Caravan & Motorhome Insurance Guide

Caravan and motorhome insurance can appear complicated, particularly when different providers use slightly different wording to describe their cover. Terms such as New for Old, Market Value, Agreed Value, compulsory excess and European cover can make it difficult to compare policies properly.

This independent guide explains the main types of touring caravan, motorhome and campervan insurance in plain English. It covers the differences between the available types of cover, what policies may include, the exclusions to look for and the questions worth asking before buying.

Whether you own a touring caravan, motorhome or converted campervan, understanding the policy wording can help you choose suitable protection and reduce the risk of an unexpected problem when making a claim.

Independent Insurance Information

Caravan Adventuring is not connected with any insurance company listed on this page. We do not receive commission, referral fees or any other payment from the insurers included in this guide.

The companies are listed for information only. Their inclusion does not represent a recommendation, endorsement or assessment of the quality of their policies.

Caravan and Motorhome Insurance Explained

Insurance provides financial protection against specified risks. In return for paying a premium, an insurer agrees to meet eligible claims in accordance with the policy’s terms, limits, conditions and exclusions.

Although touring caravan, motorhome and campervan policies may appear similar, they protect different types of vehicle.

Touring caravan insurance protects a towable caravan against insured risks such as theft, fire, accidental damage, storm damage and vandalism.
Motorhome insurance is a form of motor insurance for a self-propelled vehicle that is also used as living accommodation.
Campervan insurance provides motor insurance for campervans, including professionally converted and, with some insurers, self-converted vehicles.

A touring caravan does not have its own engine and is therefore insured differently from a motorhome or campervan. A motorhome is classed as a motor vehicle and requires road insurance in the same way as a car or van.

Check the Policy, Not Just the Headline

Two policies described as comprehensive may provide different limits, conditions and exclusions. Always read the Insurance Product Information Document, policy schedule and full policy wording before purchasing cover.

Is Caravan or Motorhome Insurance Legally Required?

Touring Caravans

There is no general legal requirement to purchase a separate insurance policy for a touring caravan in the United Kingdom.

Your towing vehicle must be correctly insured, and its policy must permit towing. However, the cover provided by the towing vehicle’s insurance may be limited to third-party liability. This could cover injury or damage caused to another person but may not pay for loss of or damage to your own caravan.

A specialist caravan policy can provide protection while the caravan is being used, stored, parked at home or staying on a campsite, subject to the individual policy wording.

Some finance agreements may require a caravan to remain adequately insured until the outstanding balance has been repaid. Storage facilities may also require evidence of insurance as part of their terms and conditions.

Motorhomes and Campervans

A motorhome or campervan is a motor vehicle and must have appropriate motor insurance when it is used or kept on a public road.

If the vehicle is being kept completely off the public road and is not being used, the registered keeper may be able to make a Statutory Off Road Notification, commonly known as SORN.

A vehicle declared SORN does not require road insurance while it remains off the public road. However, it would also lose protection against risks such as theft, fire, storm damage or vandalism unless suitable separate cover had been arranged.

Important

Insurance requirements can depend on how and where a caravan, motorhome or campervan is used. Always check your vehicle documents, finance agreement, storage agreement and insurer’s policy conditions.

Touring Caravan Insurance

Touring caravan insurance is designed to protect a caravan that is regularly towed between home, storage facilities and campsites.

Depending on the policy selected, cover may apply while the caravan is:

Being towed.
Parked at home.
Kept at an approved storage facility.
Pitched on a campsite.
Temporarily left unattended.
Being used elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
Being used in Europe where European cover is included.

Policies commonly provide protection against theft, attempted theft, fire, accidental damage, storm, flood, vandalism and damage caused during towing. The exact risks covered vary between insurers.

Cover may also be available for caravan equipment, motor movers, awnings, satellite dishes, solar panels, gas bottles, leisure batteries and personal possessions.

Insurance Tip

Do not assume that every accessory is automatically included. Add the replacement value of permanent accessories and equipment when calculating the amount of cover required.

Caravan Insurance While Towing

The towing vehicle’s insurer should be told that the vehicle will be used to tow a caravan. Check that the policy covers the size and type of caravan involved.

Third-party cover provided by the tow car’s policy should not be confused with insurance for the caravan itself. If the caravan is damaged in an accident, a separate specialist policy may be needed to cover its repair or replacement.

Check whether the caravan policy covers damage caused by snaking, overturning, tyre failure, detachment from the towing vehicle or manoeuvring on a campsite.

Caravan Insurance While in Storage

A caravan may spend more time in storage than it does on holiday. The storage address must therefore be accurately declared to the insurer.

Moving the caravan to a different storage site or keeping it at home for a prolonged period could affect the policy. The insurer should be informed before the storage arrangements change.

Caravans on Seasonal Pitches

Some touring caravan policies allow a caravan to remain on a seasonal pitch. Others may impose time limits, security conditions or restrictions on how long it can be left unattended.

Always tell the insurer when a caravan will be kept on a seasonal pitch rather than regularly returned to its normal storage address.

Motorhome Insurance

Motorhome insurance combines the road risks associated with driving a motor vehicle with the additional risks created by carrying living equipment, personal belongings and fitted accessories.

A standard car or van policy may not provide suitable protection for a vehicle that has been built or converted for use as living accommodation.

Specialist motorhome insurance can account for features such as:

Fixed beds and seating.
Kitchen equipment.
Washrooms and water systems.
Gas installations.
Awnings and canopies.
Solar panels.
Satellite and entertainment equipment.
Personal belongings carried during a trip.
European touring.
Motorhome-sized breakdown and recovery requirements.

Levels of Motorhome Cover

Third Party Only

This is the minimum level of road insurance. It covers liability for injury or damage caused to other people and their property but does not normally cover loss of or damage to your own motorhome.

Third Party, Fire and Theft

This adds protection if the motorhome is stolen or damaged by fire, subject to the policy terms.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance usually includes third-party, fire and theft cover together with accidental damage to the insured motorhome. It may also provide additional benefits, but these vary significantly between policies.

Comprehensive cover should not be assumed to include every possible risk. Limits may still apply to personal belongings, windscreens, audio equipment, awnings, accessories and travel outside the United Kingdom.

Motorhome Mileage

Motorhome insurers may ask for an estimated annual mileage. This should include all anticipated travel, including holidays, servicing journeys, days out and trips to storage.

Declaring an unrealistically low mileage to reduce the premium could cause problems if the actual use is significantly higher.

Campervan Conversions

Owners must give insurers accurate information about conversions and modifications. Some providers insure only professionally converted campervans, while others may consider self-build or partially converted vehicles.

The insurer may request photographs, receipts, engineer reports or details of the conversion work. Any material change made after the policy begins should also be declared.

Do Not Leave Modifications Undeclared

Undeclared modifications could affect the validity of the policy or the amount paid following a claim. This can include changes to the engine, suspension, bodywork, interior layout, gas system, electrics, solar installation or security equipment.

What Is New for Old Insurance?

New for Old cover is intended to provide the cost of replacing an insured caravan or motorhome with a new equivalent following an accepted total-loss claim.

A total loss generally means that the vehicle or caravan has been stolen and not recovered, destroyed or damaged beyond economical repair.

For a caravan, New for Old cover may include the caravan itself and declared equipment. For a motorhome, similar wording may apply for a limited period after the vehicle was first registered or purchased.

Eligibility often depends on:

The age of the caravan or motorhome.
Whether it was bought new or used.
How long the policyholder has owned it.
The maximum value accepted by the insurer.
The availability of a new equivalent model.
The sum insured being sufficient to buy the replacement.
Evidence of purchase and ownership.

Choosing the Correct New for Old Value

The value declared should normally reflect the current cost of buying a brand-new equivalent, not simply the amount originally paid.

If the declared value is too low, there may not be enough cover to replace the caravan, motorhome and insured equipment. Some policies may also apply an underinsurance condition.

Check Your Valuation Every Year

The cost of a replacement caravan or motorhome can change. Review the insured value at every renewal and after adding significant equipment or accessories.

Advantages of New for Old Cover

Possible Disadvantages

What Is Market Value Insurance?

Market Value cover bases the claim settlement on the caravan or motorhome’s value immediately before the insured loss occurred.

The insurer may consider:

Age.
Make and model.
Specification.
Condition.
Mileage for motorhomes.
Service and maintenance history.
Optional equipment.
Comparable vehicles or caravans being sold at the time.

The settlement may therefore be lower than the original purchase price or the cost of buying a brand-new replacement.

Advantages of Market Value Cover

Possible Disadvantages

Keep Evidence of Condition and Value

Keep purchase invoices, servicing records, photographs and receipts for equipment. These may help demonstrate the condition and specification of the caravan or motorhome if a claim is made.

What Is Agreed Value Insurance?

Agreed Value insurance is based on a value accepted by the insurer when the policy is arranged.

The insurer may require photographs, an independent valuation, purchase receipts or details of restoration or conversion work before agreeing the figure.

This type of cover can be useful for:

Classic motorhomes.
Vintage touring caravans.
Unusual or rare models.
Professionally converted campervans.
Vehicles with substantial specialist equipment.
Caravans or motorhomes whose value is difficult to establish using ordinary market comparisons.

The exact meaning of Agreed Value varies between providers. Check whether the agreed amount is guaranteed following a total loss and whether it must be reviewed at renewal.

Agreed Value should not be confused with simply declaring an estimated value on an application form. The insurer must normally confirm that the figure has been formally accepted.

What Is Agreed Value Insurance?

Feature	New for Old	Market Value
Basis of settlement	Cost of a new equivalent, subject to the policy terms and insured value	Value immediately before the loss
Depreciation	Normally protected against depreciation for an eligible total-loss claim	Depreciation is taken into account
Typical eligibility	Usually limited by age, ownership history or purchase conditions	Commonly available for both newer and older units
Premium	May be more expensive	May be less expensive
Valuation required	Current replacement cost	Current second-hand market value
Best suited to	Owners seeking the cost of a new replacement after a total loss	Owners prepared to accept the unit’s current value
Main risk	Declaring an insufficient replacement value	The settlement being lower than the cost of replacing the unit

No single type of cover is automatically better for everyone. The right choice depends on the age, value and condition of the caravan or motorhome, the cost of replacing it and the owner’s budget.

What Does Caravan and Motorhome Insurance Usually Cover?

Policy benefits vary, but cover may be available for the following risks.

Theft and Attempted Theft

This may cover the theft of the caravan or motorhome and damage caused during an attempted theft. Security conditions must normally have been followed.

Fire and Explosion

Policies commonly cover damage caused by fire or explosion, subject to exclusions and maintenance requirements.

Accidental Damage

This may include damage caused during towing, driving, manoeuvring, pitching or everyday use. Check whether internal accidental damage is included.

Storm and Flood

Storm and flood cover may be included, although definitions, exclusions and excesses can vary. Additional conditions may apply in areas with a known history of flooding.

Vandalism and Malicious Damage

Damage caused deliberately by another person may be covered. The insurer may require the incident to be reported to the police.

Public Liability

Public liability cover may protect the policyholder where they are held legally responsible for injury to another person or damage to their property.

Contents and Personal Belongings

Contents cover may protect personal belongings kept in or used with the caravan or motorhome. Individual item and total claim limits commonly apply.

Valuables such as jewellery, cameras, mobile phones, laptops and specialist equipment may be excluded or subject to lower limits.

Awnings and Canopies

Awnings may be included automatically, offered as an optional extra or excluded during certain weather conditions.

Some policies distinguish between porch awnings, full awnings, inflatable awnings and permanently fitted motorhome canopies.

Equipment and Accessories

Cover may be available for items such as motor movers, solar panels, satellite systems, leisure batteries, gas bottles, steps, water containers and wheel or hitch security equipment.

Windscreen and Glass Cover

Motorhome policies may include windscreen and window cover. Check the claim limit, excess and whether specialist motorhome glass is included.

Alternative Accommodation

Some policies contribute towards hotel accommodation or caravan hire if the insured unit becomes unusable during a holiday following an accepted claim.

Recovery and Delivery

A policy may pay for recovery, transportation or delivery of the damaged caravan or motorhome. These benefits should not be assumed unless they appear in the policy wording.

Optional Insurance Extras

Some benefits are included as standard, while others are available for an additional premium.

Possible optional extras include:

European touring cover.
UK breakdown assistance.
European breakdown and recovery.
Legal expenses.
Protected no claims discount.
Enhanced personal belongings cover.
Family and friends' use for touring caravans.
Additional named drivers for motorhomes.
Emergency accommodation.
Caravan hire following an insured loss.
Key and lock cover.
Personal accident cover.
Misfuelling cover for motorhomes.
Excess protection.
Enhanced awning or canopy cover.
Cover for additional accessories and equipment.

Optional extras should be selected because they are genuinely useful, not simply because they are offered.

Check whether similar protection is already provided by another insurance, travel or breakdown policy before paying for duplicate cover.

Common Insurance Exclusions

An exclusion is a circumstance, event or type of damage that the policy does not cover.

Common exclusions may include:

Wear and tear.
Gradual deterioration.
Damp, rot, mould, mildew or condensation.
Damage caused by vermin, insects or infestation.
Mechanical or electrical breakdown.
Faulty workmanship or defective materials.
Failure to maintain the caravan or motorhome.
Existing damage.
Undeclared modifications.
Using the vehicle for an undeclared business purpose.
Permanent residential use where the policy covers recreational use only.
Hiring the caravan or motorhome to paying customers without suitable cover.
Theft when required security devices were not fitted or used.
Valuables left in view or unattended.
Damage caused by incorrect loading.
Damage while driven by an unauthorised person.
Use outside the territorial limits of the policy.
Exceeding the maximum permitted trip duration.
Storm damage to an awning left erected and unattended.
Loss arising while the driver is over the legal alcohol or drug limit.
Using the motorhome for purposes not declared to the insurer.

Common Exclusion

Damp and gradual deterioration are frequently treated as maintenance issues rather than sudden insured events. Regular servicing, inspections and prompt repairs remain the owner’s responsibility.

Caravan and Motorhome Security Requirements

Insurers may make particular security devices a condition of cover. Requirements can depend on the value, age, storage location and theft risk of the unit.

Touring Caravan Security

Possible requirements include:

An approved hitch lock.
An approved wheel clamp.
Two wheel clamps for a twin-axle caravan.
A wheel lock designed for the caravan chassis.
An alarm.
An approved tracking system.
Secure storage when not in use.
All doors and windows being locked when unattended.

Motorhome Security

Possible requirements include:

An immobiliser.
An alarm.
A tracking device.
A steering wheel lock.
Secure overnight parking.
Keys being stored safely away from the vehicle.
Additional protection for keyless-entry vehicles.

Proof of Security

Keep invoices, installation certificates, subscriptions and registration details for trackers and alarms.

An insurer may request evidence that a required device was installed, activated, maintained and working at the time of a loss.

Security Conditions Must Be Followed

Owning a wheel lock or tracker is not enough if the policy requires it to be fitted, activated or subscribed to whenever the caravan or motorhome is unattended.

Caravan and Motorhome Storage

Where the caravan or motorhome is kept can affect both the premium and the conditions of cover.

Common storage arrangements include:

At the owner's home.
On a driveway.
Behind locked gates.
Inside a garage or secure building.
At a specialist caravan or motorhome storage facility.
On a seasonal campsite pitch.

Some insurers offer discounts for recognised secure storage locations. However, the precise storage address and security arrangements must be declared accurately.

Recognised Storage Facilities

Some storage facilities hold recognised security accreditation. This may be viewed favourably by insurers, although a discount or acceptance of cover should never be assumed.

Check whether the insurer requires a particular level of storage security and whether the site remains acceptable throughout the policy period.

Temporary Changes of Storage

Contact the insurer before moving the caravan or motorhome to a different permanent or long-term storage address.

Do not assume that the existing policy automatically covers the new location.

Seasonal Pitches

A touring caravan left on a seasonal pitch may face different risks from one stored in a secure compound.

Check whether the policy limits how long the caravan may remain on a campsite or requires additional precautions when it is unattended.

Insurance Excess Explained

The excess is the part of an accepted claim that the policyholder must pay.

Compulsory Excess

This is set by the insurer and normally applies automatically.

Voluntary Excess

This is an additional amount chosen by the policyholder, often in return for a lower premium.

Total Excess

Where both apply, the compulsory and voluntary excesses are usually added together.

For example, a £150 compulsory excess and a £250 voluntary excess would leave the policyholder responsible for the first £400 of an eligible claim.

Different excesses may apply to windscreen, flood, theft, accidental damage or young-driver claims.

Choose an Affordable Excess

A high voluntary excess may reduce the premium but could make a smaller claim impractical. Consider how much you could comfortably pay at short notice.

No Claims Discounts

Some insurers provide a no claims discount after each claim-free insurance period.

Motorhome insurance may use a no claims system similar to car insurance. A specialist insurer may also consider a no claims history earned on another vehicle, although this should not be assumed.

Touring caravan policies may apply their own claims-free discounts. These may not transfer to a motorhome, car or different type of insurance.

Protected No Claims Discount

Protection may prevent an eligible claim from reducing the percentage discount. It does not guarantee that the overall renewal premium will remain unchanged.

The underlying premium can still increase because of claims costs, inflation, changes in risk or wider market conditions.

European Insurance Cover

Anyone planning to take a caravan, motorhome or campervan abroad should check the geographical limits of the policy before travelling.

Check:

Which countries are included.
The maximum number of days permitted on each trip.
The total number of days allowed each year.
Whether the same level of cover applies abroad.
Whether theft, accidental damage and contents remain covered.
Whether European breakdown recovery is included.
Whether repatriation to the United Kingdom is covered.
Whether hotel accommodation or vehicle hire is included.
Whether the towing vehicle and attached caravan are both recovered.
What documents must be carried.

Do not assume that European insurance automatically includes European breakdown assistance. These are separate benefits and may have different limits.

European Cover for Touring Caravans

Check that the caravan policy remains valid in every country you intend to visit. The towing vehicle’s insurer should also be told about the planned journey.

Confirm whether the caravan remains covered while detached from the towing vehicle and left unattended on a campsite.

European Cover for Motorhomes

Check whether comprehensive protection continues abroad or whether the policy reduces to the minimum legal cover required in the country being visited.

Also check the length of each permitted trip and the total number of European travel days allowed during the policy year.

Check Vehicle Size Limits

Breakdown providers may limit recovery according to the motorhome’s length, height, weight or age. Confirm that the service can recover your particular vehicle before travelling.

Breakdown and Recovery Cover

Breakdown cover pays for assistance when a towing vehicle, caravan or motorhome suffers a mechanical or electrical failure covered by the agreement.

It is not the same as insurance against accident, theft or fire.

Caravan Breakdown Cover

A caravan does not have an engine, but faults with its wheels, tyres, chassis, brakes or coupling can prevent a journey from continuing.

Check whether the breakdown provider will assist with the caravan itself and whether it will recover both the towing vehicle and caravan if either becomes unusable.

Some ordinary car breakdown policies may recover the towing vehicle but provide limited assistance for the caravan.

Motorhome Breakdown Cover

Motorhomes may exceed the dimensions or weight limits applied by ordinary car breakdown services. Specialist cover may therefore be required.

Confirm the permitted vehicle length, height, width, weight and age before purchasing cover.

European Recovery

European breakdown cover may include roadside assistance, local recovery, onward travel, accommodation, vehicle repatriation and the return of passengers.

Financial, geographical and time limits normally apply. Recovery may also depend on the vehicle being economically repairable or capable of being transported safely.

How to Reduce Caravan and Motorhome Insurance Costs

The lowest price is not always the best value, but there are sensible ways to reduce risk and potentially lower the premium.

Compare the cover and limits offered by several providers.
Keep the caravan or motorhome at an accurately declared secure location.
Use approved security devices.
Install an approved alarm or tracker where appropriate.
Choose a realistic annual mileage for a motorhome.
Avoid paying for optional extras already covered elsewhere.
Select an affordable voluntary excess.
Maintain a claim-free record where possible.
Complete recognised towing or driving courses where discounts are available.
Keep servicing, maintenance and security records.
Review the insured value at every renewal.
Tell the insurer about relevant club memberships.
Pay annually where monthly instalments add interest or charges.
Remove unnecessary drivers from a motorhome policy.
Review the policy rather than allowing it to renew automatically without comparison.

Never reduce the declared value, mileage or level of use simply to obtain a cheaper quote. Incorrect information could affect a later claim.

Compare Like for Like

A cheaper policy may have a higher excess, lower contents limits, stricter security conditions or less European cover. Compare the protection offered as well as the headline premium.

Questions to Ask Before Buying Insurance

Is the policy based on New for Old, Market Value, Paid Value or Agreed Value?
Have I declared the correct replacement or market value?
What events are covered?
What are the main exclusions?
What compulsory and voluntary excesses apply?
Are the caravan or motorhome contents included?
Are high-value individual items limited?
Are the awning, canopy and motor mover covered?
Are solar panels and permanently fitted accessories included?
What security devices must be used?
Are the storage arrangements acceptable?
Can family members or friends use the caravan?
Can additional drivers use the motorhome?
Is commuting or business use excluded?
Can the caravan be left on a seasonal pitch?
Is European cover included?
How many days can be spent abroad?
Is breakdown and recovery included?
Does recovery cover the vehicle's full size and weight?
Is repatriation from Europe included?
Does the policy cover alternative accommodation?
Will the insurer pay for caravan hire after an accepted claim?
Is flood cover included?
Are storm claims subject to special conditions?
How does the insurer define a total loss?
What evidence will be required if a claim is made?
Are there restrictions on who may tow the caravan?
Does the motorhome policy cover the intended annual mileage?
Are windscreen and specialist glass claims covered?
Must tracking subscriptions remain active throughout the policy?

How to Make an Insurance Claim

1. Make the Situation Safe

Protect people from danger and contact the emergency services where necessary. Do not put yourself at risk trying to prevent further damage.

2. Contact the Police When Required

Report theft, attempted theft, vandalism and other criminal damage to the police. Keep the crime reference number.

3. Prevent Further Damage

Take reasonable temporary steps to prevent the loss becoming worse, provided it is safe to do so. Do not begin permanent repairs without the insurer’s approval unless urgent action is essential.

4. Record the Damage

Take clear photographs and videos. Keep damaged items unless the insurer agrees that they may be disposed of.

5. Contact the Insurer Promptly

Use the claims telephone number or online process shown in the policy documents. Provide honest and complete information.

6. Gather Supporting Evidence

This may include:

The policy number.
Purchase invoices.
Photographs.
Servicing records.
Security device certificates.
Tracker subscription records.
Repair estimates.
Receipts for emergency expenses.
Witness details.
A police crime reference number.

7. Follow the Insurer's Instructions

The insurer may appoint an engineer, loss adjuster, repairer or recovery service. Keep a record of calls, emails and decisions.

8. Keep All Receipts

Keep receipts for any emergency accommodation, transport, temporary repairs or other expenditure connected with the incident.

Do not assume that every cost will be reimbursed. Obtain the insurer’s approval wherever possible.

Never Admit Liability at the Scene

Exchange the required information and provide a factual account, but do not agree that an incident was your fault or promise payment on behalf of the insurer.

UK Caravan and Motorhome Insurance Providers

The following companies currently advertise specialist touring caravan, motorhome or campervan insurance or cover in the United Kingdom.

This is an informational directory, not a ranking or comparison. Policy availability, eligibility and product details can change. Always check the provider’s official website and full policy documents.

Provider	Touring Caravan	Motorhome or Campervan	Official Website
Adrian Flux	Yes	Yes	Visit Adrian Flux
Caravan and Motorhome Club	Yes – Caravan Cover	Yes	Visit Caravan and Motorhome Club
Caravan Guard	Yes	Yes	Visit Caravan Guard
Comfort Insurance	No specialist touring caravan product currently listed	Yes	Visit Comfort Insurance
Cover4Caravans	Yes	No specialist motorhome product currently listed	Visit Cover4Caravans
Lifesure	Yes	Yes	Visit Lifesure
Ripe Insurance	Yes	Yes	Visit Ripe Insurance
Safeguard	Yes	Yes	Visit Safeguard

About This Directory

Caravan Adventuring does not provide insurance quotations, arrange insurance or pass visitor details to the companies listed above. We receive no payment when a visitor follows one of these links.

Provider information must be checked directly before purchasing a policy because eligibility, benefits and available products may change.

UK Caravan and Motorhome Insurance Providers

Do I legally need touring caravan insurance?

Separate touring caravan insurance is not generally required by law in the United Kingdom. However, the towing vehicle must be insured for towing, and its policy may not cover loss of or damage to the caravan itself.

Does comprehensive car insurance cover my caravan?

It may provide third-party liability while the caravan is attached, but it does not necessarily cover damage to or theft of the caravan. Check the tow car’s policy wording and consider specialist caravan insurance.

Is motorhome insurance compulsory?

Yes. A motorhome is a motor vehicle and must normally be insured unless it is kept completely off the public road and has been formally declared SORN.

Does a campervan need specialist insurance?

A campervan should be insured using a policy that correctly reflects its vehicle type, conversion and use. An ordinary car or van policy may not provide suitable cover for fitted living accommodation and equipment.

What is the difference between New for Old and Market Value?

New for Old cover is intended to fund a new equivalent following an eligible total loss. Market Value cover pays the value of the caravan or motorhome immediately before the loss, taking depreciation into account.

What is Agreed Value cover?

Agreed Value cover uses a valuation accepted by the insurer when the policy is arranged. Evidence such as photographs, invoices or an independent valuation may be required.

Does caravan insurance cover theft?

Many policies cover theft and attempted theft, but required security devices must normally have been fitted and used correctly.

Does caravan insurance cover damp?

Damp, rot, mould and gradual deterioration are commonly excluded because they are treated as maintenance issues rather than sudden insured events.

Is my awning covered?

Some policies include awning cover, while others offer it as an optional extra. Storm damage and unattended awnings may be subject to restrictions.

Is a motorhome canopy covered?

A permanently fitted canopy may be included as part of the motorhome or treated as an accessory. Check that its value is included and whether storm damage restrictions apply.

Is a motor mover covered?

A motor mover may be covered as part of the caravan’s equipment or overall insured value. It should be declared where required.

Do I need a wheel clamp and hitchlock?

Many touring caravan policies require particular security devices. The exact requirement depends on the policy, caravan and storage arrangements.

Will a tracker reduce my premium?

An approved tracker may qualify for a discount with some insurers and may be compulsory for higher-value caravans or motorhomes.

Does the tracker subscription need to remain active?

Where a tracker is required by the policy, the insurer may require the monitoring subscription to remain active throughout the period of insurance.

Can I insure a self-built campervan?

Some specialist insurers consider self-build campervans, while others insure only professionally converted vehicles. Full details of the conversion must be declared.

Can other people use my caravan?

Some policies permit use by family and friends, while others require named users or an optional extension. Check before lending the caravan.

Can someone else drive my motorhome?

Only drivers permitted by the motorhome insurance policy may drive it. Additional drivers should be added before they use the vehicle.

Does insurance cover European touring?

Many policies provide or offer European cover, but the countries, trip limits and level of protection vary. Check the policy before every overseas journey.

Does European insurance include breakdown cover?

Not necessarily. Insurance and breakdown assistance are separate products even when both are sold by the same provider.

Can I leave my caravan on a seasonal pitch?

Some policies allow this, but conditions or time limits may apply. The insurer should be told how the caravan will be used and where it will be kept.

Can I insure a caravan kept at home?

Yes, subject to the insurer accepting the address and security arrangements. The declared storage location must be accurate.

Will insurance cover items left inside the caravan or motorhome?

Contents cover may be included, but total limits, individual item limits and exclusions for valuables often apply.

Does motorhome insurance cover windscreens?

Many comprehensive motorhome policies include windscreen cover, but claim limits and excesses may apply. Check that specialist motorhome glass is adequately covered.

What happens if my caravan or motorhome is written off?

The insurer will assess the claim using the valuation basis shown in the policy, such as New for Old, Market Value, Paid Value or Agreed Value.

Can I change insurers at renewal?

Yes. Compare the renewal terms with alternative policies, but make sure replacement cover begins before the previous policy ends.

Should I automatically choose the cheapest insurance?

No. Compare the policy limits, excesses, valuation basis, security conditions, exclusions and claims support as well as the premium.

Final Thoughts

The right insurance is not necessarily the policy with the lowest premium or the longest list of headline benefits.

Start by calculating the correct value of the caravan, motorhome and relevant equipment. Consider how the unit is stored, who will use it, where it will travel and which risks would be most difficult to fund personally.

Compare policies on a like-for-like basis and pay particular attention to valuation methods, excesses, security requirements, European limits and exclusions.

Most importantly, read the full policy wording and ask the insurer to clarify anything that is unclear before purchasing cover.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice. Insurance policies, prices, eligibility requirements, terms, conditions and exclusions vary between providers and may change at any time.

Caravan Adventuring is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by or acting on behalf of any insurer or insurance provider mentioned on this page. We do not receive commission, referral fees or any other financial benefit from the companies listed.

The inclusion of an insurer does not represent a recommendation or endorsement. Visitors should compare policies carefully, read the full policy wording and confirm all information directly with the insurer before purchasing cover.

Caravan Adventuring accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage or decision resulting from reliance on the information provided on this page.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Explore More Caravan Guides

Discover more practical information, advice and explanations in our main caravan guide sections.

Caravan Glossary (A-Z)

Understand common caravan, motorhome and campsite terminology with our easy-to-use A-Z glossary.

Campsite & Travel Advice

Practical guidance to help you choose campsites, plan journeys and enjoy smoother touring holidays.

Caravan Setup & Equipment

Clear explanations of caravan equipment, systems, maintenance and the essential tasks involved in setting up.

Caravan Tips & Guides

Helpful touring advice for caravan owners, covering everyday use, holiday planning and life on the road.

European Touring

Plan caravan and motorhome journeys abroad with practical advice covering routes, preparation and European travel.