Camper Van Insurance
No matter what type of vehicle you've got, or where you got it, you need to get it insured.
It is very important that you insure your vehicle correctly. In the event of an accident, fire or theft, you need to ensure your vehicle is properly covered, and for the correct amount.
Below are insurance companies we have used, or that have been recommended by our readers.
Professionally Built Campervans & Motorhome Insurance
Getting insurance for a professionally built campervan is fairly straight forward. Most of the companies can provide instant cover for well known models.
UK
- QuoteZone - Campervan & Motorhome Insurance specialists. They compare multiple insurers to find you the cheapest quote.
- Insurance Choice - Specialists in insuring Professional Campervans & Motorhomes.
- Sureterm Direct Campervan Insurance - Comparing insurance quotes for Campervans and Motorhomes from a panel of insurers. Obtain a free quote online or by calling on 0800 999 2030.
- Safeguard UK - Offer motorhome, motor caravan and and vw campervan insurance.
Home / DIY / Self Build Campervan Conversion Insurance
Insuring your campervan conversion used to be a difficult process. But, thankfully, today, there are companies happy to insure vehicle that you have converted yourself.
UK
- QuoteZone - They compare multiple insurers to find you the cheapest quote.
- Insurance Choice - Specialists in insuring DIY campervan conversions. Click the 'get a quote button' on their website.
- Shield Total Insurance - Specialists in DIY motorhome and campervan conversions. They have a special policy that insures your vehicle during, and after your conversion. See their rules here.
- Adriun Flux - Specialists in DIY motorhome and campervan conversions. They have a special policy that insures your vehicle during, and after your conversion.
Panel Vans (for DIY conversions)
If you are converting your own camper van, but haven't finished yet, you need to insure the vehicle as a panel van. Once your conversion is complete, change your insurance to a camper van.
Important: If you have completed your own campervan conversion, you can, if you like, re-classified your vehicle as a camper van, and then get it insured as a camper van (see above). You do not have to re-register your vehicle as a campervan. It is possible to insure the vehicle as a campervan even if it's not re-registered with the DVLA.
UK
- QuoteZone - They compare multiple insurers to find you the cheapest quote.
Australian, New Zealand, South African, Canadian and American Drivers
If you are Australian, New Zealand, South African, Canadian or American and wish to get insurance to allow you to drive in the UK or Europe try
- Downunder Campervan Insurance - Specialist in insuring non-residents to drive all vehicles, including campervans, motorhomes and vans across the world.
Caravans
If you've got a caravan then try these recommended insurers:
- QuoteZone - Compares leading caravan insurers to find you the cheapest deal.
Camper Van Life is brought to you by Darren Lambert, a big fan of camper vans.
My insurance company has asked for a garage to check the van and give me some sort of certificate ? has any body know what they mean it is all ready reg. as a motor home with the DVLA
Thanks Ralph .
I'm hoping you can help
I'm looking to buy a T2 campervan - the one that actually runs and need little or no restoring - but I'm unable to find out how much the insurance would cost me. All I wanted is a rough idea, to give me something to work with.
I'm nearly 40 and in employment.
Thanks!
There are some popular T2 forums and website. The guys there will be able to give you good figures I would think:
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=vw+camper+forum
I just got our insurance renweal and realised there was an error, in that it said there were 7 seats with seat belts, but actually there are 9 (inc driver). I told the insurers, and they said they can't renew the policy as they don't insure for more than 7 seats. We need six seats in the back to sit at for meals. (family of 6)
I'm trying more companies - can anyone recommend one?
Crazy thing is I've made sure there are seat belts which makes it safer, but is a problem for the insurers. Another company won't insure because there isn't a fixed gas supply, which clearly reduces risk. It's all a bit loony.
Thanks
Hi please can you help I've just passed my test I'm 30 and don't have a clue how much It would cost to get insured on a no frills camper van I'm looking to buy for around £5000 I no this will depend on the engine but I don't no much about that either yet to be honest hope you can help thanks Dan ( desperate!)
Hi Dan
Engine size doesn't make a massive difference with campervans. They are quite different to cars.
If you have just passed your test I suspect you are going to be paying about £800 per year, as you have zero no claims.
Why don't you get a quote from a broker for a vehicle similar to one you are thinking of buying.
I use www.campton.co.uk
Hi,
firstly i'd just like to say that this website is fantastic and the information iv'e found on it is invaluable so thank you.
but i'd like some advice or help if anyone can with the following issue
I'm 25 and planning a trip across Europe in my self build campervan (ford transit swb - will eventually be re classified as a motor caravan) but i need insurance for that will start from July and i need to know a rough figure of how much this will cost for a policy that includes 365 days in EU
ive spoken to lots of the companies listed above but some wont give me a quote until the conversion is finished and they can see pictures. which i get but i need to know a rough price so i can figure out expenses etc
has anyone taken out a policy like this who is around my age that can give me just a ball park figure to work with???
thanks
Joe
Hi Joe
As you are 25 I would expect to pay £700 or so for 365 cover in Europe. Have you tried contacting the following?
http://www.brentacre.co.uk/
http://www.campton.co.uk/
http://www.insurancechoice.co.uk/
http://www.shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance?campervanlife
http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/bannerclick.php?campervanlife
Hi, I'm trying to find an insurance company that will insure me for a year while I travel Europe. I can only find insurance to cover me for 6 months out of the UK to travel Europe. Has anyone traveled Europe for a year and where did you get your insurance from?
I used www.campton.co.uk to find a 12 month policy. It allowed travel throughout Europe and to live in the van full time. Hopefully they still offer that policy.
I think Insurance Choice do it also:
http://www.campervanlife.com/go/cvl-insurancechoice.php
Having just spoken to Campton insurance, the minute i mentioned full time living in a camper they told me they could not help in any way.Even to the extent of not being able to answer other questions i had , due to the fact i had asked about full time living first, i must add that the person i spoke to was very polite about it.
That's a shame. It seems things have changed since I had that insurance policy.
Have you tried Insurance Choice?
Really struggling to find any insurance companies that will insure anyone under 25, im 20 myself and need this insurance asap, please help?!
We were in the same boat - it was so hard to find insurance, and if we did it was mega expensive as we are only 23. BUT then we found Downunder insurance! They are great - specialise in insurance for overseas travelers like ourselves so covered everything we needed including europe and uk insurance and is much much cheaper than any uk insurance providers!
Try www.campton.co.uk
They are a broker who know about lots of different policies. They might not be able to offer you something you haven't already found, but they're a good place to try.
I am travelling for 2 months this summer, so does anyone know any companies that do short term, monthly van insurance?
Thanks
Hi, I am planning to buy a van but would like to know the rough price range of insurance beforehand. Most websites seem to ask for the vehicle reg which I do not hand. Is there any way to know a rough estimate??
Are you going to buy a campervan that is already converted, a standard empty van or a van you intend to convert to a campervan? It make a big difference in finding the right insurance.
Im going to buy a van and then convert it
If you are going to do a complete conversion, so that the van will fit within these rules:
http://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal
I would suggest getting one of the policies that will insure it as a van now, and then within 3 months you can insure it as a campervan once you have finished your conversion. I didn't convert mine within three months though. I insured it as a van for a year, then as a campervan.
Try
http://www.shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/self-build-motorhome-insurance
and
http://www.campervanlife.com/go/cvl-insurancechoice.php
hi have read all comments on your website but am stil unsure what i can insure my vehicle for. I have a high top fiat doblo car and jus want to take out rear 3 seater and fix up long side seat to pull out as a bed. with a small unit other side to house portable single cooker and water container but no sink. car is used for social use and hopefully occasionally to sleep in. can you help me?
You're changes will not make your vehicle fall within the DVLA guidelines:
http://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal
So I would suggest you contact a insurance specialist broker. They will tell you the options they have for you to insure your vehicle.
As soon as you take out the seats, or make a major adjustment to your Doble your currently insurer, assuming it's a regular high street/website insurer, will no longer cover you with your insurance. They have any modifications.
I have used www.campton.co.uk before and they ar very helpful.
Hi,
Can anyone recommend a European breakdown cover company that will cover us for 365 days in Europe? They all seem to offer a maximum of 90 days. Help!
My 2 cents on general insurance is to try Herts Insurance. They were the only company that would cover us for 365 days abroad with our newly acquired driving licences.
Thanks for a great site Darren!
I hear very good things about ADAC
http://www.adac.de/mitgliedschaft/adac_membership/
They are a German company, but offer cover to people from all countries.
I believe their phone number is 0049 1805 10 11 12 (German number). Ask to speak to an English speaker.
Ive been trying to source some insurance before committing to by a converted Merc Sprinter Panel van but I've come a cropper with what the van is classified as for insurance purposes. It has been converted by conversion company but is not on the V5 as a motor-caravan. Is it:
-A self-build
-A Professional Build motorhome
-A campervan
???????????????
Please help!
Thanks - very confused
Probably the later.
You can insurer a conversion as a camper van even if it doesn't say so on the V5. Call www.campton.co.uk, that who I uses.
Alternatively re-register the vehicle as a camper van with the DVLA.
See information here about that:
http://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal
Where to start? I bought a transit minibus to convert into camper. My idea is to travel around Europe for a few months. I've been living in the UK for several years, although,never owned car before, which means don't know how it works. Which insurance should I look for?I've been driving here, but rented cars only. I never had penalties and my age is 35.
Secondly, where should I look for to convert the minibus? Again, don't know nothing about companies, or prices; Would it be possible (and cheap)to have solar power?
thanks for your help,
L
Hi Leon
Sounds like a great plan.
You need specialist insurance as most insurance companies don't convert camper vans, especially ones that have been converted.
I recommend www.campton.co.uk. Give them a call and explain what you are going to do, they will tell you what insurance they can offer.
Are you going to convert the mini-bus to a camper van yourself, or are you going to get a company to do it for you?
Solar is a great power solution, if you are going to be parked/camping in one place for a while.
If you are going to be driving around or near electric hookup, then there are much cheaper options for power than solar. A good sized solar panel (80W) is about £300.
Let us know a bit more about you plans and we can give more details.
Hi Darren,
Thanks for your help. Regarding your questions, I will give to someone,I suppose... It all depends on prices,I can't do the electrical side. I'm thinking on staying for a while on locations. I will be doing this by stages, as I don't know yet my budget. For now I'm focusing on Insulation and the basic first stages. I've been looking for isolation materials, but there's so many options?? What is the best material, and thickness I should use?
Many thanks
Hi does anyone know if I convert my van but it doesnt meet the exact specifications as a campervan and therefore cannot be re registered as such, is it still possible to get insurance? with a bed, sink, cooker and maybe a small wood burner?
It seems nowadays if a van doesnt look like a standard campervan from the outside they are refusing to re register them. This doesnt bother me as such, I just want to have proper insurance...
Any advice would be great thanks...
If your camper has all the things that the DVLA look for, then you can still get it insured. Try www.campton.co.uk for insurance. The list of DVLA requirements are here:
http://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal
Most insurance companies wont insure a van with a wood burner. Some might, but will exclude cover from any fire or damage from the wood burner.
Anyone doing a campervan tour of Australia should definately get insurance. Australia is one of the worst countries in the world for campervan damage during your trip.
It depends where you go.If you are just cruising the highways on bitumen roads it is similar to anywhere else it is just that the distances are huge.
On the other hand if you go off road then you need to be very aware of the potential problems and Europeans can come unstuck with seemingly simple things such as mobile phone coverage being totally absent in some areas.Distance between fuel stops is another problem if you don't give it some fore thought.
If you are not used to dirt roads and desert seek advice from motoring organisations for example,some of the roads are boulder strewn and it requires real skill to drive on them and the risk of damage is very real.
Having trouble because of job (tick box mentality of insurers rather than real risk) in getting insured for transitional period - from panel van to self converted. So becoming less bothered about changing V5 to motorhome, could cope with a seat-bed plus a window, insulation and new lining in my T4 on 'day van' type insurance. Think insurers will go for that more than 3-6 months to convert-style insurance? Current policy says 'no mods' - not even window. Could cancel and convert fully before re-insuring as camper but leaves me without vehicle until done, and until DVLA judges it good enough, or otherwise... Could be 3 months with no wheels... Have hit the wall - internet quotes not specific enough and bit muppety so far on the phone. Any advice appreciated.
* Nice work to all the posters and this site though - quality - keep it up.*
If you're intended conversion will have a bed, water tank, windows and cooker there are several policies that will give you time to convert, and cover you during the transition. If your goal is a day van though, without water tank, fixed cooker etc, then your only option is probably to keep it insured as a van for now, do the work quickly and get it insured as a day van once completed.
I've found www.campton.co.uk to be a good broker who have a lot of options.
Hi I have just bought a transit coversion reg as motor cravan on V% can you tell me hwere I can get insurnace on it please.
Regards
Dee
Hi, I run http://www.motorhomehirer.co.uk and a good percentage of the hire companies in my directory use http://www.dayinsure.com/motorhomeInsurance.aspx
Hopre this helps,
Josh
Hello
Can anybody offer information regarding insurance that would also cover occassional use of my 1991 merc camper to and from work.
In the summer I would like to be able to drive to work in it on Friday and leave for a weekend trip from there.
My current insurance will not cover any use for travel to work.
thanks
Vintage
Try Campton the brokers. They have lots of different policies on offer.
http://www.campton.co.uk/
Motorhome facts offer work use on their motorhome policy
http://www.motorhomefacts.com/motorhome-insurance.html
Hello, I'm 29 and about to start a conversion of an ex minibus, I'm starting to hear that insurers don't like minibus conversions so any advice on sympathetic insurers would be great. Also could anyone give me a rough idea of what your average camper conversion premium should be?
Cheers
i am looking to buy a converted ford transit camper van, I am 23 and am struggling to get insurance.
i can get normal van insurance does anyone know if this would be suficient it is not registered with the DVLA as a camper.
Thanks
If the vehicle is not registeres as a campervan with the DVLA it is more difficult.
You can't get campervan insurance, as it isn't a campervan. If it is a good conversion you may be able to get insurance with Shield. They insure campervans that are not re-registered with the DVLA:
http://www.shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance
Sureterm definitely insurer drivers over 21:
http://www.sureterm.com/camper-van-insurance/
Not sure about it not being re-registered with them though.
To insure the vehicle as a van, you would need to check with the insurance company. Some dont like there being an permanent fittings in the back. Some will insure you, but only for the van of the van, and not as a campervan.
I am designing a campervan at the moment and cannot seem to find information regarding gas installation.
The insurance page regarding DVLA transfer to a campervan mentions a remote gas supply. If I have a normal campstove with say Campingaz or similar bottles, does a short gas connection count as remote? I only want a simple connection and am happy to mount the gas supply tubing and bottle to the body. It would effectively be a camping stove mounted to the cabinetry.
Also, as far as EN1949 goes, do I need to fit a 30mBar regulator to the bulkhead to comply and get insurance later on?
Any comments or info are welcomed.
Greg
Hi Greg
As far as I know, a simple gas stove with 2 burners is fine with the DVLA for re-registering as a campervan. The stop tap on the regulator us also enough to comply with the guidelines.
EN1949 only applies to manufacturers of motorhomes. Most insurers of self converted motorhomes are not looking for you to comply with EN1949. They just want everything to be safe.
Yes your son will have to get insurance too.
If your insurance is for you and your husband only...
can anyone tell me, if my campervan is insured for both myself and my husband to drive and i want to lend it to my son does he have to get separate insurance for one week, he is 35 and has a full drivers licence
If your insurance is for you and your husband ONLY, then yes your son will have to get insurance too.
It is generally best to get your son added as a named drive to your existing insurance policy.
Your current insurer might not like you getting insurance with another company for a different driver.
Age 36, held a clean license for just under a year, anyone know of campervan insurance that costs under £300 quid for third party fire & theft. Half the companies won't touch me with a barge pole and the one's that do wanna bankrupt me.
Yep, the 1.7 petrol Renault Trafic camper I want to buy is only worth £2500, is over twenty years old and apparently the owner said it has reached over 50mph once in it's lifetime and it takes ten minutes to get 0-60mph. I'm prepared to value it at £1000 quid and have an excess of £300 quid to bring the 3rd party premium down.
Have you tried:
https://www.sureterm.com/motorhome-quote/campervan-life
http://www.shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/motorhome-insurance?campervanlife
http://www.campervanlife.com/go/cvl-insurancechoice.php
Does anyone know of an insurance company that will insure over 65s with New Zealand licenes? Downunder was a good bet but they won't insure anyone over 65. The only other place that will do short term insurance is dayinsure but the campervan has to be built for purpose and not a conversion. Any help would be great thanks.
Hi, Love the site, it's been very helpful.
I'm planning to buy a VW Campervan and I'd like to hire it out to help cover costs but I have no idea how the insurance would work. Does anyone have any experience of this?
Thanks!
No idea. You'll be running a business, so you'll need vehicle insurance, and public liability at the least.
Why not ask some of the other rental companies? Someone will tell you, although some might ignore you as they'll consider you potential competition. Aim for someone on the other side of the country to you :)
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=campervan+hire
Could someone please give me rough idea of what it costs regarding insurance on a van whilst travelling europe. We are looking at traveling for around 6 weeks but have not bought a van yet as we would like to know how much the insurance is going to cost first. Also is there a wedsite somewhere that list good places to park and camp for free around europe.
Many thanks
Hi can anyone help. We need cover for our bikes when we use our campervan. So far I have not found an insurance company that insures them
Thanks for your help
Gill
Hi. Are you looking for an insurance policy that will cover your bicycles when stored in your campervan?
dear daren,
i am pluzzled that if your van is not get side window how can it be registered as a camper van, and by the way to buy the issurance..it will be a big big trouble if any accident happened ...i would like to have your experiences...thanks and with regards...
owen
My vehicle was never registered as a 'Motor Caravan' My insurance company were happy to insure it as a van only, even with the camper in the back. In the event of an accident, fire, theft or anything else, they would only pay me the value of the van, and none of the fittings.
In hindsight I would have re-registered the van, but it was supposed to be a stealth camper. Maybe next time :)
Hi Darren, I have a small camper which does not fall into the bizarre specs needed to become an official camper. You mentioned that your insurance company would just insure your base vehicle without the modifications. Which insurance company is this? 'Lloyds' originally said they would do a similar thing but now it has come to renewing the insurance and they say that undeclared modifications will make the insurance invalid.
Cheers
Ji Jan
The company I used no longer will insure more simple campers this way.
I would suggest contacting lots of insurers and see which will cover it this way.
Might we worth trying a specialist such as Adrian Flux.
All the best
Darren
Hi, do you know of any companies that will insure under-25s (I'm 20 by the way) for European insurance, pretty much 365 days of the year? I will be living in France for nine nonths but I want to go back to England for holidays etc.
Hello!
Am really stuck for insurance. I have swapped my australian license (14 years full) for a UK one in 2007. Am struggling to get anyone that will insure me for a reasonable amount. Any clues to who i can speak to besides the quotezones and market comparing sites?
Cheers
Try Insurance Choice
http://www.campervanlife.com/go/cvl-insurancechoice.php
They are specialists and I hear good things about them.
Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced insurer. We want to insure our son (30 year old)as a 2nd driver, who has been in UK for 1 year (full UK/EU driving licence)and we are struggling to get cover for him? Can't understand it as he has insurance on his own car!
Try Insurance Choice
http://www.campervanlife.com/go/cvl-insurancechoice.php
They are popular, and their rates are good.
Hi Darren,just wanted to say,that Ive spent the last 2 hours reading an really enjoying your site.Great tips on free camping,its always a shame when you visit a great location,only to have to trudge off and find a real camp site. Keep up the good work fella.
Thanks, glad the website is of help :)
heads up... just rang the Post Office and was told they don't insure campervans. Just thought I'd pass it along.
Thanks for a really informative and helpful website. We keep referring to it during our conversion. Cheers
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