Classic campervans are no longer just weekend toys. Many owners of VW air-cooled campers, from Split Screens and Bay Windows to early T25s, enjoy using their vans far more frequently, sometimes even as a daily driver. This often raises an important question: can you still get classic campervan insurance if you use your van every day? In this guide from Just Kampers Insurance, we explain how classic camper insurance works, what insurers look for, and which cover options may suit regular use.
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What Is Considered a “Classic” Campervan?
Can a Classic Campervan Be Insured as a Daily Driver?
Mileage Limits and Usage Restrictions Explained
Agreed Value Cover for Daily-Used Classics
Modifications, Reliability and Insurance
Alternative Insurance Options for Frequent Use
Summary – Be Honest About How You Use Your Camper
What Is Considered a “Classic” Campervan?
In insurance terms, a classic campervan is usually defined by age, condition and usage, rather than registration alone. While many insurers class vehicles over 15 to 20 years old as classic, air-cooled VW campervans often qualify earlier due to their specialist nature and enthusiast ownership.
However, classic insurance is designed around the idea that the vehicle is well maintained, carefully used and not exposed to the same risks as modern daily commuters. That’s where usage becomes important when you’re considering driving your campervan regularly.
Can a Classic Campervan Be Insured as a Daily Driver?
The short answer is sometimes, but with conditions. Traditional classic campervan insurance policies are typically based on limited mileage and leisure use. Daily commuting can increase risk, which some classic policies may not cover.
That said, many owners still use their classic campervan frequently without driving it to work every day. If your usage is regular but controlled, for example, frequent local trips, weekends away and seasonal travel, you may still qualify for specialist cover. The key is being open and accurate about how the campervan will be used.
If you intend to use your campervan for everyday commuting, school runs or high annual mileage, a modified classic policy or a specialist campervan insurance policy may be more suitable. Discussing usage upfront ensures the policy remains valid.
Why compromise on insuring your precious vehicle when we’ll give you £50* if we are not the cheapest.
Mileage Limits and Usage Restrictions Explained
Most classic campervan insurance policies include annual mileage limits, commonly ranging from 1,500 to 5,000 miles. These limits help keep premiums lower and reflect the reduced exposure to everyday traffic risks.
If your campervan is used regularly but stays within agreed mileage limits, classic insurance can still work well. Some policies offer flexibility, allowing mileage increases if needed. However, exceeding mileage limits without notifying your insurer could invalidate cover.
For owners who want to enjoy their campervan frequently but not necessarily as a commuter vehicle, Just Kampers Insurance policies offer limited mileage discounts for no extra cost. Find out more about how this works via the Just Kampers Insurance Limited Mileage benefit page.
Agreed Value Cover for Daily-Used Classics
Whether your campervan is used occasionally or frequently, agreed value insurance is particularly important for classic vehicles. Market value policies may not reflect the true worth of a well-maintained or restored VW campervan, especially if values are rising.
With agreed value cover, the value of your campervan is set in advance based on condition, history and supporting evidence. If the vehicle is written off or stolen, the agreed amount is paid rather than a depreciated estimate.
This type of cover is especially valuable for daily-used classics, where wear and tear doesn’t necessarily reflect the vehicle’s true market value. More information is available in the Agreed Value Insurance section of the Just Kampers Insurance website.
Modifications, Reliability and Insurance
Many classic campervans used more frequently have sensible upgrades, such as improved brakes, electronic ignition or upgraded suspension. These modifications can make a campervan safer and more practical for regular use, but they must always be declared to your insurer.
Declared modifications don’t automatically prevent you from getting classic campervan insurance, but they do help insurers assess risk accurately. Reliability upgrades are often viewed positively, especially when professionally installed and well documented.
If you want to discuss Modifications Cover with our team, feel free to call 01256 44 45 46 or click on ‘Get A Quote’ to receive an online quote in less than five minutes.
Alternative Insurance Options for Frequent Use
If your campervan truly is a daily driver, with high mileage and regular commuting, a standard campervan insurance policy may sometimes be more appropriate than a traditional classic policy. These policies are designed to handle everyday usage while still offering protection for camper interiors and accessories.
Some owners choose a hybrid approach, insuring their campervan on a specialist camper policy while still benefiting from features such as agreed value or laid-up cover during winter months. The right choice depends on how often and how far you drive.
Summary – Be Honest About How You Use Your Camper
Yes, you can get classic campervan insurance even if you use your van regularly, but the details matter. Mileage, usage type and vehicle condition all play a role in determining the most suitable cover. The most important step is to be clear and honest about how your campervan is used, both now and in the future.
With specialist policies available through Just Kampers Insurance, classic campervan owners can find flexible campervan insurance cover that reflects real-world use while still protecting the character, value and enjoyment of their VW air-cooled camper, whether it’s a weekend escape vehicle or part of everyday life.
