Motorhome Insurance: Cheaper Than Auto Insurance?

Motorhome insurance is a type of motor cover that is legally required for motorhomes and campervans. It covers damage, accidents, and theft, similar to car insurance. The cost of motorhome insurance depends on various factors such as the vehicle's value, age, type, and size, security features, storage location, and the number of drivers. Generally, motorhome insurance is cheaper than van insurance due to fewer claims, lower mileage, and non-commercial use. However, factors like comprehensive coverage, additional security features, and driving history can also impact the premium.

Motorhome insurance is a legal requirement

However, there are several types of motorhome insurance available, much like personal auto insurance. Aside from third-party insurance, there is also third-party, fire, and theft insurance, which covers the same as third-party insurance but also includes damage or destruction by fire. There is also fully comprehensive insurance, which includes all the cover offered by a third-party fire and theft policy and could also cover a motorhome if it is damaged through the fault of the insured.

In addition to the required policies, there are also optional endorsements that can be purchased to provide more complete protection. These include collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, roadside assistance, personal belongings coverage, permanent attachments coverages, and vacation liability insurance.

Motorhomes are typically cheaper to insure than vans

Motorhomes are considered to be vehicles and, as such, are required by law to have liability insurance coverage. This is similar to everyday vehicle insurance, protecting you if you are at fault in an accident that causes property damage or bodily injury. It will also cover damages if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

However, basic RV insurance does not cover all scenarios. For example, it does not cover damage to your RV following an accident or damage caused by severe weather. Therefore, many RV owners opt for collision coverage in addition to liability coverage. This provides peace of mind by covering the costs of repairing or replacing your RV if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Another option is comprehensive RV insurance, also known as "other than collision" coverage. This provides protection against non-collision events that can cause damage to your RV, such as a lawsuit arising from an accident or a premises liability injury claim from visitors.

The cost of insuring your motorhome will depend on various factors, including the value of your vehicle, security, mileage, and storage. It is worth shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers to find the best price and level of coverage for your needs.

Motorhome insurance costs depend on factors like vehicle value, storage location, security, and number of drivers

Motorhome insurance costs depend on various factors, including the vehicle's value, storage location, security measures, and the number of drivers. Let's explore each of these factors in more detail:

Vehicle Value

The cost of motorhome insurance is typically tied to the value of the motorhome. In general, more expensive and luxurious vehicles will lead to higher insurance premiums. This is because higher-value motorhomes would require a more substantial payout from the insurance company in the event of theft or total damage. Additionally, luxury models often require specialised parts and expertise for repairs, which further drives up insurance costs.

Storage Location

Where you store your motorhome when it's not in use significantly impacts insurance costs. Insurers perceive secure locations, such as locked garages or dedicated storage facilities, as lower-risk, resulting in reduced premiums. On the other hand, parking your motorhome on the street or even on your driveway can increase the likelihood of theft, leading to higher insurance rates.

Security

Enhancing the security of your motorhome can help lower insurance premiums. The addition of security devices like alarms, wheel clamps, and tracking devices not only deters theft but also boosts the insurer's confidence in the vehicle's overall security. Insurers may offer discounts to motorhome owners who invest in such security measures.

Number of Drivers

Adding additional drivers to your motorhome insurance policy will generally increase the cost. The premium rises incrementally with each driver, depending on factors such as their age, driving record, and experience with motorhomes. Most insurers allow for up to four additional drivers, with a few permitting up to six.

In summary, motorhome insurance costs are influenced by a range of factors, including the value of the vehicle, where it is stored, the level of security, and the number of drivers on the policy. By understanding these factors, motorhome owners can make informed decisions and potentially find ways to reduce their insurance premiums.

Comprehensive motorhome insurance is the highest level of cover available

Motorhome insurance is a type of motor cover that is specific to motorhomes and campervans. It is a legal requirement to have insurance for your motorhome. Comprehensive motorhome insurance is the highest level of cover available.

Comprehensive motorhome insurance includes all the cover offered by a third-party fire and theft policy and could also cover your motorhome if it is damaged or destroyed by an event that is your fault. This type of insurance also covers your motorhome if it is damaged or destroyed by an event that is not a collision, such as a lawsuit arising from an accident or a premises liability injury claim from visitors.

Comprehensive motorhome insurance typically includes:

• Cover for accidental loss or damage to your motorhome and its contents from events such as floods, storms, fires and theft.
• Cover for personal belongings and generators.
• Personal legal liability cover.
• Cover for emergency repairs.
• Cover for medical emergencies.
• Towing and storage costs if your motorhome is damaged and is not roadworthy or safe to drive.
• Reimbursement for essential emergency repairs.
• Cover for food spoilage caused by refrigerator or freezer breakdown.

The cost of comprehensive motorhome insurance varies depending on the value of your vehicle and other factors such as security, mileage and storage. It is worth shopping around to find the best price and coverage for your motorhome.

Campervans are generally smaller and less expensive to insure than motorhomes

The cost of insuring a motorhome depends on various factors, including the vehicle's age, type, size, and the owner's personal details. The make and model of the motorhome also play a role, as higher-value vehicles tend to be more expensive to insure. Classic motorhomes or campers, like the retro VW campervan, may also come with higher premiums.

In contrast, campervans are often classified as cars or vans for insurance purposes, depending on their specifications. This means that campervan insurance can be obtained through car or van insurance policies, which may be more affordable than specialist motorhome policies.

Additionally, campervans tend to have lower mileage than motorhomes, as they are typically used for leisure trips rather than daily driving or commuting. Lower mileage can result in substantial savings on insurance premiums. Campervans may also have fewer claims and are not used for commercial purposes, further reducing the cost of insurance.

It is worth noting that the type of insurance coverage chosen, such as comprehensive, third-party theft and fire, or third-party only, will also impact the cost of insurance for both campervans and motorhomes. Comprehensive coverage is typically the most expensive option but provides the highest level of protection.

Overall, when it comes to insurance costs, campervans are generally more affordable to insure than motorhomes due to their smaller size, basic facilities, lower mileage, and classification as cars or vans for insurance purposes.

Frequently asked questions