American RV Insurance UK
Get a Quote for Your American Motorhome
American RVs are larger than most UK motorhomes and many are imported, so not every policy will fit. Specialist motorhome cover can be arranged for UK-registered and imported models. Start a quote via Motorhome Compare and see if you could save.
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Cover options for American RVs, from compact Class C to full-size Class A
- Left-hand drive layouts
- Petrol and diesel engines
- Limited mileage options
- Agreed value options for higher-value RVs
What Is American Motorhome Insurance?
An American motorhome or RV is perfect for those in the UK who are after a little more room and comfort when touring the UK or Europe. Investing in an American motorhome brings the added comfort and luxury that come as standard with these larger motorhomes.
Like cars, many American RVs are imported into the UK every year. American motorhomes are typically large and ooze luxury. Their size, similar to a British coach, together with the build quality and craftsmanship, all go towards making them a popular import to Britain.
The one downside to keep in mind is that many are fuelled by petrol, which can make them costly if you are on the road all the time. However, the extra size, comfort and luxury these imports provide may outweigh the higher fuel costs.
If you have imported the RV, there are more restrictions and qualifications before an insurance policy can be taken out, and acceptance and cover vary by insurer. The same is true of other vehicles that sit outside the usual rules, such as older vans covered by classic campervan insurance and conversions that need self-build campervan insurance.
Insuring an Imported American RV
If you have imported your RV, it has to be legal for UK roads before it can be insured to drive here. GOV.UK sets out the steps in this order.
- Tell HMRC it has arrived. This has to be done within 14 days of the vehicle reaching the UK, whether you shipped it yourself or used an import company.
- Get vehicle approval. Approval shows the RV meets UK safety and environmental standards.
- Register and tax it with the DVLA. The DVLA issues a UK registration number, so number plates can be made up.
- Insure it before you drive it. Insurers may ask about the import history, any conversion work and whether the RV has been used in the UK before.
Check Your Licence Before You Drive
As these vehicles are much larger than the average motorhome, you may need additional entitlement on your licence in order to drive legally. Many American RVs weigh more than 3,500kg. If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, a standard car licence (category B) covers vehicles up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass. Between 3,500kg and 7,500kg you need category C1, and above 7,500kg category C.
Drivers who passed before 1 January 1997 usually have wider entitlement. Check the maximum authorised mass on your RV’s weight plate, and make sure everyone who will drive it holds the right category, as insurers will ask.
What Does American Motorhome Insurance Cover?
Just like all types of motor vehicle insurance in the UK, there are different levels of cover that can be obtained. The lowest level is third party only, which covers other people’s vehicles and injury claims if you are the cause of the accident. Third party, fire and theft adds fire damage to your RV and its theft. Comprehensive adds damage to your own RV as well.
Because an American motorhome is such a large investment, a comprehensive policy is worth considering. It makes it possible to protect your investment even if the RV is involved in an accident. What each level includes depends on the policy, so always check the wording.
Core Covers
Third Party Liability
Covers injury to other people and damage to their property if you are responsible for an accident. Every policy level includes this.
Fire and Theft
Covers your RV if it is damaged by fire or stolen. Included on third party, fire and theft and on comprehensive policies.
Accidental Damage
Covers repairs to your own RV after an accident, including one you caused. Included on comprehensive policies only.
Optional Extras
Most motorhome policies can be tailored to your individual requirements and may include a mix of the following. Options vary by policy and insurer.
Contents and Equipment
Cover for your contents and camping gear. An upper limit is generally applied, so check it against what you actually carry.
Entertainment System
Cover for your entertainment system, including a 12 volt smart TV. If you are still choosing one, see our guide to the best 12V caravan smart TVs.
European Travel
Extends your cover when you drive in Europe. Check how many days are allowed per trip and which countries are included.
Replacement Vehicle or Accommodation
Helps cover the cost of another vehicle or somewhere to stay if your RV cannot be used after a claim. Useful if parts take time to arrive.
Lock and Key Replacement
Covers new locks and keys if yours are lost or stolen.
New for Old Replacement
New for old replacement is possible if the RV is stolen or written off, within the age and mileage limits the policy sets.
What’s Not Covered
Every policy differs, but common exclusions on motorhome insurance include:
- Wear and tear, and mechanical or electrical breakdown
- Damp, rot and damage that builds up gradually over time
- Theft when the RV was left unlocked or keys were left inside
- Drivers not named on the policy, or without the right licence category
- Hiring the RV out, unless the policy allows it
Always check your policy documents for the exclusions that apply to your cover.
How Much Does American Motorhome Insurance Cost?
There is no single figure. The cost of American motorhome insurance depends on a number of factors, and top of the list is the value of your motorhome: the more expensive it is, the higher the premium. Working out the final cost follows the same guidelines as the average cost of caravan insurance.
American RVs tend to be large and are usually fitted out with expensive items and the latest gadgets, so they can cost more to insure than a small VW campervan. These are the main things that shape a quote.
Value
The more the RV would cost to repair or replace, the more cover it needs.
Parts and Repairs
Extra costs for imported parts can make repairs slower and more expensive.
Size and Weight
Larger, heavier RVs can cost more to repair and need suitable storage.
Mileage and Use
Touring a few weeks a year is a different risk to living in the RV full time.
Storage and Security
Where the RV is kept and the security fitted are both taken into account.
Drivers
Who will drive it, their licence and their driving history all affect the price.
Ways to Help Lower Your Premium
Because of the high purchase price of an American motorhome, plus extra costs for imported parts, insurance can work out expensive. However, there are measures you can take to help reduce the premium.
Increase your voluntary excess
Speak with the broker about increasing the excess level for a reduced quote. Only set it at a level you could afford to pay.
Keep a clean driving history
As with any driver-related insurance, a clean driving history will work to your benefit. If possible, only add drivers with a good no claims bonus (NCB) history.
Restrict your annual mileage
Less time on the road means less risk and can mean a lower premium. Many owners only use their RVs a few times a year. If you are in this club, make sure your insurer knows your annual mileage will be low. The exact figure can be agreed with the broker.
Keep to named drivers
Keep to named drivers and, where possible, choose experienced ones. Adding younger drivers usually costs more, which is why there is separate under 25 campervan insurance.
Join a motorhome or caravan club
Some insurers see membership of a club associated with motorhomes or caravans as a sign of an enthusiastic owner who will look after their RV. Our caravan and motorhome club reviews cover what the main clubs offer.
Improve storage and security
Secure storage, a tracker and approved locks may all be taken into account. Have the details ready when you start a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, once it has been approved, registered and taxed with the DVLA. Insurers may ask about its import history and any conversion work. Acceptance and cover vary by insurer.
It depends on the RV's maximum authorised mass and when you passed your test. If you passed on or after 1 January 1997, a car licence covers up to 3,500kg. Heavier RVs need category C1 (up to 7,500kg) or category C.
Insurers will ask whether the RV is left-hand drive, and it can affect the price. Cover is available for left-hand drive motorhomes, though terms vary by insurer.
Many policies offer European travel as an option. Check how many days are allowed per trip and which countries are covered before you go.
Living in the RV full time is a different risk to touring a few weeks a year, and not every policy covers it. Say so when you start a quote, so the cover reflects how you actually use it.