In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of van life insurance, helping you decide whether you need full time or temporary cover.
For some people, vanlife is weekend surfing trips, spontaneous getaways, and cosy camping under the stars. For others, it’s everything – their home, their commute, and their way of life.
As with all vehicles, campervans need proper insurance, but your requirements will vary depending on how long you’re travelling, where you’re going, and how you use your camper.
Just Kampers Insurance has been providing specialist camper insurance since 1998, and many of us are campervan owners ourselves, so we know exactly what you need, and how to get you great deals on tailored insurance.
Let’s dive in so you can find the cover that’s right for you.
Jump to:
What is Vanlife?
Is Vanlife Insurance Different to Standard Van Insurance?
When is Temporary Vanlife Insurance Cover Best?
When is Full-Time Van Life Cover Best?
How Can I Get Vanlife Insurance Set Up?
Other Useful Things to Consider When Taking Out a Van Life Policy
Summary
What is Vanlife?
This is a term that we’re hearing more and more, but what does it actually mean?
Simply put, vanlife is the lifestyle which involves living or travelling in a motorhome or campervan for extended periods of time, or even full time.
Is Vanlife Insurance Different to Standard Van Insurance?
Yes, van life insurance is different to normal van insurance, since a standard van insurance policy will cover you for everyday driving, but it doesn’t account for the additional and unique risks that come with living or travelling in your camper.
Here are some of the main differences:
- Modifications cover: Specialist vanlife policies can cover DIY conversions, solar panels, pop-tops, electrical systems, gas installations, plumbing, and fitted furniture. Standard policies don’t offer this level of cover.
- Contents and personal belongings: If you’re living in your campervan, you’re typically carrying more than the average driver. Van life insurance factors this in and can be tailored specifically to your lifestyle.
- Using the vehicle as a home: Cooking or sleeping inside the camper is not covered under standard insurance, but it is factored in when you take out a vanlife policy.
- Insuring your camper with no fixed address: You can get van life insurance with us even if you have no permanent address. This is only available for specialist vanlife cover, as standard vehicle insurance policies do require a fixed address.
You’ll often have the option of temporary or full-time cover, and if you speak with our friendly team on 01256 444 546 we’ll be able to guide you.
When is Temporary Vanlife Insurance Cover Best?
Temporary cover refers to a short-term policy, typically lasting anywhere from a few days to a few months. This is ideal if your camper is not your full-time home, but you need more than what a standard insurance policy can offer.
Here are a couple of situations where temporary insurance may be right for you:
- You’re going away on a short road trip or holiday: Perhaps you’re planning a long weekend away or a couple of weeks in Europe.
- You’re testing vanlife before committing to it: Maybe you want to try out the lifestyle and see if it’s for you, without investing in a full annual policy.
When is Full-Time Van Life Cover Best?
Full-time vanlife insurance is intended for those of us who use our camper all the time or take extended trips away in it. This is usually an annual policy, which is tailored to the individual and their vehicle.
Full-time vanlife cover could be ideal for you if:
- Your campervan is your main residence: If you’re living in your camper full time, your insurance will need to reflect this and provide adequate protection.
- You’re travelling for a long period of time in your camper: If you’re planning to travel and explore the UK, or even cross borders into Europe for a while, a full-time policy might be just what you need.
Why compromise on insuring your precious vehicle when we’ll give you £50* if we are not the cheapest.
How Can I Get Vanlife Insurance Set Up?
It’s easier than you think! Since 1998, we’ve specialised in campervan insurance, keeping thousands of campers protected at an affordable price. If you’re living in your camper, or planning an extensive road trip, just give our friendly team a call on 01256 444 546 or arrange a callback at a time that suits you.
We’re always happy to talk through your options and we’ll be able to guide you towards the right cover, so you can hit the road with peace of mind.
Other Useful Things to Consider When Taking Out a Van Life Policy
Security Features
Installing some extra security features in your camper can benefit you in more ways than one.
Not only will it help to obstruct or deter thieves, but it also lowers the camper’s risk profile for insurers, which means you could potentially see lower premiums.
Click here to find out more about campervan security features.
Agreed Value Cover
The average market value often doesn’t reflect the true value of a custom campervan, which is where agreed value cover comes in.
With an agreed value policy, you and your insurer set the value upfront, so you can hit the road with confidence knowing your pride and joy is protected for what it’s really worth, should the unexpected happen.
We offer agreed value as an optional extra here at Just Kampers Insurance, so be sure to ask us about it or read more here!
Summary – So Which is Right for You?
Choosing between temporary and full-time vanlife cover ultimately comes down to how often you live in, sleep in, or travel in your campervan.
If you’re taking short trips or only living in it occasionally, you’ll probably be better suited to temporary cover. Whereas if you have a fully converted camper that you live in long-term, or you travel a lot, full-time insurance is likely to be your best option.
Let us handle the hard work for you. Talk it through with our team of experts on 01256 444 546, and we’ll make sure you get the right cover.
