire.
   • Still no protection for your vehicle after an at fault crash.
   • Suits owners seeking theft and fire protection where accident risk is low.

3. Premium - Comprehensive

   • Covers your vehicle for accident damage, including at fault incidents.
   • Often includes windscreen, personal effects limits, and audio or solar panels.
   • Usually the most suitable for mid to high value vehicles and frequent touring.

4. Common add-ons

   • European use extension - sets a number of days abroad and paperwork requirements.
   • Breakdown assistance - roadside, recovery, and onward travel options.
   • Protected no claims discount - limits the impact of one or more claims.
   • Higher personal effects limit - for tech, e-bikes, and camping kit.
   • Courtesy vehicle or accommodation - helps you continue your trip after a claim.
   • Legal expenses - for uninsured loss recovery and legal support after accidents.

What it costs and why prices vary

Prices are indicative and depend on your individual circumstances and insurer.

Who can apply and what you will need

Most UK residents with a valid driving licence appropriate for their vehicle can apply. Insurers will ask for your vehicle details, registration, mileage estimate, where and how it is stored, and how you plan to use it. They may request proof of security devices, prior insurance, and any no claims discount. If your motorhome is a conversion, be ready to provide photographs, receipts for work, and evidence of registration as a motor caravan where applicable.

Applications can be declined for undeclared modifications, significant non-standard engine changes, previous insurance cancellations, a history of non-disclosure, or incompatible usage such as commercial hire without a specialist policy. If you live outside the insurer’s accepted postcode areas or the vehicle fails to meet safety or valuation criteria, cover may be refused. Accuracy matters - declare everything clearly to keep your cover valid.

From quote to claim in simple steps

1. Gather vehicle, driver, storage, and usage details accurately.
2. Get several quotes using identical information for fair comparison.
3. Choose a cover level and add-ons you genuinely need.
4. Check exclusions, excesses, and mileage or European limits.
5. Buy the policy and store documents digitally and in the van.
6. Install security and follow storage conditions to protect discounts.
7. If an incident occurs, contact the insurer promptly and record details.
8. Provide evidence, follow repair guidance, and track claim updates.

Benefits and drawbacks to weigh up

Key checks before you press buy

Review the policy schedule, certificate, and full wording line by line. Confirm the voluntary and compulsory excesses, personal effects limits, windscreen cover terms, and any single item caps. Look closely at exclusions for wear and tear, unattended belongings, and use as a permanent residence. Check European cover days, territorial limits, and green card requirements. If the vehicle is a conversion, confirm accepted modifications and registration status. Ask how renewal pricing is handled and whether no claims protection is included or optional. Keep proof of storage arrangements, alarms, and trackers to avoid issues at claim time.

Related cover worth considering

1. Campervan insurance - for smaller vans used primarily for leisure, often cheaper and more flexible.
2. Breakdown cover - roadside assistance and recovery in the UK and Europe, useful on longer tours.
3. Contents insurance extension - to cover personal items taken from home to the van.
4. GAP insurance - may help bridge the gap between settlement and finance if your van is written off.
5. Travel insurance - for medical and trip disruption abroad when touring in Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What level of cover do I legally need? A: At a minimum you need third party cover to drive on UK roads. Many owners choose comprehensive for better protection against own-vehicle damage and theft, especially for higher value motorhomes.

Q: Why do storage details change the price so much? A: Insurers assess theft and damage risk by location. Locked garages often bring the lowest premiums. Some storage facilities can increase cost significantly, while driveway or on-road storage may also add to the premium.

Q: How much does motorhome insurance usually cost? A: Over half of recent quotes were under about £417 a year, with mid-value vehicles averaging just under £500. Campervans typically range from £300 to £1,000 depending on size, use, and drivers.

Q: Are converted vans harder to insure? A: They can be. If the vehicle is not registered as a motor caravan, you might need specialist cover and stricter documentation. Clear photos, receipts, and certification reduce the chances of delays or refusals.

Q: Will a claim always raise my premium? A: A claim can affect your price and no claims discount, although protected discounts may limit the impact. Market conditions and future risk profile also influence renewal pricing.

Q: Can I take my motorhome to Europe? A: Many policies include a set number of European days. Check the limit, countries covered, and documentation requirements before you travel. Add extra days or breakdown cover if needed.

What to do next

Take a few minutes to compare quotes with the same details so differences are meaningful. Decide on the cover level you genuinely need, then review exclusions and excesses before buying. If you can improve storage security or update documentation, do so now to support a fair premium and a smooth claim later. You stay in control throughout.

Important note

This guide provides general information, not personal financial advice. Policy terms vary by insurer and individual circumstances. Always read the full policy wording, check limits and exclusions, and confirm details with your provider before purchasing.