Motorhome Mythbusting: The Biggest Insurance Myths Debunked!

Gabi: Think your motorhome insurance covers everything in your motorhome, or that anyone with a licence can jump behind the wheel, or that a cheaper policy automatically equals a better deal. These are just some of the insurance myths that are costing motorhome owners thousands a year. After more than 30 years in the industry, we’ve heard them all. My name is Gabi, and once again I’m joined by our director of operations, Ben Cue.

Motorhome Insurance Mythbusting Guide

When it comes to motorhome insurance, there is no shortage of misinformation, these common myths can leave motorhome owners underinsured and vulnerable to costly surprises.

Drawing on more than 30 years of specialist experience, we’ve put together this motorhome insurance mythbusting guide to help you understand what to consider when choosing insurance for your motorhome or campervan.

Myth 1: It’s Okay to Bend the Truth to Get a Cheaper Premium

This is a surprisingly common belief, and one that many don’t realise can have serious consequences. Being dishonest, even unintentionally, can invalidate your insurance policy.

Your motorhome insurance policy is based on the information you provide. If details such as where your vehicle is stored, who drives it, or how it is used are inaccurate, your insurer may reduce or reject a claim.

For example, stating that your motorhome is kept on a private driveway when it is regularly parked on the road could affect your cover in the event of a theft claim.

Top Tip: Always provide accurate information and notify your insurer if your circumstances change during the policy term.

Myth 2: The Cheapest Policy is Always the Best Value

With rising living costs, it’s only natural that when it comes to insurance customers want a policy with good value for money, but that doesn’t always mean that the cheapest policy is the best policy.

When comparing motorhome insurance quotes, it’s important to look beyond price and consider what’s actually included. Cheaper policies may offer lower cover limits, fewer benefits, and higher excesses.

A comprehensive policy may include benefits such as:

• An adequate level of windscreen cover (especially if you have a larger vehicle like an A Class where windscreens can cost thousands to replace.)
• Personal effects cover
• Gas and explosion cover
• Generator cover
• European travel cover

As well as the quality of the protection you should also look at the insurer’s claims payout rate. For example in 2025, 98.3% of Comfort Insurance customer claims were paid out by Aviva.

Using unbiased ratings from experts like Defaqto, as well as looking at customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot can also help you in making an informed decision.

Top Tip: Compare policy features, cover levels, and exclusions, not just the cost of the premium.

Myth 3: A Standard Van Insurance Policy Will Cover a Motorhome

Motorhomes and campervans require specialist insurance!

While a standard van insurance policy may appear to be a cheaper option, it will not provide the level of protection a motorhome or campervan owner needs. Standard vehicle policies are designed to cover the base vehicle only and may not include cover for the specialist features, fixtures, and equipment that make a motorhome unique. Conversion elements such as fitted kitchens, sleeping areas, gas systems, awnings, generators, and personal effects often require cover that is specifically designed for leisure vehicles.

Without specialist motorhome insurance, owners could find themselves significantly out of pocket if they need to make a claim.

Top Tip: Always check that your policy specifically states it covers a motorhome or campervan, rather than a standard van or car.

Myth 4: “Now that I Have a Motorhome, I Can Automatically Live in it Full Time”

Not all motorhome insurance policies cover full time living, a standard motorhome or campervan insurance policy typically covers holiday leisure use, not full time living or long term touring use.

If you plan to live in your motorhome full time or travel for more than 9 months, you’ll need a designated policy designed for this purpose. Typically, insurers who offer fulltime living policies will have specific eligibility requirements.

Factors insurers may consider include:

• The value and age of the motorhome
• How long you plan to live in it
• Your occupation
• Where you’ll be travelling and what you are using the vehicle for
• Whether you have a permanent residential address

If you decide to become a full time or long term touring motorhomer after taking out a policy, you must inform your insurer.

Top Tip: Always tell your insurer if your living arrangements change to ensure your cover remains valid.

Myth 5: Motorhome Insurance Covers Everything Inside the Vehicle

Motorhome insurance doesn’t necessarily cover every item you take with you. Many specialist policies include personal effects cover, this is typically intended for items that are kept in the motorhome and used as part of the motorhome lifestyle such as clothing, bedding, kitchenware, and general camping equipment and accessories.

However, more high value items such as jewellery, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, tablets, bicycles and E-bikes may need separate cover through your home insurance policy or a dedicated insurance policy.

Personal effects cover is an important feature of any motorhome or campervan insurance policy. In the event of a theft, fire, or total loss claim, replacing everyday items can quickly become expensive. That’s why a policy with a high level of personal effects can be essential. At Comfort Insurance, customers can benefit from up to £5,000 of personal effects cover, helping to provide extra peace of mind while travelling!

Top Tip: Check the limits and exclusions on your personal effects cover and consider additional protection for higher value items.

Myth 6: You Don’t Need Insurance When the Motorhome Isn’t Being Used

If you’re not using your vehicle and have declared it sorn, technically you do not legally require insurance. However, even when parked up or in storage, your motorhome faces risks.

Even when not actively being used it’s a good idea to keep your vehicle insured to protect you against theft, fire, flood damage, or vandalism. Additionally, some finance agreements and storage facilities may require you to have your vehicle actively insured so it’s important to check if this applies to you.

Top Tip: Review your annual mileage and usage each year rather than cancelling cover completely. Many insurers offer lower mileage bands to suit those who only occasionally use their motorhomes.

Myth 7: Anyone With a Driving Licence Can Drive a Motorhome

Driving entitlement depends on both the driver and the vehicle.

Whether someone can legally drive your motorhome depends on:

• When they passed their driving test
• The categories shown on their licence
• The weight of the motorhome

This is particularly important for motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes, where additional licence categories may be required.

If someone else needs to drive your vehicle, you may be able to: add them to your existing policy, or if you don’t want them to affect your existing cover you can arrange temporary motorhome insurance cover.

Top Tip: Always check both driving licence entitlements and insurance arrangements before allowing someone else to drive your motorhome.

Key Takeaway: Research Matters

Your motorhome is likely one of your most valuable assets, so taking the time to understand your insurance policy can save you money and stress if you ever need to make a claim.

When comparing motorhome insurance, remember:

• Be honest with your insurer
• Choose cover based on value, not just price
• Use specialist motorhome insurance
• Declare any lifestyle changes
• Understand personal effects limits
• Keep your vehicle protected year round
• Check driver licence and insurance requirements

By separating fact from fiction, you’ll be in a much better position to choose the right motorhome or campervan insurance policy and enjoy your travels with greater peace of mind!

Get Cover from Motorhome Insurance Experts!

Ready to find the right cover for you? Get a quote from the specialist motorhome and campervan insurance provider trusted by thousands of owners across the UK.

Our expert team is here to help you find cover that suits your needs. Get a quote online today or speak to one of our friendly specialists on 0208 984 0666. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find the right level of protection for your needs. Get covered with Comfort today!