What are the differences between motorhomes and campervans?

The difference between motorhome and campervans is the way the vehicle is used. For example, a motorhome may be larger and come with more of the mod-cons you might find at home. Whereas, a campervan is generally used more for exploration and transport. Campervans often don’t have the height or weight of a motorhome, meaning they are easier to maneuver, drive, and park. A motorhome may be built on a larger van chassis and therefore supports more room, such as bigger bathroom and kitchen areas. The term motorhome has been used to describe many vehicles that double as sleeping/living areas, so it is important to be aware of the type of vehicle you own in insurance terms.

Can I create a bespoke insurance policy for my campervan?

Each campervan owner is different, with some using their vehicle just once or twice a year and others on a more frequent basis. By filling out our online form we can find you the cheapest insurance policies that are suited to your needs and will cover your campervan at all times. If you own a vintage campervan we are able to ensure that it stays in pristine condition as our brokers work with mechanics that have years of experience working with those kinds of vehicles. If you require more information on the types of campervan insurance policies our brokers provide please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Am I obligated by law to have campervan insurance?

Legally, you must have campervan insurance in order to be on the road. However, further to that is the desire for peace of mind and security of one of your prized possessions. Whether you use your campervan every weekend, or for the odd trip throughout the year, ensuring you are covered in the event of theft, damage or an accident is vital.

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Q: Whydo you need campervan insurance?

Campervan insurance helps to mitigate the inherent risks associated with owning and operating a campervan. For example, if you get into an accident with another vehicle and you do not have insurance in place, you would be liable for the costs of repairs to both your campervan and the other vehicle. Another example is theft; if your campervan is stolen and you do not have it insured, you will not be able to claim back the cost of replacing your campervan. There is a legal minimum level of insurance you must have in place if you are driving or operating any vehicle on UK roads, this is called Third Party Only (TPO). This protects the third party against costs accrued if they are in a collision with you and it is your fault. You can upgrade to more detailed cover in the form of Third Party, Fire and Theft, or Comprehensive cover. Comprehensive cover is suggested as this will protect you from a wider range of potential situations than the bare minimum.

Q: How much does campervan insurance cost?

There is not a set standard price for campervan insurance, however here at QuoteSearcher we work with a panel of highly dedicated partners who specialise in campervan insurance. This means you are more likely to receive a competitive quote for your insurance. Fill out our form to be put in touch with our panel and start designing a bespoke policy that works for your needs. Many of our customers have saved up to 35% on their campervan insurance using QuoteSearcher as we provide the best price guaranteed. To find the cheapest quote we ask for information concerning your vehicle, the amount of drivers you want to cover and the type of cover you require.

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Why Use QuoteSearcher for Campervan Insurance?

Campervans combine transport and accommodation, which means they often require more specialised insurance than a standard vehicle. Factors such as modifications, onboard equipment and how the vehicle is used can all influence the type of cover required.

QuoteSearcher connects campervan owners with brokers experienced in arranging this type of insurance. By completing a short form on our site, you can be introduced to brokers who will review your vehicle, usage and requirements before outlining cover options.

This approach lets you explore campervan insurance through brokers experienced in this niche area, without needing to compare multiple providers yourself.

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What Is Campervan Insurance?

Campervan insurance is a specialist type of motor insurance designed for vehicles used for both travel and living purposes.

Unlike standard car insurance, policies may take into account additional risks such as onboard equipment, modifications, and periods of inactivity when the vehicle isn’t in use.

Campervan Insurance Policy Features

Cover will vary depending on the insurer and vehicle, but policies may include the following:

Agreed Value Cover

Pays out a pre-agreed value in the event of a total loss, rather than the market value at the time of the claim. This is particularly relevant for modified, classic or converted campervans, where market value may not reflect the vehicle’s true worth.

Limited Mileage Cover

May offer reduced premiums if the campervan is driven below a specified annual mileage.

Contents Cover

Protection for items kept within the campervan, such as awnings, gas bottles and personal equipment.

Import Cover (Including Left-Hand Drive)

Specialist cover for campervans imported from abroad, including left-hand drive vehicles.

Breakdown Cover

May provide roadside assistance and recovery if the vehicle breaks down.

European Cover

For those travelling abroad, some policies may include or offer optional cover for driving within Europe.

Volkswagen Campervans

Volkswagen campervans, from classic models to newer California-style conversions, are among the most commonly insured campervans in the UK. Whether you have a restored classic VW or a modern factory-built model, specialist brokers can take your specific model, age and condition into account when arranging cover.

Classic and Vintage Campervan Insurance

Classic and vintage campervans, including early VW models and other retro conversions, are usually insured differently to modern vehicles. Because market value often doesn’t reflect what an owner has spent on restoration or parts, agreed value cover is relevant here as it means you and the insurer settle on a value in advance, rather than relying on market value at the time of a claim.

Specialist brokers may also take into account how the vehicle is used. For example, limited mileage for shows or weekend use, which could help keep costs down.

Converted and Self-Build Campervans

Many campervans start life as a panel van and are converted, either by a professional company or the owner themselves. Self-build and converted campervans are often treated as a distinct category by insurers, who may want details of the conversion work, materials used, and any certification involved. Specialist brokers experienced in this area can talk you through what’s needed to get cover in place.

Why Do You Need Campervan Insurance?

Campervan insurance is designed to cover the financial risks associated with owning and using this type of vehicle.

If you’re involved in an accident, insurance may help cover repair costs or third-party damage. In the event of theft or significant damage, cover may help reduce the financial impact of replacing or repairing the vehicle.

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to have at least Third Party Only (TPO) insurance in place when driving a vehicle. This covers damage to third parties but doesn’t cover your own vehicle. Many owners choose more comprehensive levels of cover for broader protection.

Levels of Campervan Insurance Cover

Third Party Only (TPO)

The minimum legal requirement, covering damage or injury caused to third parties.

Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT)

Includes third-party cover, as well as protection if the campervan is stolen or damaged by fire.

Comprehensive Cover

Offers the widest level of protection, including damage to your own vehicle as well as third-party cover.

Campervan vs Motorhome: What’s the Difference?

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are differences between campervans and motorhomes. Campervans are typically smaller, easier to drive and more focused on travel and flexibility. Motorhomes are usually larger vehicles built on heavier chassis, often including more extensive living facilities such as larger kitchens and bathrooms.

Because of these differences, insurance requirements may vary depending on how the vehicle is classified. Whichever category your vehicle falls into, our panel of brokers can talk you through the cover that’s right for it, including motorhomes, where insurance needs can differ from a smaller campervan.

How Much Does Campervan Insurance Cost?

The cost of campervan insurance will depend on a number of factors, including:

The value, age and type of the campervan
Whether the vehicle is modified, imported, converted or classic
Annual mileage
Storage location and security measures
Driving history

Specialist or classic campervans may attract higher premiums due to the cost of repairs and replacement parts.

QuoteSearcher introduces you to brokers who can provide quotes based on your individual circumstances, helping you compare options from providers experienced in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions about Campervan Insurance

- Can I add a campervan to my car insurance?
  Campervans are generally not covered under standard car insurance policies due to their size and specialist features. A dedicated campervan insurance policy is usually required to ensure both the vehicle and its contents are properly insured. Brokers can help identify suitable cover based on how the campervan is used.
- Can I drive a campervan on my driving licence?
  In many cases, yes. Most UK car driving licences allow you to drive campervans up to 3.5 tonnes (Category B entitlement). However, larger or heavier campervans may require a different licence category depending on their weight and specifications. Brokers can help confirm eligibility when arranging insurance.
- Can I live in my campervan full-time?
  Some campervan insurance policies may allow full-time living, but this is treated differently from standard leisure use. Full-time occupancy can increase certain risks, so it usually needs to be specifically declared. Brokers can assess how the campervan is used and help arrange cover that reflects whether it is used seasonally, part-time or as a permanent residence.
- Can I drive my campervan abroad?
  Some campervan insurance policies may include European cover, but the level and duration of cover can vary between insurers. Some policies provide time-limited use in Europe, while others may require an extension for longer trips. Brokers can help confirm what is included and ensure your cover is suitable for travel abroad before you depart.
- Are campervan modifications covered on insurance?
  Modifications can often be included under a campervan insurance policy, but they must be declared. Changes such as pop-top roofs, solar panels, interior conversions or electrical upgrades may affect how the vehicle is assessed. Brokers can help ensure any modifications are properly accounted for so the policy reflects the true specification of the campervan.
- Does campervan insurance cover personal belongings and contents?
  Some campervan insurance policies include cover for personal belongings kept inside the vehicle, but limits, exclusions and item caps can apply. Higher-value items or specialist equipment may not always be fully covered as standard. Brokers can help review what is included and whether additional contents protection is required.
- Can someone else drive my campervan?
  Campervan insurance policies may allow additional drivers, but this depends on the level of cover arranged. Some policies are restricted to named drivers only, while others may offer more flexibility. Any person driving the campervan must be correctly declared on the policy. Brokers can help ensure the driving arrangement matches how the vehicle is actually used.
- Can I store my campervan on my driveway or on the street?
  Storage location is an important factor in campervan insurance. Many policies will allow driveway or street storage, although this may influence the terms and pricing of cover. Some insurers may require additional security measures depending on where the vehicle is kept. Brokers can help match storage arrangements with suitable policy options.
- Does campervan insurance include breakdown cover?
  Some campervan insurance policies may include breakdown and recovery cover, while others offer it as an optional add-on. Cover levels can vary depending on vehicle size, usage and travel destinations, including whether European breakdown assistance is included. Brokers can help identify policies that include the level of breakdown protection required.
- Can I insure an imported campervan?
  Imported campervans, including left-hand drive vehicles, can often be insured, but they may require specialist cover. Factors such as registration status, country of origin and vehicle specification can all affect availability. Brokers can help arrange policies that are suitable for imported or non-standard campervans.
- What is agreed value cover and do I need it?
  Agreed value cover is where a set value for the campervan is agreed at the start of the policy, rather than relying on market value at the time of a claim. This can be particularly relevant for modified, classic or specialist campervans where market value may not reflect the true replacement cost. Brokers can help determine whether agreed value cover is appropriate based on the vehicle’s specification and condition.
- What affects the cost of campervan insurance?
  Campervan insurance is influenced by a range of factors including the value and age of the vehicle, level of modifications, annual mileage, storage location and driving history. How the campervan is used, including whether it is for leisure, travel or more frequent use, can also affect the overall risk profile. Brokers can help assess these factors and arrange suitable cover based on individual circumstances.

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