So, you have the keys to your dream campervan. Whether it is a shiny new conversion or a character-filled classic, the next big step is getting it properly insured. But where do you draw the line between what could be very wise and what is just, well, a nice extra?
With a campervan, insurance is not just a box to tick - it is the difference between a minor hiccup and a financial nightmare. And yet, plenty of people either underinsure or overlook cover that could have made a real difference when things go wrong.
Yes, motor insurance is required by law. That part is clear. But the details matter, and standard car policies simply do not cover campervans properly.
Once you’ve got the legal stuff sorted, it’s time to look at the layers of protection that can really come into their own.
Third-party only might be cheaper, but comprehensive cover can save you thousands. It includes damage to your own vehicle - even if the accident was your fault; and often covers fire and theft too.
Love the idea of waking up by a Spanish vineyard or a Swiss lake? Just imagine getting rear-ended by a local with no insurance. European cover ensures you’re protected beyond the ferry port or Channel Tunnel.
Laptops, bikes, cameras, that favourite battered kettle - it all adds up. Personal belongings cover could enable confirmation that theft or damage to your stuff does not leave you out of pocket.
Campervan windscreens are not exactly cheap. One flying stone can mean a hefty bill. This cover is usually an add-on and worth every penny.
Standard breakdown services often exclude long-wheelbase or high-top vans. Specialist campervan recovery gets you and your rolling home back on the road - even from the depths of Dartmoor or a rainy layby in France.
Got a self-build or a lovingly upgraded van? Standard policies often default to market value, which might not reflect the real cost of your setup. Agreed value ensures a fair payout if the van is written off.
If an accident leads to a claim dispute or a legal mess, this can help with solicitor’s fees or compensation claims, without raiding your savings.
Imagine being stuck without a van for weeks after a bump. This add-on provides a temporary replacement whilst yours is in the garage.
Many campervans have expensive electrical or gas fittings. If your insurer treats your van like a commercial vehicle, damage inside the living space might not be covered. A specialist policy understands what you’ve got on board.
Just imagine: you’ve pulled up on a coastal road in Cornwall. You leave the van to go for a walk. Whilst you are gone, someone smashes the window, takes your camera, and damages the dash trying to nick the stereo. Without personal belongings cover and glass cover? That’s a rough day turning into an expensive one.
When getting cover, expect questions like:
Your answers affect not just the price, but the terms of your cover. Always be accurate, guesswork can cost you dearly if you may need to claim.
Campervan insurance isn’t just about obeying the law. It’s about protecting the lifestyle that comes with it - the freedom, the spontaneity, the escape from the everyday.
Get the basics right, then think carefully about what matters to you. Whether it’s your gear, your gadgets, or just the comfort of knowing you won’t be stranded in a car park somewhere cold and soggy - it’s worth it.
Next step? Get quotes tailored to your van and your needs. It’s the easiest way to see what’s out there; and what your a sense of no loose ends will really cost.
