Whether you are the proud new owner of a motorhome or a seasoned old hand, you almost certainly share a particular and important concern – and that is the need to insure your motorhome.
Motor insurance
Motorhome insurance is not just a recommendation; it is required by law the moment you take the vehicle onto the roads or drive it in any other public space.
The minimum legal requirement is for third party insurance. The reason for this minimum standard is simple – so that you have insurance to guarantee compensation to other road users or members of the public whom you injure or whose property you damage. Third party insurance, therefore, offers protection to those who suffer any loss because of your driving but in no way protects against loss or damage to your motorhome.
A modicum of additional protection may be provided by very basic motorhome insurance cover for third party, fire, and theft insurance – which adds some protection against the loss of your motorhome through fire or theft.
For the security of protection for any motorhome you might think about buying from us here at Derby Motorhomes you are almost certain to need the full insurance cover. And that means cover against all manner of theft, loss, and accidental damage – afforded by comprehensive insurance.
Although there are many potential providers, you might want to insist on arranging your cover with a specialist motorhome insurance provider who is going to understand the specific needs of a motorhome owner.
Security
Comprehensive cover may also be needed because of the sheer value of your motorhome and its vulnerability to theft, attempted theft, and break-ins.
That, in turn, makes security of your vehicle of paramount importance – to you and to your insurer.
An article in Out and About Live on the 23rd of September 2020 considered the wide range of security devices and systems designed to hinder or prevent the theft of your motorhome itself and its equally valuable contents. When adding further security to your motorhome, always ensure that any components have received the Thatcham seal of approval and certification – an organisation that sets the benchmark in vehicle security.
There are currently five distinct categories of security equipment – from electronic alarms and immobilisers to vehicle trackers to aid the tracing and recovery of stolen motorhomes.
Whatever categories of security demanded by your motorhome insurers – or categories which earn valuable discounts on the price of the premiums you pay – here at Derby Motorhomes we have the experience and expertise to advise you on ways of meeting those standards (which are already likely to have been met by any vehicle we supply).
Valuations
It is essential to have an accurate and up to date valuation of your motorhome and its contents for insurance purposes. The total sum insured is the maximum amount any insurer is obliged to pay out in the event of a claim, and you want to make sure it is sufficient for the repair to any damage or the replacement of your motorhome if it is a total loss.
Once again, our expertise and experience here at Derby Motorhomes may help you arrive at a realistic and up to date valuation of your motorhome and its contents.
Who’s driving?
As with any type of motor insurance, your motorhome insurance also needs to account for the number and identities of those who are covered to drive.
The most comprehensive coverage is given by policies that cover any driver, but you might choose to restrict driving to named drivers only or even to yourself alone in order to gain further discounts on your premiums.
Excess
Your motorhome insurance may already incorporate a compulsory excess which is payable in the event of a successful claim, but you might opt to accept a further voluntary excess in return for cheaper premiums.
No claims discounts
Just as with the insurance for the car you drive, motorhome insurance typically offers valuable discounts on the price of your premiums if you remain claims-free from one year to the next – remember to make sure that any no claims discount to which you are entitled is reflected in your quotation or renewal notice.
GAP insurance and other insurance cover
Finally, remember that there are additional types of insurance you may wish to consider for your motorhome such as GAP Insurance (which covers a shortfall in value if on motorhome finance), motorhome warranty, breakdown cover, and travel and health insurance.
