Renting Out Your Motorhome or Campervan

As a motorhome or campervan owner, you know well the freedom and excitement of life on the road. But have you considered sharing the adventures your prized possession has given you with others?

Renting out your motorhome or campervan can be a great way to make the most of your vehicle when you’re not using it. Whether you’re interested in earning some money or simply keeping your vehicle active, there are plenty of benefits.

By understanding what’s involved and taking the right steps, you can hire out your motorhome or campervan with complete peace of mind.

What are the potential benefits of renting out my motorhome or campervan?

The average UK motorhome or campervan  owner only takes out their vehicle a few times a year. If that sounds like your situation, why not let your motorhome work for you when you’re not using it? Instead of sitting idle, your vehicle could be out on the road, earning you some extra income.

But it’s not just about the money. Hiring out your motorhome is also a great way to engage with fellow travellers who share your passion for adventure. By sharing your vehicle, you’re letting it create unforgettable memories for others, just like it has for you.

The best part is that you’re in control. You decide when and how often to rent it out, so you can balance extra earnings with your own travel plans.

Why might I not want to hire out my motorhome or campervan?

While renting out your motorhome or campervan can be a great way to earn extra income, it isn’t for everyone – and that’s completely okay.

If your motorhome holds sentimental value or has been carefully customised to suit your adventures, you might prefer to keep it for personal use only.

There’s also the practical side to think about. Although insurance can cover accidental damage, general wear and tear is inevitable, and keeping your motorhome in top condition might take extra time and effort after rentals.

And then there’s the freedom factor. If you love the spontaneity of packing up and hitting the road whenever the mood strikes, renting it out might get in the way.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what works for you. Whether you choose to hire out your motorhome or keep it all to yourself, the most important thing is that it fits your lifestyle and continues to bring you joy.

How much money could I earn from renting out my motorhome or campervan?

According to some estimates, you could earn up to £10,000 every year and as much as  during peak hire season. Of course, the exact amount you bring in will depend on a few key factors:

• The style, size, age and condition of your vehicle
• Any onboard amenities that make it more appealing to renters
• How often you rent it out – longer rental periods and peak-season bookings tend to generate more income
• Your personal usage – going on your own adventures can take away from your earnings

It’s also worth considering the costs that come with renting, such as maintenance for extra wear and tear.

How to hire out your motorhome or campervan

Ensure it’s safe

Before you hand over the keys, you’ll want to go through a maintenance checklist to make sure your motorhome or campervan is in top condition – both for the safety of your renters and the longevity of your vehicle. Keeping on top of regular MOTs and servicing is essential to keep everything running smoothly and prevent any unexpected issues during a rental.

But safety doesn’t stop with the engine. Since your motorhome is more than just a vehicle, you’ll need to make sure it’s fully safe to live and sleep in, which could include getting a habitation check.

Crucially, you need to ensure your motorhome meets Gas Safety Regulations. While these don’t apply to privately owned vehicles used for personal use, they do apply when renting out your motorhome. According to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, all gas appliances and flues in your vehicle must be checked by a Gas Safe Registered engineer at least once every 12 months. This will give you a certificate to show that your appliances are up to standard.

Keep it secure

Security should be your top priority. After all, you want to make sure your motorhome or campervan is safe and sound, whether it’s parked on your driveway or out on the road.

Consider adding extra security features like a GPS tracker, an immobiliser or even steering-wheel locks. These simple but effective devices can help prevent theft or break-ins, giving you that all-important peace of mind.

Don’t forget to check your insurance policy as well. Some insurers may have specific security requirements in place to ensure your vehicle is covered so it’s worth double-checking what’s needed to keep you fully protected.

Find renters

There are several websites designed to connect you with potential renters and help you manage everything from bookings to payments. Most platforms work in a similar way:

• You create a listing, adding details about your motorhome, setting your rates and choosing your availability.
• The platform promotes your vehicle and notifies you of any booking requests.
• They handle payments securely, usually taking a small percentage of the booking fee in return for their service.

Each platform has its own features, fees and audience so it’s worth doing a little research to find one that fits your needs.

Set your price

Finding the right price point is all about balance. You need to make sure it’s fair for renters while still giving you good value for your vehicle. A few key things to think about:

• Unique selling points: What makes your motorhome stand out? Larger models, modern features and added extras like bike racks or a TV can justify a higher price.
• Time of year: Peak seasons like summer, school holidays and bank holidays bring higher demand, meaning you can charge more per booking. In quieter months, offering a lower rate or special discounts can help attract renters.
• Your needs: Setting competitive prices is important but so is making sure your motorhome is earning enough to make renting it out

By considering these factors, you can create a pricing strategy that keeps your motorhome in demand and earning for you.

Create a rental agreement

Before handing over the keys, it’s important to set clear expectations with a rental agreement. This should outline all the key details, including:

• Payment terms – when and how the renter needs to pay
• Security deposit – to cover any potential damage
• Mileage limits – if you want to set a cap on how far your vehicle can travel
• Cleaning fees – to ensure your motorhome is returned in good condition
• Rules and restrictions – such as a non-smoking policy or whether pets are allowed inside

Having everything written down makes the rental process smoother and stress-free for you and your renter, so you can both enjoy the experience with total peace of mind.

Provide instructions

Making sure your renters feel comfortable and confident with the vehicle is key to a smooth experience. A great way to do this is by providing clear, step-by-step instructions on how everything works, from using appliances and hooking up utilities to performing basic maintenance tasks.

Where possible, it’s always best to hand over the keys in person. This gives you a chance to answer any questions and highlight crucial dos and don’ts. It’s worth mentioning things that might seem obvious, like never leaving the vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition.

Keep your vehicle in top condition

It’s important to carry out regular inspections and maintenance checks to keep your motorhome in great shape. A well-maintained vehicle provides a better experience for renters and prevents small issues from turning into costly repairs.

Before and after each hire, do a thorough walkaround check to spot any signs of wear and tear. Take clear photos of the interior and exterior to log the vehicle’s condition before handing it over. Address any damage or maintenance issues you find as soon as possible. By staying on top of maintenance, you can keep your motorhome running smoothly and protect its value, as well as ensure every renter has a safe and enjoyable trip.

What insurance do I need for renting out my motorhome or campervan?

It’s important to know that standard insurance won’t cover you if someone else who isn’t an additional driver on your policy  is behind the wheel – even if they’re a friend or family member. Handing over the keys without the right cover could leave you unprotected if anything goes wrong.

To ensure you and your vehicle are properly protected, you’ll need to make sure the renter takes out a specialist temporary insurance policy specifically designed to comprehensively cover motorhomes and campervans.  Making sure the renter has the right insurance in place means you can hire out your vehicle with total peace of mind.

Get covered to hire out your motorhome or campervan with Comfort Insurance

Considering renting out your motorhome or campervan? With Comfort Insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is fully protected, even when someone else is behind the wheel. Our temporary insurance offers fully comprehensive cover for periods ranging from one hour to 30 days.

While renting out your vehicle, the hirer will be covered for accidental damage, fire, theft and more in the UK, with the option to upgrade for EU cover. The best part? Your own annual policy won’t be affected by any claims made by the renter, so you don’t have to worry about losing your no-claims bonus.

If you’re ready to hire out your motorhome or campervan, let your renters know they can secure the coverage they need by requesting a quote today.