Every campervan owner knows how much freedom and fun this vehicle can provide. Whether you’re heading to the coast for the weekend or you’re just driving somewhere else to leave behind the familiar comforts of your home, a campervan is a great way to live your life to the fullest.
With so much affection for campervans around, it’s always a good idea to think about the best ways to protect your favorite getaway vehicle. This is where campervan insurance can come in handy. One of the first things that most people consider after buying a campervan is buying insurance.
Campervan insurance helps you get the most out of your campervan and protects you in case of different accidents. But the last thing you want to do is feel overwhelmed and confused with so much information on this type of coverage. That’s why we’ve gathered only the most useful information you need to know about it.
Here’s what you need to know about campervan insurance.
What is Campervan Insurance?
First and foremost, campervan insurance protects you and your vehicle in case something goes wrong. The coverage applies to both when you are on the road and when your campervan is in storage.
While getting insurance for your campervan is a lot like getting motor or home insurance, some things are still different for campervan policies. The differences usually lie in the items and events that are covered.
Motorhome vs Campervan: What’s the Difference?
Motorhomes are large and have clearly defined spaces for living and driving. Also, motorhomes have permanent fixtures like sinks and cupboards, and there is a designated space for sleeping. That said, motorhomes are designed for traveling around the country. A motorhome can range from larger vehicles to smaller models, including self-build motorhomes and coach-build vehicles.
On the other hand, campervans tend to be smaller, with basic facilities for sleeping and cooking.
Now that we know these differences, the logical next question is: What’s the difference between motorhome insurance and campervan insurance?
Campervan insurance coverage is similar to car or van insurance, while motorhomes are defined as motor caravans, and they need a specialist policy.
What Is Motorhome Insurance?
Motorhome insurance covers your motorhome when it’s parked up or when you are driving it on the road.
A comprehensive motorhome insurance policy covers:
- Fire damage
- Traffic accidents
- Damage to your and the third-party motorhome
- Theft and damage caused by theft
- You and your passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers
Motorhome insurance cost depends on the vehicle’s age, type, and size, as well as the owner’s personal details and driving record. The easiest way to get a motorhome insurance quote is to shop around and compare the quotes you get from the insurance specialists.
What Does Campervan Insurance Cover?
Choosing the best campervan insurance option mostly depends on the insurance company and the policy they should be able to tailor according to your specific needs.
For example, some insurance companies may offer to replace your campervan for up to 12 months. If there is a total loss, such as theft, your campervan replacement coverage will protect you. This can be a great solution for a potential financial burden in case of an incident.
Also, campervans often explore nature, which can cause various damages to the vehicle. That’s why some insurance companies offer unlimited replacements such as windshield replacement as a part of the campervan insurance policy.
And in case you find yourself in legal trouble that involves your campervan, some policies offer coverage for legal expenses.
How to Get Cheap Motorhome Insurance
There are several ways you can lower the price of your insurance policy and get cheaper motorhome insurance:
- Pay Annually: Paying your motorhome insurance once a year usually means it will be cheaper.
- Improve Security: You might want to consider buying motorhome security devices like alarms or wheel clamps.
- Park in Safe Spots: Parking on the road can be risky and that makes motorhome insurance more expensive. If possible, use your garage or driveway instead.
- Be Careful with Add-Ons: Buy the extra insurance features only when you need them.
- Shop Around: Ask for the motorhome insurance quotes from different insurance companies and compare them to get the best deal.
How to Choose the Best Campervan Insurance Policy
If you get into an accident with your campervan, there is a big chance it would cost you financially. That’s why you need to choose the best campervan insurance that has your back in case something bad happens.
Here are some of the most important coverages you should look for in campervan insurance:
- Crash or Accident: Campervan insurance will cover you in case of minor and major damages
- Glass Replacements: One of the most common types of campervan insurance claims is glass replacement.
- Theft: Campervans often have expensive electronics and other home items inside, which makes them a target for thieves. Campervan insurance should cover the stolen items.
- Vandalism: It can be costly to cover campervan fires or smashed windows. If this happens to you, campervan insurance will cover the costs.
- Legal Fees: Campervan insurance also helps you pay the expensive legal fees related to any disputes that may arise regarding your campervan.
Additionally, if more than one person is driving your campervan, you should also consider including them in your campervan insurance policy.
How Much Does Campervan Insurance Cost?
Similar to motorhome insurance, your campervan insurance premium can be cheaper if you add more security to your campervan, such as tracking and parking sensors. You can also get a discount on your insurance for safe storage and low annual mileage.
To make the best decision, you should take a look at your campervan insurance budget first and then choose between different options to make sure you are fully covered on your next trip. Remember that your insurance company may offer some additional coverage to help you recover losses that may not be included in your policy.
What Is Campervan Conversion Insurance?
You might have heard about camper conversion insurance while doing your research. And don’t worry if you felt a bit confused after reading this because we will explain everything you need to know about this type of policy.
If you converted your van into a camper, you should probably consider looking for specific campervan conversion insurance and declare the changes you made. Basically, anything that changes the way your van looks or drives is considered a modification, including inside the van.
Usually, people may add windows, seats, kitchen, gas systems, and the list goes on. All these things can be identified as modifications and should be declared with the insurance company.
Also, you should check if the insurance policy you have covers all the add-ons of your campervan conversion to make sure you are fully covered in case something goes wrong while you are out on the road.
Finally, while campervan insurance isn’t a legal obligation, there are many benefits to owning this policy that gives you peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about damage, theft, or unexpected costs with the right type of insurance because campervan insurance will cover you.
If you found this article useful, you might also enjoy reading our article about Commercial Van Insurance and the ways East Insurance Group can help you cover potential damages and costs.