Insurance
Cover, without the theatre
Premium is the least interesting number on a leisure vehicle policy. Six clauses decide whether a claim is paid, and none of them appear on a comparison table by default.
Cover types
What you are buying
Motorhome insurance
Combined road and contents cover. Agreed value is the clause that matters on anything over five years old or personally specified.
- Agreed value vs market value
- European use limits
- Habitation contents sub-limits
Campervan insurance
Conversion declarations decide whether a claim is paid. Undeclared self-build work is the most common reason cover fails.
- Conversion declaration
- Day-van use
- Modification schedules
Caravan insurance
Security conditions are contractual, not advisory. Most policies specify approved hitchlocks and accredited storage.
- Security conditions
- Storage accreditation
- New-for-old periods
Breakdown and recovery
Standard motor policies rarely cover a seven-metre vehicle. Check the length, weight and height limits, not the brand.
- Vehicle dimension limits
- Homeward transport
- European recovery
Comparison
Typical policy tiers
Indicative structure across the market in 2026. Terms vary by insurer; treat this as a framework for asking questions rather than a quotation.
| Clause | Basic | Standard | Specialist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agreed value | Not offered | Optional, +8–15% | Included above £40,000 |
| European use | 30 days | 90 days | 180 days or unlimited |
| Contents cover | £1,000 | £3,000 | £7,500+, itemised |
| Awning and annexe | Excluded | £1,500 | £3,500 |
| Windscreen | Excess applies | Included | Included, no excess |
| Key cover | Excluded | £500 | £1,500 |
The Road Co. does not sell insurance and is not a broker. Where we link to providers, the relationship is commercial and disclosed. Nothing on this page is financial advice.
Checklist
Six clauses to read first
Take the checklist to a renewal conversation. Each item has cost a real owner a real claim within the last two years.
Agreed value
Without it, a total loss is settled at the insurer's assessment of market value, which on a specified vehicle is routinely 15–25% below replacement cost.
Days of European use
Policies vary between 30, 90 and 180 days. Exceeding the limit voids cover for the remainder of the trip, not just the excess days.
Contents and awning limits
Single-article limits often sit at £500. Bicycles, laptops and camera equipment usually need specifying individually.
Storage declaration
Where the vehicle sleeps between trips changes both premium and validity. Notify any change of storage site in writing.
Habitation service history
Water-ingress claims are commonly declined where the habitation service is overdue. Keep invoices with the policy documents.
Named driver experience
Minimum age and licence-held periods are stricter than on car policies, particularly above 3,500kg.