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What is motorhome insurance?

Motorhome insurance is an insurance policy that can help protect your motorhome when it’s on the road or parked. It can cover you for risks such as accidental damage, fire, theft, and damage caused by third-parties (other people).

Additionally, should you require them, it may also be possible to add-on other benefits such as European cover, breakdown assistance, and contents cover for the personal belongings in your motorhome.

Insurance description

How comparison works

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You tell us details about yourself and what you’re looking to insure

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We provide instant quotes from a panel of top UK insurers

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You choose the policy you want, buy it, and job done!

Why compare quotes with us?

Insurance description

It’s tempting to stick with the same insurer every year, but without having a look around the market you have no way of knowing whether your renewal price is competitive or not. That means you could be paying more than you need to for your insurance.

No one wants to spend hours phoning different companies, going through the same information again and again, only to find out that the first insurer you phoned had the cheapest price – which is where we come in. When you compare quotes with The Motorhome Insurer you only have to provide your details once and we do the rest of the hard work for you.

Looking for your insurance with The Motorhome Insurer could save you time and money.

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What level of cover do I need for a motorhome?

Motorhome insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, just like car insurance. If you want to take your vehicle out on public roads, whether for commuting or a holiday road trip, your motorhome needs third-party insurance coverage at a minimum.

Instead of third-party only cover, there are two other standard forms of insurance coverage that motorhome owners may choose to purchase. Comprehensive insurance, which covers their own motorhome for accidental damage, and a policy type called Third-party, fire and theft which in addition to standard third-party only coverage, also protects your motorhome against damage from fire or theft.

  1. Third-Party Only - this is the UK's minimum legal requirement of insurance you must hold for your vehicle. It covers you for damage or injury to another person or their property if you cause an accident. However, you and your own vehicle will not be covered, and you will not be able to claim with your insurance. Damage caused by theft or fire is also not covered by a Third party only policy.

  2. Third-party, fire and theft - in addition to third party only cover as listed above, insurers will cover you if your car is stolen or damaged by fire.

  3. Fully Comprehensive - provides everything included under third party, fire and theft and will also cover you if your motorhome is damaged or destroyed in an accident.

What is classed as a motorhome?

Motorhomes are recreational vehicles designed for living in comfortably and travelling from place to place.

They can be very large (such as those categorised as Class A) or much smaller (Class B), such as campervans which are similar in size to typical vans that builders or other tradesmen might use. A vehicle must meet specific criteria to be considered a motorhome, however.

Insurance description

These vehicles typically have basic or luxury amenities such as beds, a kitchen (with seats and a table), a bathroom and adequate storage facilities. These features can make them suitable for extended trips or even full-time living.

Insurance description

The difference between motorhomes and campervans

Motorhome and campervan are terms often used interchangeably, but the two have some key differences.

A motorhome is a self-contained recreational vehicle that doubles as living accommodation. Motorhomes typically offer more space than campervans, with many models having a separate bedroom area and extensive kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Campervans are smaller, more compact vehicles, often built on a standard van chassis. They provide great manoeuvrability for the driver and are easier to park, making them popular with those who prefer a minimalist on-the-road lifestyle.

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How much does motorhome insurance cost?

There is no simple answer to this question, as there are several factors which might affect the cost of motorhome insurance, including those listed below, but according to data from The Motorhome Insurer, 51% of customers who requested a quotation for fully comprehensive motorhome insurance by using their online price comparison services were quoted £310.34 or less during the period 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023.

Your motorhome mileage

The more you’re out on the road, the greater the chance of being involved in an accident. That’s why a higher annual mileage can increase how much you pay for motorhome insurance.

Usage

Finding cheap insurance coverage for your vehicle may be more challenging if you use your campervan for regular commuting and normal living. However, only driving your motorhome when taking trips or at weekends could open you to a range of cheaper insurance policies.

No-claims discount

By avoiding making any claims on your policy, you can earn a no-claims discount on your insurance premiums. The discount usually increases with each consecutive year you go without a claim and could make a substantial saving on your annual premium.

Unique vehicles

Historic or modified motorhomes could be more costly to repair or replace. Modifications may alter your vehicle's performance, handling or safety features, which insurers could see as increasing the risk of accidents or claims.

Club discounts

Being a motorhome or caravanning club member may get you a discount on your insurance premium. You will have to provide the chosen insurer with proof of membership.

The main types of motorhome insurance usage

Social, Domestic and Pleasure (SD&P)

SD&P covers motorhomes solely used for social, domestic, and pleasure purposes, such as family holidays or weekend trips. It does not cover the motorhome for business-related activities, including your daily commute or any commercial use.

Social Including Commuting

Social including commuting coverage is ideal for those who use their motorhome as a mode of transportation to and from one place of work in addition to using it for general social purposes including trips away from home.

Business Use

As well as for social and commuting purposes, business use covers motorhomes used for business or commercial purposes, such as transporting goods or equipment, visiting clients,  or journeys beyond just your commute to work.

How to try and reduce the cost of your motorhome insurance quote

There are several ways that might help to slash the price of your motorhome insurance:

1. Get the right cover for self-builds (modified): Specialist insurers may be able to offer cheaper policies for heavily modified vehicles or those fitted from scratch.

2. Park somewhere safe: Keeping your motorhome on the street can make your insurance more expensive. Using your driveway or garage to store your vehicle may reduce costs.

3. Get qualified: By obtaining advanced driving qualifications, you can help show insurers you are safer on the roads and less likely to have an incident.

4. Security improvements: Adding motorhome security devices to your vehicle, like alarms, wheel clamps or tracking devices, may make insurers more confident that your vehicle won’t be stolen.

5. Beware of add-ons: If you have any other policies, check what they cover so that you don’t buy any unnecessary add-ons.

6. Compare: To get the best deal, shop around. Compare motorhome insurance quotes and find the right policy for your needs.

7. Pay annually: Paying your motorhome insurance in one go rather than in monthly payments may help reduce the cost.

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What motorhome insurance add-ons can I choose?

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Breakdown Cover & Roadside Repairs: This provides assistance if your motorhome breaks down while you're on the road and can cover towing and repairs.

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European Cover: This insures your vehicle for any trips outside the UK to Europe, and may include breakdown and emergency assistance abroad too.

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Legal Expenses Cover: This may help cover any legal expenses that arise from an accident involving your motorhome.

The exact level of coverage these add-ons provide may differ from insurer to insurer, so be sure to check the policy wording before making a purchase to ensure it’s suitable for your needs.

What is included in the policy?

What other forms of protection come with motorhome insurance, alongside your comprehensive insurance coverage?

Some insurers offer additional coverage as part of the core insurance policy. However, not all insurers provide the same level of cover so make sure to read the policy booklet carefully to ensure you know what you’re covered for. Some typical additional insurance might include:

Personal Possessions Cover

This covers personal belongings in your motorhome, such as clothing, electronics, and camping equipment.

Awning and Equipment Cover

This covers damage to awnings or other equipment attached to your motorhome, such as satellite dishes or bike racks.

Windscreen Cover

This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your motorhome's windscreen in case it is damaged.

What motorhomes can be insured?

Insurance policies in the United Kingdom can cover most motorhome categories. These include Class A, B, and C motorhomes, converted vans, camper vans, and recreational vehicles.

The vehicle must be registered with the DVLA and have a valid MOT (if it is over three years old) to be eligible for motorhome insurance. It must also be in a roadworthy condition. However, the specific requirements for insurability may vary by insurer.

Some insurers may have additional requirements, such as limits on the driver's age, the type of licence held, and the vehicle's purpose. For example, some insurers may not cover motorhomes used for business or rented out to others.

It's essential to carefully review the terms and conditions of any motorhome insurance policy to ensure that it meets your specific needs and provides adequate coverage for how you intend to use your motorhome.

Motorhome insurance FAQs

Do I really need motorhome insurance ?

Yes, to use your motorhome on public roads in the UK you are required to have valid insurance in place.

If your motorhome is found to be uninsured, you could face a fixed penalty notice and points on your driving licence.

In more serious cases, you could be taken to court, fined, and even receive a driving ban. You could also face personal liability for any damages or injuries caused in an accident while driving uninsured.

Can I drive a motorhome on my car insurance?

No, you must purchase specialist insurance for your motorhome. Motorhomes are very different to cars and so require proper insurance coverage designed just for them.

What does contents insurance cover in my motorhome?

Contents insurance covers your personal belongings and any household items that are lost, damaged or stolen from your motorhome.

Assets such as your clothes, furniture, technology (televisions, computers, laptops), kitchen appliances (fridge, cooker), and jewellery (possibly subject to certain limits on value) can be included in this coverage. However, if you own a property and have home insurance, you might be able to combine your contents coverage and home insurance rather than taking out two policies. It’s a good idea to check your cover with your home insurance provider to make sure it meets your needs.

Am I covered when travelling abroad?

Whether or not you are covered when travelling abroad typically depends on the specific policy you have purchased. Review your policy documents or speak to your insurance provider to understand what coverage is included for trips abroad.

Some motorhome insurance policies may include coverage for international travel, while others may only provide coverage within your home country. The extent of coverage may also vary depending on the destination and length of your trip.

Assess your coverage limits and ensure your policy provides adequate protection for your trip, including third-party liability coverage and coverage for damage to your motorhome.

Can I add an additional driver to my policy?

Usually, yes. Most motorhome policies allow you to add between one to three additional drivers. However, they must meet specific criteria, such as being over the legal driving age and holding a valid, in-date UK driving licence.

It’s important to note that the cost of your insurance may rise when you add additional drivers.

How should I estimate mileage when comparing quotes?

To determine your annual mileage, calculate your weekly driving distance and multiply that by 52. Consider any occasional long trips you make, like summer holidays or road trips: these journeys can accumulate significant mileage even if you only use your motorhome for vacations.

What licence do I need to drive a motorhome?

A standard category B licence is sufficient for motorhomes weighing up to 3,500kg.

However, if your motorhome weighs more, you'll need a C1 licence, which requires passing a separate driving test, including a practical and theory test.

If you obtained your licence after January 1997, you should take an additional test to add the C1 category. Remembering that driving regulations may vary when travelling outside the UK is crucial.

How do I save money on my motorhome insurance?

You can usually save money on your motorhome insurance by shopping around. Don't settle for the first insurance quote you are given: take the time to compare policies and prices from different insurers to find the best deal for your needs.

Consider raising your voluntary excess to lower your insurance premium. Just remember that you'll need to pay this amount in the event of a claim and so it should be affordable for you.

Or, you could fit your motorhome with security features like an alarm or immobiliser to help reduce the theft risk and potentially lower your insurance premium.

How much is motorhome insurance?

The cost of motorhome insurance can vary depending on several factors, including the type of motorhome you own, your driving history, your age and experience, where you live and what you use the vehicle for.

The best way to get an idea of cost is to compare quotes from different insurers.

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