With more people in the UK borrowing, hiring, or dipping their toes into the motorhome lifestyle, a common question crops up: Can I drive a motorhome on my regular car insurance? And what if you’re not the registered keeper or main driver, can you still arrange cover? The legal and insurance rules aren’t always as straightforward as you might hope, so we wanted to share a guide to navigating them with confidence.
Can I Drive a Motorhome on My Car Insurance?
In almost all cases, you won’t be covered to drive a motorhome on ordinary car insurance. Standard car policies are designed for cars – usually vehicles up to a certain weight and size, and almost never for motorhomes, which are larger and have unique features. Even comprehensive car insurance with a “drive other vehicles” clause normally excludes motorhomes, campervans, and commercial vehicles.
If you’re planning to get behind the wheel of a motorhome, whether borrowing or buying, you must arrange specific motorhome insurance that reflects the value, size, and usage patterns for these vehicles. Trying to drive a motorhome on regular car insurance is the quickest way to get a claim refused, or even face legal trouble if stopped by police or involved in an accident.
Can You Insure a Motorhome If You’re Not the Driver?
This is a nuanced area. In general, insurance policies are set up for the main user, who must have a valid driving licence for the vehicle’s category. If you own the motorhome but someone else is the main driver, say, a friend or family member, you can still take out insurance in your name, as long as you accurately list the main and named drivers. However, insurers may scrutinise this carefully and expect full honesty about who will be using the vehicle the most.
Trying to insure a motorhome without being a genuine user, sometimes called “fronting”, is a recipe for problems. If there’s a claim and it appears you misrepresented the real driver, the policy could be voided and you could even face fraud allegations. Always make sure the person actually driving the motorhome is clearly listed, and check insurer policies about named or additional drivers.
Can You Insure a Motorhome If You’re Not the Registered Keeper?
Some insurers can cover a motorhome for someone who’s not the registered keeper, but it depends on their rules and the specific circumstances. For example, you may want to insure a motorhome you regularly borrow or use, but don’t own. The key things to remember are:
- You must have an insurable interest (a genuine reason and connection to the vehicle).
- Policies might require permission from the owner, or a written agreement.
- Not all providers allow this setup, so shop around and check alternative options, such as short-term or temporary insurance.
If you’re hiring a motorhome, the hire firm should provide proper insurance for your period of use. If you’re borrowing from a friend, specialist short-term insurance companies now offer options that let you arrange cover for just a week or even a single day.
Why Getting The Right Cover Matters
With the surge in UK motorhome holidays and short breaks, insurance mistakes are more common, and more costly. Unlike car insurance, you can’t rely on the same policy to cover multiple vehicles or types. The rules around who owns, who drives, and who’s insured are strict, with little wiggle-room if something goes wrong.
If you’re new to motorhomes, take a few minutes to review your plans and prioritise:
- Dedicated motorhome insurance tailored to your trip and usage.
- Accurate driver declarations, including main and named drivers.
- Reading the fine print about registered keepers and temporary cover.
Sorting this out before you hit the road is the key to a carefree adventure, so you can focus on exploring, not worrying.
