Motorhome Insurance

New motorhome registrations grew by 35% in 2024 according to the National Caravan Council, with over 16,400 new vehicles hitting UK roads — and the market has continued to strengthen into 2025. With leisure vehicle ownership forecast to grow by a further 40% by 2030, according to research commissioned by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, it's never been a more popular time to take to the open road. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned tourer, comparing motorhome insurance quotes could help you find the right cover at a more competitive price.

What is motorhome insurance?

Motorhome insurance is a specialist type of vehicle insurance that covers you for driving your motorhome on public roads, as well as the habitation risks that come with a vehicle you also live in — things like personal belongings, built-in equipment, and awnings that a standard car insurance policy wouldn't typically cover.

Insurers treat motorhomes as a distinct vehicle class, and a standard car insurance policy is unlikely to be valid for a motorhome. Attempting to rely on one could leave you uninsured in the event of a claim.

The DVLA classifies motorhomes and campervans as motor caravans, recorded as M1SA on the V5 logbook. Both typically fall under the same type of specialist policy, though insurers may rate them differently based on size, construction, and value. If you own a converted van that you use for camping, it's worth noting that van insurance is designed primarily for goods-carrying vehicles and is unlikely to extend to habitation use — a specialist motorhome or campervan policy is likely to be the appropriate route.

Is motorhome insurance a legal requirement?

Yes. Like all motor vehicles used on public roads in the UK, motorhomes must be insured under the Road Traffic Act 1988. This is enforced through the Motor Insurance Database (MID), and the DVLA operates a Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) scheme — meaning an uninsured motorhome registered as in use can result in a fixed penalty, court prosecution, or seizure of the vehicle. Further guidance on the scheme is available on GOV.UK.

The exception is if your motorhome is declared off the road using a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). A SORNed vehicle must be kept off public roads entirely, and insurance is not legally required during that period — though some owners choose to maintain at least a fire and theft policy for peace of mind.

What does motorhome insurance cover?

Motorhome insurance policies are typically available at three levels of cover:

Third Party Only (TPO)

The minimum level of cover required by law. Third party only insurance covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, or their property. It does not cover any damage to your own motorhome.

Third Party, Fire and Theft (TPFT)

Includes everything in a third party only policy, with the addition of cover if your motorhome is stolen or damaged by fire. It still does not cover accidental damage to your own vehicle.

Comprehensive

The highest level of cover, including third party liability, fire, theft, and accidental damage to your own motorhome. Most comprehensive policies for motorhomes will also include cover for personal belongings, fixed habitation equipment, and awnings — though limits and terms vary between insurers.

When comparing levels of cover, it's worth considering that a motorhome is both a vehicle and a living space. Comprehensive cover is often worth exploring given the combined value of the vehicle, habitation equipment, and personal belongings involved. If you also own a touring caravan, caravan insurance is a separate product covering different risks.

What's typically included and excluded?

Cover varies between insurers and policy types, but as a general guide:

Commonly included on comprehensive policies

• Damage to your motorhome from accident, fire, or theft
• Third party liability — damage or injury caused to others
• Personal belongings and contents up to a set limit
• Fixed habitation equipment — hobs, fridges, water systems
• Awnings and annexes
• European cover (territorial limits vary between policies)
• New vehicle replacement on newer motorhomes, subject to policy terms

Some policies also offer the following as standard or as optional add-ons — it's worth checking when comparing:

• Generator cover
• Legal protection
• Windscreen cover
• Breakdown cover

Commonly excluded

• Wear and tear or mechanical breakdown
• Damage while rented out commercially unless specifically covered
• Driving by unlisted or unlicensed drivers
• Personal belongings above the policy limit
• Gradual deterioration, damp, or mould
• Theft where the vehicle was left unlocked or insecure

Always read the policy schedule and key facts document carefully — the specifics can vary significantly between providers.

How much does motorhome insurance cost?

Motorhome insurance is often more affordable than owners expect. According to the Quotezone Index, based on data from over 46,000 policies, median premiums sit between £395 and £440 depending on vehicle type:

Motorhome type	Median annual premium
Class B van conversion (e.g. VW Crafter, Ford Transit)	£395
Class C coachbuilt (typical UK motorhome)	£396
Class A motorhome	£440

Source: Quotezone Index, motorhome data August 2025–present. Figures reflect position-1 quotes from the Quotezone panel.

These are median figures — your own premium will depend on a range of factors including the value of your vehicle, where you store it, your driving history, and the level of cover you choose. The sections below explain what influences the cost and what steps could help you find a more competitive quote.

What affects the cost of motorhome insurance?

Several factors can influence what you pay for motorhome insurance. Understanding them could help when you come to compare quotes:

Vehicle value and age

Higher-value and newer motorhomes can attract higher premiums. Some insurers offer agreed value policies, where you and the insurer agree the vehicle's value upfront — this can be worth considering for older motorhomes whose market value may be harder to establish at the point of a claim.

Security

The security measures fitted to your motorhome can affect your premium. Trackers, alarms, immobilisers, and steering locks are all viewed favourably by insurers — yet research by Quotezone based on over 28,000 policies found that 87% of motorhome owners did not have a tracker fitted, and over half had no alarm. Given that most modern motorhomes are built with an alarm as standard, it's worth checking what security your vehicle already has before applying for cover.

Where you store it

Secure, off-road storage is generally viewed more favourably by insurers. Keeping your motorhome on a driveway, in a garage, or at a certified storage facility could make a difference to your premium compared to on-street parking.

How you use it

Most motorhome policies are written for social, domestic, and leisure use — which covers the vast majority of owners. If you use your motorhome for any business purpose, or if you're insuring a van conversion that also serves a commercial function, it's worth confirming that your policy covers your actual usage. Full-time or extended-stay living may also require a different type of policy — check the usage terms carefully before purchasing.

Annual mileage

Lower declared mileage can reduce your premium. If you only use your motorhome for a few trips a year, make sure your declared mileage reflects realistic usage — but never under-declare, as this could affect the validity of a claim.

Driver age and experience

As with car insurance, younger and less experienced drivers can face higher premiums. A clean licence history and named driver experience can work in your favour. Quotezone's policy data puts the average age of a UK motorhome owner at 57 — a demographic that typically benefits from more competitive premiums due to experience and claims history.

No claims discount

A no claims discount (NCD) built up on a car policy may not automatically transfer to a motorhome policy — it's worth checking with your insurer whether existing NCD is recognised before switching.

How to get a more competitive motorhome insurance quote

There's no guaranteed formula for reducing your motorhome insurance costs, but there are steps that could make a difference:

Compare quotes

Motorhome insurance premiums can vary considerably between providers. Comparing quotes side by side could help you identify options you might not find by approaching insurers directly.

Pay annually

Paying for your policy in a single annual payment rather than monthly instalments is typically cheaper. Insurers generally add interest to monthly payment plans, so if you can pay upfront it could reduce the overall cost of your cover.

Improve your vehicle security

Fitting a tracker, steering lock, or alarm — or confirming that your motorhome's existing security features are declared on your policy — could help reduce your premium. Given how few owners currently have trackers fitted, this is one area where a relatively modest outlay could make a difference to your quote.

Consider your storage

Moving from on-street storage to a driveway, garage, or approved storage site could reduce your premium. Some motorhome owners' clubs maintain lists of approved storage locations that insurers recognise.

Consider your voluntary excess

Opting for a higher voluntary excess — the amount you agree to contribute to any claim — can reduce your premium. Make sure the total excess (voluntary plus compulsory) is an amount you could realistically afford if needed.

Join a motorhome owners' club

Some insurers offer preferential rates to members of recognised motorhome and leisure vehicle clubs. The Caravan and Motorhome Club is the largest in the UK and is worth considering both for potential insurance benefits and the broader support it offers owners.

Look at agreed value policies

For older or classic motorhomes, an agreed value policy ensures you receive a pre-agreed payout rather than a potentially depreciated market value, providing more certainty in the event of a total loss.

Check what's included before comparing on price alone

A lower headline premium doesn't always mean better value. It's worth checking what a policy actually covers — particularly around personal belongings limits, European cover, habitation equipment, and add-ons like legal protection and generator cover — before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need specialist motorhome insurance?

Yes, in most cases. A standard car insurance policy is unlikely to cover a motorhome, and driving without valid insurance is a criminal offence in the UK. Specialist motorhome insurance is designed to reflect the combined driving and habitation risks that a motorhome represents.

Can I drive a motorhome on my car insurance?

Not usually. While some car insurance policies include a driving other vehicles (DOV) extension, this typically applies to private cars only and is unlikely to extend to motorhomes. Always confirm with your insurer before driving a motorhome you don't own.

Does motorhome insurance cover personal belongings?

Many comprehensive motorhome policies include cover for personal belongings up to a specified limit. Limits vary between policies, and high-value items may need to be listed separately. Check the policy schedule for details.

Can I get temporary motorhome insurance?

Yes — short-term motorhome insurance is available for periods ranging from a single day upwards. This can be useful if you're borrowing a motorhome, completing a one-off trip, or need cover while arranging an annual policy.

Is motorhome insurance cheaper than van insurance?

It can be. Motorhomes are typically used less frequently and almost exclusively for leisure, which generally represents a lower risk profile than a van used for daily commercial purposes. According to Quotezone data, median motorhome premiums sit around £395–£440 — comparing favourably with van insurance, where the national average is higher and usage patterns more varied. Your own circumstances will always determine the actual figures.

Is a campervan the same as a motorhome for insurance purposes?

Both are classified as motor caravans by the DVLA and will generally fall under the same type of specialist policy. Insurers may rate them differently based on size and construction, so it's worth being accurate about your vehicle type when comparing quotes.