TL;DR
As the UK's love affair with #vanlife continues to boom, thousands of aspiring adventurers are embarking on their own self-build campervan projects. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 insurance policies, we understand that turning a panel van into a home-on-wheels is a journey filled with creativity and hard work. But once the final screw is tightened, a critical question arises: how do you insure it correctly?
Key takeaways
- Van Insurance: This is typically a form of commercial motor insurance, or a private policy for a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). It's designed to cover the transport of goods, tools, or equipment. The policy values the vehicle as a standard van, not accounting for thousands of pounds worth of interior fittings. Making significant modifications without informing your insurer can invalidate your cover entirely.
- Campervan/Motorhome Insurance: This is a specialist motor policy. It acknowledges the vehicle's dual role as both transport and living accommodation. It covers the fixtures and fittings—like kitchens, beds, and heating systems—as well as personal possessions inside. Premiums are calculated based on leisure usage patterns, which often involve lower mileage and more secure overnight storage, potentially leading to lower costs than a commercial van policy.
- Exterior: Pictures of the front, back, and both sides of the vehicle with the registration plate clearly visible. If you have made changes like adding windows or a pop-top roof, these should be obvious.
- Interior: Photos looking from the back towards the front, and from the front towards the back. These must clearly show the required features are a permanent fixture.
- Complete the Conversion: Ensure all the mandatory features are installed permanently.
As the UK's love affair with #vanlife continues to boom, thousands of aspiring adventurers are embarking on their own self-build campervan projects. At WeCovr, an FCA-authorised expert broker that has arranged over 900,000 insurance policies, we understand that turning a panel van into a home-on-wheels is a journey filled with creativity and hard work. But once the final screw is tightened, a critical question arises: how do you insure it correctly?
WeCovr explains cover requirements for self-built and modified vans
Insuring a campervan conversion isn't as simple as updating a standard van policy. Insurers see a vehicle that has fundamentally changed in its purpose, value, and risk profile. What was once a commercial vehicle is now a leisure home, complete with cooking facilities, beds, and personal belongings.
Getting the right cover is essential not just for peace of mind, but to ensure you are legally compliant and financially protected. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from the initial DVLA reclassification to finding a specialist policy that protects your investment.
Understanding the Basics: Van vs. Motorhome Insurance
The first step is to recognise that standard van insurance is no longer fit for purpose once your conversion is complete. The policies are designed for entirely different risks.
-
Van Insurance: This is typically a form of commercial motor insurance, or a private policy for a Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). It's designed to cover the transport of goods, tools, or equipment. The policy values the vehicle as a standard van, not accounting for thousands of pounds worth of interior fittings. Making significant modifications without informing your insurer can invalidate your cover entirely.
-
Campervan/Motorhome Insurance: This is a specialist motor policy. It acknowledges the vehicle's dual role as both transport and living accommodation. It covers the fixtures and fittings—like kitchens, beds, and heating systems—as well as personal possessions inside. Premiums are calculated based on leisure usage patterns, which often involve lower mileage and more secure overnight storage, potentially leading to lower costs than a commercial van policy.
Here is a simple breakdown of the key differences:
| Feature | Standard Van Insurance | Specialist Campervan Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Commercial (goods/tools) or private commuting | Leisure, holidays, and travel (SD&P) |
| Vehicle Valuation | Market value of the base van only | Agreed value, including the conversion |
| Contents Cover | Limited to tools or commercial goods (often an add-on) | Covers personal belongings (e.g., clothes, laptops, camping gear) |
| Fixtures & Fittings | Not covered (modifications can void the policy) | Covered as part of the vehicle's agreed value |
| Specialist Cover | Typically none | Awnings, gas bottles, solar panels, generators |
| European Cover | May be limited or a paid add-on | Often included for 30-90 days as standard |
The Crucial Step: DVLA Reclassification from Van to 'Motor Caravan'
For insurers, the single most important document is your vehicle's V5C registration certificate, or logbook. To secure the best and most appropriate campervan insurance, you must have the DVLA officially reclassify your vehicle's body type from 'Panel Van' to 'Motor Caravan'.
An insurer will almost always offer a better premium for a vehicle officially recognised as a 'Motor Caravan'. This is because the classification signals that the vehicle is a finished leisure vehicle, likely to be driven more carefully and used less frequently than a commercial van. According to the latest DVLA guidance, your conversion must have a minimum number of features to qualify.
DVLA Requirements for a Motor Caravan
The DVLA needs to see photographic evidence that your van looks like a motor caravan inside and out. Your application for a change of body type must include photos showing:
- Exterior: Pictures of the front, back, and both sides of the vehicle with the registration plate clearly visible. If you have made changes like adding windows or a pop-top roof, these should be obvious.
- Interior: Photos looking from the back towards the front, and from the front towards the back. These must clearly show the required features are a permanent fixture.
The DVLA's definition of a motor caravan requires the following features to be permanently fixed within the van's living area:
| Required Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seats and a Table | The table must be a permanent fixture, though it can be designed to be removable for storage. |
| Sleeping Accommodation | A bed, which can be converted from the seats, must be a permanent installation. |
| Cooking Facilities | A fixed hob or microwave. It must be powered by an on-board power source (gas or electric). |
| Storage Facilities | A fixed cupboard, locker, or wardrobe. |
It is a common misconception that you need a toilet or a specific type of roof to qualify. While these are great additions, they are not on the DVLA's mandatory list for reclassification.
How to Apply for Reclassification
- Complete the Conversion: Ensure all the mandatory features are installed permanently.
- Take Photographs: Capture clear, well-lit photos as evidence.
- Update Your V5C: Fill in the "Changes to current vehicle" section of your V5C logbook. Change the 'Body type' to 'Motor Caravan'.
- Write a Covering Letter: Briefly explain the conversion you have undertaken.
- Send to DVLA: Post your V5C, photos, and covering letter to the DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
The DVLA will review your application and, if successful, issue a new V5C with the updated body type. This process is free but can take several weeks.
Navigating the Insurance Maze: The Three Stages of Your Conversion
Insuring a self-build campervan is a process, and the type of cover you need changes as your project progresses.
Stage 1: The Base Van (Pre-Conversion)
Before you start any work, you'll have a standard panel van. At this point, you can insure it with a regular van policy. Whether for private use or business, it's a straightforward process. It is a legal requirement in the UK to have at least third-party motor insurance for any vehicle on public roads.
Stage 2: During Conversion ('In-Conversion' Cover)
This is the most challenging stage. As soon as you start making significant modifications—cutting holes for windows, installing insulation, or fitting units—your standard van policy is likely to become invalid. You are fundamentally changing the vehicle from the one the insurer agreed to cover.
To protect your project during this phase, you need a specialist 'in-conversion' or 'self-build' policy. These policies are designed to:
- Keep the vehicle road-legal (at least to a third-party level).
- Insure the increasing value of the vehicle as you add parts and labour. You will need to keep detailed records and receipts to prove the value.
- Cover the tools and components stored in the vehicle against theft.
Not all insurers offer this, so it’s wise to speak to an expert broker like WeCovr. We can connect you with specialist underwriters who understand the unique risks of a vehicle under construction.
Stage 3: The Finished Campervan
Once the conversion is complete and, ideally, you have the new V5C from the DVLA, you can take out a proper campervan insurance policy. This policy should be based on an 'agreed value'.
- Agreed Value: You and the insurer agree on the total value of the campervan, including the base vehicle and all the conversion work. You will need to provide receipts and photos as evidence. In the event of a total loss, the insurer pays out this agreed sum, not the 'market value' of the original van. This is the only way to truly protect your investment.
- Market Value: This is what a standard policy would pay. It reflects the price of a similar base van of the same age and mileage, ignoring the thousands you've spent on the conversion.
What Does Campervan Insurance Actually Cover?
Like all motor insurance in the UK, campervan policies are available in three main levels. Given the high value of a conversion, comprehensive cover is almost always the recommended choice.
Levels of Cover
| Level of Cover | Damage to Your Campervan | Damage to Third Parties | Fire & Theft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Third Party, Fire & Theft | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Third Party Only | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
- Third Party Only (TPO): This is the minimum level of cover required by UK law. It covers injury to other people or damage to their property but provides no cover for your own vehicle. It is entirely unsuitable for a campervan conversion.
- Third Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT): This includes TPO cover and also protects your campervan if it is stolen or damaged by fire.
- Comprehensive: This provides the highest level of protection. It includes TPFT and also covers damage to your own campervan in an accident, even if you were at fault. It also typically covers windscreen damage.
Specialist Campervan Policy Features
Beyond the core cover, specialist policies include extras tailored to the van life experience:
- Contents Cover: This protects your personal belongings inside the van, such as clothes, electronics, and sports equipment. Check the single-item limit and total value covered.
- Awning and Camping Equipment Cover: Standard policies won't cover a valuable drive-away awning or expensive camping gear. This add-on insures them against damage or theft.
- Gas and Explosion Cover: Provides cover for incidents involving fixed gas bottles used for cooking or heating.
- European Cover: Most campervan policies include cover for travel in the EU for a set period, often 90 days per trip. Always check the specifics before you travel.
- Breakdown Assistance: Ensure any breakdown policy is suitable for the size and weight of your converted van. Standard car breakdown cover may not be sufficient.
Key Factors That Influence Your Campervan Insurance Premium
Insurers calculate your premium based on a wide range of risk factors. Understanding these can help you manage your costs.
The Campervan Itself
- Agreed Value: The higher the agreed value of your conversion, the higher the premium will be. This is why accurate valuation, backed by receipts, is so important.
- Base Vehicle: A newer van with a smaller engine will generally be cheaper to insure than an older, high-powered model.
- Security: This is one of the biggest factors. Campervans are a target for thieves. Installing Thatcham-approved alarms, immobilisers, and GPS tracking devices can significantly reduce your premium.
You, The Driver
- Age and Driving Experience: Drivers over 25 with a clean licence and a long driving history will pay less.
- No-Claims Bonus (NCB): A long NCB built up on a previous car or van can often be transferred to a campervan policy, offering substantial discounts.
- Occupation: Your job can influence your premium, as some professions are statistically seen as lower risk.
- Location: Where the van is kept overnight is crucial. A secure location like a locked garage or a private driveway at a low-crime postcode will be cheaper than parking on the street in a city centre.
How You Use It
- Annual Mileage: Be realistic. If you only plan a few trips a year, a limited mileage policy (e.g., 5,000 miles) will be much cheaper than an unlimited one.
- Main or Second Vehicle: Some insurers offer discounts if the campervan is a second vehicle, as it suggests you won't be using it for daily commuting.
The Financials Explained: Excess, No-Claims Bonus, and Premiums
Understanding the financial jargon of an insurance policy is key to getting the right deal.
-
Excess: This is the amount you must pay towards any claim. It's made up of two parts:
- Compulsory Excess: A fixed amount set by the insurer.
- Voluntary Excess: An additional amount you can choose to pay. Opting for a higher voluntary excess will lower your annual premium, but you must be sure you can afford to pay it if you need to make a claim.
-
No-Claims Bonus (NCB): For every year you drive without making a claim, you earn a year of NCB, which translates into a discount on your premium. This can be up to 70% with five or more years of no claims. You can often pay a little extra to "protect" your NCB, allowing you to make one or two claims within a period without losing your discount.
-
How a Claim Affects Your Premium: Making a fault claim will almost certainly result in the loss of some or all of your NCB and a higher premium at renewal. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the cost of vehicle repairs has risen sharply, which puts upward pressure on all motor insurance premiums. Even a non-fault claim, where your insurer recovers all costs from the other party, can sometimes lead to a small increase, as it indicates you were in a higher-risk situation.
WeCovr's Top Tips for Getting Cheaper Campervan Insurance
Saving money on your motor policy doesn't mean cutting corners on cover. Here are some proven ways to lower your premium:
- Complete the DVLA Reclassification: This is the number one tip. A vehicle classified as a 'Motor Caravan' is seen as a much lower risk and will attract significantly cheaper premiums.
- Boost Your Security: Fit a Thatcham-approved alarm (Category 1 or 2) and a GPS tracker. Also use visible deterrents like a steering wheel lock. The cost of installation is often quickly offset by the insurance savings.
- Join an Owners' Club: Organisations like The Camping and Caravanning Club or the Self-Build Motorcaravanners Club (SBMCC) often have arrangements with insurers that provide members with discounts.
- Limit Your Mileage: Be honest and realistic about how many miles you'll cover. Don't pay for 12,000 miles a year if you only plan to do 4,000.
- Increase Your Voluntary Excess: If you can afford the risk, increasing your voluntary excess can reduce your premium.
- Pay Annually: Paying your premium in one go avoids the interest charges that are applied to monthly instalment plans.
- Use a Specialist Broker: This is where WeCovr can provide real value. Instead of using generic comparison sites that don't understand conversions, a specialist broker works with underwriters who know the market. We can find policies tailored to your unique build, ensuring you have the right cover at a competitive price, at no extra cost to you.
Customers who purchase motor or life insurance through WeCovr may also be eligible for discounts on other types of cover, adding further value.
What if I Use My Campervan for Business?
If you plan to use your campervan for anything other than social, domestic, and pleasure (SD&P) use, you must declare it. This includes commuting to a single place of work. If you use the van as part of your job—for example, a photographer working on location or a tradesperson travelling between sites—you will need a form of business or commercial motor insurance.
Standard campervan policies do not cover business use. Failing to get the right cover could leave you uninsured in the event of an accident. WeCovr is an expert in private, business, and fleet insurance, and can help you find the correct policy for your needs, whether you're a sole trader or managing a fleet of vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about insuring a campervan conversion.
1. Do I legally have to reclassify my van as a campervan with the DVLA? While it is not a specific legal offence to drive a converted van that is still registered as a 'Panel Van', it is crucial for insurance purposes. Attempting to insure it as a campervan without the V5C logbook reflecting this change will be difficult and expensive. More importantly, insuring it on a standard van policy while using it as a campervan could invalidate your cover entirely, meaning you are effectively driving uninsured.
2. What is an 'agreed value' policy and why do I need one for my conversion? An 'agreed value' policy is essential for a self-build campervan. It means you and the insurer agree on the vehicle's total worth—including the base van and all your conversion work—at the start of the policy. If the vehicle is written off, you receive that agreed amount. Without it, a standard 'market value' policy would only pay out the value of the original, unconverted van, meaning you would lose the entire value of your hard work and investment.
3. Can I insure my campervan conversion while I am still building it? Yes, but you need a specialist 'in-conversion' or 'self-build' insurance policy. Standard van insurance becomes void once you start making major modifications like cutting holes or installing permanent fixtures. An in-conversion policy provides road-legal cover and protects the increasing value of the vehicle and your materials throughout the build process.
4. Can WeCovr help me find a policy if my conversion is unconventional? Absolutely. As an experienced, FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr has access to a wide panel of specialist UK underwriters who are not always available on mainstream comparison websites. Whether you have a simple day van, a high-spec off-grid adventure vehicle, or a unique professional conversion, our experts can help navigate the market to find a policy that fits your specific needs.
Your campervan conversion is more than just a vehicle; it's a passport to freedom and adventure. Protecting it with the right insurance is the final, vital step in your journey.
Ready to find the right cover for your pride and joy? Get a competitive campervan insurance quote from WeCovr today and let our experts handle the hard work for you.
Sources
- Department for Transport (DfT): Road safety and transport statistics.
- DVLA / DVSA: UK vehicle and driving regulatory guidance.
- Association of British Insurers (ABI): Motor insurance market and claims publications.
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): Insurance conduct and consumer information guidance.
