Category: Motorhome Insurance

It may not be as exciting as choosing and buying a motorhome, but getting the most appropriate motorhome insurance can give you reassurance that your motorhome is appropriately protected.

Motorhome insurance in the UK is there to help manage financial risk if something unexpected happens, such as damage to the vehicle or its loss through theft or fire. Exactly how that protection works depends on the insurer and the policy wording, but the starting point is usually the same: cover that reflects the value of the motorhome and how it is actually used.

Motorhome insurance cover

In everyday terms, many motorhome owners choose to insure their motorhome on a comprehensive basis. This normally includes cover for damage to the motorhome itself following an accident, alongside protection against fire and theft. Third-party liability may also typically be included, which is a legal requirement and applies if injury or damage is caused to other people or their property.

Where motorhomes differ from cars is in the detail. Fixed internal fittings, appliances and built-in equipment are often taken into account, rather than treated as loose accessories. Some policies also include a level of cover for personal belongings kept inside the vehicle.

Limits usually apply, and higher-value items may need to be specified separately, which is something many owners only discover when they start comparing policies.

Occasionally, third party, fire and theft cover is discussed, usually where budgets are tight or the motorhome is older. This offers more limited protection and does not cover damage to the motorhome itself following an accident. Whether it is appropriate depends on individual circumstances and attitude to risk.

How much does motorhome insurance cost?

When it comes to cost, motorhome insurance providers typically look at a mixture of vehicle and driver information. The motorhome’s value is central, as it influences repair or replacement costs. Its size, weight and construction can also be relevant, as can whether it is a panel van conversion or a coachbuilt model.

How the motorhome fits into day-to-day life matters too. Some owners travel year-round, while others use their vehicle seasonally and store it for months at a time. Annual mileage, time spent off the road and plans to travel outside the UK are all details insurers commonly ask about.

Motorhome storage

Storage is another topic that often comes up in conversation. A motorhome kept in a secure storage facility may be viewed differently from one parked on the road, particularly when it is not being used. Driver history is also considered, including previous claims and motoring convictions, as this helps insurers assess overall risk.

European travel

Many policies allow optional extras to be added. If it isn’t included in the cover already, European travel cover is one of the most common, especially for owners planning touring holidays abroad. This is usually limited to a set number of days per year and may only apply in certain countries, so it is worth checking before setting off.

Breakdown cover

Breakdown cover is another area people often need to consider. This is typically an optional element of cover.

Legal expenses cover

Some motorhome insurance providers also offer legal expenses cover (as a standard or optional element of protection), which may help with certain uninsured costs following an incident, subject to policy limits and conditions.

Managing motorhome insurance costs

There are also straightforward ways to approach insurance costs sensibly. Security devices, such as alarms or tracking systems, are often discussed with insurers, as are storage arrangements. Being accurate about mileage and usage helps ensure the policy reflects reality rather than estimates that do not quite fit.

Some owners may choose a higher voluntary excess to reduce premiums, accepting that this increases their contribution if a successful claim is made. Others review their insurance periodically, particularly if the motorhome’s value or how it is used changes over time.

Derbymotorhomes and your insurance

Here at Derby Motorhomes, we will be happy to help you access a motorhome or campervan insurance quote.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute insurance, legal or financial advice. Motorhome insurance terms, conditions, exclusions and premiums vary between insurers and are subject to underwriting and individual circumstances. Buyers should always review policy documentation carefully and seek independent advice where appropriate.

The basic principles of motor insurance are fairly common to all kinds of vehicles. So, if you have experience arranging your car insurance, very similar rules will apply to the insurance for your motorhome.

Nevertheless, there are some important differences and issues that you may do well to consider – and we outline some of these in what follows.

The basics

By law, of course, as for any motor vehicle you must have at least third-party liability insurance when driving your motorhome on the road.  In fact, current legislation relating to Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), also requires you to have such insurance in place even if your vehicle is parked up off the road – unless you have completed the established statutory off-road notification (SORN) procedure with the DVLA.

Third-party cover means, essentially, that if anyone claims against you for damages or injuries arising from an accident involving your motorhome, there will be funds available to meet any court awards accordingly.

However, given the typically high value of most motorhomes, owners will usually prefer more comprehensive cover – that includes protection against such risks as the theft of the vehicle, fire damage to it or perhaps its serious damage in an accident.  That additional form of cover is often added to the basic third-party protection required by law so that more comprehensive insurance is achieved.

Motorhome specifics

While the same basic principles hold true, your motorhome is not a car. It has significant differences from a car or even a van used for carrying goods, largely in terms of its typically expensive coachwork and potentially high level of interior finish and equipment.

Many motorhome owners might also have a lot of their own personal possessions with them when they are out and about on the road.

With those considerations in mind, your motorhome might become almost like a form of accommodation in your own home. In other words, you might want to ensure that your motorhome insurance policy also extends cover to all the belongings you customarily take with you or are already installed inside the vehicle on road trips you make.

You will undoubtedly want to think carefully about the type of replacement cover you might need for those internal possessions in the event of their loss or damage. In settlement of any claim, for example, some policies might offer a replacement at market valuation only whereas others may consider offering new-for-old.

With respect to any cover for your belongings, fixtures, and fittings in the motorhome, note also that many policies impose strict conditions on the types of items that can be left in your motorhome when you are not physically present in the vehicle.

Given the high value of motorhomes, it is not unusual to see policies also demanding that comprehensive GPS tracking devices are fitted to your vehicle.

Overall, it’s important to think carefully about your cover and to take advice if you are about to arrange insurance for a motorhome for the first time.  Here at Derby Motorhomes, we will be only too pleased to discuss any of these subjects with you further.

GAP insurance

It may also be appropriate to make a special mention of the desirability of Guaranteed Asset Protection – or GAP cover as it is more commonly known.

If your motorhome is involved in an accident that results in its total loss, motor insurance policies will typically only pay out to the maximum of the vehicle’s depreciated value at that time.  Depending upon the age and type of vehicle concerned, it’s possible that you may end up receiving less from your insurance policy than you still owe in any outstanding finance agreement on the vehicle.

GAP cover is a type of policy specifically aimed at bridging between these two figures.

Other insurance

Also, there are other additional aspects of motorhome insurance that may be worth considering – cover such as motorhome warranty, travel and health insurance, and motorhome breakdown insurance.

Insurance conditions

As a final reminder, it is always important to carefully read the conditions, restrictions, and exclusions incorporated in your motorhome insurance policy documents.

Contrary to some mythology, they do not exist to give your insurance provider wriggle room. In fact, they are there to make clear to the policyholder what you are getting for your money and the conditions with which you must comply to maintain the intended cover provided by your policy.

As we’ve mentioned before if you want to learn more, why not contact us for a discussion?  We’re standing by waiting to help.