Contents Cover Limits for Vans
Your campervan insurance covers the vehicle. Your personal belongings inside need separate cover.
Standard Content Limits
Most campervan policies include contents cover up to £500-1,500. This covers: clothes, kitchen equipment, bedding, books, and general camping gear.
What Is Excluded
- Mobile phones (usually capped at £100)
- Laptops and tablets (usually capped at £250, or excluded entirely)
- Bikes (need separate cover or specified on policy)
- Cash (capped at £100-250)
- Valuables over £1,000 each (jewellery, cameras, drone)
Recommended Limits
If you live full-time in your van, your total contents value could be £3,000-8,000. Check your policy limit and consider increasing it.
Increasing Cover
Contact your insurer to increase the contents limit. Cost: typically £20-50 extra per year for £3,000 cover. Some insurers (like Comfort and Camplify) offer unlimited contents cover.
Separate Contents Insurance
If you carry expensive gear: a drone, photography kit, surfboards, bikes — consider a separate contents policy from a specialist insurer. Adds £50-100/year but covers specific items at their full value.
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Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
Quick Reference Checklist
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Read UK van lifer reviews
- Buy from reputable UK suppliers
- Follow manufacturer instructions
- Maintain regularly
- Update as your needs change
