Buying decisions: Finding the right motorhome insurance

Don’t think that the cost comparison website that you’ve used every year for your car insurance will be the best place to start now that you’ve bought a motorhome. It won’t.

And nor will any of the big direct insurers with those flashy TV ads. No, the best cover for your motorhome or campervan will be through one of the specialist insurance providers.

Motorhome and campervan insurance cover when travelling abroad

If you’re planning a winter in the Iberian sun, then look for policies with a long period of European cover but, if you’ll never leave the UK, you can save money with a policy that excludes foreign trips.

If you travel abroad, what happens if you break down in Croatia? You’ll want to have paid for breakdown cover that not only covers the whole of Europe but also has adequate limits to get the motorhome repatriated.

Also think about your pet – it is no good having cover to get you and your motorhome home if pet repatriation is not included.

Wherever you go, you’re bound to take some high-value items with you. Things like jewellery should be covered by your household and/or travel insurance, but always check. However, accessories appertaining to your leisure vehicle will usually need to be insured by the motorhome policy. Contents of your motorhome or campervan are normally included, with a limit of £2,500 to £5,000.

Check the limits on your motorhome and campervan insurance

If you’ve just signed on the dotted line for a shiny new A-class worth £100k, find out what it would cost to replace its windscreen. It’s likely to be expensive, so ask what the glass claim limit is on the policy.

If you’ve ordered a new 21-plate motorhome, also investigate new-for-old cover, which should get you another brand-new motorhome or campervan if yours is written off. That’s important, as you might have paid £60k for your vehicle last year, but its replacement might be nearer £70k, as prices generally keep rising.

Security will make a difference to your premium, too. Most insurers will require you to fit a tracker or a Category 1 alarm if your vehicle is worth more than £40,000.

Of course, not all of us have space to keep a motorhome on the drive and it’s hard to get cover for vehicles parked on the street, but there are many storage facilities for motorhomes that solve this issue. Check that your insurer is happy with the site you plan to use and that it’s not in a flood-risk area.

Shop around and, once you’ve got a deal that sounds good, check all the terms and conditions.

Andrew Evanson, Senior Operations Manager at Motorhome Protect, comments:

“It’s important to ensure that you are properly protected and you can be confident that using a specialist means you’ll find the right cover. Our team of experts will be able to understand exactly what you are looking for, whether that’s limited mileage, personal effects protection or a green card for a trip abroad. We can then provide a quote tailored to your needs.” 

If you want to know more, then check out the annual insurance survey published in our sister magazine, What Motorhome. You can obtain a copy at motorhome.ma/whipocketmags

In association with Motorhome Protect Insurance Specialist
Tel: 01865 818331
Website: motorhomeprotect.co.uk/motorhome-insurance