Top frequently asked questions - with answers
1. What types of vehicle can I cover?
Many motorhome insurance providers will offer policies to cover a range of leisure vehicles. That means you should be able to find a suitable insurer if you own a:
Self-built motorhome, including a professionally converted panel van. Some insurers will cover the conversion project from the very beginning, ensuring there are no nasty (and expensive) surprises when it comes to engineer reports following completion of the conversion.
Campervan, including compact campers and conversions.
Micro-motorhome, including high-top versions and those with a lifting roof.
Coach-built motorhome, including low-profile and over-cab sleepers, with any number of berths.
A-class motorhome, including left-hand drive and foreign imports.
American RV, of most styles and models.2. What level of cover should I choose?
Motorhome insurance providers, much like car insurers, will generally offer two basic types of cover, which can be added to and amended to suit your needs. These are:
Comprehensive cover
Protecting your motorhome against loss or damage through accident or malicious acts, as well as vandalism, fire, lightning, self-ignition and explosions. Fully comprehensive (or ‘fully comp’) cover also protects you in the event of a claim being made against you by other people for injury to them or damage to their property. Comprehensive motorhome insurance is designed to cover you for every eventuality, giving you complete peace of mind that your vehicle, and everything in it, is protected at all times, in all places.
Third-party, fire and theft
Covering you for loss or damage to your motorhome only if it is stolen or set on fire. Third-party motorhome insurance also protects you from claims made against you by other people for injury to them, or damage to their property, resulting from an accident. This type of policy is generally available for a much lower premium than fully comprehensive.
3. Am I covered abroad?
Most specialist motorhome insurance providers appreciate the spirit of adventure that comes with owning a leisure vehicle. They know their customers want to travel, and they aim to provide a variety of policies and cover that will help them do just that. Most good motorhome insurers will include a certain amount of European cover as standard within their policies, making it a safe and easy prospect to hop aboard a cross-Channel ferry. Each provider will define ‘Europe’ differently, however, so you should check with your chosen insurer that you are covered for travel to the country you want to visit. In many cases, European cover will be strictly limited to a certain number of days per policy period, and you will require a permanent UK address to be able to take out a policy.
Individual insurers may also offer worldwide cover for when you want to take your motorhome further afield. This will most likely be sold as an add-on on a per-trip basis, which you will need to negotiate with your insurer ahead of your journey. 4. What am I not covered for?
Motorhome insurance policies will generally provide the protection you need for all social domestic and leisure trips. Some insurers will also cover your leisure vehicle if it doubles up as the vehicle you use to get to work, as long as you only commute to a single place of work. You are unlikely to find a motorhome insurance provider that will cover you for:
• Racing, pace-making, speed trials or contests in your motorhome.
• Reliability testing on your motorhome. • Using your motorhome on any racetrack or circuit.
• Hiring or letting out your motorhome in exchange for money.
• Carrying and/or transporting passengers or goods in exchange for money.
• Any purpose connected with the motor trade.