Temporary Motorhome Insurance

Motorhome insurance is essential cover for your home on wheels. Unlike a static caravan, a motorhome is a self-propelled vehicle, so insurance is a legal requirement to drive it on UK roads. Cover can range from third party only all the way up to comprehensive with contents and habitation protection. Compare motorhome insurance quotes from a panel of specialist UK brokers via MotorhomeCompare.

Like the purchase of any product, it is wise to shop around before you buy. Comparison websites will help you at this stage. However, do not limit your research to comparison sites: check online forums and read what fellow campers are saying about brokers and the cover available.

What does motorhome insurance cover?

It is important to read the terms and conditions of your cover, but in general motorhome insurance will cover damage, and loss due to fire, severe weather or crime. If you have opted to include contents cover, then your personal possessions will also be covered. Note that an upper limit most likely exists. This upper limit is the maximum amount that you can claim against your policy.

As you compare policies, you will find the cover offered is broadly similar. However, the less obvious factors below are also important.

Motorhome insurance on a new for old basis

If you insure on a “new for old” basis and your motorhome is damaged beyond repair, the policy will normally replace it with a new equivalent motorhome rather than paying out its market value. New for old is usually only available on newer motorhomes, and the premium will be higher to reflect it.

Check your motorhome policy details carefully

Within this sector, brokers will generally expect the motorhome to be kept securely when it is not in use, for example on a driveway, in a locked garage or compound, or on a CaSSOA-rated storage site. Approved security such as an alarm, an immobiliser or a GPS tracker, while not always mandatory, could help reduce your premium.

What is the difference between a touring caravan and a motorhome?

A motor caravan, or motorhome, is designed for travel and contains a self-contained living section on a motorised chassis. A touring caravan is non-motorised, contains a self-contained living facility, and is towed by a vehicle.

Motorhome Insurance NI and UK

If you are an NI resident, you can compare motorhome insurance NI quotes from a panel of specialist brokers via MotorhomeCompare.

Can I get quotes for different vehicle types?

Yes. On the inquiry form you can select your vehicle type, including motorhomes and campervans, coachbuilts, A-class, panel van conversions and self-builds. If you need cover for a static or touring van, see our static caravan insurance and touring caravan insurance pages.

Motorhome contents insurance cover

If your policy includes contents insurance, read the fine print, as cover on contents will have an upper limit. Before finalising your policy, calculate the value of your contents, as the total can easily exceed standard upper limits, especially if you carry the latest gadgets. Add up the price of items such as a silent generator, flexible solar panels, a smart caravan TV and a portable washing machine, plus the personal items you take on holiday. If they exceed the upper limit, speak with your broker about increasing it.

How can I lower my motorhome insurance premium?

The more secure your motorhome is seen to be, the more you could save on your premium.

• Fitting security devices like an alarm or tracker acts as a deterrent to thieves and could help keep the cost of cover down.
• Increase your excess above the minimum the insurer requests. As with any insurance, the excess is the amount you pay towards the cost of any claim.
• Choose third party only motorhome insurance, bearing in mind you will have less cover than a comprehensive option.
• Limit drivers to over 25 where possible, and to those with a good no-claims history. Insurers often see drivers under 25 as higher risk, which can raise your premium.

Self build campervan insurance

Campervans are expensive to buy, and many hobbyists are building or converting a van into a campervan. The DVLA is strict on the external features it expects before it will class a self build as a motor caravan, including windows on the side of the body, which you may have left out for security reasons. Self builds that do not meet the DVLA’s motor caravan criteria can still be considered for cover, though acceptance varies by insurer. Just be honest and provide all the necessary details, including how the vehicle is listed on the logbook.

Be honest with valuations and agree a value

If you value your motorhome or campervan below market value simply to get a lower premium, or to avoid fitting required security devices, you could end up thousands of pounds out of pocket. This is particularly true with a new for old policy. It is important to establish an agreed value for self builds and classic campervans. This can be done by sending all requested information, including photos, to the broker. Having an agreed value upfront makes any claim more straightforward, as the value has already been agreed by both parties.