Thinking of renting out your campervan, or planning a campervan holiday? Understanding what your insurance actually covers, and what it does not, is crucial for both owners and renters. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Insurance Do I Need to Rent Out My Campervan?
If you want to rent out your campervan in the UK (even to friends or family), standard campervan insurance isn’t enough. You must have a specialist policy known as self-drive hire (SDH) insurance or commercial hire insurance. This cover is a legal requirement for anyone making their vehicle available for hire in exchange for payment. Here’s what it typically includes:
- Comprehensive vehicle cover: For accidental damage, theft, vandalism, and fire while the campervan is on hire.
- Third-party liability: If your renter causes injury or damage to a third party while driving your vehicle.
- Hirer coverage: Typically includes all renters (who meet specific license and age restrictions).
- Breakdown assistance: Often added as an optional extra, but strongly recommended.
- Public liability insurance: Covers injury or damage to third parties while the campervan is hired out.
- Contents cover: Protects fixtures, fittings, and sometimes personal belongings inside the vehicle.
Policies may be arranged as annual self-drive hire insurance (suitable for frequent rentals) or as pay-as-you-go/daily SDH policies for occasional hires. Either way, these policies are designed for “hire and reward”, which is usually excluded from standard personal or leisure policies.
Important Note: If you hire out your campervan without proper commercial hire insurance, any accident or damage could be denied, leaving you liable for all costs.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Campervan Hire?
Travel insurance is not a replacement for campervan rental (vehicle) insurance.
- Travel insurance covers personal medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and your personal belongings (like luggage, gadgets, or valuables) while you travel.
- It does not cover damage to the campervan, accidents you cause while driving, or third-party liability from driving a rented campervan.
If you’re renting a campervan, you still need motor insurance. In almost all cases, the rental company will provide (or require you to arrange) this cover in advance. Your travel insurance will only complement this, covering things like trip interruptions or unrelated medical events.
Campervan Rental Insurance vs Travel Insurance
| Campervan Rental Insurance | Travel Insurance | |
| Vehicle damage | Yes | No |
| Third-party liability | Yes | No |
| Breakdowns | Usually add-on | No |
| Theft (vehicle) | Yes | No |
| Theft (personal items) | Sometimes (limited) | Yes (your own items only) |
| Medical emergencies | No | Yes |
| Trip cancellations | No | Yes |
| Personal accidents (in vehicle) | Sometimes | Yes |
What’s Excluded? Key Watch-Outs
- Insurance won’t cover regular depreciation or minor scuffs.
- Only named drivers are covered; insurance may limit the age and experience of renters.
- Failing to follow insurer’s terms (such as age restrictions, proper ID/licence checks, or regular maintenance) can invalidate your cover.
- Standard UK/EU cover may not extend beyond particular countries. Check your policy if planning trips abroad.
- Some policies only insure fixtures (fitted kitchens, beds). Removable items (laptops, cameras, bikes) may require separate cover.
Tips for Owners
- Shop around for annual or pay-as-you-go SDH cover tailored to campervan hire.
- Always check the hirer’s driving credentials, age (typically 23–75), and driving record.
- Insist on security deposits and agree on clear handover/return checklists.
- Add breakdown cover and public liability insurance for peace of mind.
- Notify your current insurer if you plan to hire out your vehicle, even if only occasionally.
Tips for Renters
- Carefully review what motor insurance the hire company provides: check for the excess, and see if you can buy hire excess insurance to reduce your out-of-pocket risk.
- Read the terms regarding accidents, theft, and exclusions.
- Get travel insurance for your personal medical and trip protection. It will not cover the vehicle itself.
- Double-check what’s covered if travelling internationally.
- Look for 24/7 breakdown assistance as part of the hire package.
In Summary
Renting out or hiring a campervan requires the right motor insurance: self-drive hire insurance for owners, and a comprehensive package from the rental company for renters. Travel insurance is not a substitute; instead, it protects your trip and personal wellbeing, but not the vehicle itself or liability from driving.
Whether you own a campervan or are planning a memorable road trip, getting the right insurance gives you confidence that you’re protected. This way, you can focus on making the most of your adventure.
For tailored campervan hire or landlord insurance advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at QuoteSearcher via our contact form. We’re always happy to help you find the right cover for your needs!