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What is motorhome insurance?

Motorhome insurance is a legal requirement and, as a minimum, will cover the costs of any damage your vehicle causes to a third party. Even if you only use your motorhome for occasional holidays, you need to make sure it is insured before setting off on your travels.

Insurers also offer more comprehensive motorhome insurance policies, which can provide further protection.

The three main levels of motorhome insurance are:

Third party only (TPO)

Third party only insurance is the legal minimum you need for your motorhome. It only covers you for any damage you cause to other people or their property. It doesn’t provide any cover should something happen to you, your vehicle, or its contents.

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT)

Third party, fire and theft (TPFT) provides the same cover as third party only, but also covers any loss or damage to your vehicle or possessions that is caused by fire or theft.

Comprehensive

As well as the cover provided by TPFT, comprehensive motorhome insurance covers loss or damage to you, your vehicle, your possessions, and any passengers. For example, if you accidentally damage your motorhome while driving, this insurance policy would cover the costs of any repairs.

Although comprehensive insurance policies provide the most protection, they may not always be the most expensive.

The exact cover offered by a comprehensive policy varies between insurers. Some of the features that may be included are:

• windscreen and windows cover
• contents cover (including television and audio equipment, camping gear, personal belongings, fitted accessories, generators)
• awnings cover
• medical expenses
• legal expenses
• personal accident cover
• public liability cover
• key cover
• alternative transport and accommodation
• cover when driving in Europe
• motorhome replacement

Insurers will normally set a maximum claims limit for each of these features.

You may also be able to purchase add-ons to your policy, such as breakdown cover.

Motorhome insurance policies won’t normally cover you:

• if you live in your motorhome
• for damage caused by wear and tear
• for mechanical breakdowns
• for infestations in your vehicle
• if you’ve been negligent, e.g. left your motorhome unlocked

Bear in mind that, whatever cover you take out, if you have an accident which is not your fault and the third party is insured, you can claim on their insurance to cover any costs, damages and losses suffered by you.

Types of motorhome insurance

As well as the levels of motorhome insurance described above, you need to pick the type of motorhome insurance that fits your requirements. You can choose from:

Social, domestic and pleasure

Most motorhome owners are likely to pick this type of insurance policy. As the name suggests, this policy is suitable if you use your motorhome for leisure trips, holidays, and any other journeys that are not work-related. It won’t cover you if you use your motorhome for commuting or commercial purposes.

Commuting

If you use your motorhome for commuting to a place of work, as well as for social and leisure purposes, you will need this insurance policy. It will cover you when you drive to work, as well as any other non-work trips you make.

Business use

If you use your motorhome as part of your business, not just for commuting, then you will need a business insurance policy. For example, if you use your motorhome to travel to different job sites and meetings, then you are likely to need this cover.

» MORE: Do I need business car insurance?

Do I need motorhome insurance?

It is a legal requirement in Great Britain and Northern Ireland to have valid insurance for your motorhome. Any vehicle that is used on roads and in public places must have third party only insurance as a minimum.

If your vehicle is kept off the road and you don’t plan to drive it, you can apply to the DVLA for a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN). This means you don’t legally need to insure your motorhome until you start driving it again.

However, even if your motorhome is kept off the road in a safe place, it may still be worth taking out specialist insurance to cover your vehicle in the event of fire, theft or accidental damage.

How much is motorhome insurance?

The cost of motorhome insurance will depend on a number of factors, including:

• the level of cover you take out
• the make and model of your motorhome and if it has any modifications
• your age
• your claims history
• where your motorhome is stored
• any security devices your vehicle may have
• your mileage
• if you add other drivers to your policy
• if you’re a member of a motorhome club

You may be able to reduce the cost of your motorhome insurance policy by:

• paying for your cover annually instead of monthly
• having a No Claims Discount
• adding extra security features to your vehicle
• lowering your annual mileage
• joining a motorhome or caravan club
• storing your vehicle in a safe place

How do I find the best motorhome insurance deal?

The cheapest motorhome insurance policy may not necessarily be the best policy for you and your vehicle. You need to figure out what level of cover you need, taking into consideration how often you use your motorhome, how far you drive, and how much protection you want.

Different policies offer different levels of cover, so compare their features to see which one best meets your requirements. Make sure you check for any limits or exclusions to cover, as well as looking at what is included.

To apply for motorhome insurance, you’ll need to tell the insurer:

• personal details, e.g. name, address, age
• how long you’ve had your driving licence
• any claims or convictions
• details about your motorhome (registration number, value, age, how long you’ve owned it, any modifications)
• security arrangements for your motorhome, including where it’s stored
• how you use your vehicle (commuting or just social, domestic and pleasure)
• your estimated annual mileage
• if you have any other vehicles

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