What is a motorhome insurance policy? And why do I need one?

Motorhomes are a very popular way to explore the UK. But whether you’re out on the road, parked up or in storage, sometimes mishaps will occur.

A motorhome is an expensive vehicle and you’ll need financial cover to guard against theft, accidents, and damage to your motorhome or another vehicle. And that’s where a well-designed motorhome insurance policy comes into its own.

Finding the right motorhome insurance policy suited to your needs and budget is not something to be undertaken lightly. Speaking to motorhome insurance specialists like the team at Motorhome Protect is the number one way to get the best advice and the right cover for you and your home on wheels.

Even on the quietest roads, danger could be lurking around the next corner. Never hit the road without the right level of insurance.

Some of the dangers insurance could help guard against include:

 

Theft 

The downside of motorhome popularity is that thefts are on the increase. So, you’ll want to protect the motorhome itself as well as any items stolen in any potential break-in.

 

Damage

Motorhomes are large vehicles that can easily be damaged through no fault of your own.

 

Accidents

Perhaps the number one concern for most owners. Driving long distances on unfamiliar roads can make you more likely to be involved in a crash or collision.

 

Fire damage

While fires in motorhomes are rare, they can strike at any time. Would you know what to do if there was a fire in your motorhome?

 

Injury

According to government figures, in 2021 there were an estimated 27,300 people killed or seriously injured as a result of road accidents on UK roads. You need insurance to cover your passengers or any other road user involved in the accident.

 

Breakdown

The great thing about motorhomes is that you’ve got everything you need right there. But they’re no fun if you break down far from home. Some policies will include breakdown insurance cover, so you can get your motorhome back home or even be provided with a replacement vehicle if necessary.

With so many dangers to guard against, it’s no surprise that motorhome insurance is a legal requirement in the UK.

 

Which types of motorhome insurance cover do I need?

Just as with your car or any other road vehicle, there are three main types of motorhome insurance available offering different levels of insurance cover. These are:

 

Third-party only insurance

This only covers the cost of compensation for the injuries and damage to other road users or their vehicle if you cause an accident. It won’t cover you or your vehicle. This is the minimum insurance coverage level required by law for you to drive on UK roads.

Interestingly, this can sometimes be more expensive than more comprehensive levels of insurance cover.

 

Third-party, fire and theft insurance

Similar to third-party only insurance, but offering additional coverage if your motorhome is stolen or destroyed by fire.

 

Fully comprehensive insurance

This offers the highest level of insurance cover. As well as third-party, fire and theft cover it also protects your motorhome if it’s damaged or destroyed in an accident that’s not your fault.

It’s often recommended to invest in fully comprehensive insurance as it can also include a range of other benefits. For example, the costs of taking the motorhome to a repairer or helping you with accommodation costs while it’s fixed.

Some insurance policies also include, or allow you to add on, extended cover. For example, insurance arranged through Motorhome Protect includes unlimited cover across the EU and cover of camping personal effects up to £3,500.

Extra cover can also be included for expensive equipment such as awnings and gas bottles, and key protection coverage if your motorhome keys are lost, stolen or broken. Or how about windscreen cover?

Although not standard, some insurance policies will even provide unlimited cover for this. When you consider the costs and difficulty of replacing a windscreen, this an option worth considering.

 

How much does it cost to insure a motorhome?

When it comes to motorhome insurance cover, the questions don’t come much bigger than this. The average cost to insure a motorhome will depend on the policy level you choose, and a range of factors; from your motorhome’s make, model, age and features to your driving history and level of experience driving a motorhome.

Generally speaking, you should expect to pay anywhere between £220 to £400 a year for insurance.

If you’re a motorhome enthusiast then you may well be a member of a camping club. Many insurance providers have a range of offers open to owners who are members of such organisations.

 

10 factors affecting motorhome insurance cost

1. Motorhome make and model

The make and model can have a big impact on motorhome insurance costs. As you would expect, newer, more expensive, motorhome models will usually cost more to insure. This is because they can pose a larger risk to insurance underwriters when it comes to damage or theft.

A rarer make or model, where spare parts may be more difficult to source, will likely be more to insure, too.

What about campervan insurance costs? Generally speaking, campervans are less to insure as they are typically smaller and less valuable. But that won’t always be the case, particularly when you’re talking about high-end or rare vintage models.

 

2. Motorhome value

But just because you have an older motorhome model, that doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper insurance costs. After all, if you install some snazzy upgrades then its value could increase, meaning your insurance costs could do, too.

When insuring your motorhome, always consider its latest retail value.

 

3. Motorhome size

Size can also impact the cost of motorhome insurance. Larger vehicles are not only more difficult to manoeuvre and offer a larger target for damage, but they’re also likely to contain more items capable of being stolen, lost or damaged.

 

4. Motorhome age

As your motorhome gets older it will depreciate in value, and this could mean lower insurance costs. However, be aware that if it’s a vintage vehicle it might cost more to insure, simply because of the increased likelihood of repairs and because parts might be harder to come by.

 

5. Motorhome security features

In order for your motorhome insurance policy to be valid, many insurers will insist on at least some security features such as alarms, steering locks, wheel clamps and window security. But adding additional security features like vehicle tracking devices could keep the cost of insuring your motorhome lower.

Make sure to read your insurance policy documents very carefully. You don’t want your insurance to become invalid because of a silly mistake on your part.

If you’re buying a new motorhome then be aware that factory fitting of security features is to be recommended.

 

6. Motorhome storage

Where you keep store your motorhome when you’re not using it will affect your insurance costs. Insurance premiums will be different according to whether you park your motorhome on the street outside your house, in a locked garage, or in a motorhome storage facility.

Indeed if you choose a CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association) facility, you might even receive a discount on your insurance.

When looking for a storage facility be aware that if there have been previous thefts at the facility then the costs of insurance could rise significantly.

 

7. Driver history

As you would expect, if you have a spotless driving record and haven’t made any insurance claims over the past few years then your insurance costs are likely to be lower. It stands to reason that a driver who has recently caused an accident or been convicted of a motoring offence will probably have to pay a higher premium. This also applies to any other named drivers you decide to add to your policy.

 

8. Number of drivers

Adding additional drivers to your motorhome insurance policy is something many owners do as it allows more people to share the load of driving. However, as you add each driver it will increase your insurance premiums. How much you pay will depend on factors like the value of your motorhome value and the driving record of the additional driver.

 

9. Motorhome usage

Motorhomes are extremely versatile vehicles and can be used for a variety of different purposes. If you think you’ll be using the vehicle a lot, for example for commuting or doing the weekly shop, then your insurance costs will probably be higher.

Whereas if you think you’ll only be using it occasionally, then you may be able to agree to a lower cost with your insurance provider, provided that you’re able to stick within a pre-agreed annual mileage limit.

But while infrequent use can make your policy more affordable, it isn’t a lot of fun having to always keep an eye on the odometer, so you might want to avoid a limited mileage insurance policy. For example, motorhome insurance arranged through Motorhome Protect includes the excellent benefit of unlimited mileage cover.

 

10. Level of driver experience

If you’re used to only driving a regular family car then driving a large vehicle like a motorhome can be a daunting prospect. While having motorhome insurance can help take away some of the worry of covering the costs of an accident, there’s no substitute for getting behind the wheel and having some practice next to an expert.

Completing a motorhome manoeuvring course will make you more confident behind the wheel but could also reduce your insurance cost. If you’re wondering what a motorhome manoeuvring course is and whether one would be right for you then read our Motorhome Protect guide.

 

Other costs to consider

The cost of insuring your motorhome is only one small (but very important) part of motorhome running costs. Remember you’ll also need to take into account service and maintenance costs, storage costs, yearly road tax, as well as fuel costs. Speak to the team at Motorhome Protect about how to keep your motorhome costs as low as possible.

Got more questions about using or protecting your motorhome? Discover our motorhome information guides, full of useful tips to ensure you get the most from your vehicle.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Can I drive a motorhome on my car insurance?

While it’s tempting to think you can just hit the road with your motorhome under your existing car insurance, sadly, it's not that simple. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Motorhomes are typically larger and have different features than standard cars, which results in different risks. Therefore, they require a special type of insurance that specifically caters to their unique needs. So, before you embark on your adventurous journey, make sure your motorhome is adequately insured.

 

How much is road tax for a motorhome in the UK?

The cost of road tax for a motorhome in the UK can vary greatly depending on its specifications. The key factors that determine the cost include the vehicle's engine size, fuel type, and CO2 emissions. For instance, if your motorhome has an engine size of up to 1549cc, you could be looking at £270 annually.

If the engine is over 1549cc, the annual tax could be as much as £585. It's important to note that these rates are subject to change every year as part of the government’s budgeting process. Additionally, newer motorhomes with low CO2 emissions may be eligible for lower tax rates.

 

What is the average life of a motorhome?

With proper care and regular maintenance, a motorhome can last between 10 to 30 years. That's right! These mobile homes on wheels are not just for the occasional road trip, they can be your long-term travel companion. Keep in mind, though, that factors such as the type of motorhome, the materials used, and how often it's used can also affect its lifespan.

 

Can I legally live in a motorhome in the UK?

Living in a motorhome in the UK is not only an adventurous choice but also a legal one. The freedom to roam and change your scenery whenever the mood strikes is a unique lifestyle that many find appealing.

However, it's important to note that there are specific rules and regulations that one must follow. These include where you can park overnight, how long you can stay in one location, and proper waste disposal.