- Motorhome insurance in the UK costs anywhere from £250 to over £1,200 per year. Most people pay around £350 to £600.
- Your driving record, the value and type of your motorhome, where you store it, and how much you use it matter most for the price.
- Basic policies cover third-party risks. Comprehensive insurance costs more but covers damage to your own vehicle, too.
- Add-ons like breakdown cover or contents protection increase your premium.
Most motorhome owners in the UK spend between £350 and £600 per year on insurance. This range covers most standard policies for average-sized motorhomes with experienced drivers. Price can go much higher for newer, expensive models, drivers with claims or serious convictions, or if you add lots of extras. You can reduce your cost with secure storage, limited mileage, or by joining a motorhome club. Let’s take a closer look at what shapes motorhome insurance pricing, and how to get a fair rate.
What Decides Motorhome Insurance Cost?
Insurers weigh lots of factors to set a price. Some are pretty obvious, but a few catch people out.
Your Motorhome’s Type and Value
Bigger and more expensive vehicles generally cost more to insure. That makes sense , repairs or replacements are higher risk for the insurer. Even so, two similar-looking motorhomes can have very different prices if one has factory security upgrades or built-in safety features.
| Motorhome Type | Example | Typical Annual Premium (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Small campervan | VW Transporter | £250-£450 |
| Coachbuilt | Swift Escape | £350-£600 |
| A-class luxury | Bürstner Ixeo | £600-£1,200+ |
Your motorhome’s value, weight, and original equipment matter a lot for your insurance price.
Your Profile as a Driver
Insurers really care about who is behind the wheel. If you have a clean record and have had a full licence for years, you will usually pay less. Convictions, points, or recent insurance claims? Expect a higher quote. Age matters, too. People under 25 or over 75 usually pay more, sometimes a lot more.
- Experience: The longer you have had your licence, the better.
- Claims: Past claims mean you’re seen as higher risk.
- Convictions: Any history of drink/drug driving is a red flag.
- Occupation: Some insurers price higher for certain jobs, especially driving-related roles.
Where Your Motorhome Lives
If you can park your motorhome on a private drive or inside secure storage, your rate will drop. Parking on a street, especially in higher-crime areas, makes theft more likely (in the eyes of insurers at least).
You can cut your quote by keeping your motorhome somewhere secure, especially when it is off the road for winter.
How You Use Your Motorhome
UK-only holiday trips? Occasional weekends in spring and summer? Or are you retired and planning months on the Continent? Mileage plays a big role. If you cover under 3,000 miles a year and never take your motorhome outside the UK, say so. It can make a real dent in your cost.
Security Devices
More security usually means a lower premium. Most insurers give discounts for:
- Category 1- or 2-rated alarms and immobilisers
- Wheel clamps and steering locks
- GPS tracking systems
Factory-fitted kit is especially powerful here. Some people pay extra for aftermarket gear, but unless it is insurer-approved, it may not make much difference.
Third Party or Fully Comprehensive?
The cheapest legal cover is third party only. But most motorhome owners pick fully comprehensive. Why? Well, if you only have third party and your motorhome is stolen or written off, you get nothing back. Comprehensive can cover:
- Fire, theft, and accidental damage
- Personal belongings (some policies include this, but with low limits)
- Windscreen repairs
- Vandalism
Third party, fire and theft is something in-between. It costs less than comprehensive, but missing out on some peace of mind seems risky considering the value of most motorhomes. I do not usually recommend third party only, unless the vehicle is old and not worth much.
Most owners save money in the long run with comprehensive cover, especially if the motorhome is worth over £10,000.
Policy Extras: What’s Worth Paying For?
Add-ons can push your price up quickly. Sometimes, that extra cost is worth it. Other times, it’s a waste. Here are some common extras and what they cover.
- Breakdown cover: Pays for callout and recovery. If you use your motorhome for long trips, this is almost always a good investment. Just check if you already have it elsewhere.
- European cover: Needed if you travel abroad. Not all insurers include this as standard.
- Contents cover: Most policies limit personal items coverage. If you travel with expensive bikes, cameras, or tech, look for extra contents protection.
- Key cover: Pays for lost key replacement and sometimes onward travel. Not everyone needs it.
- No-claims bonus protection: Costs extra, but keeps your bonus safe after a claim.
Only pay for extras you are really likely to use. And check if they duplicate cover you have with another insurer or a bank account.
Ways to Cut Your Motorhome Insurance
Some discounts are obvious, but others are more surprising.
Join a Motorhome Club
Some national motorhome clubs offer 10 percent or more off if you’re a member. Ask your insurer which clubs they recognise.
Limit Your Mileage
If you tell your insurer you only drive a few thousand miles a year, and stick to it, you may pay less. Insurers will sometimes want proof.
Improve Your Security
Alarms and immobilisers can trim the premium, but a Thatcham Category 1 alarm with tracker is often the best way to impress an insurer. If you invest here, get proof and send it along with your quote request.
Pay Annually
Monthly payments for insurance sound easier, but you pay interest. If you can pay the whole premium at once, you will save money in the long run.
| Premium Payment Frequency | Estimated Cost (example annual premium: £500) |
|---|---|
| Monthly | £540-£580 (with interest) |
| Annually | £500 |
Increase Your Voluntary Excess
Bumping up your voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) can lower your premium. It is a gamble if you claim, but if you are careful, it is a quick way to a cheaper quote.
Build a No Claims Bonus
If you have a clean record, insurers reward it. If you are new to motorhome insurance, you may be able to carry over a car no claims bonus. Either way, protect your bonus once you have it, if you can afford the extra cost.
What is Typically NOT Covered?
Just because you have a policy, does not mean you can relax about everything. Some common gaps are:
- Wear and tear
- Mechanical failure
- Using the motorhome as a permanent home
- Letting it out to others
- High-value single items inside, unless declared
- Taking your motorhome to certain countries
Always check your own policy for exclusions. Some things might seem unfair at first glance. For example, if your 4k TV gets stolen but you forgot to add it as a named item, you could get nothing back. This is where reading the policy line by line feels dull, but proves important.
Special Cases: Young Drivers, Conversions, Imports
Some groups pay much more. Here are a few examples where costs shoot up or insurers become picky:
- Young drivers: Often refused or charged double standard prices.
- Custom camper conversions: If you built it yourself, get it inspected and listed as a motor caravan with the DVLA. Otherwise, expect fewer quotes and higher prices.
- Imports: Some brands are expensive to repair or harder to value. This spooks insurers sometimes.
If you are stuck, specialist brokers may be able to help. Sometimes people pay over £2,000 per year in these cases, so check carefully that you are not overpaying for what you actually need.
DIY conversions and imported vehicles usually cost more to insure, so always shop around or use comparison sites built for motorhomes.
Motorhome Insurance Myths
There are a few ideas that get passed around that are just wrong. Here are some I hear a lot:
- “Car insurance covers my camper if it is under 3.5t.” Not true. It has to be a declared motorhome policy.
- “My belongings are always covered by motorhome insurance.” Nope. There are often strict limits, and exclusions for cash or jewellery.
- “Cheapest is best.” Sometimes cheap means gaps in cover – like no windscreen cover, or no overseas protection.
How to Get the Best Price
- Use motorhome-specific insurance comparison sites. Some car insurers do not cover campers at all, so search tools need to be relevant.
- Apply for quotes at least three weeks before you need cover. Last-minute quotes almost always cost more.
- Be honest. If you downplay mileage or skip a claim, insurers can void your cover later.
- Check for duplicate cover. Some people have parts of their policy through travel insurance, home insurance, or breakdown providers. Do not pay twice.
- Ask the insurer about discounts you might be missing. Sometimes there are hidden savings, like paying extra for green driving courses or joining certain clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Does no claims bonus from a car transfer to a motorhome? | Sometimes, but not always. Check with the insurer. |
| Is motorhome insurance a legal requirement? | Yes, at least third party cover is needed by law. |
| Does the policy cover my partner/family to drive? | Only if they are named drivers. Always check your schedule. |
| Can I sleep in my motorhome on the street? | This is usually allowed, but police or local rules may apply. Insurance does not cover breaking the law. |
| How much insurance do I need? | If you want theft, fire and accidental damage covered, pick comprehensive. Third party only protects against damage to others. |
Why Do Motorhome Premiums Change Year by Year?
Insurers adjust prices every year. Sometimes your premium goes up for reasons outside your control: more claims industry-wide, inflation in repair costs, or changes to the law. If you have not claimed and your price still rises a lot, call your insurer or switch , loyalty is rarely rewarded in insurance.
Maybe you find the whole process of shopping for insurance tiring. Honestly, I do too sometimes. But a bit of effort every year can save serious money.