Comprehensive Campervan Insurance

Comprehensive Campervan Insurance

Whether you own a classic, high-top or self-build campervan, you’ll need insurance to keep it on the road. Depending on your needs, comprehensive campervan insurance could give you the reassurance and peace of mind you need – here’s what it can offer you.

What is fully comprehensive campervan insurance?

Comprehensive cover is the highest level of vehicle insurance you can buy in the UK. Policies compensate other people for injury and damage you cause and will also pay to repair or replace your camper if it’s damaged, destroyed or stolen.

Alternatives to fully comp cover are third party policies – there are two to choose from:

• Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) – this is one level down from comprehensive insurance. Policies still compensate other people for injury and damage you cause but will only compensate you if your camper is stolen or damaged by fire.
• Third-party only (TPO) – this is the lowest level of cover you can buy and only compensates other people for injury and damage you cause. TPO does not cover you or your camper so if you’re involved in an accident, you’ll be expected to pay for your own repairs.

Do I need campervan insurance by law?

By law, you must have a minimum of third-party only cover. This is because the UK has a system of continuous insurance enforcement (CIE). So, even if you only use your camper for a couple of weeks a year, you must still have insurance.

The only exception is if you have a SORN (statutory off road notification). A SORN officially documents your camper as being ‘off the road’.

If you don’t have insurance or a SORN, you can be fined, given six penalty points and even have your licence taken away.  

What features does fully comp campervan insurance include?

Specific features will vary by insurer which is why it’s important to compare quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value for money.

It’s also worth pointing out that insurers all set their own terms, so even though policies may include similar sounding features, the details may be quite different.

Features that are often part of a comprehensive campervan policy, includes cover for:

• Windscreen and glass repair
• Courtesy camper if you’re having yours repaired
• European travel
• Personal injury
• Personal possessions (such as camping or stereo equipment)
• 24-hour emergency helpline
• Legal expenses.
• Misfuelling
• Awnings
• Spare parts

Do I need fully comprehensive campervan insurance?

Whether you need fully comp campervan insurance will depend on your own circumstances. For example, if your camper is old, isn’t worth very much and you have no sentimental attachment to it, then less comprehensive campervan insurance might meet your needs. In this instance, a third-party policy might represent better value for money.

On the other hand, if your camper is high spec and high value, a comprehensive policy will ensure you recoup its market value.

Some camper insurance policies also offer an agreed value. As the name suggests, it’s when you and your insurer agree the value of your campervan. If your camper is written off or stolen, your insurer will pay out the agreed value instead of the market value (which could be lower).

An agreed value can be a wise choice if you’ve spent a lot of time and money modifying or upgrading your camper as it’ll be a better reflection of your efforts.  

Does fully comp campervan insurance have exclusions?

An exclusion is an event or incident not covered by your insurance. Almost all insurance policies have exclusions – even if they’re fully comprehensive.

You’ll need to check the specific terms and conditions of each insurer’s policy, but typical exclusions include:

• Wear and tear – you usually won’t be compensated if something breaks or stops working just because it’s old.
• Negligence – insurers are unlikely to pay out if doors and windows are left unlocked and items stolen.
• Damage by vermin – this includes pests such as rats and mice but it can also include damage by pets.

Is it expensive to insure a campervan?

Cost comes down to your own circumstances and insurers will consider a whole host of factors to work out a fair premium. Points they’ll consider usually include:

• Your age – younger drivers pay more than any other age groups. This is because research shows under 25s are more likely to be involved in an accident.
• Value of your campervan – campers that are high spec, expensive and powerful cost more to insure.
• The number of miles you cover – the more you use your camper, the greater the risk of an accident which can drive up your premium.
• What you use your camper for – if you use your camper every day or for business, you can expect your premium to be more than if you only drive it for pleasure.

How can I get cheap comprehensive campervan insurance?

The policy you choose, should reflect your needs. For example, if you travel frequently to Europe or you use it for work, your policy should cover these activities.

If you’re looking for ways to save money without cutting back on protection, here are some money saving ideas:

• Pay for your policy in one go – monthly instalments means you’ll pay added interest.
• Increase your voluntary excess – remember that it still needs to be affordable because you’ll have to pay it for any claim to go ahead.
• Add a named driver – a more experienced person on your policy can help lower the cost.
• Be accurate with your mileage – reducing your mileage isn’t always practical so be accurate when it comes to telling your insurer the miles you do cover. Over estimating could push you into a higher price bracket.