The Real Cost of Full-Time Van Life and How Insurance Protects Your Investment

In this handy guide, we’ll break down the costs involved with living in your van full time and show you how easy it is to protect your investment with tailored vanlife insurance.

Living in a campervan has become increasingly popular, and we can see why. The idea of replacing house payments with cosy sunsets and waking up wherever you choose is a dream for many. But while this is a simple life, it isn’t free.

There are a wide variety of costs that come into play. Some are certain, some fluctuate, and some are easily overlooked until they appear out of nowhere.

Understanding these costs now can help you budget effectively and keep your home-on-wheels properly protected.

How much does a campervan cost?

Second-hand campervan prices vary tremendously depending on the make, model, age, mileage, and condition of the van, but can cost anywhere between £5,000 and £45,000+.

Some people choose to buy older, cheaper vans and put their money into repairs and upgrades, while others prefer newer models that cost more upfront but promise better reliability and minimal maintenance going forward.

Browse second-hand campervans for sale on Just Kampers’ Marketplace.

Buying a campervan brand-new is also an option, but it is exceptionally expensive. For example, Volkswagen’s latest California camper starts at £64,000, and the Grand California model starts from £85,000. New vehicles also depreciate rapidly, so they’re not very economical for you in the short term. However, if budget is not a concern, you may decide this is the simplest way to get your dream camper.

There’s a lot of flexibility for you to spend as much or as little on a van as you’d like, so it’s worth doing your research and exploring all your options to decide what’s best for you.

Costs will also vary depending on whether you’re buying a standard panel van to convert yourself, or one that’s already been fully converted – which leads us nicely onto the next point.

Conversion costs

There are three ways to acquire a campervan: buy a van and convert it yourself, buy one that has already been converted, or pay a professional to convert it for you. Each approach comes with a different cost, but the DIY option is often the cheapest.

If you’re going to take on the van conversion yourself, you’ll need to plan for your build costs. The campervan build can be as simple or as luxurious as you want it to be, but you’ll need to consider things like:

Electrics

Where are the electrics going to go? What appliances are going in the camper? How many devices will you need to run? Are you going to run a leisure battery? Are you going to need Wi-Fi?

Tools

Do you know which tools you’ll need? What tools do you already have? What tools do you need to get hold of? Can you borrow tools from a friend? Will you need to buy tools?

Kitchen appliances

What kitchen appliances do you need? How are you going to lay out the appliances in the van? Do these appliances need gas or just electricity? Do you have enough space to fit everything you want?

Bed and furniture

Do you know which bed you’ll buy? How are you going to separate your working area from your living area? What furniture are you putting in the campervan? How can you optimise space and storage with furniture? What style furniture are you wanting? Will there be room for more than one person?

Heating systems

Do you know which heating system you’ll need? How will the gas installation work to power your heating? Is your chosen heater going to be sufficient for the cold winters? Do you have effective ventilation to ensure safety?

Insulation

Are you going to insulate every wall, floor, and ceiling in your van? Can you install insulation before any other facilities are fitted? What kind of insulation will you need? How are you going to prevent mould and condensation?

Plumbing

What facilities will require plumbing? Are you going to install a shower? How about a toilet? Where will your water tanks go?

Finishing touches and furnishings

How will you make the campervan comfortable and cosy? What steps can you take to minimise weight in the van, to ensure you stay within the van’s payload limits?

While materials, parts, and tools can feel like a big purchase, they do add value to your van, which will benefit you down the line.

When you choose to take the leap and live in a van full time, you’ll need specialist insurance that covers everything, including your furniture and fittings.

Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we’ve offered tailored vanlife insurance since 1998, and our experienced team know just how to get you a great deal on your policy.

Get in touch with our experts today to find out more.

What are campervan fuel costs like?

Fuel will be a regular expense for van lifers, but prices fluctuate all the time, so it’s best to budget a flexible amount for this – especially if you’re moving around a lot.

The amount you spend on fuel will also vary depending on your location, driving habits and mileage, as well as the weight of your camper and its fuel economy.

So, if you’re trying to save your pennies, we recommend planning your routes in advance to help you avoid unnecessary detours and identify fuel stops along the way. Supermarket forecourts tend to be cheaper than rural fuel stations, so it’s often worth filling up there if you can. A few simple driving habits (like accelerating and braking gradually) can also help you get the most out of your fuel.

Check out our separate blog where you can read about the fuel economy of different campervans.

You can also read Just Kampers’ guide: How to Improve Your Fuel Efficiency, for extra practical tips to help you get more miles from your tank.

What are the insurance costs like for full-time vanlifers?

All vehicles need insurance, but full-time vanlifers need some extra protection. Here are some key points to consider when you’re looking to insure your van for full-time living:

Van Life Insurance

A specialist van life insurance policy is a non-negotiable for full-time van dwellers. It’s specifically designed to protect not only your van, but also your entire lifestyle – something which a standard policy won’t cover.

Since 1998, we’ve been insuring all kinds of modified, self-built, and professionally converted campervans, so we know exactly how to get you the best deals on your insurance.

No fixed abode? No problem! We understand the unique requirements of living in a campervan, which is why we’re happy to insure you without a permanent address!

Simply get a quote online or call our helpful team on 01256 44 45 46 to get your van life adventure rolling.

Breakdown cover

Everyone dreads breaking down, but when you’re living in a van full time, it can be extra stressful. Without breakdown cover, you could find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere, facing expensive towing costs and call-out fees.

At Just Kampers Insurance, we can offer you campervan breakdown cover from as little as £79 a year – a small price for a big lifesaver!

Our breakdown cover gives you practical help when the unexpected happens, whether it’s roadside assistance or recovery to a garage, getting you back on the road with minimal hassle.

Find out more on our breakdown cover page or get in touch to speak with one of our experts.

Contents cover

As a full-time vanlifer, you’re probably carrying a few personal possessions including valuables, electronic devices, sentimental items, and personal documents.

Campervans can be more susceptible to theft or damage, but opting for contents insurance can cover your belongings against loss, fire, and theft, giving you extra peace of mind and financial protection. Contact us today to find out more.

It’s also a good idea to kit out your camper with some additional security features to deter thieves and keep your investment safe. Take a look at our full guide on campervan security features to explore your options.

Agreed value cover

Most full-time vanlifers are living in converted or modified vans specifically designed for their unique lifestyle. If this is the case for you, then the standard market value is probably not an accurate representation of what your campervan is actually worth.

So, if your camper is stolen or written off, and you don’t have agreed value cover set up, your insurer will pay the average market value for your vehicle type. But this means that all your upgrades and modifications are not taken into account, and you could lose a big chunk of your investment.

With agreed value cover from Just Kampers Insurance, we’ll work with you and confirm a price upfront, so if you ever need to make a claim, you’ll be covered for the actual value of your camper, not just the market average.

And the best part? Setting up agreed value is quick, simple, and surprisingly affordable! Call us on 01256 44 45 46 to find out more.

How much is road tax for campervans?

Road tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty or VED, is a compulsory payment for all vehicles in the UK. The amount you’ll pay for your campervan depends on its emissions, weight, engine size, and age. According to current road tax rates, you could pay anywhere between £177 and £375 per year, depending on your specific camper.

While costs vary between vehicles, this is a non-negotiable payment, so you’ll need to factor this into your budget when planning your vanlife journey.

Click here to find the current road tax rate for your campervan on the official Gov website.

How much does campervan maintenance and servicing cost?

Full-time vanlifers naturally put more miles on the clock, so it’s even more important to keep on top of maintenance, to avoid costly breakdowns in the future.

Vehicle services cover brakes, suspension, gearbox, engine, oil, filters, and more. You can plan for the cost of your annual service by checking what your local garages charge and familiarise yourself with the cost of parts your camper may need. You can typically expect to pay anywhere between £150 and £450, depending on your campervan and the service level required (i.e. minor service, full service etc.).

You should also consider an annual habitation check, which looks at the ‘living area’ part of your campervan. This isn’t mandatory, but it is highly recommended, as it covers the appliances, gas systems, electrics, plumbing, and other key components, ensuring your campervan is safe and fit for purpose. A habitation check can currently cost between £180 and £350 on average. Read more about habitation checks in our separate blog here.

It’s always a good idea to set aside some extra pennies (if you can) for any unexpected ‘wear-and-tear’ repairs as well, to help keep your home-on-wheels safe and roadworthy. This could be anything from new tyres and fluid top-ups to wiper blade replacements or batteries.

Our sister company, Just Kampers has a great range of practical parts and accessories for campervans, from fridges through to rust treatment.

Shop the full range of campervan parts and accessories here.

How much does a campervan MOT cost?

According to the official gov.uk website, the current MOT cost for campers is £54.85. This is the maximum fee, and applies to all vehicles under 3,000kg, with some garages charging more competitive rates.

What are parking costs like for campervan owners?

Parking fees are easily forgotten when budgeting for van life, but they can be a frequent expense. Since your camper is going everywhere with you, parking costs will crop up more often than you think.

City visits, touristy areas, beaches, and even short stops to pick up supplies in town could all come with a parking charge. Big city centres and tourist destinations tend to have steep prices, while smaller and quieter areas can be quite reasonable.

Be aware that some places also restrict overnight parking, which means you may need to pay for designated overnight spots instead of parking for free.

Parking charges may not seem like a lot on the surface, but they can quickly add up.

How much do full-time vanlifers spend on food and supplies?

As a full-time vanlifer, you will always need a stock of food and supplies to keep you going. If you’re doing vanlife solo, you could expect to spend between £50 and £80 per week, depending on where you buy and how much you choose to stock up on.

Cooking in your campervan will be cheaper than eating out, but you’ll still need to buy your groceries, restock your essentials, and treat yourself to a meal out every once in a while.

These costs will vary depending on where you shop, how many of you are in the van, and how often you eat out. You may also find that prices are higher in remote or touristy locations, but with a little planning in advance, you should be able to budget effectively.

What are laundry costs like if you’re living in a van?

Most campervans aren’t kitted out with a built-in washing machine and dryer, so full-timers typically rely on campsite facilities or laundrettes. You can currently expect to pay around £5 to £11 for a standard laundrette wash in the UK, which varies depending on the size of the load and additional drying time.

This will be a regular errand for full-time vanlifers, especially during winter when it’s virtually impossible to dry your clothes in the van. Campsite facilities can often be cheaper than a dedicated laundrette, so it’s worth getting it done during your stay if you can.

With this in mind, you could be spending around £30 per month on laundry (give or take), which may of course vary from season to season.

What are UK campsite fees like for campervans?

While wild camping sounds very enticing, it’s not always possible or legal. Campsites are a comfortable go-to option, typically providing showers, water refill stations, waste disposal, and electric hookups.

They do come with a cost which is typically charged on a ‘per night’ basis. The fee may differ between seasons, but they are usually quite reasonable. Many full-time van lifers choose to alternate between wild camping/free park-up spots and campsite stays, allowing them to balance budget and comfort.

Traditional campsites charge between £10 and £40 per night, depending on the location, season, and the facilities provided. If your campervan is well-equipped for off-grid stays, you probably won’t need to use campsites too often, but if your camper is on the minimalistic side, you might find yourself relying on them more frequently.

Water costs

Most full-time van lifers use free or low-cost refill points to top up with water. Some campsites or petrol stations may charge a small fee, but this is usually between 20p and £5, so it’s quite inexpensive.

While this cost is minimal, it’s still important to consider when you’re planning your travels because it will be a recurring cost.

Gas costs

Gas is an essential if you’re living in your campervan full time, whether it’s for cooking or heating (or both). You’ll find your usage and cost changes from season to season, typically spiking in winter when you need some extra warmth.

LPG systems are the most common for campervans, providing reliable and reasonably cost-effective heat. Be sure to track your usage so you don’t unexpectedly run out.

Our sister company Just Kampers has a great range of campervan heating systems, so you can enjoy your van all year round.

View the full range or shop more conversion parts here!

Wi-Fi and internet options for vanlifers

It’s so important to stay connected on the road, especially if you’re working remotely. Here are some of your main internet options as a full-time vanlifer:

• Built-in Wi-Fi router
• Satellite internet
• Using campsite/ nearby Wi-Fi
• Mobile hotspot

The type of internet you need will depend entirely on your needs and lifestyle. If you’re working from your van full time, it’s probably worth investing in a reliable setup like satellite internet or a built-in router system. But if you only need the internet on occasion, you might prefer to use campsite or café Wi-Fi and save on the cost.

We have written a separate blog that details the ins and outs of getting internet in your camper, which you can read here.

European driving cover

If Europe is on your van life itinerary, you’ll need to make sure your insurance includes European Driving Cover. This is something we include at Just Kampers Insurance as a standard policy benefit, so it’s quick and easy to set up.

Additional costs you’ll need to consider when driving in Europe include:

• Toll roads
• Low Emission Zone charges and stickers
• International Driving Permits (if required)

These charges vary depending on the country you go to, so it’s always best to do your research in advance so you can budget and plan accordingly.

Find out more in Just Kampers’ blog Planning a Camping Trip in Europe, which details the rules of the road and essentials you’ll need for various countries.

Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more about insuring your camper.

Summary of full-time vanlife costs

Van life can be rewarding, flexible, and liberating. But before you dive straight into your new venture, it’s important to get a full picture of the costs involved, from the one-off buys to the ongoing expenses.

Full-time van lifers can spend anywhere in the region of £600 – £1200 per month, which is subject to a huge variety of factors.

If you’re enjoying the simple life off-grid and you’re parked up in the same spot for a while, you should find your costs are on the lower end of the scale. Whereas, if you’re regularly travelling from place to place, using lots of fuel, eating out, stopping at campsites and enjoying some luxuries, your costs will certainly be higher.

With some careful planning and tailored van life insurance, you can embark on your adventure with confidence.