The ultimate guide to motorhome insurance

We’ve already covered road tax, but this time we’re looking at motorhome insurance. Just like with your car, getting the right insurance is important when you own a motorhome. In this blog, we’ll be answering common questions about motorhome insurance (including cost, coverage options and the rules and regulations) and we’ll feature the ultimate guide to help you understand what you need to know.

The cost of motorhome insurance in the UK can vary significantly. On average, premiums currently range between £300 to £1,500 per year, but your specific quote will depend on various factors.

• Motorhome type: The make, model, and size of your vehicle will significantly influence the premium (ie. the cost of your insurance). For example, a luxury motorhome will typically cost more to insure than a smaller, more compact and lightweight model.
• Value: Higher-value motorhomes usually attract higher premiums. This is due to the increased cost of repairs or replacement.
• Age / driving experience: Insurance companies often include your age in their calculations, and younger drivers generally pay more. Driving history and your experience with larger vehicles like motorhomes are also factored in.
• Location: If you live in an area which is particularly prone to theft or accidents, your insurance premium could be higher.
• Storage: Where you park or store your motorhome when it’s not in use will affect the insurance premium. Secure parking, such as a locked garage, can help to reduce costs.
• Mileage: If you only use your motorhome for limited miles per year, or on an infrequent basis, you might be eligible for lower premiums.
• No claims discount: This is a discount applied to a policy based on the number of consecutive years without any claims having been made. If there are still no claims on your policy, you keep getting a discount. No claims discount can reduce the cost of your insurance premium quite significantly.

Some insurance policies may have optional extras included, such as breakdown cover or European travel, which can increase the cost but provide added protection.

Insuring your motorhome might seem more expensive than standard car insurance, but this is due to the unique nature of this type of vehicle. Combining aspects of both a vehicle and a home, the insurance must cover not only road risks but also the contents and the motorhome’s use for accommodation.

• Dual purpose: Unlike with your car, your motorhome is used as accommodation, and so insurers must cover risks relating to theft or damage to the personal belongings which you keep inside it, as well as structural damage to the living area.
• Repair costs: Motorhomes are typically more expensive to repair than cars, and this is down to the specialist parts and expert labour required. This can make premiums higher.
• Theft: Motorhomes are valuable and desirable, so theft is a considerable risk – and this contributes to premiums being higher.
• Seasonal: Many motorhome owners only use their vehicles on a seasonal basis, which can make the annual insurance policy feel expensive in ratio to the amount of time it’s on the road. It’s worth remembering, of course, that the insurance covers the period of the policy and so there’s nothing stopping you getting out on the road when you want to!

To help mitigate the expense of the insurance policy, consider increasing your voluntary excess (the set amount you contribute in the event of a claim), maintaining a good driving record and installing security devices such as tracking systems or alarms.

In almost all cases, standard car insurance will not cover you for driving a motorhome. While car insurance typically covers vehicles up to a certain size and weight, when it comes to motorhomes the vehicles are much larger and therefor fall outside the scope of a regular car insurance policy. There are several reasons for this.

• Size and weight: Most car insurance policies have limits on the weight and size of vehicles they cover. Motorhomes often exceed these limits, especially larger models.
• Purpose: A motorhome requires specialised insurance (that also covers the contents and living quarters) as the vehicle serves a dual purpose as both transport and living space.
• Licence: Depending on the size of the motorhome, you may need a different category of driving licence. If the motorhome has a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of more than 3.5 tonnes, you will need a C1 licence to drive it.

It’s highly advisable to get a specific motorhome insurance policy to cover all aspects of your vehicle, both on and off the road.

It is possible to insure a motorhome for 6 months or less, but not all insurers offer this option. Short-term motorhome insurance could be ideal for those who only use their vehicle seasonally or for specific trips but there are a few considerations.

Seasonal: Many motorhome owners only use their vehicles during the warmer months of summer. Short-term policies allow you to pay for this period but avoid paying for cover during periods when your motorhome is in storage.

Temporary: You can get temporary motorhome insurance for a few days, weeks or months (if you’re, say, borrowing a motorhome for a holiday or purchasing one but not using it immediately).

Limited mileage: Some insurers offer policies tailored for occasional use, with reduced premiums if you commit to driving below a certain number of miles per year.

It’s always essential to check whether a short-term policy provides comprehensive cover (including breakdown assistance, contents cover and European travel if required). While short-term insurance can save money, it may turn out not to be as comprehensive as annual policies.

What types of cover are available?

Just like with car insurance, motorhome insurance generally comes in three levels.

• Third party only: This is the minimum level of cover required by UK law. This type of insurance covers damage to other vehicles and property, but it does not cover damage to your own motorhome.
• Third party, fire and theft: In addition to what is covered by third-party cover, this also protects your motorhome in case of theft or fire damage.
• Comprehensive: Sometimes referred to as ‘fully comp’, this type of insurance covers damage to your motorhome plus third-party damage, theft and fire. Comprehensive policies may also include additional benefits like breakdown cover, European cover and protection for personal belongings in the motorhome.

Does motorhome insurance include breakdown?

Breakdown cover is not always included in insurance policies for motorhomes, but it’s often available to ‘bolt on’ to your core policy as an optional extra. Since motorhomes are larger and more complex than cars, it’s worth making sure that your breakdown cover is suitable for the vehicle’s size and can provide the correct level of assistance (including recovery and towing to a suitable place for repair).

Is European cover included?

Many UK motorhome owners enjoy travelling further afield than the UK – in other words, across Europe. Most motorhome insurers have an option for European cover, and this usually extends your policy to cover driving in the EU plus some additional countries. It is always worth checking whether there are restrictions on the number of days you can spend abroad and whether breakdown is included.

Can I live full-time in my motorhome?

If you’re planning to live in your motorhome full-time, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy for more comprehensive protection. Standard motorhome insurance assumes that the vehicle is only used for holidays or occasional travel. Living in your motorhome significantly increases risks such as theft or damage to personal possessions.

Getting the right motorhome insurance is a crucial part of owning and enjoying your vehicle, as it provides the reassurance that you’re protected (both on the road and while parked). The cost of insurance depends on the factors we’ve described in this edition of our blog – and you can discuss any of them them further with Safeguard, available through Chelston.

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