Motorhome Cover Buyer's Guide

What is the Definition of a Recreational Vehicle?

A recreational vehicle (RV for short) is a motor vehicle which incorporates some form of living quarters designed for accommodation. This is further categorised into Motohomes and Campervans. We also sometimes use the term RV itself to describe a very large motor home such as Autosleepers or Winnebago for example.

Who Provides this Insurance?

A number of the mainstream car insurers provide cover for motorhomes but there are also several specialist companies.

To qualify for motorhome or campervan insurance some insurers may have limitations or criteria that you will need to meet there fore it is always best to use a broker who will be better equipped to advise you and search multiple insurers to obtain cover that's right for you at a good price.

What Does Motorhome Insurance Cover?

Typically, when insuring any vehicle, these are four levels of cover:

1. Third Party. This is the minimum legal requirement but only provides cover for injury or damage to third party property and persons. No cover is provided for your own vehicle.
2. Third Party Fire and Theft. In addition to those risks covered in Third Party your vehicle would be covered if damaged by fire or if stolen.
3. Comprehensive. In addition to those risks covered in Third Party and Third Party Fire and Theft your vehicle is covered for accidental damage.
4. Laid Up cover. If the vehicle is off the road and kept in a garage say for restoration then it could be covered for theft and fire.

RV Specialist Options

Insurers may also offer additional extras such as cover for personal possessions, contents and aftermarket fittings within the vehicle.

Because typically motorhomes and campervans are withing households that have other means of transport discounts are sometimes available for limited mileage on the vehicle.

How Much Does Motorhome Cover Cost?

Motorhome Cover can vary massively, mainly because of the many levels of cover plus the vast difference in value of these vehicles with some ranging well in excess of £100,000 down to used vehicles costing as little as £10,000 it would be very hard to put a figure to it.

On top of that, costs can vary quite significantly from one insurer to another, that's why it pays to shop around.

A member of a recognised caravanning or motorhome club will often receive a discount.

If one or more security devices are fitted and/or the vehicle is kept in a locked garage the premium may be reduced.

A no claims discount is often available with motorhomes and campervans.

What is "Agreed Value"?

If your insurance were only to pay out the "market value" this may be below its real worth so some Motorhome Cover companies are prepared to insure it on an "agreed value" basis sometimes requiring a professional valuation.

How Many Miles can you Drive in a Year?

Most insurance companies may provide you with cover whatever your mileage, however insurers may offer discounts for limited mileage.

If you were only anticipating driving say 1,500 miles per annum then the insurer may well agree this lower figure and charge a lower premium. However, if you use your vehicle for daily use, this will almost certainly increase the premium. Some insurers may even decline to offer a quotation if the vehicle is used for day to day running around.

Can you Visit Shows?

Most policies allow you to take your vehicle to shows and rallies in the UK at no extra cost. If the show is overseas you may need to pay an additional premium.

Will Motorhome Cover Provide Cover whilst Taking the Vehicle Abroad?

Many insurance companies include overseas cover but may restrict the number of days you can do this in a year.

Hopefully you now have a clearer idea of what Motorhome Cover covers.

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Further Reading:

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