Motorhome Insurance

Motorhome insurance is a specialised type of vehicle insurance designed to protect motorhomes, campervans and RVs - vehicles that serve as both transportation and living space. It goes beyond standard car insurance by covering not only road risks but also the unique lifestyle and contents associated with motorhome travel.

Motorhome insurance is essential for safeguarding your investment and lifestyle, covering both driving and living-related risks. Whether you're exploring the countryside or crossing borders, the right policy helps to keep you protected.

• Comprehensive vehicle cover: Protection against accidental damage, fire, theft and vandalism.
• Third-party liability: Covers legal costs and compensation if you cause injury or damage to others.
• Personal belongings cover: Insures items stored inside your motorhome, such as electronics, clothing and camping gear.
• Fixtures and fittings protection: Includes built-in features like beds, kitchens and awnings.
• European travel cover: Optional add-on for driving your motorhome abroad, often with a set number of days per year.
• Windscreen and window cover: Repairs or replaces damaged glass, which is common in larger vehicles.
• Key cover: Optional cover for the cost of replacing locks and keys if stolen.
• Breakdown assistance: Optional roadside recovery and towing services, especially useful for remote travel.

Benefits of Motorhome Insurance

• Legal compliance: Required by law to drive your motorhome on UK roads.
• Financial protection: Helps avoid large out-of-pocket expenses after accidents or theft.
• Peace of mind: Travel confidently knowing your vehicle and belongings are covered.
• Support during emergencies: Some policies include temporary accommodation if your motorhome becomes unusable due to an insured event.

Third Party Only (TPO)

• Legal minimum required to operate a vehicle on UK roads.
• Covers damage or injury caused to other people, vehicles or property.
• Does not cover your motorhome, contents or personal injuries.

Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT)

• Includes all the benefits of Third Party Only.
• Adds cover for your motorhome if it’s stolen or damaged by fire.
• Does not cover accidental damage to your motorhome.

Comprehensive

• Includes everything in TPFT.
• Also covers damage to your motorhome, even if you’re at fault.
• Often includes windscreen cover, personal belongings, fixtures and fittings.

Most comprehensive motorhome insurance policies offer windscreen and window cover as standard. This typically includes repair or replacement of cracked or shattered glass. If you opt for third-party or third-party, fire & theft cover, windscreen protection is usually not included unless added as an optional extra. Always discuss what’s included with your broker and refer to the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) or policy wording for details.

Many Motorhome Insurance policies include cover for contents, fixtures, fitting and personal belongings, but the level of protection and limits vary by insurer. You may need to add optional extras or specify high-value items. Depending on the insurer and level of cover, the following may be included:

• Fixtures and fittings: Built-in furniture, kitchen units, beds and bathroom fittings are usually covered as part of the vehicle.
• Contents: Items permanently kept in the motorhome, such as cookware, bedding and electronics.
• Personal belongings: Clothing, gadgets and valuables - though these may have lower limits or require separate cover.

Optional extras and limits

• Contents cover is often capped (e.g. up to £2,000) and may exclude certain items like jewellery or laptops unless specified.
• Personal possessions insurance may be able to be added to extend protection to items taken outside the motorhome.
• Fixtures and fittings may be covered under the motorhome’s structural policy, but accidental damage cover is usually an optional extra.

Common exclusions

• Items left unattended or not securely stored
• High-value items not listed individually
• Wear and tear or gradual deterioration
• Business equipment or tools

Top tips

• Check your policy wording for definitions and limits
• Declare high-value items and modifications
• Consider specialist contents cover if you travel with expensive equipment
• Use secure storage and alarms to help reduce risk

Anyone who owns and drives a motorhome on public roads in the UK is legally required to have insurance, whether you use it for weekend getaways, touring or seasonal holidays.

SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) means your motorhome is officially declared off the road and not being used or parked on public roads. In this case, you are exempt from the legal requirement to insure the vehicle under the Continuous Insurance Enforcement rules.

Even though insurance isn’t mandatory while your motorhome is SORN, it’s still vulnerable to risks such as:

• Theft or attempted theft
• Fire or flood damage
• Vandalism
• Accidental damage while parked

To protect against these, you might wish to consider a laid-up insurance policy, which covers your motorhome while it’s stored off-road - typically in a garage, driveway or secure storage site.

The main difference is size and functionality: a motorhome is larger and built on a coach chassis with full living amenities, while a campervan is smaller, built on a van chassis, and typically has more basic facilities.

Many Motorhome Insurance policies include cover for driving in the EU, but the specifics can vary depending on your insurer and the level of cover you choose.

Most comprehensive Motorhome Insurance policies offer a standard level of EU cover, often for up to 90 days per trip or per year.

Some policies offer extended European travel cover as an optional add-on, which may include roadside assistance, repatriation and cover for personal belongings abroad.

Be sure to review your policy documents and speak with your broker to confirm the specific details and exclusions of your EU cover.

You can insure a motorhome with modifications, but you must declare all changes to your insurer. Some UK providers offer specialist cover for converted or custom motorhomes, including self-builds and professional conversions.

What counts as a modification?

Any change that alters the motorhome’s appearance, performance or internal layout is considered a modification. This includes:

• Interior upgrades: Beds, kitchen units, seating, insulation, power systems, gas installations
• Exterior changes: Pop-top roofs, windows, paintwork, decals, bike racks, solar panels
• Mechanical enhancements: Engine tuning, suspension upgrades, tow bars

Even minor changes like adding shelves or changing flooring can affect your insurance, so it’s best to disclose everything. You may need to provide photos, receipts and a detailed list of modifications to ensure accurate cover and prevent invalidated claims.

You could be eligible for a No Claims Discount (NCD) if you have a transferable No Claims Bonus (NCB) available for use on your motorhome policy. While acceptance criteria vary by insurer, many will allow you to carry over your NCB from a previous motorhome policy. Alternatively, some providers may mirror the NCB from your private car insurance (caps may apply) or offer an introductory discount based on your driving experience and claims history.

Motorhome Insurance policies typically cover the main policyholder and can include additional named drivers, but cover depends on the insurer’s criteria such as age, driving history and relationship to the policyholder. Here’s what most UK motorhome insurers offer:

• Main policyholder: The person who takes out the policy is usually automatically covered to drive the motorhome.
• Named additional drivers: Most insurers allow you to add named drivers (typically up to four people), often friends or family members. These can usually be added on a permanent or temporary basis (e.g. for a holiday or short trip).

Drivers are typically required to be between 25 and 81 years old, though this range may vary by provider. Younger or older drivers may face higher premiums or restricted cover options.

Motorhome insurance providers require that all named drivers hold the correct licence for the motorhome’s weight - known as its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).

Category B (standard car licence)

• Allows driving motorhomes up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) MAM
• Most smaller and mid-sized motorhomes fall within this limit
• If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you may have grandfather rights to drive heavier vehicles

Category C1 licence

• Required for motorhomes between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg MAM
• Common for larger or luxury motorhomes
• You must pass an additional test to obtain this licence if you don’t already have it

Category C licence

• Needed for motorhomes over 7,500 kg MAM
• Typically applies to converted commercial vehicles or very large motorhomes

Top tip: If your motorhome is close to the 3,500 kg limit, check its exact MAM to avoid licence issues

Some insurers allow young or less experienced drivers on Motorhome Insurance policies, but it often comes with higher premiums, a higher excess, stricter eligibility criteria or limited cover options. However, mainstream motorhome insurers may decline cover for drivers under 25 or those with limited driving history.

In most cases, you can add friends and family members as named drivers on your Motorhome Insurance policy, provided they meet the insurer’s eligibility criteria.

To add a driver, you will need to provide the following details to your broker/insurer:

• Full name and date of birth
• Driving licence details (e.g. type, pass date, etc)
• Claims and conviction history
• Relationship to the policyholder (in some cases)

The cost of motorhome insurance is influenced by factors like the vehicle’s value, your driving history, where it’s stored and who’s insured to drive it. Insurers assess risk based on these details to calculate your premium:

Value and type of motorhome

• Higher-value motorhomes (e.g. luxury or custom models) cost more to insure due to expensive repairs or replacement.
• Size and weight also matter - larger vehicles may require specialist cover and licences.

Driver age and experience

• Drivers aged 25–70 with a clean record typically get better rates.
• Younger and older drivers or those with limited experience, may face higher premiums.

Storage location

• Keeping your motorhome in a secure garage or locked compound can help to reduce costs.
• Street parking or unsecured areas may increase risk and premiums.

Level of cover

• Comprehensive policies cost more than third-party or third-party, fire & theft.
• Add-ons like breakdown cover, European travel or personal belongings protection also raise the price.

Use and mileage

• Occasional use (e.g. holidays only) is likely to be cheaper than frequent travel.
• Lower annual mileage can lead to discounts.

Claims history and No Claims Bonus

• A strong no claims record can help to reduce your premium.
• Previous claims or driving convictions will likely increase it.

Number of named drivers

• Adding multiple drivers - especially younger or less experienced ones - can raise the cost.

Security features

• Alarms, immobilisers, trackers and wheel clamps may lower your premium.
• Some insurers offer discounts for Thatcham-approved devices.

You can often save money on Motorhome Insurance by comparing quotes, limiting mileage and choosing the right level of cover. Here are the most effective ways to help lower your premium:

• Use a broker: A broker can help you to compare quotes and cover across their panel of insurance providers, both as a new customer and at renewal.
• Choose the right level of cover: Comprehensive cover offers broader protection but may cost more. If your motorhome is older or used infrequently you may wish to consider third-party, fire & theft.
• Build your No Claims Bonus (NCB): When you set up the policy, enquire about No Claims Discount (NCD). A clean claims history can also help to reduce your premium.
• Improve security: Install alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices, especially Thatcham-approved systems. Ensure the vehicle is kept securely, rather than parked on a road where there is a possibility of more frequent damage.
• Limit your mileage: Lower annual mileage often results in reduced premiums. However, you should be honest about use and mileage as misrepresentation is considered insurance fraud and could lead to claims being denied.
• Be selective with named drivers: Adding young or inexperienced drivers can raise costs, so stick to drivers with clean records and experience where possible.
• Avoid unnecessary add-ons: Only choose extras like European cover or breakdown assistance if you’ll use them.
• Consider a higher voluntary excess: Agreeing to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim can lower your premium. You should generally only consider this if you do not make frequent claims and if it’s affordable if a claim arises.
• Pay annually: Paying in one lump sum avoids interest charges on monthly payments.

We understand that managing cash flow is important, which is why we offer flexible ways to pay for your Motorhome Insurance policy. If you'd prefer not to pay the full amount in full, you can opt for a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due 28 days after your policy begins - giving you time to spread the cost.

Alternatively, if monthly budgeting works better for your business, our third-party premium finance provider can offer convenient direct debit payments, allowing you to split the cost into manageable instalments (interest rates apply, please speak with our team for details).

The easiest way to get started is by calling our friendly insurance advisors. They’ll walk you through the details we need to provide a quote and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Call us on 01227 774 050. Prefer to start by email? No problem - just drop us a message at quotes@quotemetoday.co.uk and we’ll get back to you promptly.