Insurance is one of those topics that most people find boring but absolutely cannot afford to get wrong. If you are converting a van into a campervan, or if you have just bought a converted van, you need to understand how insurance works for these vehicles. Getting it wrong could mean your claim is rejected when you need it most.
Van Insurance vs Campervan Insurance
A standard van insurance policy covers a panel van used for commercial or personal use. A campervan insurance policy covers a vehicle that has been converted for leisure use with living accommodation. The distinction matters because campervan policies typically include cover for the conversion itself — the furniture, appliances, electrical systems, and fittings that you have installed.
If you insure your converted van on a standard van policy, the insurer may refuse to pay out for damage to the conversion. Worse, if you have not declared the modifications, they could void your entire policy.
Insurance During the Conversion
If you are having your van converted, you need insurance that covers the vehicle during the build process. Some specialist insurers offer in-build or in-conversion policies that cover the van and the conversion work in progress. This is important because a fire, theft, or accident during the build could cost you thousands.
At AVS Bransgore, we carry our own insurance that covers vehicles while they are in our workshop, but we always recommend that customers maintain their own policy as well for complete peace of mind.
Reclassifying Your Van with the DVLA
Once your conversion is complete, you should reclassify your vehicle with the DVLA from a panel van to a motor caravan. This is done by filling in a V5C amendment form and providing evidence that the vehicle meets the DVLA's criteria for a motor caravan. The vehicle must have a bed, cooking facilities, a table or work surface, and storage.
Reclassifying your van has several benefits. Your road tax may be lower (motor caravans are taxed differently from vans), you can get specialist campervan insurance, and you may be eligible for lower ferry and toll charges.
Finding the Right Policy
Specialist campervan insurers understand converted vehicles in a way that mainstream insurers often do not. Companies like Adrian Flux, Bakers of Dorset, and Comfort Insurance all offer policies specifically designed for self-build and professionally converted campervans. When comparing quotes, make sure the policy covers the full value of the conversion, not just the base vehicle.
Agreed value policies are worth considering. With a standard policy, the insurer decides what your van is worth if it is written off. With an agreed value policy, you and the insurer agree on the value upfront, which means you know exactly what you will receive. This is particularly important for high-value conversions.
What Affects Your Premium?
Several factors affect your campervan insurance premium: the value of the base vehicle and conversion, where you keep it (a locked garage or driveway is cheaper than on-street parking), your driving history, whether you use it as a daily driver or leisure only, and the security features fitted (alarm, immobiliser, tracking device).
The Bottom Line
Do not treat campervan insurance as an afterthought. Get specialist cover that properly protects your investment, declare all modifications honestly, and consider reclassifying your vehicle with the DVLA. If you need advice on what documentation you need for insurance or DVLA reclassification after your conversion, we are always happy to help. Call us on 01425 200826.
Found this helpful?
Share it with a friend who might find it useful.