Cheap camper van insurance

The Honest John Vans insurance guide makes it easy to find cheap cover for a large or small camper van. From DIY vans to factory-built campers, our step-by-step guide will take you through the entire process of getting low cost insurance.

How to value your camper van for insurance

Getting insurance for your camper van or motorhome can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to the tricky aspect of valuation. However understanding its value is vital to getting the right level of cover for the best price.

Insurance policies function on the basis of providing cover in the event that your vehicle is damaged written-off or stolen. That makes the valuation of your vehicle an important element; not only because of the effect it has on your premium, but also ensuring the valuation accurately reflects the vehicle’s value; too low and you may be short-changed in the event of a claim.

How do I get an accurate value for my camper van?

This may seem like an obvious point, but the first step to obtaining an accurate valuation is to know the vehicle inside and out. If you’ve bought the vehicle new then the price you paid is a starting point and the paperwork supplied with the vehicle should outline any specification details that may alter its value.

If you bought your vehicle second-hand you should already be familiar with the vehicle’s paperwork and features, but if not you should set aside some time to look at any modifications and equipment that are non-standard.

Conversions, self-built campers and modified vehicles add a further layer of complication, but a useful starting point is to begin with a valuation of the base vehicle and add in the cost of changes and modifications, although it is important to note that even if the vehicle is brand-new, the cost of alterations will not be wholly reflected in the vehicle’s value.

What about an agreed valuation?

One option to ensure a more accurate level of cover for your camper van or motorhome is to choose an insurer that can offer an agreed valuation. This can sometimes incur a small initial cost, but the result will be that your particular vehicle is assessed either by you supplying documents and information or an assessor, and this valuation will be shared with you ahead of accepting the policy and the premium.

It is worth noting that the agreed valuation may not be what you believe your vehicle is worth, but at the same time it may well be more than you can obtain from other insurers. If you are a member of a club you may be able to get a recommendation for an insurer that offers agreed valuations for your particular motorhome or camper.

Can I use a comparison site to find the cheapest camper van insurance? 

It has never been easier to shop for low cost camper van insurance and many of the well-known comparison sites now cater for motorhome and camper van drivers. The most recognised online brands include Comparethemarket, GoCompare and Confused.com*.

Comparison sites are a great starting point to see how much it will generally cost to insure your van. It will also give you a good idea of what's included, along with voluntary excess. However, it's important to remember that not all insurance providers are listed on comparison sites. And you may get a better deal elsewherere.

What is insurance excess?

The term insurance excess frequently applies to all kinds of insurance, whether it is motorhome, van insurance or even pet cover, although the meaning may not be immediately obvious. In simple terms, an insurance excess is an amount of money you agree to pay in the event of a claim, regardless of the amount of that claim.

When you get an insurance quote, whatever you are insuring, it is commonplace for the quote to include an excess amount, so that in the event of a claim you will have to pay this amount to the insurance company when you make a claim before they will make a payout to you if it is successful. Sometimes it is possible that your excess is deducted from your eventual payout, but this is at the discretion of the individual insurer.

What is a voluntary insurance excess?

Most insurance policies come with a compulsory excess; that is an excess amount that your policy must include. This amount will vary depending on your age, driving experience and claim history as well as what kind of motorhome or campervan you drive.

When you are building your quote with an insurer or comparing insurance quotes online, you may be able to specify a voluntary excess - this is an additional excess on top of the compulsory amount.

Although this might seem counterproductive, generally speaking the larger your excess is, the lower your overall quote is. So you may well be able to reduce your total premium by increasing the voluntary excess, thereby saving you money.

Of course, it is crucial to ensure that your excess is a manageable amount; if you were unfortunate enough to have two or more insurance claims in the same year, you do not want to leave yourself with an excess that you would not be able to pay. 

Can I claim back the cost of insurance excess?

If you are concerned about the cost of your excess, it is possible to take out another insurance policy that will pay out in the event of a claim that requires an excess to be paid. This can be a specific policy just to cover your vehicle insurance, or a comprehensive policy that covers a whole range of your policies. The advantage is that if you do have to make a claim you should avoid any outlay on your part, but the disadvantage is that it is another insurance policy that requires a premium to be paid, another claim to be completed should it be required and an additional cost for something that may even not be used.

Insuring your camper van for European travel

Exploring beyond the UK in your motorhome or camper van is possibly the best reason for owning one. But if you want the dream trip to be a success, getting the right insurance cover is crucial

In some circumstances, you may not actually need to do anything before you travel abroad as your current policy covers you, but the reality is that it will vary between policies and insurers. So don’t take any chances - look at your paperwork and contact your insurer to see where you stand.

What insurance do I need to drive in Europe?

As with the UK, the minimum level of cover required to drive in Europe is third-party. The vast majority of motorhome and camper van insurance policies will provide third-party cover when driving in Europe too; you may need to contact them before you travel and the number of days you are covered for outside the UK may be limited too, but it is cover nonetheless.

However, just as with the UK, third party cover means your vehicle is not covered against theft or fire, and any damage that does occur will have to be paid for by you. So even if you only have third party cover in the UK, it is worth considering getting a quote for comprehensive cover during your travels.

What is a green card?

A green card is a legally-recognised document that acts of proof of insurance when travelling in Europe, so it is worth making sure you have yours. Your insurer should provide you with one at no cost, so make sure to ask for it when you contact them if it isn’t sent to you automatically. Some countries in Europe but outside of the EU do not require a green card, but it is worth having with you just in case.

What else do I need?

With your insurance cover in place, it is important to check the particulars of the country or countries you are travelling to and through for any specific regulations regarding what you must carry in the car. As a starting point you should have your driving licence, insurance documents including green card, breakdown cover documents and travel insurance documents. Your vehicle should also carry a first aid kit, warning triangle, two high-vis vests, a torch, a tool kit and a fire extinguisher - all sensible items to keep in your campervan wherever you are.

What about international driving permits?

The UK exiting the EU has complicated matters, but until this happens you can drive in EU countries with just your current UK driving licence. European countries outside the EU may require an international driving permit - you can check the specific requirements on the government’s website here.

Ask HJ

If I buy a small van that runs on LPG - will I be able to drive it around Europe?

I am interested in buying a small camper (Transit size). I am concerned about new diesel regulations but I want to be able to tour Europe. What base model would you advise? Can you get small vans run on LPG?

Touring Europe in a camper van powered by LPG will be difficult given the fact that many ferry companies (and Euro Tunnel) refuse to accept them. Some tunnels in the EU also ban LPG vehicles - even if the gas tank is empty. You do not say how much you plan to spend on your next purchase, but Euro6 diesel is the best base model for a camper van, with the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen T6 Transporter being our recommendations. For more camper van buying advice, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/mpvs-and-camper-vans/how-to-buy-a-used-camper-van/

Answered by Dan Powell

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Ask HJ

What's a cheaper alternative to a Volkswagen California?

I’ve been looking at Volkswagen camper vans, but can’t justify the cost. Are there any decent alternatives? I don’t need the sink etc, just a pop up top and bed. Petrol might not be a bad idea given the current concern about increased taxes/ restrictions on diesel?

If you plan to use the camper van for long distance travels then diesel will still be your best bet. Petrol campers are relatively rare (and thirsty on fuel), while LPG vans are subject to a wide range of restrictions when it comes to travelling abroad - Euro Tunnel refuses to carry any LPG campers. If the Volkswagen California is proving too expensive, something like a Wellhouse conversion of the Hyundai i800 or Ford Transit Custom might be more affordable. There are lots on the used market, or you can buy them new from Wellhouse direct. For all of our camper van buying advice, see: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/mpvs-and-camper-vans/how-to-buy-a-used-camper-van/

Answered by Dan Powell

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