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Campervan Conversion Insurance Campervans

What You Need to Know About Converted Campervan Insurance

Published 20 September 2024 | Last updated 21 January 2026

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the essentials of converted campervan insurance, focusing on key elements such as policy types, coverage options, and cost-saving strategies. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and ensure your campervan is fully protected.

We’ve been offering specialist insurance to campervan owners since 1998, so we know a thing or two about getting the right cover for converted campers!

Owning a converted campervan is more than just designing and creating your dream camper; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of adventure and independence.

Whether you’re away in your camper every weekend, or a full-time van lifer, having the right insurance is crucial. Standard vehicle insurance policies typically fall short of covering the extensive modifications and customisations in a converted campervan. This is where specialised campervan insurance comes into play, offering tailored coverage that considers the unique aspects of your vehicle.

What you need to know about converted campervan insurance

What is Converted Campervan Insurance?

Converted campervan insurance is a type of policy designed specifically for vehicles that have been modified or converted into living spaces.

Unlike standard car insurance, this policy covers the unique features of a campervan, including built-in furniture, cooking facilities, plumbing, and electrical systems. This specialised coverage ensures that all the additions and customisations made to your van are protected.

Click here to learn more about self-built campervan insurance from Just Kampers Insurance.

Why Standard Vehicle Insurance Isn’t Enough for Your Campervan

Standard vehicle insurance typically does not cover the full scope of modifications found in a campervan conversion.

Essential elements such as custom-built interiors, solar panels, and additional electrical wiring are often excluded from regular policies. Therefore, relying solely on standard vehicle insurance can leave significant gaps in coverage, putting your investment at risk.

Converted campervan insurance, however, is designed to address these specific needs, providing comprehensive protection for both the base vehicle and the custom modifications.

What are the Key Considerations for Converted Campervan Insurance?

Here are a few of the things you’ll want to be aware of when you set off to get yourself the best deal on vehicle insurance for your self-built camper.

Declaring Modifications

One of the most critical aspects of securing converted campervan insurance is accurately declaring all modifications.

Insurance providers need a detailed list of changes made to the vehicle, including interior layout, plumbing, electrical installations, and any structural alterations.

Failing to disclose any modifications can lead to denied claims and invalidated policies, so it’s essential to be transparent and thorough when documenting your van’s transformation.

Valuing Your Campervan

Properly valuing your converted campervan is another vital step to getting proper insurance coverage.

The valuation should reflect the total cost of the base vehicle plus all modifications and customisations. Keeping detailed records and receipts of all expenditures during the conversion process will help in accurately assessing the value of your campervan.

This information will be crucial when setting the coverage limits of your insurance policy.

Types of Coverage

Converted campervan insurance typically offers several types of coverage options:

Comprehensive Coverage: This provides extensive protection, covering damage to your campervan, theft, fire, and third-party liability.
Third-Party, Fire, and Theft: This covers damage to other vehicles or property, as well as loss or damage to your campervan due to fire or theft.
Third-Party Only: The minimum legal requirement, covering damage to other vehicles or property but not your own campervan.

Additionally, you may want to consider optional add-ons for enhanced protection:

Contents Coverage: Protects personal belongings and equipment inside the campervan.
Breakdown Cover: Provides roadside assistance in case of mechanical failure.
European Cover: Essential for those planning to travel abroad.
Legal Expenses Cover: Helps cover legal costs associated with claims and disputes.

See How Much You Could Save with Just Kampers Insurance

Converted Campervan Insurance from Just Kampers

What is the Process of Insuring a Self-Build Campervan?

Insuring a self-build or DIY campervan can be more complex than insuring a professionally converted vehicle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Document the Conversion: Keep comprehensive records of the conversion process, including photographs, receipts, and any certifications.
Professional Appraisal: Consider getting a professional appraisal to establish an accurate value for your converted campervan.
Specialised Insurers: Look for insurers that specialise in campervan insurance and have experience with self-build projects. We’d recommend taking a look at the self-build camper policies available here at Just Kampers Insurance!
Detailed Information: Be prepared to provide extensive details about the modifications, including specifications, safety features, and intended use.

Give our friendly team a call on 01256 44 45 46 to find out more or get a quote for your self-converted campervan. Alternatively, you can arrange a call back and we’ll contact you when the time is more convenient.

Tips for Reducing Insurance Costs

While converted campervan insurance can be more expensive, there are several ways to reduce your premiums:

Install Security Features: Speak to your insurance provider about adding security devices like alarms, immobilisers, and tracking systems to see if they can lower your insurance costs.
Join Campervan Clubs: Membership in recognised campervan clubs or associations can sometimes lead to discounts, so it’s worth checking this.
Increase Voluntary Excess: Opting for a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but make sure it’s an amount you can afford in the event of a claim.
Limit Mileage: If you don’t plan to use your campervan frequently, a limited mileage policy can help save money.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record: A good driving history with no claims or convictions can significantly reduce your insurance premiums.

In Conclusion

Converted campervan insurance is designed to cover the unique aspects of your custom-built home on wheels, providing peace of mind as you explore new horizons.

By understanding the importance of declaring modifications, accurately valuing your campervan, and choosing the right coverage, you can secure the best possible protection.

Additionally, exploring cost-saving measures can help you find affordable insurance without compromising on coverage.

For more information on campervan insurance and to explore tailored coverage options for your converted campervan, visit Just Kampers Insurance.

With the right insurance, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of van life, knowing that your home on wheels is well-protected.

Just Kampers Parts & Accessories

Just Kampers can also help with your campervan conversion! They have thousands of essentials and nice-to-haves that will transofrm your van into a dreamy campervan.

From windows and carpets to solar panels and fridges (plus everything in between), you’re sure to find exactly what you need.

And when you insure a vehicle with Just Kampers Insurance, you’ll get 10% off your JK orders!

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.

What is Converted Campervan Insurance?
Why Standard Vehicle Insurance Isn’t Enough for Your Campervan
What are the Key Considerations for Converted Campervan Insurance?
What is the Process of Insuring a Self-Build Campervan?
Tips for Reducing Insurance Costs
In Conclusion
Just Kampers Parts & Accessories

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.