What is the new VW Motorhome Qualification Scheme?

Campervan stalwart Volkswagen has just launched a new Motorhome Qualification Scheme to give campervan buyers greater confidence when buying converted VW vehicles. But what’s it all about? Let’s take a look in this handy guide.

With the popularity of staycations continuing to soar and campervans more sought after than ever before, many people are considering investing in a new campervan. Alongside buying a factory-built VW camper or doing a DIY conversion, you might also be considering buying an aftermarket vehicle from a conversion company.

But no matter how experienced you are, when taking the plunge and buying a converted camper, it can be all too easy to end up with something second-rate. After all, with so many conversion companies out there quality can vary considerably. From leaky roofs to poorly fitted units a lot can go wrong for the unwary buyer.

That’s why choosing a manufacturer accredited conversion company has become a popular option. VW has recently got in on the act by setting up a new VW Motorhome Qualification Scheme in the UK.

And when you’ve got your hands on a beautiful new camper, you’re going to need the best motorhome insurance to protect your investment.

Keeping your marvellous home on wheels protected against theft, breakdown and damage is vital when you’ve only just taken delivery. Give our team a call today to discuss the many cover options on offer.

How does the new scheme work?

It may surprise you to learn that VW is the only manufacturer to offer a truly factory-built campervan in the shape of the stunning California or Grand California models. No other rival manufacturer does this. Instead, they offer third-party conversions, although often officially approved.

For example, the Mercedes Benz Marco Polo offering is in fact a premium conversion of a V-Class MPV by specialist Westfalia.

Despite being available through authorised Mercedes dealers it isn’t factory-built by the company. The same goes for many other vehicles including the Ford Transit Custom Nugget.

But VW knows that with prices for a new California Ocean starting at £66,000 not everyone will be able to afford a vehicle fresh off the factory line. Instead, many people will opt for aftermarket alternatives.

And that’s where the Motorhome Qualification Scheme comes in handy. It means that camping fans will be able to purchase those vehicles, safe in the knowledge they meet VW’s own exacting standards.

Why has VW launched the scheme?

VW says that owing to the huge growth of interest in campervans since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic it has taken the decision to launch the scheme.

It says that in the UK alone in 2020 its campervan web pages saw a 36% increase in traffic.

With more than 200,000 people starting the online process of building their own van on the site. While this is far off from buying one, the site allows prospective buyers to change the engine size, exterior paint job, interior, wheels and tyres, and a whole host of other components.

As one of the leading manufacturers of campervans, VW sees it as its duty to drive up standards and ensure customers are given peace of mind when it comes to the safety and quality of any VW camper.

Whether factory-built or aftermarket conversion, if it’s got a VW badge on the front then buyers should be assured of the highest quality.

How the scheme works

The new scheme doesn’t mean you should expect conversions to be built to quite the same standard as a California. But the scheme does ensure converters which are awarded this coveted status have a number of things in place to support customers. To achieve the standard a converter must:

• Achieve National or European Type Approval for its vehicles.
• Pass stringent National Caravan Council standards.
• Have a three-year trading history.
• Register on the Bodybuilder Database.
• Provide a minimum of £5 million liability insurance.
• Commit to matching the warranty of the base vehicle.

VW really has asked these companies to go the extra mile to achieve approved status!

Factory-built VW California versus VW van conversion

A common question often pondered by prospective purchasers is whether a VW conversion will hold its own against VW’s in-house designed and built California?

Here is a quick rundown of the VW California vs Transporter conversion debate.

Individuality

If you commission a conversion then you should get the opportunity to tailor the vehicle exactly to your individual taste.

Cost

Some conversions from premium converters can end up costing even more than a California.

Fixtures and fittings

A California will have different fixtures and fittings to a converted VW.

Size

Something that’s often overlooked by buyers is the difference in heights.

Resale

Resale values of conversions vary widely, while a California is much easier to value.

Which companies have been certified so far?

Although the scheme was only recently launched, already three UK converters have been certified. These are:

• Hillside Leisure
• Jerba Campervans
• Rolling Homes

Motorhome insurance with Motorhome Protect

When you’ve spent so long searching for the very best campervan for your needs, it certainly pays to get on with finding the right motorhome insurance for your budget.

Policies arranged through us can include the following benefits:

• Unlimited cover across all the countries that are part of the European Union.
• Cover of camping personal effects for up to £3,000.
• Up to 6 months to complete a self-restoration.
• Cover for motorhomes with a value up to £150,000.
• Unlimited mileage cover.
• Consideration of all claims and convictions.

Call Motorhome Protect today for a motorhome insurance quote.

Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.