Campervan insurance costs in the UK can vary widely, and understanding the factors that influence your premium is crucial. Whether you’re a new owner or experienced adventurer, it’s important to know what affects your price, which cover levels to consider, and how to compare your options effectively.
This page dives into how much campervan insurance typically costs, what impacts your premiums, and how you can make smarter coverage choices. From average prices to differences between cover types and tips for saving money, you’ll find straightforward, useful answers. Expect clear breakdowns and practical advice—so you can protect your campervan without overpaying.
What Is Campervan Insurance and Why Do You Need It
Campervan insurance is a dedicated policy designed to cover vehicles built for both driving and living in. Unlike standard car or van insurance, this type of cover considers not just the driving risks, but also the built-in facilities—such as beds, kitchens, and storage space—that make a campervan unique.
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to have at least third party insurance for any vehicle driven on public roads, including campervans. This minimum cover protects other people if your campervan causes injury or damage, but you can choose more extensive cover for added peace of mind.
Beyond legal compliance, insurance protects your investment in case of theft, fire, accidental damage, or vandalism. It can also cover personal possessions stored in your campervan during trips. Having the right insurance means you’re not left with huge repair or replacement bills if something goes wrong, giving you confidence to enjoy life on the road.
Taking out specialist campervan insurance also helps if you’ve converted a van yourself, or if your camper is used differently than a standard car. Policies are tailored for these unique risks, so you’re covered for the specific adventures (and potential mishaps) campervan living can bring.
Average Cost of Campervan Insurance in the UK
The price of campervan insurance in the UK typically ranges from £250 to £600 per year for standard leisure use with comprehensive cover. According to recent industry data and major comparison platforms, the average annual premium lands around £350–£400 for a mid-range campervan with no unusual risks or modifications.
These figures can shift dramatically based on use. For example, owners living in their campervans full-time, or who have heavily modified vehicles, often see premiums in the £500–£1,000 range per annum. Those with classic or self-built campervans might pay more, as insurers may require special underwriting due to unique parts or non-standard conversions.
For monthly budgeting, policies can be paid in instalments, but you might pay a little more overall if you choose to spread costs. A typical monthly payment might be £25–£55, depending on your personal profile and the type of cover chosen. As with all insurance in the UK, discounts may apply for secure parking, clean driving histories, and multi-vehicle deals.
Popular comparison websites like GoCompare and MoneySuperMarket increasingly reflect these benchmarks, helping you quickly see where your profile fits in the range. However, always check with specialist providers for custom or self-build campervans, as standard rates might not apply.
Main Factors Affecting Campervan Insurance Premiums
There’s no single price that fits every campervan owner, as insurance premiums are based on a variety of factors unique to each person and vehicle. Understanding these influences can help you estimate your likely costs and focus on what’s most relevant to your situation.
Insurers take a close look at the campervan itself, your intended usage, the drivers, and where and how the vehicle is stored. Each of these areas can increase or reduce your insurance quote, sometimes by quite a lot. By recognising which factors are under your control, you can make informed choices that may bring your premiums down.
As you review the sections below, you’ll find more detailed explanations of these main factors. This knowledge can empower you to adjust your cover, improve your risk profile, and shop for the best possible deal—keeping more money in your pocket while still staying fully protected on your travels.
Your Campervan’s Value and Age
The market value and age of your campervan are two major factors that affect insurance costs. Higher-value and newer campervans typically carry higher premiums, as they cost more to repair or replace in the event of a claim.
As campervans age, they usually depreciate, which may lead to lower premiums, but classic or vintage models might attract higher rates depending on scarcity and parts availability. Insurers also consider whether the vehicle is a professional conversion or a modern self-build. You can get a current valuation for your campervan at Value My Campervan, which helps ensure your policy reflects the right market price.
Who Will Drive the Campervan
Insurers closely assess the age, driving history, and experience of anyone who will drive the campervan. Young or less experienced drivers—typically under 25—are seen as higher risk and will usually face steeper premiums.
If you have years of no-claims bonuses and a clean licence, you’ll often be rewarded with lower insurance costs. Additionally, if multiple drivers are listed on the policy, the risk profile of each person is factored in. You’ll need to provide details such as age, driving record, and relevant convictions for everyone to get an accurate quote.
Usage: Leisure or Full Time Living
How you use your campervan plays a significant part in determining your insurance costs. Most insurers divide usage into “leisure” (occasional holidays and weekends) and “full time living” (primary residence or extended travel).
Policies for leisure use are generally cheaper, as the vehicle is likely off the road for much of the year. Premiums can rise for full-time living, reflecting more miles driven and greater exposure to risks like theft or accidents. Always declare your usage accurately, as incorrect information could affect claims later on.
Parking and Security Features
- Secure garaging or private drive: Parking your campervan off-street reduces the risk of theft and usually lowers premiums.
- Alarms and immobilisers: Insurance-approved security devices make your campervan less attractive to thieves, so insurers often offer discounts.
- Tracking devices: Fitting a GPS tracker can help recover your campervan if stolen and may reduce your insurance cost.
- Wheel clamps or steering locks: Simple mechanical deterrents also add a layer of protection.
- Lighting and CCTV: Enhanced security around your parking area can further decrease premium risk.
Type of Cover You Choose
The level of cover has a direct impact on how much you pay. Comprehensive policies, which offer the widest protection for damage, theft, and third party liability, tend to cost more but provide the most extensive cover.
Third party, fire and theft insurance is a mid-range option, while basic third party only cover is usually the minimum legal requirement—and may not always save much compared to the benefits you lose. Your choice depends on balancing risk with what you can afford.
Location and Where You Travel
Where your campervan is stored and the places you plan to visit also influence your premium. Urban areas or regions with higher crime rates usually attract more expensive policies due to increased risk.
If you store your campervan in a rural location or secure facility, insurers are likely to offer a lower rate. Additionally, using your campervan for European travel can change your cover level and price, often adding a supplement to account for different risks abroad.
Levels of Campervan Insurance Cover Explained
Choosing the right campervan insurance isn’t just about picking the cheapest policy—it’s about matching cover to your needs. In the UK, there are three main levels of insurance available, each offering different degrees of protection for your vehicle, contents, and liability to others.
This section will introduce the core differences and help clarify what each level offers. By understanding the protection options, you can decide if comprehensive cover is worth the extra expense, or if a more basic policy will do.
If you’re still unsure, reading through the details of each type is a good next step. Your needs as a campervan owner might be very different from those of regular car or van owners, and it’s important that your policy meets the demands of your travel lifestyle.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive campervan insurance is the broadest and most protective option. It covers you for accidental damage to your own campervan, fire, theft, vandalism, and injury or damage you may cause to others on the road (third party liability).
This level of cover also often includes extras such as windscreen protection or personal belongings cover, though details vary by provider. Since it insures against almost all major risks, comprehensive policies are typically more expensive—yet they offer greater peace of mind, especially for newer or high-value campervans.
Third Party, Fire and Theft Policies
Third party, fire and theft insurance provides an intermediate level of protection. It covers damage you cause to other vehicles or people (third parties), plus loss or damage to your own campervan from fire or theft.
However, it won’t cover you for accidental damage to your own vehicle caused by collisions or mishaps, which keeps premiums lower than comprehensive policies. It’s a good compromise if your campervan is older or you’re looking for a balance between cover and cost.
Third Party Only Cover
Third party only is the minimum legal insurance required to drive a campervan in the UK. This policy pays out if you injure someone else or damage their property in an accident, but your own vehicle is not covered for any damage, theft, or fire.
This level is typically suited for those wanting to meet legal requirements at the lowest upfront cost, though price savings over better cover can be surprisingly small. For most people, third party only is rarely the best value, unless for very low-value campervans or vehicles kept off-road much of the year.
Optional Extras to Consider
- Breakdown cover: Helps you get back on the road quickly in case of mechanical failure while travelling.
- Windscreen cover: Pays for repair or replacement if your campervan’s windscreen gets damaged.
- Personal possessions insurance: Protects valuables kept inside your campervan against theft or loss.
- European cover: Extends insurance protection for trips abroad, a must-have for travelling in Europe.
- Legal expenses cover: Covers legal costs if you’re involved in a claim dispute after an incident.
How to Save Money on Campervan Insurance
While campervan insurance can be a significant expense, there are smart ways to keep your premiums in check without sacrificing essential cover. By understanding what impacts your policy price, you can take action to present yourself as a lower-risk customer to insurers.
Some approaches involve adjusting your policy—such as opting for a higher voluntary excess—while others focus on comparing rates from different insurers or tweaking your campervan’s features. It can also pay to reconsider certain modifications and invest in insurance-approved security upgrades.
In the next few sections, you’ll find detailed tips that can help you reduce costs while still maintaining the level of protection you need. Taking a bit of time to act on one or more of these ideas can really add up to substantial savings over the life of your policy.
Increase Your Voluntary Excess
Increasing your voluntary excess means agreeing to pay more out of pocket if you need to make a claim. In return, insurers will often reduce your regular premium, reflecting the lower risk for them.
Be realistic about how much excess you can afford in case of an incident. While a higher excess lowers your monthly or annual payment, it can make unexpected costs tougher to handle if you ever need to claim. It’s about finding the right balance based on your finances and risk comfort.
Shop Around and Compare Policies
Never settle for the first insurance offer you receive. It pays to obtain multiple quotes, as premiums vary greatly between providers—sometimes by hundreds of pounds for the very same cover.
You can make this process easy with a tool like My Money Comparison, which helps you review options and find the most competitive deal. Independent comparison sites show you rates side-by-side, so you can spot the best value for your needs. Take advantage of these platforms to ensure you don’t overpay for your campervan insurance.
Limit Modifications and Install Security Devices
Making extensive modifications to your campervan—especially performance upgrades or non-standard installations—can increase your insurance costs. Insurers may see modified vehicles as higher risk, both in terms of theft and complex repairs.
Conversely, investing in insurer-approved security measures such as alarms, immobilisers, and tracking systems can lead to premium discounts. Upgrades that actively deter theft or make your campervan safer will nearly always be viewed positively by insurers, helping you lower your overall premium.
How to Get an Accurate Campervan Insurance Quote
Getting a precise campervan insurance quote means providing clear, honest, and detailed information to your chosen insurer. Start by having all the essential facts at hand: the make, model, and year of your campervan, details of any modifications, your typical use, and where you’ll keep it overnight.
Knowing your campervan’s true market value is important. For help with valuation, try using tools like Value My Campervan to ensure you state an amount that matches current market trends. Being too vague or inaccurate with this number can lead to problems at claim time.
You’ll also need to declare who will drive the campervan, how often you’ll use it, and the distances you expect to cover. Don’t forget to mention any added security features or extras, as these can make a difference to your final quote.
Honesty is crucial—any missed details or inaccuracies may lead to denied claims or voided cover. The more thorough your application, the more accurate and tailored your insurance offer will be.
Campervan Insurance FAQs
- How long does a typical campervan policy last? Most policies are annual, but some providers offer short-term or temporary cover for rentals or specific trips.
- Can I insure a self-converted or homemade campervan? Yes, but you’ll often need to supply photos and receipts as proof of a safe and quality conversion.
- Am I covered when travelling in Europe? Many policies offer European cover, but check for territory limits and required documentation.
- How do I make a claim? Contact your insurer directly, have your policy number ready, and provide all relevant incident details and photos where possible.
- What about temporary or short-term cover? Some insurers provide flexible, temporary policies if you only need cover for a few days or weeks.