UK Campervan Insurance Types Explained
Campervan insurance is not the same as car or van insurance. The conversion, the equipment inside, and the way you use the vehicle all need specific coverage.
This guide explains the different types of campervan insurance available in the UK and which one is right for your conversion.
The Three Main Policy Types
1. Standard Van Insurance (Not Recommended)
A standard van insurance policy covers the base vehicle as a commercial van. The conversion is not covered.
What it covers:
- Third party or fully comp on the base vehicle
- No cover for the conversion (bed, kitchen, furniture)
- No cover for personal belongings
Suitable for: Only during the conversion process before you are finished. Not suitable for a completed campervan.
Cost: £300-500/year (cheap but inadequate)
2. Modified Van Insurance (Budget Option)
A modified van policy that lists the conversion as a modification. Some insurers (like Adrian Flux, Brentacre) offer these.
What it covers:
- Third party or fully comp on the base vehicle
- The conversion is noted as a modification but valued at a fixed amount
- Limited contents cover (usually £500-2,000)
Suitable for: Budget campervan conversions where the van value is low and you are willing to accept limited conversion cover.
Cost: £400-700/year
3. Specialist Campervan Insurance (Recommended)
A dedicated motorhome/campervan policy from a specialist insurer. This is the right cover for a completed conversion.
What it covers:
- The base vehicle at agreed value
- The conversion (furniture, kitchen, bed) at agreed value
- Contents cover (£1,000-5,000 typically)
- European cover (green card)
- Breakdown cover option
- Habitation damage cover
Suitable for: All completed campervan conversions.
Cost: £500-1,200/year depending on van value
Agreed Value vs Market Value
Agreed Value
You and the insurer agree on the total value of the van (base + conversion). If written off, you receive the agreed amount.
Pros: You know exactly what you will get. No arguments about the value of your DIY conversion.
Cons: Requires evidence (receipts, photos, professional valuation). Premium is slightly higher.
Best for: High-value conversions or vans with significant investment in the build.
Market Value
The insurer pays what they determine the van is worth at the time of the claim.
Pros: Cheaper premium. No need to prove the value.
Cons: The insurer's valuation may be much lower than your investment. DIY conversions are often undervalued.
Best for: Budget conversions where the van value is modest.
Contents Cover
Standard campervan contents cover typically includes:
- Personal belongings (clothes, electronics, books)
- Camping equipment (chairs, table, awning)
- Sports equipment (bikes, kayaks, paddleboards)
Limits: Usually £500-2,000. Premium policies offer £5,000+.
Single article limit: Most policies cap individual items at £250-500. Expensive items (laptops, cameras) may need separate scheduling.
European Cover
If you take your van to Europe:
Green card: A document certifying you have the minimum insurance cover for the country you are driving in. Most policies include this for EU countries.
Cover limits: UK policies often reduce cover to third party only in some EU countries. Check your policy.
Duration: Usually 30-90 days per trip. Some policies allow 180 days.
Tip: Ask for the policy wording in writing and check the European cover section carefully.
DIY Conversion Insurance
Many insurers refuse to cover DIY conversions. Specialist insurers that do:
| Insurer | DIY Friendly | Agreed Value | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brentacre | Yes | Yes | Under 10 years for agreed value |
| AIB | Yes | Yes | Under 10 years |
| Comfort Insurance | Yes | Yes | Under 10 years |
| A-Plan | Yes (with inspection) | Yes | Varies |
| NFU Mutual | Yes (with inspection) | Yes | No limit with inspection |
Requirements for DIY conversion insurance:
- Photos of the build (in progress and finished)
- Receipts for materials
- Sometimes an inspection by an engineer
- V5C showing Motor Caravan
Insurance for Partially Built Vans
If you are converting a van and need to drive it during the build:
Options:
- Standard van insurance while panel van looks unchanged
- Modified van insurance once the conversion starts
- Specialist campervan insurance once the conversion is habitable
Important: Tell your insurer what you are doing. If you have a crash during the build with half-furnished interior, the insurer needs to know how it is currently configured.
Monthly Costs
| Van Type | Standard Van Insurance | Modified Van | Specialist Campervan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-camper (Caddy, Berlingo) | £250-400 | £350-500 | £400-600 |
| Medium van (Trafic, Transit Custom) | £300-500 | £400-600 | £500-800 |
| Large van (Sprinter, Relay) | £350-600 | £500-700 | £600-1,200 |
| Premium conversion (£30k+) | N/A | N/A | £800-1,500 |
Key Policy Features to Check
Before buying, check these specific points:
- Conversion value: Is it covered separately and at what valuation?
- Contents limit: What is the total and per-item limit?
- European cover: How many days per trip? Which countries?
- Excess: The compulsory excess. Some policies have £500-1,000 excess.
- No claims bonus: Is it protected? Can you use it from your car insurance?
- Windscreen cover: Is it included? (£50-75 excess typical)
- Habitation cover: Covers damage to the living area while parked
- New for old: On newer conversions (under 12 months)
Claims Process
If you need to claim:
- Document everything — photos of the damage, receipts for the conversion, list of contents
- Agreed value claims are smoother — you have already agreed the value
- DIY conversions need build evidence — the insurer may ask for photos of the build to prove quality
- Contents claims require receipts — keep receipts for all gear
Conclusion
Campervan insurance is not a place to cut corners. A standard van policy leaves your conversion, gear, and travel unprotected. Specialist campervan insurance from an insurer familiar with conversions costs £100-300 more per year but provides proper cover.
Our recommendation: Use a specialist insurer (Brentacre, AIB, or Comfort), agree the value of the full conversion upfront, and check the European cover. Do not buy a standard van or car policy and assume the conversion is covered — it is not.
