Motorhome Insurance Costs Explained

• Motorhome insurance costs depend on the type of vehicle, coverage levels, your driving record, and where you keep your motorhome.
• Expect to pay anywhere from £250 to £1,500+ per year, though most people pay between £400 and £800.
• You can lower your premium by increasing security, limiting mileage, bundling policies, and shopping around every year.
• Special features, such as European cover or full-time living, can increase your quote. These add-ons should be chosen carefully.

If you are looking for a straight answer, the average annual cost of motorhome insurance in the UK falls between £400 and £800 for most people. Prices can vary a lot, depending on things like the value of your motorhome, your driving experience, how you use the vehicle, and which options you pick. Some pay less, if they do not use their motorhome much or keep it very secure; others pay much more, especially with expensive, new models or full-time living. You want to compare quotes, look out for deals, and pay close attention to what is actually covered. The details matter more than the headline price.

How Motorhome Insurance Works

Motorhome insurance is similar to regular vehicle insurance in some ways. You pay an annual or monthly charge, and your insurer promises to help if something goes wrong. But there are important differences:

• Your insurance must cover both the driving part (accidents on the road) and the living part (damage or theft while parked or camping).
• You might need extra features like cover for personal belongings, awnings, or temporary accommodation if your motorhome is unusable during a trip.
• Not all policies automatically include European travel, breakdown cover, or use for business.

Main Types Of Motorhome Insurance

Insurance providers split their policies in a few different ways.

• Third Party Only – The legal minimum. Pays out only for damage you cause to others, not your own vehicle.
• Third Party, Fire, And Theft – Covers damage to other people plus fire or theft of your motorhome. No cover for accidental damage to your own van.
• Comprehensive – The most popular. Covers most things: third parties, fire, theft, and damage to your own vehicle (in an accident, often even if it’s your fault).

The more coverage you add, the more it will cost. But you should never remove something essential just to save a small amount upfront.

Sometimes, you will see extras like European travel or cover if you lend your motorhome to friends. Many insurers bundle these, but sometimes you have to pay extra.

What Impacts The Price Of Your Motorhome Insurance?

Insurance companies run your answers through their formulas. But it actually comes down to a mix of public risk data and your specific information.

1. Value Of Your Motorhome

The higher your motorhome’s value, the more the insurance will cost. It is not just the initial price that matters; upgrades like solar panels, TVs, or bike racks can count as well.

Let’s look at some example annual quotes I found (these are not actual provider rates, just made-up examples to show how it works):

2. Your Age And Driving Experience

Young drivers tend to pay much more, especially if they have little no-claims history or any previous claims. The most expensive group is often drivers under 25. But insurers dislike risk at both extremes; premiums might rise again for older motorists, especially if they have medical issues.

3. Security Measures

Where you keep your motorhome overnight is a big factor. If you can store it in a locked garage or a secure, CCTV-protected site, you will probably pay less. Security features matter too:

• Tracking devices
• Alarms and immobilisers
• Wheel clamps or steering locks

Some insurers give certificates if your security systems meet certain standards. This lowers premiums. I once saw a quote drop by over £100 just by showing proof of a Category 1 alarm.

Be honest about where your motorhome lives. A claim can be rejected if you say “gated compound” but really leave it on the street.

4. Annual Mileage

You can often reduce your premium if you are not planning to use the motorhome much. Some insurers have a scale:

• Up to 5,000 miles: lower premium
• 5,001 to 10,000 miles: medium
• Over 10,000 miles: much higher

If you plan a long adventure or want to spend months on tour, expect to pay more. But if you will only do summer weekends, keep your mileage low on the quote.

5. Where You Live

Urban postcodes, especially in areas with lots of car crime, push up the cost. Insurers use their own stats for this. I once got two quotes , one London postal code vs one in North Wales , and the price almost doubled for the same motorhome.

6. Claims And Convictions

Any recent at-fault claims increase your cost, sometimes quite a lot. Even a single speeding ticket has an effect, even if small. No-claims bonuses help, and some providers let you transfer years of car no-claims to your new policy (sometimes at a reduced rate).

A small claim can add up over time. It can mean higher bills for several years afterwards, not just once.

7. Level Of Cover And Optional Add-ons

Picking fully comprehensive is usually more expensive than third party only, but the difference isn’t always as large as you might think. Useful extras, though, do cost:

• Breakdown cover (sometimes £60-£130 per year extra)
• Cover for contents and belongings (value often up to £2,000 or more)
• European cover or green card (for longer trips outside the UK)
• Awnings, satellite equipment, gadgets
• Full-time living cover (if this is your main home or you spend most months away)

Most people pay a little extra for some of these, but you should look carefully at what is and is not included.

How To Get The Best Motorhome Insurance Price

Insurers will not reward loyalty forever. If you just let your policy auto-renew, it is almost certain you will pay too much.

Shop Around

Get quotes from at least three or four different insurers every year. Look beyond comparison sites , some specialist motorhome providers only quote directly.

Increase Your Voluntary Excess

You might save money on premiums if you agree to pay more yourself if you claim. Do not set this higher than you are comfortable with. For example, some people pick a £250 voluntary excess instead of £100 and save £40-£90 per year.

Improve Security (And Show Proof)

If you upgrade your locks, add a tracker, or store your vehicle safely, make sure you tell your insurer. Ask if there is a discount for extra security.

Limit Your Mileage

If you know you will take only a few trips this year, try quoting for the lowest annual mileage you can. Just make sure you are honest about your plans.

Bundle Your Policies

Some companies offer a discount if you insure other vehicles or even your house with them. Not everyone qualifies, but it is worth asking.

Special Drivers Or Named Users

Adding an experienced partner, spouse, or family member as a named driver can lower the risk, in the eyes of the insurer , even if they rarely drive.

Avoid Ad-hoc Modifications

If you add modifications after your initial quote, these can trigger extra charges, or sometimes invalidate your policy if not declared. Always update your insurer.

What Does Motorhome Insurance Cover?

Coverage varies, but usually includes:

• Accidental damage (collision, vandalism, weather)
• Theft and fire
• Third party liability
• Windscreen and window damage (often an optional extra)
• Personal belongings inside the van (limits vary)
• Temporary accommodation if you cannot use your motorhome on a trip
• Breakdown recovery and alternative transport

Some things are not always included by default:

• Trips longer than 90 days abroad
• Business use (rental or mobile business like food trucks)
• Awnings, solar or satellite equipment
• Bicycles outside the van (sometimes covered, sometimes not)
• Pets or pet-related losses

If you are thinking about living full-time in your motorhome, you need to be clear with your insurer. Not all cover this, and those that do usually charge more.

Common Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)

Underestimating The Value

Some owners low-ball the stated value to get a lower quote. But if you claim, the payout is capped , and sometimes, claims are rejected for dishonest values.

Not Listing Modifications

Camping equipment, satellite dishes, upgraded batteries , these all matter to insurers. Most count as mods, even if they seem minor.

Ignoring Exclusions

Every policy has long lists of “what is not covered.” These are easy to miss if you focus only on price.

Letting Your No-Claims Expire

If you stop insuring altogether for more than two years, some companies remove your no-claims discount. A short, basic policy (even if not used) can keep your bonus alive.

Do not trust a policy with zero exclusions. If it sounds too broad, you might be missing hidden limits or high excesses.

FAQs About Motorhome Insurance Costs

Do I need special insurance just for a campervan?

Absolutely. Campervans and motorhomes are not the same as cars for insurance purposes. Car insurance will not pay out for theft, damage while camping, or accessories added.

Is insurance cheaper if my motorhome is old?

Often, yes. But not always. Older vehicles may be more likely to be stolen or cost more to repair (rare parts). Claims data matter as much as the vehicle’s original value.

What counts as a modification?

Anything you change or add , even something as simple as higher-value solar panels, new upholstery, or bicycle storage. Always ask your insurer before you modify anything.

Can I save money by storing my motorhome off-road?

Probably. Enclosed, alarmed garages or designated secure compounds nearly always mean lower premiums.

Do I need full coverage if I only use my motorhome once or twice a year?

If you do not drive far and do not have much in the van, you can opt for basic insurance, but check if it covers theft or damage while the vehicle is in storage. Sitting unused can create some risks that basic cover might not help with.

If cost really is your top concern, always compare more than just the top three policy results. The best deal is rarely the first one shown to you.

How do I decide which add-ons are worth it?

Look at your actual travel plans. For example, if you never leave the UK, European cover is not needed. Only pay for extras you will use , not everything the insurer suggests.

Is breakdown cover worth adding?

It often is, especially for peace of mind. But only buy it through your insurer if it is cheaper than specialist roadside providers. Sometimes you get a better deal with the AA or RAC.

Can I pay monthly or is annual better?

Monthly costs seem more manageable, but you almost always pay extra overall, the insurer charges interest. Annual is usually cheapest but check if the up-front payment is realistic for you.

Sample Insurance Price Comparison Table

So, what do you actually pay each year? It depends on honest details and your own choices. Most people settle around £400-£800, but the range is wider than car insurance. Reducing costs can feel like a minor obsession, and it is only worth negotiating if you actually get the protection you need.

Motorhome insurance is one of those “shop around every time” expenses where small choices , security, storage, drivers, cover level , can mean hundreds of pounds in difference. Some people spend way too long chasing tiny savings. Others do not bother at all, and overpay their whole lives.

In the end, your best policy is the one that actually covers your motorhome and how you want to use it , not the one shown at the top of the price comparison site list. If you are not sure, pick up the phone and talk to a human underwriter. Sometimes they can make policy tweaks you cannot get online. That is one thing a computer rarely suggests , and it is why, even now, the right insurance is never just about the price.