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Campervan Conversion Insurance Campervans

Campervan Insurance Considerations: Solar Panels, Pop-Tops & Reverse Cameras

Published 2 August 2024 | Last updated 21 January 2026

Converting a van into a campervan, often known as a DIY campervan or van conversion, is an exciting and rewarding project.

However, it’s essential to consider all the relevant factors you can to ensure that your custom-built campervan is adequately insured.

Key features such as solar panels, pop-top roofs, and reverse cameras can impact your insurance needs and your premiums.

This comprehensive guide will delve into these components and how they affect campervan insurance, so you can make sure you have the necessary coverage for your self-build campervan.

VW T2 Bus in a remote rocky area by a lake

A Quick Introduction to Campervan Conversions and Insurance

The surge in popularity of van conversions has led many enthusiasts to undertake self-build campervan projects. These customised vehicles offer a unique and personalised travel experience, but they also present distinct insurance challenges.

Insuring a self-build campervan involves more than just standard vehicle insurance. You need to consider all the modifications and additional equipment you’ve installed, such as solar panels, pop-tops, and reverse cameras, which can influence both the cost and extent of your coverage.

How Do Solar Panels Affect Campervan Insurance?

Solar panels are a popular addition to campervans, providing a sustainable and cost-effective energy source. They allow you to power appliances and charge batteries without relying solely on traditional power sources, making off-grid adventures more feasible.

Insurance Considerations for Solar Panels

Valuation: The cost of installing solar panels can be pricey. It’s essential to declare the value of the panels to your insurer, so they are covered in case of theft or damage.
Installation Quality: Insurers may require proof that the solar panels were installed by a professional to mitigate the risk of improper installation, which could lead to damage or accidents.
Additional Coverage: Some insurance policies might not automatically cover solar panels, so you may need to add an endorsement to your policy to ensure they are protected.

Pop-Tops and Campervan Insurance

Pop-tops are roof modifications that provide additional headroom and sleeping space in your campervan. They are especially popular in smaller vans, transforming them into more versatile and comfortable living spaces.

Insurance Considerations for Pop-Tops

Modification Declaration: Any structural modifications, including pop-tops, must be declared to your insurer. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy.
Increased Value: Pop-tops can significantly increase the value of your campervan. Ensure your insurance coverage reflects this added value to avoid being underinsured.
Maintenance and Repair: Regular maintenance of pop-tops is crucial to prevent damage. Some insurers may require evidence of ongoing maintenance to keep your policy valid.

Can Reverse Cameras Affect Campervan Insurance?

Reverse cameras enhance safety by providing better visibility when backing up, reducing the risk of accidents. They are particularly useful in larger vehicles like campervans, where blind spots can be more prominent.

Insurance Considerations for Reverse Cameras

Safety Discounts: Installing reverse cameras can sometimes qualify you for discounts on your insurance premium, as they reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Professional Installation: Similar to solar panels, insurers may prefer or require that reverse cameras be installed by a professional to ensure they function correctly and safely.
Coverage for Electronics: Check if your insurance policy covers electronic accessories like reverse cameras. You may need to add specific coverage for these devices.

General Insurance Tips for Self-Build Campervans

Here are a few tips and tricks that we’ve picked up over the years – we’ve been offering specialist campervan insurance since 1998, so we’ve got a lot of experience covering all sorts of different campers and motorhomes.

Get an Accurate Valuation

Ensure you accurately value your campervan, including all modifications and additions. This comprehensive valuation will help you obtain the right coverage and ensure you are fully compensated in the event of a claim.

Click here to find out how you can get an agreed valuation policy from Just Kampers Insurance in a few simple steps, or call our friendly team on 01256 44 45 46.

Comprehensive Coverage

If possible, get yourself a comprehensive insurance policy which covers a wide range of risks, including theft, fire, accidental damage, and third-party liability. Comprehensive coverage provides the best protection for your investment, although they do tend to cost more.

Documentation

Keep detailed records of all modifications, including receipts, installation documents, and maintenance logs. This documentation can be crucial when filing a claim or proving the value of your campervan.

Specialist Insurers

Consider using specialist insurers who understand the unique needs of campervan owners. These insurers are more likely to offer tailored coverage options that suit your specific requirements.

For example, we’ve been specialists in campervan insurance since 1998, and have a friendly team of experts on hand to take your calls or answer any questions you might have.

Click here to learn more about Just Kampers Insurance.

Get a Quote in Minutes!

Let’s Summarise

Building and customising your own campervan is a fulfilling project that offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, but it’s essential to consider the insurance implications of your modifications, particularly when installing things like solar panels, pop-tops, and reverse cameras.

By understanding these considerations and ensuring you have comprehensive campervan insurance, you can protect your investment and enjoy peace of mind on the road.

For more detailed information on campervan insurance and to explore coverage options for your self-build campervan, visit Just Kampers Insurance.

For must-have parts and accessories for your self-build camper conversion, visit our sister company, Just Kampers. You’ll get 10% off your JK orders when you insure with us, too!

So, give us a call on 01256 44 45 46 and let one of our specialist team discuss your requirements. Or Get an online quote today or arrange a call back and let us call you at a convenient time.

A Quick Introduction to Campervan Conversions and Insurance
How Do Solar Panels Affect Campervan Insurance?
Insurance Considerations for Solar Panels
Pop-Tops and Campervan Insurance
Insurance Considerations for Pop-Tops
Can Reverse Cameras Affect Campervan Insurance?
Insurance Considerations for Reverse Cameras
General Insurance Tips for Self-Build Campervans
Get an Accurate Valuation
Comprehensive Coverage
Documentation
Specialist Insurers
Let’s Summarise

What Should I Do and Not Do if I Have an Accident? FAQs

Do I need to tell my insurer about an accident if I’m not making a claim?

Yes, you should still notify your insurer about the incident, even if you don’t intend to claim for damage to your own vehicle. Your policy may require you to report incidents which could potentially lead to a claim, particularly if another driver later decides to make a claim against you.
Reporting the accident promptly also ensures your insurer has a record of your version of events.

How quickly should I contact Just Kampers Insurance after an accident?

You should report an accident as soon as reasonably possible. Having your policy number, details of what happened, information about the other people and vehicles involved, photographs and any witness details to hand can help make the process easier. Just Kampers Insurance customers have access to a claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will I have to pay my excess if the accident wasn’t my fault?

If you make a claim through your own insurance policy, your policy excess may still be payable initially. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may subsequently be able to recover this from the responsible party.

Your claims handler can explain what applies to your particular claim and whether your excess may be recoverable.

Can legal protection help if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Just Kampers Insurance policies include legal protection, which can provide assistance following a non-fault accident, subject to the policy terms, limits and exclusions.

This can include help pursuing eligible uninsured losses, such as an excess you have paid, as well as assistance with certain legal expenses, vehicle hire or claims relating to injuries and other losses.

Will I get a courtesy car while my vehicle is being repaired?

This will depend on your cover and how your claim is handled. If you make a claim under a comprehensive policy and use an approved repairer, a courtesy car may be available for the duration of the repairs, subject to availability.

Different arrangements may apply following a non-fault accident, so speak to your claims handler before arranging alternative transport yourself.

What happens if my campervan or motorhome is written off?

Your insurer will assess the vehicle and the terms of your policy before determining how the claim will be settled.

This is particularly important for classic, converted and specialist vehicles, where modifications and the vehicle’s specification can have a significant impact on its value. If your policy includes Agreed Value cover, check your policy documents to understand how this applies to a total-loss claim.

What if modifications to my campervan are damaged in the accident?

Make sure you tell your claims handler about damage to modifications and converted parts of the vehicle, rather than documenting only the exterior bodywork.

Photograph damaged pop-tops, awnings, furniture, fitted equipment and other converted elements where it is safe to do so. Keeping photographs and documentation relating to modifications before an accident can also help demonstrate your vehicle’s specification and condition.

Should I arrange my own garage to repair the vehicle?

Speak to your insurer or claims handler before authorising significant repairs. The insurer may need to inspect the vehicle, review photographs or agree repair costs before work begins.

This can be especially important with classic vehicles, campervans and motorhomes, where specialist components or conversion work may require particular expertise.

What should I do if the other driver’s insurer contacts me directly?

Don’t ignore correspondence about the accident, but avoid getting drawn into discussions about liability or agreeing a settlement without speaking to your insurer.

Just Kampers Insurance advises customers to forward third-party correspondence unanswered so it can be dealt with appropriately.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or leaves the scene?

Gather as much information as you safely can, including the vehicle registration, make, model and colour, photographs or dashcam footage, and witness details.

Don’t attempt to chase a vehicle that leaves the scene. Report the incident to the police where required and contact your insurer promptly so they can advise you on the next steps.

Can I claim for belongings damaged inside my campervan or motorhome?

Whether damaged belongings are covered will depend on your individual policy and the cover you have selected.

If items inside your vehicle are damaged in an accident, photograph them and keep any evidence of ownership and value, such as receipts. Don’t dispose of damaged items until you have spoken to your claims handler.

What happens to my no-claims bonus after an accident?

The effect on your no-claims bonus will depend on factors including how the claim is recorded and the terms of your policy. Even where you have a protected no-claims bonus, a fault or pending claim may still affect future insurance premiums.

Check your policy documents or speak to the Just Kampers Insurance team if you’re unsure how a particular claim could affect your policy.

What information should I have ready when I report an accident?

It helps to have as much information as possible available, including your policy number, the date and location of the accident, details of the other driver and vehicle, photographs of the scene and damage, witness details, dashcam footage and any police reference number.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything immediately. Report the incident promptly, and your claims handler can explain what additional information may be needed.

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Written by: Beth Cane

Beth is a Marketing Executive at Just Kampers, with a growing passion for the Volkswagen and motor industry. She loves road trip adventures and attending various motor shows with friends and family in her free time.