The annual costs of owning a campervan

Buying a campervan is an exciting step, but the purchase price is only part of the overall financial picture. Alongside the initial outlay, owners need to budget for annual essentials such as insurance, road tax and MOTs, as well as usage-based costs like fuel and routine maintenance.

Whether you already own a campervan or are considering buying one, this article will help you understand the annual bills, running expenses and ‘hidden’ costs to include in your budget.

Essential running costs

Insurance

Insurance is one of the main annual costs of campervan ownership, and premiums vary significantly between owners. Factors such as the campervan’s value, age, storage location, annual mileage, security features and the driver's claims history can all affect the price. Optional extras such as European travel cover, personal belongings cover or breakdown assistance may increase the premium.

As a broad guide, many UK campervan owners can expect annual insurance costs to fall somewhere between £250 and £800. However, premiums may fall outside this range depending on the owner’s risk profile and the vehicle being insured. For a more accurate picture of your insurance costs, The Motorhome Insurer can help you compare quotes from a panel of specialist UK insurers, saving you both time and money.

Servicing and maintenance

Routine mechanical servicing can help keep a campervan roadworthy and identify developing problems early. We recommend budgeting around £250 to £465 annually, depending on the vehicle and service level. This may cover oil, filters, fluids and routine inspections, but not additional parts or major repairs. Older campervans may justify a larger allowance for wear and tear. Actual costs depend on the vehicle, garage, location and work required.

Fuel

Fuel is a usage-based annual cost shaped by mileage, fuel type and efficiency, with larger, heavier campervans often consuming more. For illustration, a diesel campervan covering 5,000 miles at 30mpg would use around 758 litres. At the UK average diesel price of 186.36p per litre (accurate as of 7 September 2026), that equals approximately £1,412 a year.

Calculation: 5,000 miles ÷ 30mpg × 4.546 litres × £1.8636 = £1,412. Actual spending depends on the vehicle, driving conditions and usage.

Road tax

Vehicle Excise Duty is normally an annual cost, but there is no single campervan rate. Amounts range from £177 to £375, depending on revenue weight and engine size . Different rules may apply to some vehicles registered between April 2017 and March 2020, so check the tax class and registration details on the V5C. Actual costs vary by vehicle.

MOTs

Most campervans need an annual MOT once they are three years old. Class 4 motor caravans have a maximum fee of £54.85, according to GOV.UK . This fee covers the test only, not repairs needed to pass. Campervans recorded as goods vehicles or with a different classification may face different testing requirements and fees.

Depreciation

While not a direct running cost, depreciation still forms part of the overall cost of ownership. Age, mileage, condition, specification and market demand can all affect resale value.

Storage

Storage may cost nothing if you can keep your campervan securely at home. Otherwise, prices can range from roughly £300 to £2,000 or more annually for outdoor, covered or indoor storage.

Costs depend on location, security, vehicle size and protection from weather. Storage arrangements may also affect insurance terms or premiums, so check your policy before choosing a site.

The hidden annual costs owners forget to budget for

Smaller and occasional campervan expenses can add up over the year. Setting money aside for maintenance, replacements and unexpected repairs helps prevent a sudden bill from disrupting your budget or travel plans.

Habitation servicing and safety checks

A habitation check examines the campervan’s living area, unlike a mechanical service covering its engine and chassis. It typically includes gas, electrical and water systems, plus damp or water-ingress testing. Habitation checks typically cost around £180 to £300 . This is an optional annual cost rather than a universal legal requirement, and charges vary by vehicle and provider.

Breakdown cover

The cost of breakdown cover can vary considerably depending on the vehicle, its age, the cover level required and the insurance provider, but it would be prudent to set aside between £100 - £200 a year to ensure you are not left stranded or facing hefty one-off recovery charges when a mechanical breakdown occurs. With the Motorhome Insurer, optional or integrated breakdown cover may also be available alongside your motorhome insurance policy, helping you tailor your cover to your individual travel needs.

Leisure batteries

Leisure batteries power lighting, pumps and equipment in the living area. Prices range from about £90 for lead-acid to £2,000 or more for premium lithium . Based on stated lifespans of four and ten years respectively, allow roughly £23 to £200 annually, excluding installation.

Security upgrades

Alarms, trackers, immobilisers, steering locks and wheel clamps are occasional purchases rather than annual bills. There’s no universal figure here, as the amount you spend depends on the type and level of protection you choose.

Total annual running costs

The range below assumes 4,000 to 6,000 miles annually, 25 to 35mpg and diesel at 186.36p per litre. It excludes security upgrades and depreciation. Actual costs depend on the campervan, owner and usage.

Costs and their estimated annual amounts

Insurance: £250–£800

Fuel: £968–£2,033

Servicing and maintenance: £250–£465

Road tax: £177–£375

MOT: £54.85–£58.60

Storage (if applicable): £0–£2,000

Habitation servicing: £180–£300

Breakdown cover: £50–£127

Tyres: £63–£179

Leisure battery: £23–£200

Estimated annual total: £1,953–£6,359

The total combines the stated ranges but should not be treated as a universal minimum or maximum.

Final thoughts

Every campervan & motorhome and owner is different, so there is no magic number that works for everyone. Your annual costs will depend on where you travel, how often you head away and where your vehicle spends its quieter months.

That being said, building a little flexibility into your budget means fewer unwelcome surprises and more freedom to enjoy the journey. After all, campervan ownership is about open roads, spontaneous weekends and making great memories, and a bit of forward planning helps keep the focus firmly on the fun.

The costs in this guide are illustrative estimates based on prices checked on 11 September 2026. Actual campervan ownership costs vary by vehicle, owner and usage, and prices may change. Always obtain current quotes and check official guidance before making financial decisions.

Sources

The annual costs of owning a campervan

Get a quote for campervan or motorhome insurance today

Essential running costs

Insurance

Servicing and maintenance

Fuel

Road tax

MOTs

Depreciation

Storage

Get a quote for campervan or motorhome insurance today

The hidden annual costs owners forget to budget for

The hidden annual costs owners forget to budget for

Habitation servicing and safety checks

Breakdown cover

Leisure batteries

Security upgrades

Total annual running costs

Costs and their estimated annual amounts

Final thoughts

The annual costs of owning a campervan

Get a quote for campervan or motorhome insurance today

Essential running costs

Insurance

Servicing and maintenance

Fuel

Road tax

MOTs

Depreciation

Storage

Get a quote for campervan or motorhome insurance today

The hidden annual costs owners forget to budget for

The hidden annual costs owners forget to budget for

Habitation servicing and safety checks

Breakdown cover

Leisure batteries

Security upgrades

Total annual running costs

Costs and their estimated annual amounts

Final thoughts

Read more about motorhomes here...