Insuring a Campervan Conversion: Our Guide

If your campervan is a conversion (whether you’ve done the conversion yourself or the vehicle has been converted by a company specialising in changing things up) then it’s crucial that you make the effort to navigate the intricacies of insurance. The main reason for this is that, like every other driver on UK roads, you must comply with your legal requirements – and it’s also a good idea to do what you can to protect your investment.

Insuring a campervan conversion does share similarities with insuring a car, but there are additional considerations to make due to the unique nature of these vehicles.

Legal requirements and types of cover

Just like with ownership of a traditional car in the UK, owning a converted campervan and getting it insured is not just a prudent choice, it is actually a legal requirement. The Road Traffic Act of 1988 stipulates that any and all motor vehicles used on public roads must be insured. This, therefore, includes campervans.

Third party

Campervan insurance in the UK offers various coverage options, allowing owners to tailor their policies to their specific needs. The minimum legal requirement for insurance is ‘third-party’ coverage. This provides protection against claims from third parties for injury or damage to their property. This type of insurance ensures that in the unfortunate event of an accident, the injured parties will receive compensation for their losses. If you don’t obtain at least third-party insurance you will face severe consequences, including fines and legal action.

Comprehensive

While third-party coverage is the minimum requirement, many campervan owners opt for more extensive coverage – such as fully comprehensive insurance. ‘Fully comp’ not only offers the same coverage as third-party liability, but also provides protection for damage to the vehicle itself. This stands whether the damage is caused by an accident, vandalism or even a natural disaster.

Further options

Additional options worth pursuing include breakdown cover (which can be particularly valuable for campervans due to their often remote or off-road use). Some insurance policies also offer contents insurance, which covers the personal belongings you keep inside the campervan. Being covered against break-ins and theft makes for an appealing choice for those travellers who use their vehicles for extended trips.

The importance of insuring a campervan conversion

Campervan conversions are cherished for their bespoke personalisation, but also unique is that carry risks necessitating comprehensive insurance. Converted campervans often include modifications and additional features, including things like built-in kitchens, sleeping areas and bespoke storage solutions which have been constructed to maximise space and functionality. Standard car insurance almost certainly will not cover these customisations, and therefore specialised campervan insurance is an essential.

Campervan owners are more than likely to use their vehicles for breaks and holidays – i.e. for travel and leisure in addition to any daily commute or running around. This will expose them to different levels of risk. Having adequate insurance ensures that a campervan owner is covered in the event of accidents, theft and damages which may occur during trips or when the campervan is parked at various locations.

Does campervan insurance cost more?

Like any policy, numerous factors in campervan conversion insurance contribute to the overall cost. These include details such as the van’s age and model, storage location, the number of drivers, claims history and any accrued no claims bonus.

In summary, while campervan insurance may come with a higher price tag compared to standard car insurance, it’s always a price worth paying. It reflects the distinct nature of this type of vehicle and its usage. The key to understanding the cost is to understand the various factors which influence it. In broad terms, you shouldn’t expect exorbitant costs for campervan conversion insurance, but it is worth investing some time in finding ‘the right policy for you’, i.e. one that aligns with your vehicle itself and your specific requirements.