Van Insurance for Full-Time Van Lifers: What You Need to Know
Getting the right insurance for a campervan conversion is one of the most confusing parts of van life. Mainstream insurers do not understand self-builds. Specialists charge different amounts for apparently identical cover. And making a mistake on your policy could leave you uninsured when you need it most.
This guide explains how van insurance works for UK van lifers, what you need to declare, and which insurers actually understand converted vans.
The Three Things You Must Get Right
Vehicle class — A panel van converted to a campervan needs to be insured as a "motor caravan" (sometimes called "campervan" or "motorhome"). If it is insured as a "van" and you have a kitchen unit, bed, and windows fitted, the insurer can void your claim. Most specialist insurers handle this correctly — many mainstream ones do not.
Lived-in status — If you live in your van full-time or most of the time, some policies exclude this. "Lived-in" or "full-time habitation" cover means the insurer understands the van is your home and covers your belongings accordingly. Not all insurers offer this, and some charge a premium for it.
Modifications — Every modification to the base van needs to be declared. Not just the conversion — also upgraded suspension, alloy wheels, solar panels, roof racks, tow bars, and internal fit-out. If it is not standard for that model, tell the insurer. Undeclared modifications can invalidate your entire policy.
Types of Cover
Comprehensive — Covers damage to your van, damage to other vehicles/property, theft, fire, vandalism, and personal belongings (up to a limit). This is what most full-time van lifers should have.
Third Party, Fire and Theft — Covers damage you cause to others, fire damage to your van, and theft of your van. Does not cover damage to your van in an accident. Only suitable for very low-value vans.
Third Party Only — Minimum legal cover. Barely anyone should choose this for a campervan.
Specialist vs Mainstream Insurers
Do not use comparison websites — Comparethemarket, GoCompare, and Moneysupermarket rarely handle campervan conversions well. They classify vans incorrectly, do not understand modifications, and often quote for standard panel van cover rather than motor caravan cover.
Specialist campervan insurers:
- Adrian Flux — One of the most van-lifer-friendly brokers. They understand self-builds, lived-in status, and modifications. Worth getting a quote from.
- A-Plan — Another broker with good knowledge of converted vans. They have branches around the UK and can discuss your build in detail.
- Brentacre — Popular among VW Transporter owners and self-builders. Known for competitive premiums on modified vans.
- Comfort Insurance — Specialise in motorhomes and campervans, including self-builds.
- Vanarama Insurance — Offer campervan insurance through their broker panel.
Mainstream insurers that sometimes work:
- LV= — Will insure some campervans if declared correctly. Hit and miss depending on the underwriter.
- Aviva — Similar. Some self-builds accepted, some not.
- Saga — Primarily motorhomes, but some professionally converted campervans qualify.
What You Actually Need to Declare
- The base vehicle make, model, year
- That it is a self-build or professional campervan conversion
- The value of the conversion (keep receipts)
- Total value of the van including conversion
- Where you will park it overnight (street, driveway, campsite, secured storage)
- Whether you live in it full-time
- Your annual mileage
- All modifications (wheels, suspension, solar, roof rack, etc.)
- Your no-claims discount from previous vehicle insurance
How to Reduce Your Premium
Increase voluntary excess — Raising your excess from £250 to £500 typically reduces the premium by 10-15%. Make sure you can afford the excess if you need to claim.
Limit mileage — Honest lower mileage = lower premium. If you only drive 5,000 miles a year, do not quote for 12,000.
Secure parking — Parking on a driveway or in secured storage is cheaper than street parking. If you street park, fitting a Thatcham-approved tracker or immobiliser helps.
Build up no-claims — Most van life insurers accept no-claims from car insurance policies. If you have 5+ years no-claims, use it.
Join a club — Some insurers (like Adrian Flux) offer discounts for members of the Motor Caravanners Club, the Camping and Caravanning Club, or similar organisations.
What to Do If You Need to Claim
Emergency first — If anyone is injured or the van is blocking the road, call 999 first. Then call your insurer.
Document everything — Take photos of the damage from multiple angles. Get witness details if there was another party involved. Keep receipts for any emergency accommodation or recovery.
Do not admit fault — Even if you think it was your fault, let the insurers determine liability. Admitting fault at the scene can complicate the claim.
Use approved repairers — Most policies require you to use the insurer's approved repair network. If you want to use your own garage, agree it with the insurer before work starts.
Final Thoughts
Insurance is not the place to cut corners on van life. A comprehensive policy with a specialist insurer that knows campervans and understands lived-in status costs more than a comparison website quote for "van" insurance — but the cost of an invalidated claim is your entire home and vehicle. Spend the extra £50-100 per year on proper cover.
