Finding the right motorhome insurance policy for you is an important, if not tedious job. Here Van Life Matters explains where to look, what to look for and how to get it cheaper.
Motorhome comparison websites
A comparison website for motorhome insurance is usually a good place to start when you’re looking for cover.
Online quotes tend to take between five and ten minutes and, using the information you provide, you’ll be presented with a list of providers and details of the individual policies.
Some of the best motorhome insurance comparison websites include Compare Motorhome Insurance, Go Compare, Money Supermarket and Confused.com.
Go direct
Once you’ve used a comparison website, it’s a good idea to approach some specialist motorhome insurance providers directly as these can sometimes be cheaper, giving you basis to start negotiating for a cheaper deal.
Below, Van Life Matters has listed some of the best motorhome insurance providers.
Caravan and Motorhome Club motorhome insurance
Members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club can use the clubs specialist insurance provider.
The club uses Devitt Insurance Services as its broker, which in turn uses a panel of well-known insurers to secure the cheapest motorhome insurance.
Pros: Voted 'Best Motorhome Insurance Provider' by members in the Insurance Choice Awards in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Cons: You need to be a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Camping and Caravanning Club motorhome insurance
Designed by members for members, Camping and Caravanning Club motorhome insurance uses Kingfisher Insurance Services to offer cover for most motorhomes and circumstances.
Pros: Each month customers are put into a prize draw. Cons: Only available to club members and if your motorhome is over 25 years old, you'll need to call the club on 0800 124 4633 as it can’t quote for older vehicles online.
Adrian Flux specialises in niche motoring markets such as motorhomes and campervans.
It’s a widely known firm, offering a wide range of bespoke policies to suit all conversions.
Pros: Provides full cover for conversions and self-conversion projects, including cover for vans in the process of being converted. Cons: Owners have reported that the best deals are reserved for new customers.
Comfort Insurance is a family business established after the owners found there to be little or no specialist cover available to motorhome owners during the mid 1990’s.
Quotes are available online or can be sought over the phone.
Pros: Policies available for motorhomes and campervans of any shape or size. Cons: With prices starting from £220, it may not be the cheapest option.
Backed by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance (RSA), Caravan Guard offers bespoke motorhome cover which promises to “put you back in the same position after something bad happens to your pride and joy”.
Pros: What Motorhome Insurance Provider of the Year 2021 Cons: Only provides cover for motorhomes that have been converted professionally by a recognised motorhome converter.
With its “excellent” Trust Pilot rating, Scenic is a specialist in caravan, motorhome and campervan insurance, and can arrange policies tailored to fit your requirements.
It provides cover for both DIY and professional conversions.
Pros: Well recommended by owners with an "Excellent" Trust Pilot rating. Cons: It doesn't provide cover for DIY conversions unless the vehicle is registered as a "van with windows" or "motorcaravan" on the V5C. Cover isn't available for motorhomes that are used as a permanent residence either.
The Motorhome Insurer promises to find fast, easy and affordable motorhome insurance with a “Cheapest Price Guaranteed” promise.
It means if you find a cheaper like-for-like quote online, The Motorhome Insurer will beat it.
It also provides temporary motorhome insurance cover.
Pros: It promises to beat like-for-like online quotes Cons: It's a less well-known provider than some of the other options.
How to get cheap motorhome insurance
There are a few things you can do which could mean you’ll pay less for your motorhome insurance.
If you can pay annually for your insurance, do so because it’s likely to save you because most insurers will charge an interest rate if you opt to pay monthly.
Building up your no claims bonus is another great way to save money but it’s worth remembering that you can only use your no claims discount on one vehicle at any one time.
Keeping your annual mileage below a pre-agreed limit can also bring a substantial saving on your premium.
You may have to sign a mileage limit declaration stating the current mileage of your motorhome or send a photograph of the odometer to the insurer.
If you’re a member of a motorhome club or association you may be entitled to a discount on your premium, but you’ll need to provide the insurer with membership details.
Does home contents insurance cover motorhome contents?
This will depend on the type of home insurance cover you have, so it’s worth checking your documents.
If you have specified items in your home policy that happen to be kept in your motorhome, these should be covered.
General items kept in your motorhome that aren’t specifically mentioned in your home cover are unlikely to be protected.
What doesn’t motorhome insurance cover?
Use abroad
Motorhome contents and cover for driving abroad are unlikely to come as standard with your policy.
Always check you policy and update if required before driving your motorhome abroad.
Wear and tear
Most insurance policies have standard wear-and-tear clauses, so you can’t claim for damage that’s been caused while you inhabit your motorhome as usual.
Mechanical or electrical breakdown
As with all vehicles, you’ll likely need to pay for separate breakdown cover if you want to cover the costs of recovery.
Damage caused by insects or vermin
Motorhome damage caused by mice and other vermin are more common than you might think but insurers rarely tend to cover such cases.
Damage by permanent use
If you live in motorhome full-time, or use it for business purposes, you’ll need to specify this with the insurer as you will likely require specialist cover.
Damage or loss
If your motorhome is stolen or its content taken because you left the window open or keys in the ignition, you won’t be able to claim.
Third party motorhome insurance: The minimum level of cover you’ll need to drive a motorhome in the UK. This will cover the cost of any vehicle damage or personal injury claims suffered by someone, in an accident, that was your fault. Third party, fire and theft motorhome insurance: as well as being covered for third party scenarios, you’ll also be covered if your motorhome is stolen or suffers fire damage. Fully comprehensive motorhome insurance: Includes all third party, fire and theft cover and also protects you if your motorhome is damaged or destroyed by something, which is your fault. Social only (SD&P): This covers day-to-day driving like shopping trips, drives to visit friends and long-distance trips that aren't related to work. Social including commuting: This covers you for everything SD&P does, and also covers your commute to work - as long as you only travel to a single location. Business use: This covers work journeys beyond a daily commute, including multiple work sites, visits to clients at home and other commercial activity.
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