Essential Steps to Take Before Renting Out Your Campervan

Your guide to safe, legal and stress-free campervan hire with Just Kampers Insurance.

Renting out your campervan can be a fantastic way to generate extra income, especially during the peak holiday season when UK travellers are actively looking for unique road-trip experiences. Whether you own a classic VW Transporter, a beautifully restored air-cooled Bay Window or a modern camper conversion, hiring out your vehicle can be rewarding and lucrative.

To do it properly, though, you need the right preparation, protection and insurance in place. This guide outlines the essential steps you should take before renting out your campervan, helping you stay safe, compliant and confident throughout the process.

Jump to:

Make sure you have the right insurance in place
Review your campervan’s modifications
Choose Optional Extras to protect your campervan
Prepare your campervan for hire
Set clear rules for your hirers
Use the 10% Just Kampers shop discount
Why choose Just Kampers Insurance
Summary

Make sure you have the right insurance in place

Standard campervan insurance does not cover rental use. The moment you hire your van out for payment, or ‘Hire and Reward’ as it’s officially called, you must have the correct insurance in place to protect yourself and your vehicle. Just Kampers Insurance offers short-term campervan hire insurance that has been designed specifically for situations where your van is being hired by others.

This includes Legal Protection, which covers you up to £100,000 to cover repairs, hire costs, and legal expenses, ensuring you are not left out of pocket if something goes wrong. Policies can include like-for-like vehicle replacement wherever possible, which means your hirer can stay mobile even if your camper becomes undriveable. You also gain access to legal advice to help you claim for losses that your original insurance might not cover, as well as assistance in claiming compensation for injuries or losses affecting both the driver and passengers. If your hirer is travelling abroad, EU Driving Cover can be included, and there are options for Salvage Retention depending on the policy. With access to helplines and expert support, having the right insurance gives you peace of mind throughout every rental period.

Review your campervan’s modifications

Before renting out your campervan, it is important to make sure that all modifications are correctly declared and covered. VW campervans often come with custom interiors, pop-top roofs, electrical upgrades or exterior enhancements, all of which must be listed on your policy. Just Kampers Insurance offers Modification Cover to ensure these additions are fully protected, including rock-and-roll beds, custom cabinetry, upgraded electrics, solar panels, suspension changes and bespoke paintwork.

Failing to declare modifications could lead to problems during a claim, so it is vital to review your campervan carefully and update your insurer. Since campervans often have unique layouts or personal touches, this step is particularly important for VW owners.

Choose Optional Extras to protect your campervan

When someone else is driving your campervan, having the right optional benefits can make a big difference. Just Kampers Insurance provides a wide range of additional protections that can be added to your policy to suit your needs.

• Agreed Value ensures you know exactly what you will receive if your camper is written off, rather than relying on uncertain market valuations.
• Contents Cover and Personal Effects Cover protect items such as camping equipment, cookware, or valuables that might be stored inside the vehicle or Awning.
• Breakdown Cover is important if the hirer is planning long trips or travelling to remote areas.
• Windscreen Cover can help reduce the high costs associated with the high price of campervan glass.
• Mis-Fuelling Assistance is a practical extra, as renters are more likely to fill up with the wrong fuel by mistake.
• Excess Protection can reimburse your excess after a claim.
• Spare Parts Cover is ideal for VW owners with rare or specialist components.
• Replacement Car cover can help ensure the hirer is not left stranded if your camper breaks down.
• Key Care Insurance provides financial assistance in the event of lost or stolen keys.

Choosing the right combination of these extras ensures that both you and your hirer are protected in a wide range of scenarios.

Prepare your campervan for hire

Before handing your campervan over, it is essential to ensure that it is clean, safe and mechanically sound. Start by carrying out basic mechanical checks, including tyre condition, oil level, coolant, brake performance, battery health and all lights and electrics. If your camper has gas appliances such as a cooker or heater, make sure you have an up-to-date gas safety test. A fire extinguisher and a well-stocked first-aid kit should always be included.

Inside the camper, ensure that surfaces are clean, the fridge is empty and fresh, and any bedding is either laundered or removed, depending on what you provide. Make sure the hirer understands how the pop-top works, how to operate the electrics and any quirks the van might have. Campervans, particularly VW models, often have their own personality, so clear instructions help avoid confusion.

Documentation is also important. Provide insurance details, breakdown information, emergency contact numbers, a copy of the hire agreement, safety guidance and an inventory list. Creating a simple welcome pack helps renters feel confident and equipped for their journey.

Set clear rules for your hirers

Before renting out your campervan, it is vital to set clear expectations. Establish rules within a ‘Hirer Declaration’ document regarding mileage limits, smoking restrictions, pet policies and fuel requirements. Decide whether you will allow festival use, as this often comes with additional wear and tear. Specify whether travel abroad is permitted and outline any restrictions on vehicle use, such as towing or off-road driving.

Good communication reduces misunderstandings and helps ensure that both you and your hirer have a positive experience. Setting clear rules also protects your campervan and can help simplify the insurance process if a claim arises.

Use the 10% Just Kampers shop discount

A major benefit of insuring with Just Kampers Insurance is access to a 10% discount at the JustKampers.com shop. This is especially useful when preparing your campervan for hire, as you can stock up on essential items such as spare bulbs, fuses, safety equipment, breakdown tools, cleaning products and camping accessories. Keeping your camper well-equipped and in good condition helps create a better experience for renters, increasing the likelihood of positive reviews and repeat bookings.

Why choose Just Kampers Insurance?

Just Kampers Insurance is trusted by thousands of VW and campervan owners for good reason. We offer decades of Volkswagen expertise, high-quality customer service and policies that genuinely understand the needs of campervan owners. Our optional benefits provide tailored protection, and our friendly team is always on hand to offer expert guidance. With access to helplines, flexible cover options and a 10% discount at JustKampers.com, you are supported every step of the way.

Summary

Renting out your campervan can be a rewarding venture, providing additional income while allowing others to experience the joy of life on the road. By preparing your camper properly, securing specialist insurance and selecting the right optional extras, you can rent with confidence and peace of mind. Just Kampers Insurance offers the specialist cover and expert support you need to prepare your campervan for hire and protect it throughout the rental process.

If you are ready to insure your campervan for rental use or want to explore your options further, visit Just Kampers Insurance at www.justkampersinsurance.com for a personalised quote and expert guidance.