Motorhome Insurance

If you own a motorhome in the UK, you need insurance to protect your investment. Motorhome insurance policies are essential for safeguarding your vehicle and finances in case of accidents, theft, or other unexpected events.

These policies have the option of additional addons like motorhome breakdown cover, providing assistance in case of vehicle breakdowns. If you’d like to get a motorhome insurance, call us now on 01865 818341 or click here for a motorhome insurance quote.

 

What is a motorhome insurance?

Motorhome insurance protects your motorhome whether it’s parked or on the road. A comprehensive policy typically covers:

• Traffic accidents

• Repairs to your motorhome or other vehicles

• Fire damage

• Storm damage

• Theft and damage from break-ins

• Injuries to you, your passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, and their passengers

If you own a motorhome in the UK, having insurance is a legal requirement to drive or park it on public roads.

 

Do I need motorhome insurance?

In the UK, all motor vehicles, including motorhomes, must have at least third party insurance if they are driven or parked on public roads. This is a legal requirement.

If you do not use your motorhome on public roads, you can declare it off road by registering a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) with the DVLA.

While your motorhome is declared SORN, you are not required to have insurance or pay vehicle tax. However, it is illegal to drive or park a motorhome on public roads while it is declared SORN, so it’s vital to keep your documentation up to date.

 

What level of motorhome cover do I need?

There are three main levels of motorhome insurance to consider. While third party cover is the minimum legal requirement, it offers limited protection and won’t cover you or your motorhome in the event of an accident. It’s important to compare different policies to choose the coverage that suits your needs.

 

Comprehensive Cover

• Covers damage to your motorhome resulting from collisions

• Includes protection for injuries to you and your passengers

• Provides cover against fire damage and theft

• Covers injury or damage caused to other people or their property

 

Third Party, Fire and Theft Cover

• Covers financial losses if your motorhome is damaged by fire

• Protects against theft or attempted theft of your motorhome

• Includes liability for injury to third parties or damage to their property

• Does not cover collision damage to your motorhome or injuries to you

 

Third Party Only Cover

• The most basic level of insurance, though not always the cheapest

• Covers injury to third parties and damage to their property only

• Does not cover theft, fire damage, or damage to your own motorhome

• Offers no protection for you or your vehicle in an accident

 

What type of motorhomes can I insure?

You can usually find out if we can find insurance for your vehicle by entering its registration. The main types of motorhomes we typically cover include:

• A Class

• Coachbuilt

• Coachbuilt - Low Profile

• Camper with Elevating Roof

• Camper with Fixed Roof

• Camper with High Top

• VW T2 / T2 Bay / T25

• American A Class

• American Coachbuilt

 

How can I get cheap motorhome insurance?

Upon reviewing your motorhome insurance policy, consider implementing cost-saving strategies to optimise your coverage and budget. Here are four practical tips to help you save on your motorhome insurance:

• Increase your excess: Opting for a higher excess could lower your premiums, but ensure you can cover it if you need to claim.

• Safe driving discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for safe driving, security features like alarms or trackers, and completing advanced driving courses.

• Annual payment: Paying your insurance annually could be more cost effective than than monthly instalments due to you not having to pay for the added interest.

• Safe parking: Parking in a garage or driveway could reduce your insurance costs compared to roadside parking.

• Check existing coverage: Verify if your current breakdown cover includes your motorhome to avoid unnecessary extra cover.

 

Can I drive my motorhome abroad?

Yes, you can drive your motorhome abroad, but it is important to check your motorhome insurance policy to understand the extent of your coverage when travelling outside the UK.

Many motorhome insurance policies include European cover (EU cover) as standard or offer it as an optional add-on. This cover typically provides protection for driving in most EU countries for up to 365 days within a policy year.

 

What's covered by a motorhome policy?

Motorhome insurance cover will vary between cover levels, but a comprehensive policy may include cover for the following:

 

What's usually covered?

• Damage if you're involved in a collision

• Third-party liability cover

• Fire damage protection

• Theft coverage

• Malicious damage protection

• Coverage for personal belongings

• Injury protection for you and your passengers

• Awning coverage

• Generator coverage

 

What's not usually covered?

• Living in your motorhome full-time

• General wear and tear

• Using your motorhome for work purposes, unless you have a specific business use policy

• Infestations caused by mice, rats, or other vermin

• Damage resulting from pets

• Negligence or lack of proper care

• Mechanical or electrical breakdowns

• Water damage

 

Does motorhome insurance cover my campers contents?

Comprehensive motorhome insurance typically covers the contents of your campervan, providing protection for items such as:

• Campervan accessories, including awnings

• Cooking utensils

• Camping gear

• Other personal belongings that make your van feel like home

If your policy does not include contents cover, you may have the option to add it as an additional feature to your insurance plan.

 

Classes of motorhome use

When obtaining quotes for motorhome insurance, you’ll be asked about how you plan to use your motorhome. There are three main categories of cover to choose from:

 

Commuting

This covers you for travel to and from a single place of work.

 

Personal Business Use

This includes commuting to your workplace as well as travel for business meetings and events at other locations.

 

Social, Domestic, and Pleasure

This covers non-business journeys such as school runs, shopping trips, family outings, and camping trips. However, it does not cover using the motorhome for work purposes.

 

Add-ons for motorhome insurance

Consider adding optional add-on protections to enhance your motorhome insurance coverage in the UK. Here are some types of coverage available for you to consider:

• Roadside assistance: Provides help if your motorhome breaks down while you’re on the road.

• European breakdown cover: Offers roadside assistance, towing, and repair coverage in Europe, ensuring you are protected during EU road trips.

• Motorhome breakdown cover: Provides UK and European breakdown assistance through partnerships with services like the RAC, ensuring you are covered in case of vehicle breakdowns.

 

How to get your motorhome insurance quote?

1. Apply online to get a quote on the Motorhome Protect website or call 01865 818341 to take out a motorhome insurance policy

 

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive a motorhome on my car insurance?

If you own a motorhome and wish to drive it, it is a legal requirement to have separate insurance in place for it, regardless of whether you already have a car insurance policy or not.

 

What's the difference between a motorhome and a campervan?

As vehicles designed for both driving and living, motorhomes and campervans share many similarities, but there are key differences that set them apart:

• Motorhomes are generally larger, often built on a truck or bus chassis, whereas campervans are typically converted from standard vans.

• Motorhomes feature distinct living and driving areas, while campervans combine these spaces into one.

• Motorhomes offer more spacious accommodations with permanent kitchens and bathrooms, whereas campervans provide more compact and basic facilities.

• Due to their size, motorhomes are less manoeuvrable and better suited for longer, less frequent trips, while campervans are more agile and easier to drive and park, making them ideal for versatile use.

 

Does motorhome insurance cover tourer caravans?

Motorhome insurance and caravan insurance are generally separate policies. In some cases, your motorhome insurance may only cover injuries or damages caused by your caravan to third parties while towing, or damage to their property. It is important to carefully review your policy to understand the extent of your coverage.

 

What determines the cost of my motorhome insurance policy?

• Mileage: Lower annual mileage can reduce your insurance costs. When applying or renewing, you'll be asked to estimate your yearly miles. Providing a photo of your odometer may be required. For details, contact our team at 01865 818 341.

• Usage: Occasional use, like family holidays, often results in cheaper policies. Daily use or high mileage typically increases premiums.

• No-claims discount: A no-claims discount from previous insurance, including car insurance, can lower your motorhome premiums.

• Modifications: Modified motorhomes may cost more to insure and can be harder to cover. Let us know about any changes; we'll help find suitable cover.

• Club discounts: Membership in motorhome or caravan clubs, like The Caravan & Motorhome Club, may qualify you for discounts.

 

What licence do I need to drive a motorhome?

Driving a motorhome requires the appropriate driving licence based on the vehicle's size and weight. In the UK, the key factor is the vehicle's maximum authorised mass (MAM), which is the combined weight of the motorhome plus its maximum load.

If your motorhome has a MAM of up to 3.5 tonnes, you can drive it with a standard UK category B driving licence, which is the same licence required for most cars. However, if the motorhome exceeds 3.5 tonnes but is less than or equal to 7.5 tonnes MAM, you will need a category C1 licence. For motorhomes with a MAM over 7.5 tonnes, a full category C licence is required.

It's important to also consider the maximum load your motorhome can carry, as this affects the total weight and the licence category needed. If you plan to tow a trailer or caravan with your motorhome, you may need to check if your licence covers this and if additional endorsements are necessary.

Always ensure you hold the correct licence before driving your motorhome to comply with legal requirements and to ensure your safety on the road. If unsure, you can check your licence details or consult the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for guidance.

 

Will my policy cover trailers and trailer tents?

Check your policy carefully. Motorhome insurance may only cover injuries or damages that your trailer causes to third parties or their property. For full protection of your trailer and its contents, additional insurance may be required.

 

Will my home contents insurance cover items in my motorhome?

Some contents in your motorhome or campervan may be covered but others may not be. This is dependent on the items you're looking at having covered. Smaller items may be able to be covered, but larger 'white goods' may exceed your limit or may not be included at all.

Before taking out a policy, it may be a good idea to speak to one of our insurance specialists to discuss what belongings you would like to cover. Fortunately, here at Motorhome Protect, we offer coverage of up to £3,500 for personal belongings.

 

Will my insurance cover my motorhome if it's written off?

If your insurer determines that repairing your motorhome is uneconomical or impossible, they will classify it as a write-off and provide you with a settlement based on the vehicle’s current market value.

 

Can I insure multiple motorhomes under the same policy?

No, you cannot insure multiple motorhomes under the same policy.

 

Does motorhome insurance cover personal belongings inside the vehicle?

Yes, motorhome insurance typically covers personal belongings inside the vehicle in case of theft or damage. It's essential to review your policy details to understand the specific coverage limits and conditions that apply.

 

Are there any discounts available for safe driving or security measures on the motorhome?

If you prioritise safe driving and security measures for your motorhome, you may be eligible for discounts. Insurers often reward good driving habits and protective devices. Check with your insurance provider to see what savings you qualify for.

What is the process for adding additional drivers to my motorhome insurance policy?

To add additional drivers to your policy, contact your insurance provider. They will guide you through the process, which typically involves providing the new driver's information and possibly adjusting your premiums based on their driving history.