Campervan Conversion Insurance
Get a Quote for Your Self Build Campervan
You have put time, money and planning into your conversion. Campervan conversion insurance can help protect it on the road and while it is parked up. Start a quote via Motorhome Compare and see if you could save.
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How to Get a Self Build Campervan Insurance Quote
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Plan the build, register it properly, and insure it from day one
- Specify your living needs first
- Check the DVLA motor caravan features
- Update your V5C after the conversion
- Tell your insurer about any changes
What Is Campervan Conversion Insurance?
Carrying out your own camper van conversion means the finished van should fully meet your campervan living requirements. It is a popular path for many in the UK. Your final creation can be budget and functional, or luxury with lots of gadgets and gizmos. It is totally your choice, and that is the big appeal of building your very own campervan.
Because campervan conversions are popular, you need not repeat the mistakes others have made in their self build projects. This guide outlines what you need to do to avoid common pitfalls and have a mostly headache-free self build experience. At every stage, it is important to have self build campervan insurance in place, in case of an unfortunate event like theft or fire.
Like building a house, it is crucial to fully specify your living requirements and make sure they are catered for during the design phase. Time spent at this stage pays dividends, as discovering problems during the build can lead to a significant increase in costs that proper planning upfront would have avoided. If you have an engineering or software development background, you will already understand how much getting the design and requirements stage right matters.
If your project starts with an older van, classic campervan insurance may also be relevant.
Make Sure Your Campervan Conversion Qualifies
Self build campervans and motorhomes, whilst costly and time-consuming, are popular, especially with those who know what they want and can create a design that can be built. Some do the work themselves as a hobby, some use a professional coach builder, and some do a mix of both.
At the design stage, it is important to know what the DVLA looks for before it will record your van as a motor caravan. These are the features set out in the current GOV.UK guidance.
External Features
- 2 or more windows on at least one side of the main body, not counting the cab doors
- A separate door into the living accommodation, not the driver or passenger door
- A high-top roof or pop-top elevating roof
Internal Features
- Seats and a table
- Sleeping accommodation, which can be converted from the seats
- Cooking facilities
- Storage facilities
The equipment must be rigidly fixed to the living area, though the table can be easily removable.
Any seats and seat belts intended for use while travelling must be securely mounted. Gas and electrical work should be carried out to a safe standard, as you must be able to show the conversion was completed safely if you sell the vehicle later.
Register Your Conversion With the DVLA
When the build is finished, you need to tell the DVLA. Converting a van to a campervan or motor caravan is a change of body type, which must be updated on your V5C registration certificate.
- Update your V5C. On a newer V5C (multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front), fill in section 1. On an older V5C, fill in section 7. Send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
- Send photo evidence. DVLA needs photos of each required feature inside, with the bed and table in use, plus the front, both sides and rear with the number plates visible, and the VIN or chassis number. Ask for the photos back in your application if you want them returned.
- Be ready for an inspection. DVLA may ask to inspect the vehicle. It covers the cost of the inspection, but not getting the vehicle there.
- Keep the V5C current. Once a new V5C is issued, keep it up to date, as it can and will be asked for if you make a claim.
If DVLA does not change the body type, GOV.UK says the vehicle can still be used as a motor caravan if it has the internal features, and that the change should not affect the vehicle’s insurance category. Your insurer will still want to know about the conversion.
When your self build campervan insurance is in place, bear in mind it is not over. If you make any changes to the van, tell the DVLA where needed and tell your broker. Whilst it may seem daunting, if you use it as a guide it will help you create a dream self build campervan that is functional and safe.
Sources: GOV.UK, Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan · GOV.UK, Change vehicle details on a V5C
Watch the Weight of Your Build
Everything you fit adds to the van’s unladen weight and takes away from its payload. GOV.UK points out that the finished vehicle still needs enough payload for its passengers, luggage and full water tanks.
Weight also decides which licence you need. If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, a car licence covers vehicles up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass. Heavier conversions need category C1, which covers 3,500kg to 7,500kg.
Sources: GOV.UK, Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan · GOV.UK, Driving licence categories
Fitting Out Your Self Build Campervan
There is a range of caravan product guides on this site to help you furnish and fit out your camper conversion.
Choosing a Power Inverter
When it comes to selecting a 12V inverter, you have lots of choices, but which is the best one for your requirements? If this is all new, a power inverter simply lets you run AC appliances from the DC power stored in your leisure battery. The guide to the best pure sine wave inverter UK should help you find a suitable one for your camping needs.
Mattress and Topper
A bespoke mattress makes a big difference in a small space. The guide to finding a caravan mattress and toppers should be of special interest.
Entertainment
For in-van entertainment, see the review of the best 12V caravan smart TVs.
How Much Does Self Build Campervan Insurance Cost?
There is no single figure. After putting in all that effort to create your dream campervan, you need to make sure you have self build campervan insurance, and the cost and cover will vary from broker to broker. The value of the conversion, the quality of the work, where the van is kept and who will drive it all play a part.
A self built campervan conversion can be a costly endeavour, and during the build you may be more exposed to damage or theft. That is why it is important to have cover in place from day one, and to keep receipts and photos of the work as you go, so you can show what the van is worth.
What Do You Need for a Self Build Campervan Insurance Quote?
Having these ready makes the form quicker to complete.
- The base vehicle: make, model, year and registration number
- The conversion: who did the work, what was fitted and its value
- Registration: whether the V5C shows it as a motor caravan yet
- Drivers: licence details, driving history and any claims
- Use and storage: estimated mileage, where it is kept and the security fitted