The freedom of the open road, the thrill of adventure, and… sorting through stacks of paperwork? Getting your head around UK van life insurance is one of the boring tasks you have to get done before you can safely and securely enjoy spending time in your van!
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about insuring your van – including DVLA requirements, a comprehensive FAQ on van life insurance in the UK and a list of the best van life-specific insurance providers.
First up, let’s take a look at current DVLA standards.
“let’s get this on the road campervan….. for those that dare to van adventure” – Self Build Campervan.
Current DVLA Regulations
In October 2019, the DVLA updated its rules for registering a campervan conversion as a motor caravan. These changes have made it significantly more challenging to reclassify a van as a motorhome.
However, there’s a silver lining for van lifers:
“it’s no longer necessary to reclassify your van to get insurance. Many providers now offer specific coverage for van lifers, known as ‘modified van insurance”.
This means you can enjoy the benefits of specialized insurance without going through the complex reclassification process.
Requirements for Motorhome Reclassification
If you still want to attempt reclassification, here are the key requirements:
- Body Type: Your vehicle must have one of the approved body types listed by the DVLA (e.g., panel van, box van, MPV).
- Internal Features: Your van must have:
- Seats and a table
- Sleeping accommodation
- Cooking facilities
- Storage facilities
- External Features: The DVLA expects to see:
- At least two windows on one side of the main body
- A separate door for living accommodation access
- Motor caravan-style graphics on both sides
- An awning bar
- A high-top roof (pop-tops don’t count)
Remember, meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee approval. The DVLA’s decision-making process can be quite strict and sometimes unpredictable.
Should You Try Reclassifying Your Van as a Motor Home?
Pros:
- Potentially lower insurance costs (though this benefit has diminished with the availability of specialized van life insurance)
- Possible savings on ferry fares when travelling abroad
- Slightly cheaper MOT costs for vehicles between 3,000 and 3,500kg
- For vans under 3,050kg, higher speed limits on certain roads
Cons:
- Very low success rate for reclassification applications since 2019
- Time-consuming and potentially frustrating process
- No guarantee of approval even if you meet all requirements
- Many of the traditional benefits (like insurance savings) are now available without reclassification
With all that in mind, I’d say it’s more… practical to insure your van as a campervan conversion without (using modified van insurance) going through the DVLA reclassification process. However, the decision ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and goals for your van life adventures!
Best UK Van Life Insurance Providers – top 7
As with all types of insurance, how much you end up paying will depend on a lot of different factors – where it’s stored, how many miles per year you’ll be driving it and even the estimated value of the vehicle. So much will depend on the van you have, what work you’ve done to it and what you intend to use it for!
I thought it’d be useful to make some enquiries about European cover, seeing as it’s relatively easy for UK van lifers to hop across the channel. From what I could gather, it’s not standard for insurers to offer 90 days cover – so if you’re planning on spending a long time abroad then you may end up paying a lot more for insurance, depending on which provider you go with.
For anyone wondering how it works, this is my understanding of it: let’s say you have 90 days of fully comprehensive European driving coverage from your provider. When you wake up on the 91st day, if you’re still in Europe then your cover goes down to the minimum legal requirement for the country you’re in which will most likely be 3rd Party Fire & Theft.
Trustpilot Score: Excellent (4.8/5) based on 51.3k+ reviews
European Cover: Up to 180 days
Price: from ~£290
By far the most popular insurer on the list based on their Trustpilot score, though they do offer a lot of different insurance options (not just modified van insurance) so that could be pumping up their numbers. One unique thing they mentioned is that if you have a dash cam and get into an accident, provided the footage is clear then they’ll waive the excess. That was a very specific example to give which makes me think a) there’s probably a lot more things like that they offer but b) you’ll have to pay for it.
Trustpilot Score: Excellent (4.3/5) based on 32.1k+ reviews
European Cover: Up to 90 days (extendable)
Price: Contact Directly
They offer something called ‘build-up insurance’ which will cover you while you’re converting your van, then they’ll help you switch over to a full policy to get you on the road. It’s worth noting that their website claims 81% of their customers would’ve saved money if they’d called up instead of filling it out online!
Trustpilot Score: Excellent (4.7/5) based on 700+ reviews
European Cover: Up to 365 days
Price: Contact Directly
This was something notable that I didn’t see anywhere else: their modified van insurance policy can be adjusted daily – from how it’s worded I think it means for no extra cost but don’t quote me on that – which is good if you want to get on the road in your van ASAP and make modifications to your van as you get a feel for what you need.
Trustpilot Score: Great (4.1/5) based on 10k+ reviews
European Cover: Up to 90 days (extendable)
Price: from £275
This is the only insurer I saw that has a 24/7 phone line available. I’m not sure in what scenario you’d need to call up at 3 AM and make a claim against your insurance but, if you need to, you can. Their website also states that they offer ‘van-life insurance for all makes and models’ so no matter how your van conversion turns out, they’ll be able to offer you insurance.
Greenlight
Trustpilot Score: Excellent (4.5/5) based on 200+ reviews
European Cover: Minimum 30 days, up to 90 days
Price: from £300
This is a small team that (from their website) I believe specialises in modified cars – think the early Fast & Furious movies – but the benefit of being small is that they can offer some really good prices. When I spoke with someone on the phone, they said that for renewals the price can be as low as £200 – depending on what you want from your policy, of course!
Just Kampers Insurance
Trustpilot Score: Excellent (4.7/5) based on 4.6K+ Reviews
European Cover: Up to 365 days
Price: from £235
Straight away when you look at their website, they make it very clear you can reduce your premiums by up to 50% if you don’t intend on driving your van that often. That seems pretty standard for insurance – the less you drive it, the less you pay. They offer a lot of optional covers – the most I saw from any of the providers listed here – which is what you’d expect from a company that specialises in campervans!
Trustpilot Score: Excellent (4.9/5) based on 7.6k+ reviews
European Cover: Contact Directly
Price: Contact Directly
Trying to find out any information from this place was like getting blood from a stone! When I called up to ask about their cover for driving in Europe, all they said was it’ll depend on the individual policy and that more information is available on the website (I couldn’t find it which is why I called up in the first place!).
FAQ Around Van Insurance policies in the UK
What is modified van insurance?
Modified van insurance is a specialized coverage designed for vans that have been altered from their original factory specifications, including van life conversions. This type of insurance:
- Accounts for changes that affect the vehicle’s value, safety, or risk profile
- Considers alterations when determining coverage and premiums
- May increase premiums for valuable upgrades due to higher theft risk
- Could potentially lower costs for safety enhancements
- Ensures appropriate coverage for your customized van life vehicle
- Provides peace of mind for both personal and business use of converted vans
This insurance is particularly important for those who have transformed their vans into mobile homes or work spaces, as these significant modifications can greatly impact the van’s value and usage.
What counts as a camper van modification?
In the context of van life and general van modifications, insurers consider any post-factory change as a modification. These can include:
- Performance enhancements: Engine upgrades, improved suspension, brake system changes
- Exterior modifications: Custom paintwork, alloy wheels, roof racks, body kits
- Interior changes: Additional seating, storage solutions, bed installations, kitchenettes
- Safety and security upgrades: Reinforced locks, extra airbags, parking sensors
- Comfort additions: In-car entertainment systems, air conditioning units
- Utilities: Solar panel installations, water tanks, electrical systems
- Accessibility modifications: Wheelchair ramps or lifts
- Minor additions: Tow bars, satellite navigation systems
It’s crucial to report all modifications made during the conversion process to ensure proper insurance coverage. Don’t take any chances – always consult with your insurance provider about your specific van life setup, even if you change a tiny thing that seems insignificant. If an insurance company can get out of paying for something, they will!
How much will van life insurance cost?
Finally, we get to the million-dollar question that most likely brought you here. Don’t worry, it won’t actually cost you a million dollars… which it wouldn’t do anyway because we use a different currency but ‘million-pound question’ doesn’t sound anywhere near as good.
Getting back on topic, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the cost of van life insurance in the UK – it’s like trying to work out the length of a piece of string.
Top 8 factors that’ll impact your van insurance quotes:
- Your van’s value: Whether you’ve got a rusty old VW or a swanky new motorhome, the value of your vehicle plays a big role in determining your premium.
- Your driving history: If you’ve got a clean record, you’re in luck! Insurance companies love safe drivers.
- Your age: Generally, more experienced drivers get better rates. One of the very few benefits of getting older. I like to think of it as a tax on being young!
- Where you park: Keeping your van in a secure location when you’re not on the road can lower your premium.
- Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher the risk, so higher mileage usually means higher premiums.
- Level of coverage: Comprehensive coverage will cost more than third-party only, but it also offers much more protection.
- Modifications: That awesome solar panel setup or custom kitchen might increase your insurance costs.
- How so you use your van: Weekend warrior or full-time van lifer? Your usage can affect your premium.
As a ballpark figure, in the UK, you might be looking at anywhere from £250 to £1000+ per year. But don’t let that scare you off! Many van lifers find that with some smart shopping around, they can get decent coverage for between £300-£500 annually.
Top tip: consider getting quotes from specialist campervan insurers (like the ones we’ve recommended above). They often understand the unique needs of van lifers better than general auto insurers and might offer more competitive rates.
I know it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option but, at the end of the day what matters is getting the coverage you need. This is your home and it’ll most likely have almost all of your worldly possessions inside it!
Is it cheaper to get specific van life insurance?
There are a lot of factors that go into determining how much you pay. It may end up being cheaper to get less specific insurance but then you lose a lot of the protection (and peace of mind) if something ever goes wrong. I personally like to minimise risk wherever I can but it’s ultimately a decision that is different for everyone and you’ll have to make up your own mind!
Do I need different insurance if I'm planning to live in my van full-time?
Not necessarily, but it’s crucial to be upfront with your insurance provider about your plans. Living full-time in your van doesn’t require a completely different type of insurance, but it may affect your policy. Some insurers offer specific coverage for full-time van dwellers (see the ‘Best UK Van Life Insurance Providers’ section above), so it’s worth shopping around to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
What won't van life insurance cover?
While policies vary, most standard campervan insurance won’t cover:
- General wear and tear
- Damage from pests or infestations (so keep those crumbs cleaned up!)
- Personal belongings (you might need separate contents insurance for these)
- Mechanical or electrical breakdowns (unless you opt for breakdown cover)
How can I invalidate my camper van insurance?
Here are some surefire (and let’s be honest, very obvious) ways to invalidate your van insurance:
- Lying on your application: Honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to insurance. Giving incorrect information about where you park your van, your annual mileage, or your occupation can come back to bite you. Apologies for the pun.
- Forgetting to update your details: Got a new job? Got married? Left the country? Make sure you let your insurer know. These changes can affect your risk profile.
- Neglecting your van: Poor maintenance that leads to breakdowns might not be covered.
- Letting unauthorized drivers take the wheel: Only named drivers on your policy should be driving your van. No matter how much your mate begs to “just try it out”.
- Modifying your van without telling your insurer: Finally picked up an awning? Make sure your insurer knows about it. Modifications can affect your van’s value and performance.
My advice would be if anything about your situation or your van changes, tell your insurance provider. It’s better to pay a bit more than to find out you’re not covered when you really need it!
Top tip: if you can get on a call with a human being and wow them with some of your adventures then they might add your changes on for free. Sometimes it’s worked for me, sometimes it hasn’t. If you don’t ask then you don’t get!
Final Thoughts about Camper Insurance
Insurance is all about peace of mind. It’s there to protect you and your beloved van in case the unexpected happens. Depending on the age of your van and how much you drive it, something unexpected is almost guaranteed to happen.
Finding the right policy for your specific needs, at a price that’s not extortionate, will require a bit of hard work. In my experience it’s time well spent – I had a breakdown when driving through France and just having a number to call with someone to help guide me through things was a huge weight off my mind.
As always, do your research, ask a lot of questions (especially about bringing the costs down!) and choose the policy that best fits with your van life journey.
Andrew – Van Lifer
Andrew has been doing vanlife on & off for years. In fact, one of the reasons Andrew went into writing is so he can work from anywhere with an internet connection – so a prefect fit with van life and he does exactly this during his many vanlife escapades.
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