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Why motorhome insurance matters
Motorhomes are your home away from home. When you’re with fellow camping enthusiasts in the Cotswolds for a relaxing week away, your motorhome provides a safe space to return to each evening. As you explore the vineyards, lavender fields and snowy Alps in France, your motorhome is chugging along, collecting miles with you.
Wherever your next adventure is, you’ll want to know you’re covered if your trip takes an unscheduled turn. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the factors that influence the cost of motorhome insurance. And we’ll give you a few useful tips that could bring down your premium.
What influences motorhome insurance costs?
Vehicle type, age and value
Owning a newer motorhome can mean you get luxury features and integrated modern technology. A rarer make or model might have unique features. However, it does mean that generally you’ll be looking at higher insurance premiums. Insurers will factor in the increased cost of repairing or replacing high-end or specialised parts if anything is broken or stolen.
But don’t overvalue your motorcaravan or its contents, or you might end up paying higher premiums than you have to. When you’re looking for insurance premiums, make sure you provide an accurate motorhome valuation – you may have access to more affordable options. On the other hand, don’t under insure your motorhome, as your claim won’t cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
Storage location and security features
Rather than leaving your campervan or motorhome parked out in the street or in an unsecured area, lock it up or secure your driveway.
Instead, consider CaSSOA storage. These nationwide storage facilities are officially recognised as accredited, safe locations to store motorhomes when not in use. This will help insurers see that the risk of theft or damage is reduced, therefore potentially lowering premiums.
You can also fit your vehicle with extra, insurer-approved security devices, such as alarms, tracking devices and wheel locks, which could lower the cost of your cover.
Driver’s age, experience and claims history
As with car insurance, insurers regard younger motorhome drivers as higher risk. If you have convictions, driving bans or even points on your licence, insurers may also treat you as a greater risk and increase the price of your cover accordingly.
Level of cover
The type of cover you choose and what’s included will impact the cost. Choosing a comprehensive policy provides broad protection, usually including fire and theft. This not only gives you greater peace of mind, it’s also typically less expensive than basic third-party policies, which only cover damage to other vehicles and property. If you opt for add-ons such as European travel or breakdown assistance, these will further increase the cost.
Comfort Insurance only offer fully comprehensive policies for full protection on motorhomes, giving you full peace of mind.
Types of motorhome insurance
- Comprehensive cover: Depending on the provider, this is the cover that protects you against the most risks, including fire, theft, accidental damage, vandalism or any third-party claims.
- European travel cover: This covers your vehicle in Europe.
- Breakdown assistance: You can get optional breakdown cover in addition to your motorhome insurance policy to cover you if you need roadside assistance, repairs or help getting to your destination.
How to get a cheap motorhome insurance quote
Compare multiple providers online
To secure low-cost motorhome insurance quotes, it’s wise to shop around and compare offers from several providers. Use comparison websites, such as Defaqto, to easily view different policy features and compare comprehensive levels of cover. By assessing your needs and checking the small print, you can select a policy that offers the right balance between cost and protection. You’ll be saving money without compromising on your cover.
Increase voluntary excess
Some policies will have a fixed excess. Increasing the excess on your motorhome insurance policy can lower its cost. By agreeing to pay a higher amount towards any claim before your insurer contributes, you demonstrate a greater willingness to share the risk. This often results in a lower annual cost for your cover.
However, you should set an excess you can comfortably afford should you need to make a claim. When drivers are new to the motorhome market, a flat rated policy is often more favourable as they don’t have a claims history yet.
Install security devices
Trackers: Vehicle trackers are installed to monitor your vehicle if the worst were to happen and your motorhome were stolen. Trackers emit a signal to a control centre, which can identify your motorhome’s exact location and assist you and the police in recovering it.
Reversing cameras: Due to their size, limited rear visibility and significant rear overhang, reversing a motorhome is more challenging than a family car. Although newer models often have reversing cameras fitted as standard, installing them in older motorhomes could lower the cost of your motorhome insurance.
Advanced driving courses: Your driving skills only improve with experience. But an advanced driving course can get you there faster and ensure you have the credentials to prove your competence. These courses help with night-time driving, speed awareness, motorway driving, all-weather driving and more, all things that insurance providers value, potentially leading to cheaper motorhome insurance. Even if your premium isn’t cheaper, an advanced course could help you avoid accidents and future claims.
Storing at a CaSSOA-approved site: Simply visit the CaSSOA website and input your location. You’ll be given suggestions of CaSSOA-approved storage sites near you – there are lots! – and the facilities they offer. Storing your motorhome in a secure location should save on your motorhome insurance.
Limit mileage if possible
Lower mileage contributes to lower insurance costs as it suggests to insurers you’re less likely to have accidents because you’re spending less time on the road. This is why it’s important to calculate your annual mileage before you renew or find an insurance policy.
Join motorhome clubs for discounts
Membership in a motorhome club or association encourages communication among fellow enthusiasts. You get to exchange travel advice and practical recommendations that enhance your life on the road. Additionally, certain insurance providers offer discounts to members of specific organisations, making enrolment an effective way to reduce your premium.
Common mistakes to avoid
Underinsuring your motorhome
It’s essential to prepare for the worst-case scenario by realistically assessing your needs, including how frequently you use your motorhome and the value of your belongings on board. Taking a thorough approach ensures you have the right level of protection and peace of mind.
Ignoring policy exclusions
It’s easy to overlook the fine print, but failing to understand what your insurance policy excludes can leave you out of pocket when you make a claim. Take care to review all exclusions before you sign up, so you’re not caught off guard by unexpected gaps in cover.
Typical exclusions include:
- Loss of use, general wear and tear, and depreciation
- Mechanical or electrical breakdowns not caused by external incidents
- Damage occurring when the vehicle is used outside the terms of the policy (such as on unapproved roads or while used for commercial purposes)
- Personal possessions not specifically listed or covered
Be proactive and familiarise yourself with these exclusions before committing to a policy. If you’re unsure, ask your provider for clarification.
Not declaring modifications
Failing to inform your insurer about any modifications made to your motorhome, even non-performance additions, can have serious consequences. If you make a claim and the insurer discovers undisclosed alterations, your policy could be invalidated, and you may be left without cover. Even minor changes, such as upgraded audio systems or custom furnishings, should be reported. You should always declare any modifications to ensure your insurance remains valid and you’re protected.
Additional tips
- Consider seasonal insurance: If you’re hiring a motorhome, look into temporary insurance These can offer cover tailored to the length of your usage. If you own a motorhome, you could consider laid-up insurance when your vehicle is inactive, although most laid-up policies require your motorhome to be declared SORN and kept off public roads.
- Explore multi-vehicle or bundled policies: If you own more than one vehicle, such as a car and a motorhome, check whether your insurer offers bundled policy discounts. Combining policies can simplify paperwork and often lead to savings.
- Make annual payments: Paying your premium annually, instead of monthly, can be more cost-effective. Many insurers offer discounts for lump-sum payments, so if your budget allows, consider paying in full to avoid extra charges.
Get a quote with Comfort Insurance
By understanding what affects your cover’s cost and taking simple steps to reduce your premium, you can find low-cost motorhome insurance. Whether you’re planning weekend escapes or European adventures, the right policy gives you confidence wherever the road takes you.
At Comfort Insurance, we specialise in motorhome cover designed around real owners and real travel. Get a quick, competitive quote today, or call us on 020 8984 0666, and enjoy peace of mind from the moment you set off.
