Campervan Conversion Insurance - Just Kampers Insurance

Campervan Conversions, Implications for Insurance

Posted on 24 April 2023 | by Jason Sims

So, you’ve purchased a bog-standard panel van and are in the throes of preparing it for conversion or you’ve arranged for it to be professionally converted to suit your specific needs, whether it be for mountain biking trips, full-blown European holidays or just for camping at shows, festivals, and events.

It’s important to make sure that you tell your insurer about any changes that are made to ensure they are accounted for should the worst happen. Don’t worry though, Just Kampers Insurance is precisely set up to accommodate your specific campervan conversion insurance requirements.

Anyone who’s worked on a van conversion will likely be very protective over their hard work. At Just Kampers Insurance, we appreciate the beauty that is a camper conversion project and are well aware that no two converted vans are the same. That’s why we take time to consider all the features and modifications of every campervan we insure so that we offer the right cover to keep it protected.

Look at our blog on how much a campervan conversion costs.

Here are some considerations you should make before insuring your camper.

Campervan conversions and the implications for insurance.

Anything that changes how your vehicle drives or looks can be classed as a modification and this includes making changes to the interior of your vehicle.

Adding items such as a rock and roll bed, pop top, insulation, leisure battery, captains’ seats, additional windows, a gas stove and kitchen fittings are all fairly “standard” parts of a camper conversion but are also all classed as modifications, so you need to ensure you find an insurer that understands and accepts this.

Cover for certain high-risk modifications that even many specialist camper van conversion companies may not be able to accept such as log burners, can also be arranged (although may incur additional terms such as the requirement for a fire extinguisher or a higher excess for Fire).

Insuring a campervan conversion.

Some insurance companies will have strict criteria as to what constitutes a Campervan Conversion and indeed, even the DVLA have fixed criteria that must be met for them to recognise it as a conversion but Just Kampers Insurance are still able to cover your conversion, even if it doesn’t meet all the DVLA criteria to get the logbook changed.

Campervan Conversion Insurance – Peace of mind with Just Kampers Insurance

Just Kampers Insurance can cover professional, custom, or self-build conversions and have policies that can cater to camper conversions of any age or size and even Micro Campers converted from large cars or people carriers. We are also able to provide cover during the conversion, so you are still free to travel or go camping even while the van is not fully converted.

When you speak to the Just Kampers Insurance team you’ll get bespoke quotes, tailor-made to your individual conversion, so you don’t have to worry about not being covered properly. Whether you drive a professionally converted coach-built Camper or a DIY converted commercial vehicle we can arrange a policy to accommodate it.

List of modifications we cover

We know how hard it can be to find fair insurance for modified vans, so we take the time to put together the right policy which means you don’t need to compromise on coverage or price. The modifications we insure include the following:

• Cosmetic changes including spoilers and body kits
• Racking, storage, and interiors
• Adding or removing seats
• Adding or removing windows
• Adding different power supplies, split charge & 240v hook up
• Non-standard alloy wheels
• Audio or entertainment upgrades
• Refrigeration
• Suspension modifications Lowering / Air-ride setups / adjustable ride height.
• Facelift upgrades
• Engine power upgrades / Remapping
• Non-standard engine replacements
• Paint / Graphics / Body wraps
• Cooking / gas / sink installations

Speak to the Just Kampers Insurance team to learn more about our modification cover.

When you insure your campervan conversion you automatically receive the following benefits.

Our range of Policy Benefits mean that you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

• 10% Off parts, accessories, and camping equipment from our sister company Just Kampers for the duration of your policy.
• Limited mileage discount
• EU driving cover
• Salvage Retention
• Modification Cover
• Legal protection upto £100,000
• Personal Protection

And because everyone is different we’ve created a range of optional policy benefits so that you can shape your insurance exactly the way you want.

You can rely on Just Kampers Insurance to put the right policy in place for your camper conversion, regardless of its age and model type.

But don’t just take our word for it, our customers rate us as excellent on Trustpilot.

So, give us a call on 01256 674522 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.

Campervan at the side of the read - Jut Kampers Insurance

More About Camper Breakdown Cover from Just Kampers Insurance

Posted on 3 April 2023 | by Jason Sims

Breakdown cover for your campervan or motorhome is just a phone call away if you’re insured with Just Kampers Insurance.

Whether you’re heading to a show in your VW T2 Splitscreen, or setting off on an epic camping adventure in a modern motorhome, you’ll always wonder ‘what happens if I break down?’.

It’s a nagging worry we’ve all experienced in our campers, so we’ve put together our Camper Breakdown Cover package as an optional extra for insurance policies.

What does Camper Breakdown Cover include?

If you’ve added breakdown cover to the insurance policy for your campervan or motorhome, you can hit the road knowing we’ve got you covered.

You’ll get roadside assistance, recovery, and home-start in the UK and Europe, with a network of 1,800 recovery specialists, so there’ll always be someone to help you.

Our Camper Breakdown Cover helpline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can always reach out for help, no matter where or when you need us.

Camper Breakdown Cover from Just Kampers Insurance covers the vehicle itself, not just the person who took out the insurance policy, which means you don’t have to be with the vehicle to recover it. This is different to a lot of other breakdown cover policies, which could leave your friends or family stranded if they’re borrowing your motorhome or camper.

How much does Camper Breakdown Cover cost?

Prices for our Camper Breakdown Cover start at just £90 a year, which is about 25p per day – a small price to pay for knowing that if the worst should happen, help will be with you and your campervan anytime, anywhere.

We also offer breakdown cover for cars starting at £42 per year, and vans from £47 per year. No one should be worried about getting stranded on the roadside or stressed out because they can’t get their vehicle to start in the morning, which is why we’ve worked so hard to offer excellent breakdown cover at really affordable prices.

How do I add Camper Breakdown Cover to my insurance policy?

It’s quick and easy to get Campervan Breakdown Cover added to your insurance policy if you’re taking out a new plan with Just Kampers Insurance or renewing an existing one.

Just ask our team of friendly experts while you’re on the phone to them, and they’ll talk you through how much it will cost to add it to your vehicle insurance policy.

Alternatively, you can get Camper Breakdown Cover as a standalone service from Just Kampers Insurance, if you just want to take advantage of the great price, but your vehicle is already insured elsewhere.

Click Here to speak to the Just Kampers Insurance team

T2 Bay Window at the side of the road -Just Kampers Insurance

How much could Just Kampers Insurance’s Camper Breakdown Cover save me?

Our Campervan Breakdown Cover starts from just £90 per year for a camper or motorhome, which works out to about 25p a day.

If you don’t already have breakdown cover, it can cost you £65 or more to hire a recovery vehicle, which rises to £75 or more after 6pm and on weekends. On bank holidays, it’s even more expensive, with the cost being £80 to £100.

Considering a lot of people use their campers most at weekends and bank holidays, the price of getting Camper Breakdown Cover for a year could be less than hiring one recovery vehicle.

You can also be charged around £1.50 per mile by the garage which is recovering you, which you won’t have to worry about if you’ve got Camper Breakdown Cover.

We want people to feel empowered to get out there and enjoy their campers, whether they’ve got a classic VW or a modern campervan conversion, so we’ve designed our Camper Breakdown Cover to be affordable and cover any eventuality, at any time, on any day, in any location. It’s just one less thing to think about before you head off on an adventure!

Click here for more information about Camper Breakdown Cover from Just Kampers Insurance.

Want to know more?

If you want to know more about getting Campervan Breakdown cover for your vehicle, get in touch with our Just Kampers Insurance team. Give us a call on 01256 444546 or click here to contact us.

How Much Does a Campervan Conversion Cost?

Posted on 19 December 2022 | by Jason Sims

What is the cost of a campervan conversion? This is the question everyone asks when they think of taking off into the sunset in the campervan of their dreams. It’s a difficult question to answer, as cost is affected by so many factors, from vehicle dimensions, finish quality, and the size of your budget.

It’s possible to spend as little as a few hundred pounds on a basic campervan conversion if you use second-hand materials and do the work yourself. Alternatively, a full, luxury camper conversion performed by professional fitters involving brand new materials and top-of-the-range products can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

While a camper van conversion varies between relatively cheap to extravagantly expensive, we’ve broken down the estimated costs according to the work that’s carried out. So, before you hit the open road, here’s what you are likely to pay for a typical campervan conversion.

The Cost of Converting a Campervan

Campervan Costs

Estimate: £1,000 – £15,000

Whether you are converting a regular van into a campervan or modernising an older Volkswagen camper for example, purchasing the vehicle is likely to be your biggest outlay before any conversion work has even started.

A shiny, new campervan is a nice thought but is probably beyond most people’s budgets, so buying a used campervan is a popular choice. You’ll have more money left over to spend on the vehicle by undertaking conversion work yourself than you would if outsourcing to a specialist garage, which is something else to consider.

While we always encourage people to get stuck in and work on their own campers and vehicles, we also urge that if you don’t have the tools, experience or confidence to tackle a job yourself, you look for a professional who can do it for you.

The type of second-hand campervan you buy depends on your personal requirements and, most of all, the size of your budget. At the lower end of the price range are mini campervans such as the Volkswagen Caddy and Renault Kangoo. It’s a tight squeeze for two people with limited storage, but fitting in a small kitchen and toilet is possible.

Small campervans like the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi, Citroen Berlingo or Toyota Tarago are roomier, can comfortably sleep two and almost certainly include a toilet space and a kitchen area.
Used mid-sized campervans can sleep up to four and should include a fixed bed, kitchen, bathroom area and storage units. Volkswagen T25 Transporters and Kombis, the Ford Transit, and short wheelbase Toyota Hiace are great options for a mid-sized campervan.

Large campervans like the long wheelbase Volkswagen T6, Ford Econovan, Renault Traffic, Vauxhall Vivaro and long wheelbase Toyota Hiace will almost certainly contain fixed bedding and seating, a toilet/bathroom space, kitchen and storage.

Full-size campervans sit at the top of a budget and can sleep up to six people. Fixed beds and seating, a kitchen, bathroom and ample storage come as standard. The Volkswagen Crafter, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Iveco Daily and Renault Master are typical of this category.

Insulation Costs

Estimate: £300

It is essential to insulate the inside of your campervan to keep out the cold and avoid problems with damp. Materials such as a thermal insulation board, wool and aluminium tape are relatively cheap and will keep you warm and snug even in winter months. If fitted by a conversion company, there will be added labour costs to consider.

Just Kampers stocks a range of insulation options for your camper conversion, and if you insure with Just Kampers Insurance you’ll get 10% off orders for the duration of your policy.

Window Costs

Estimate: £1,000

A conversion company will charge between £200-300 per window and a similar amount for a roof vent plus labour costs. If you do the work yourself, however, expect to pay between £500-600 for windows and a jigsaw to cut them out.

It’s not as difficult as it seems to install windows into your camper yourself, and we’ve got a how-to video on the process which you can see here. Just Kampers also stocks an exclusive range of JK Glass windows, with Just Kampers Insurance customers getting 10% off.

Flooring and Lining Costs

Estimate: £750

These conversion costs vary wildly depending on the materials used. A new and fitted plywood floor can cost £500 alone and lined walls around £250. Using recycled materials and fitting them yourself will bring down costs.

You can click here to watch our video on installing carpet into our VW T6.1 camper.

Interior Fitting Costs

Estimate: £600 – £5,000

Be as basic or lavish as you want. Using a simple design, recycled materials and doing the work yourself will save money. Incorporating a kitchen, sink, fixed beds and seating fitted by conversion experts will be much more expensive.

While some of these appliances can seem pricey, if you’ve got vehicle insurance with Just Kampers Insurance, you’ll save 10% on orders from Just Kampers, which can make a huge difference.

Electrical System Costs

Estimate: £1,000

This is best left to the professionals unless you’re a qualified electrician. You’ll pay around £1,000 for a full 12v wiring system for battery, split charger and lighting.

If you do have the skills, training and equipment needed to take on the work yourself, a basic 12v system (battery, connections and cables) ranges from £200-£400.

An inverter that converts a 12v battery into a 240v mains is around £150-270 and solar panels around £300.

Kitchen Costs

Estimate: £200 – £1,100

There are a wide range of costs involved with kitchen conversions and you can pay as little or as much as your budget allows. An electric cool box is £30-90, a 12v fridge starts at around £200, a compressor fridge freezer around £800 and a gas hob burner anything from £30 to £300. You will also need to budget for other kitchen items such as a kettle and crockery.

Water Tank Costs

Estimate: £200

A conversion company will charge around £200 for a 70L water tank, pump, pipes, connectors and plumbing and more for a shower which will require a boiler or solar heating. It’s possible to buy your own materials and do the work yourself but with minimal cost savings.

Toilet and Shower Costs

Estimate: £320

A cassette toilet is perfect for campervan conversions and costs as little as £60 to buy including chemicals. A conversion company will charge around £150 for a fully fitted toilet. A tankless, LPG water heater shower costs around £170 before installation.

Gas and Heating Costs

Estimate: £1,000 – £1,500

The UK can be chilly at night even in summer months, so a reliable and efficient heating system is essential. A gas connection for cooking and hot water will cost between £500 – 800 when fitted by a qualified professional. A gas tank, heater and pipes should cost a similar amount.

Safety Costs

Estimate: £80-500

It is important to ensure your beautifully converted campervan is safe and fully secure.
We recommend budgeting for some of the following: alarm (£300), wheel clamp (£50), steering wheel lock (£60), immobiliser (£30), smoke/carbon monoxide alarm (£30) and GPS tracker (£75) at minimum.

Insuring Your Converted Campervan

The price of insuring your campervan is determined by a number of factors such as the vehicle’s size, age, make and value, as well as its internal features. Insurance premiums will be higher if more than one person is named as a designated driver.

Driving history is another consideration as premiums are likely to be more expensive if you have recently caused an accident.

Storage and security will also affect the cost, and it is cheaper to insure your campervan if it is kept in a locked garage at home as opposed to parking it on a driveway or in the street.
However, don’t be put off by the cost of insurance. Just Kampers Insurance has been providing affordable insurance for campervans for more than two decades. Get a quote now.

Hire Out Your Converted Campervan

Instead of your converted campervan sitting idle on your driveway when it isn’t being used, why not hire it out so that it becomes a source of income? It’s possible to charge between £70 and £95 for an average day’s rental of your vehicle and there are a number of companies who will help you do this, though you will have to pay extra for insurance.

Converting a campervan? Just Kampers Insurance is the place to go for all your insurance needs
Just Kampers Insurance has been providing campervan insurance for over 20 years for everything from brand new campervans to self-build campers. For a quote, contact us now.

Guide to Campervan & Motorhome Tyres – What Should You Use?

Posted on 10 October 2022 | by Jason Sims

Checking your tyres for signs of wear and tear before a trip away should be a vital step for any traveller. Ensuring your campervan or motorhome tyres are in good condition before you set off on a journey can save the stress and strain of an unnecessary breakdown, and prevent your insurance policy from being invalidated by lack of proper vehicle care.

Preparation is key, and upon checking, you may find yourself in need of new tyres. So, where should you start? From choosing the best tyre brands to understanding the types of tyres you need; this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

What’s the Difference Between Van Tyres and Campervan / Motorhome Tyres?

Whilst it is legal to use ordinary van tyres on your campervan or motorhome, you need to ensure that your tyres will serve you well, giving you maximum longevity and safety. There are a few key features to look out for when choosing your tyres.

Carrying heavy loads

Compared to standard car or van tyres, campervan and motorhome tyres need to have higher weight carrying properties due to their weight as mobile accommodation. The weight bearing difference you need to look out for on tyres can be distinguished by the C or CP mark difference. C tyres are designed for higher weight loads, making them suitable for commercial vans and smaller campers, whilst CP tyres have been specifically designed for vehicles carrying much heavier loads, ideal for larger campervans and heavy motorhomes.

So, while C marked tyres may do the trick if you’re driving a lighter camper (like a small van conversion), it is vital to check that your tyres are the correct weight-bearing load for your vehicle. You can find the maximum load at maximum pressure, or load index, on the sidewall of each tyre. CP tyres are likely to be the best choice for your camper or motorhome.

Psi

As with its weight bearing qualities, campervan and motorhome tyres can also withstand the high pressure that comes with this. Psi, or pounds per square inch, is a unit of measurement to measure air pressure inside a tyre.
A standard car tyre is limited to a maximum pressure of approximately 40 psi, whilst specialist motorhome tyres can be inflated to around 80 psi. Ensuring that you have the correct tyre pressure and that the tyre is inflated correctly is extremely important, so be sure to consult your camper or motorhome handbook for the correct pressure.

Sidewalls

Another key difference between standard car / van tyres and campervan / motorhome tyres is the tougher sidewalls that camper and motorhome tyres offer. The rigid walls that these tyres have to offer not only support the weight and pressure needed from the tyres, but also provide additional stability for the vehicle, making for a more comfortable ride.

Tread

Tread is another important element to consider when selecting your tyres. The UK’s required tread depth for any vehicle is 1.6mm and it’s vital to have secure grip on the road, particularly in wet conditions. Compared to standard van tyres, CP marked tyres for larger campervans and motorhomes feature slightly different tread compounds which account for the additional grip that is needed if you’re travelling through rougher terrains such as country lanes, for example.

The Verdict

Whilst van tyres may do the job to some degree for smaller van conversions, we advise that you purchase specialist campervan and motorhome tyres marked with ‘CP’ for larger vehicles. Whilst this might carry a slightly higher price tag, ensuring your vehicle makes for a comfortable journey and is roadworthy is key, and surely a priority for any camper enthusiastic.

We’d always advise that you speak with a tyre specialist to ensure that you have selected the right tyres for your needs.

Selecting the Right Camper / Motorhome Tyre for You

Now you know the difference between van tyres and campervan / motorhome tyres, along with the all-important C and CP marking difference, your next step is to select the right tyre for you. There are a wide range of tyres on the market, but we’ve selected a few examples to get you started below:

C-marked Tyres

Michelin Agilis

The Agilis range from Michelin is a good choice for the lighter campervan or van conversion.

• All season, with summer and winter versions also available,
• 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for medium-packed snow,
• A-rated wet grip,
• Mud and snow safe

Continental Vanco Camper

The Vanco Camper tyre from Continental is ideal for the lightweight camper or van conversion in the summer months.

• Summer tyre,
• Improved wet weather braking,
• Low road noise,
• Reinforced design.

CP-marked Tyres

Michelin CrossClimate

The CrossClimate tyre from Michelin is ideal for all-season adventures, perfect for campervans and motorhomes.

• All-season
• 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for medium-packed snow,
• Strong wet and dry grip,
• Reinforced sidewalls.

Pirelli Carrier Camper

The Pirelli Carrier Camper tyre is a great tyre for the summer camper looking for stability.

• Light truck summer tyre,
• Excellent safety in wet conditions,
• Rolling resistance.

How Often Should You Change Campervan / Motorhome Tyres?

Whilst it is advisable to change your motorhome tyres every 6 years or so, you should make a point to check your tyres frequently to check for deterioration.

The frequency of your tyre change will also depend on the nature of your campervan use. If you use your campervan as a daily driver, for example, you may find that the tyres need changing more often. But remember, even if you use your campervan for infrequent holidays, tyres sat stationary in the sun can deteriorate.

As you know, tyres keep you on the road, so they shouldn’t be neglected. Whether it’s too small a tread depth, cracks, bulges or general signs of wear and tear, you should change your tyres as soon as you spot the signs.

Can Tyres Invalidate Insurance?

Whether it’s a car or motorhome, your tyres need to meet UK road safety standards. Driving with a bald tyre, or simply driving with tyres that do not meet these safety standards is, in fact, illegal. If they are deemed unsafe, you run the risk of invalidating your vehicle’s insurance.

Your insurance policy should include a section which details the importance of maintaining a roadworthy vehicle. So, not only will you be at higher risk of an accident, as bald or worn tyres make braking less effective, but your insurance will likely also be void in the case of an accident – you won’t be covered, due to a lack of proper vehicle maintenance.

The best way to avoid this unnecessary strain for any vehicle is to check your tyres regularly, ensuring that they are roadworthy before driving. As soon as you spot any signs of deterioration, make sure to replace the tyre.

Looking for Campervan or Motorhome Insurance You Can Rely On?

Just Kampers Insurance has been providing specialist campervan and motorhome insurance for over 20 years and are proud to say that they are the UK’s leading campervan insurance specialist. So, why not get a quote today?

Campervan and Motorhome Vehicle Tax (VED) – Road Tax Guide

Posted on 27 September 2022 | by Jason Sims

VED or vehicle tax can be a confusing topic, especially for future campervan owners. We’ve broken down everything you need to know, and how much you can expect to pay. Read on to find out.

In the campervan or motorhome buying process, one of the biggest annual costs to consider is your road tax (now called Vehicle Excise Duty or VED). For vehicles registered before 2020, getting the VED costs for your campervan or motorhome can be confusing and stressful.

For those not buying new registrations, road tax, or VED, is still a confusing topic as it largely depends on a number of factors.

As both campervan owners and specialist insurers of all campervans, we’ve gone through this process so many times, and wanted to help others through the same process, as we know how confusing it can be.

Road Tax or VED?

First things first, a clarification. VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) is the official name for road tax. VED is also called vehicle tax or car tax, and the government has now taken to using vehicle tax to make it as simple as possible to understand, as it’s a tax on owning a vehicle, not on using the roads.

Vehicle Tax (VED) for Campervans and Motorhomes Explained

In the eyes of the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), campervans and motorhomes are the same thing, so they don’t differentiate.

When your campervan was registered and/or its weight will affect the amount of vehicle tax you pay, and the method used to calculate it.

Campervans/Motorhomes Over 40 Years Old

If your campervan was built or registered over 40 years ago, then you don’t have to pay vehicle tax. You have to register as if you were going to pay tax, but you won’t be charged as long as you apply for a tax exemption.

The calculation is done from April every year, so in 2023, vehicles built or registered before 1st January 1982 could apply for a tax exemption from 1st April 2023.

Campervans Registered Before 1st March 2001

For campervans less than 40 years old, but registered before 1st March, 2001, it depends on your gross (also called maximum or revenue) vehicle weight and engine. Campervans weighing under 3,500kg were classed as light goods vehicle, and so were taxed as such.

If your campervan weighs under 3,500kg and has an engine size under 1549cc, then you will be charged £180 per year, and if the engine size is over 1549cc, then you will be charged £295 a year.

Those weighing over 3,500kg will have to check with the manufacturer, as the government doesn’t currently provide information on this.

Campervans Registered from 1st March 2001 to 1st April 2017

If your campervan weighs under 3,500kg and has an engine size of under 1549cc, then you will be charged £180 per year, and if the engine size is over 1549cc, then you will be charged £295 a year.

If it’s over 3,500kg, you’ll pay £165 annually.

Euro 4 and Euro 5 Compliant Campervans

If your campervan is Euro 4 compliant and registered between 1st March 2003 and 31st December 2006 or Euro 5 compliant and registered between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2010, then you will pay £140 annually.

Campervans Registered Between 1st April 2017 and 11th March 2020

Now, this is where it gets confusing.

If your motorhome or campervan was registered between 1st April 2017 and 11th March 2020, it is in the M1SP category (check with your manufacturer or dealer if unsure) and has its CO2 emissions included on the type approval certificate then you will pay a different rate. Confusing right?

VED or vehicle tax can be a confusing topic, especially for future campervan owners. We’ve broken down everything you need to know, and how much you can expect to pay. Read on to find out.

In the campervan or motorhome buying process, one of the biggest annual costs to consider is your road tax (now called Vehicle Excise Duty or VED). Up until new vehicles from 2020, getting your VED cost on your campervan or motorhome was quite frankly, confusing and stressful.

And for those not buying new registrations, road tax, or VED, is still a confusing topic as it largely depends on a number of factors.

Road Tax or VED?

Vehicle Tax (VED) for Campervans and Motorhomes Explained

In the eyes of the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), campervans and motorhomes are the same thing, so they don’t differentiate.

Depending on when your campervan was registered and/or its weight will affect the amount of vehicle tax you pay, and the method used to calculate it.

Campervans/Motorhomes Over 40 Years Old

The calculation is done from April every year, so in 2022, vehicles built or registered before 1st January 1982 could apply for a tax exemption from the 1st of April 2022.

Campervans Registered Before 1st March 2001

If your campervan weighs under 3,500kg and has an engine size of under 1549cc, then you will be charged £180 per year, and if the engine size is over 1549cc, then you will be charged £295 a year.

Those weighing over 3,500kg will have to check with the manufacturer, as the government doesn’t currently provide information on this.

Campervans Registered from 1st March 2001 to 1st April 2017

If your campervan weighs under 3,500kg and has an engine size of under 1549cc, then you will be charged £180 per year, and if the engine size is over 1549cc, then you will be charged £295 a year.

If it’s over 3,500kg, you’ll pay £165 annually.

Euro 4 and Euro 5 Compliant Campervans

If your campervan is Euro 4 and registered between 1st March 2003 and 31st December 2006 or Euro 5 compliant and registered between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2010, then you will pay £140 annually.

Campervans Registered Between 1st April 2017 and 11th March 2020

Now, this is where it gets confusing.

If all of the above apply, you’ll pay as if you were a car, hence why you need the emissions certificate.

So, if you have a campervan that meets the above criteria, then you will pay the second payment of £165 annually, or if your list price was above £40,000 then you’ll pay £520 annually for the first five years, starting from the second year you pay tax. After that, it will go down to the second tax payment cost.

Otherwise, you pay the standard motorhome charge, of either £180, £295 or £165.

Campervans Registered After 11th March 2020

Now, it’s much simpler.

It follows the standard motorhome charge scheme, which is as follows:

Under 3,500kg gross vehicle weight

Engine Size (cc)	Single 12-month payment
Not over 1549	£180
Over 1549	£295

Over 3,500kg gross vehicle weight campervans pay an annual cost of £165.

Why Do Some M1SP Motorhomes Pay a Different VED?

This was all to do with a change in how new motorhomes were classified at registration. The laws at the time were changed to state that for the purpose of VED, motorhomes and campervans should fall into category M1SP (Special Purpose). This meant that the manufacturer(s) had to provide a Certificate of Conformity (COC) at each stage of the manufacturing process.

For cars, this was simple as they are all built by the same people in the same process.

However, for campervan and motorhome manufacturers, this is trickier, as they are manufactured at different stages by different people. The chassis may be done in one place, the exterior build at another and final interior changes completed elsewhere. This meant that the Certificate of Conformity (COC) provided to the DVLA often had no CO2 figures on, as only the last manufacturer’s COC was considered for the purposes of VED.

So, if the last manufacturer’s COC had no emissions data on, the motorhome was classified as a motorhome, and taxed using the private light (or heavy) goods vehicle cost. For those that had a CO2 figure on their emissions certificate, they were charged the first-year car cost, which could be up to £2,135.

This came into force for September 2019 due to EU law changing, but only lasted a short six and a half months thanks to lobbying from the National Caravan Council. Any new motorhomes or campervans registered between 1st September 2019 and 11th March 2020 did have to pay the increased first year tax costs. Motorhomes/campervans registered after March 2020 now pay the ‘van’ rate, which is what it was previously.

As shown above, campervans that meet the M1SP and have an emissions certificate now pay the second-year cost for cars, but any other campervans/motorhomes won’t.

Is road tax cheaper for a campervan?

Road tax for campervans and motorhomes is the same, so neither is cheaper than the other. And, as some campervans are taxed as cars, the cost is largely the same.

Do you pay road tax on a campervan?

Yes, you do pay road tax on campervans and motorhomes, although they are classified as light goods vehicles rather than cars. They will either be class TC11 (Private or Light Goods) or class TC10 (Private Heavy Goods).

Don’t Forget Insurance When You Tax Your Vehicle

Just Kampers Insurance provides specialist campervan insurance for campervan owners, by campervan owners.

We remain competitive, and if we can’t beat your quote, we’ll give you a £50 Just Kampers gift card. Why not see how we can help you today?

How To Know If You Can Drive a Campervan

Posted on 2 August 2022 | by Jason Sims

Do you know the difference between a Category B and a Category C1 on your licence? Read our latest blog to find out whether you can actually drive a campervan on your current licence.

Before you go ahead and purchase the campervan (or motorhome) of your dreams, you need to check that you can actually drive it. While yes, you can probably get behind the wheel, put the clutch in, and drive off, you could be driving it illegally if you don’t have the right licence.
Today, we answer the question of what licence requirements you’ll need to be able to drive your campervan of dreams, no matter how big it is!

How Do I Know If I Can Drive a Campervan?

Essentially, how heavy is the campervan and how old are you? The answers to these two questions are your first hurdle to overcome.

The weight of your campervan is the MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass), also called Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or permissible maximum weight.

MAM is the maximum weight that your vehicle can carry safely when on the road. You can find the MAM of any vehicle by either looking in the owner’s manual, or by checking inside the vehicle, as most vehicles will have it stamped on a metal plate or sticker somewhere on the chassis.

Then, your age is important because if you passed your test before 1st January 1997, there will be different allowances of what MAM you can drive compared to those who passed their test on or after January 1st, 1997.

Once you’ve got the answers to these two questions, you can move onto the next step.

What MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) Can I Drive?

If you passed your test before 1st January 1997, then you can drive a Category B (smaller campervans and cars) vehicle and trailer combination of up to 8,250 kg MAM. You’ll also automatically have Category C1 (vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg MAM) on your licence. This will cover you for pretty much every campervan or motorhome commonly available on UK roads, aside from the American RV style motorhomes.

If you passed your test on or after the 1st January 1997, then you’ll be able to drive Category B vehicle and trailer combination up to 3,500kg MAM. This should cover you for smaller campervans and motorhomes. The heaviest T6 currently available is 3,200kg MAM, so you’ll be ok with VWs. However, if you want to drive anything larger like Mercedes Sprinters, you’ll inevitably need to get your Category C1, which those who passed before 1997 have automatically.

The change had to be made at some point as vehicles got larger and more advanced, and driving tests changed to accommodate newer styles of driving.

What’s the difference between Category B and Category C1?

Category Bs are four wheeled vehicles up to a certain weight. It’s what most people would drive on a day-to-day basis for social, domestic, pleasure and commuting purposes.

Category C1 can be thought of as entry level HGV vehicles or specialist work vans. If you’re wanting to drive larger vehicles for work, then you may want to get your C1 if you haven’t already.

Should I Get My Category C Licence for My Campervan or Motorhome?

Category C is for vehicles over 3,500kg with no upper limit. If you’re planning to get an American RV at some point, or drive lorries or buses for work, then you may want to consider getting your Category C. Aside from this, there shouldn’t be a need for you to get your Category C.

So, Can You Drive a Motorhome or Campervan on a Car Licence?

Technically, yes, as long as the campervan or motorhome is under the MAM weight that your licence allows in your Category B section.

However, unlike licence categories, you can’t use the same insurance for your car and your campervan. Speak to Just Kampers Insurance today for a competitive quote that is tailored to your campervan needs.

Can I Use My Campervan as My Primary Vehicle?

Posted on 28 July 2022 | by Jason Sims

Is your campervan going to be your daily driver? Discover the practicalities, benefits and negatives to using your campervan as a commuting or primary vehicle.

When you’re considering the viability of owning a campervan, one of the questions you might have to justify is “well, what’s that campervan going to do during the week?”

Campervans are used by many across the country as a daily driver, commuting vehicles and even for some, their primary vehicle!

But how feasible is it to use your campervan as a daily driver, and more importantly, is it worth it?

Campervan as a Daily Driver: The Logistics

Not only is driving around a vehicle that is larger than most cars a key consideration when using a campervan as a daily driver, there are other logistical considerations you’ll need to think about.

MPG, parking and the duties for older diesel engines are just some of the issues. And for those who aren’t with a specialist campervan insurance provider, the limits that high street insurance policies have on only using your car for social and domestic use.

MPG of Campervans for Commuting

When driving long distances, the MPG of a campervan will be higher, especially if you’re driving at the optimal speed of 55mph. However, when driving in urban and suburban areas, the stop-start motions, plus the inevitable traffic jams at peak journey times will all negatively affect your MPG.

Plus, when your MPG is already lower because of the size and weight of the campervan, and with the increasing cost of fuel, low MPG costs more than ever before.

Parking Problems When Commuting with a Campervan

As well as fuel consumption, the second biggest logistical issue with commuting in a campervan is parking. From parking spaces being too small, to there being height restrictions on public car parks, parking can be a problem.

It can take some planning using sites like Parkopedia to check the height allowance of any car park, and some talking with your employer to ensure they’re happy with a larger than normal vehicle parked in their car park.

Increased VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) for Diesel Vehicles

Motorhomes and campervans are split into two bands for VED (Vehicle Excise Duty). You will either be taxed based on the revenue weight (also called maximum gross vehicle weight, or MGM), or you will be taxed like a car, based on your listed CO2 emissions. HonestJohn break down the cost into tables on their blog.

Regardless of how your VED is taxed, if it’s an older diesel it is going to be expensive. And, if you’re commuting into a city centre with a low emission zone, you’ll be paying for that every day.

What are the Legal Implications of Commuting in a Campervan?

Unless your insurance does not cover you for commuting in your campervan, there are no other legal implications for commuting in a campervan.

How Do I Know Whether I Can Commute in my Campervan?

Your insurance certificate should state the legitimate usage you are covered for. For example, a social, domestic and pleasure insurance certificate will only cover you for driving to anything that isn’t work.

Most insurance companies and policies also have exceptions. Racing your campervan on a racetrack isn’t covered by standard insurance policies, for example.

To be able to commute in your campervan, you’ll need a Social, Domestic, Pleasure and Commuting Insurance policy. Commuting isn’t offered as standard, as the risk of being on the road at peak times and being in a collision are higher than any other time.

Benefits of Commuting with your Campervan

While it may seem like there are some practical elements to overcome, there are many benefits to using your campervan as your primary vehicle.

1. The Joy of It

Many people state that the reason they use their campervan as their primary vehicle is simply because they enjoy the experience. When you’ve put so much time and love into your campervan, only being able to use it intermittently can feel like wasted time. Hence why a huge benefit for many people is simply the joy of it.

2. Saved Space on Driveways

If you’ve got a car and a campervan, the space on your drive will be sacrificed, especially if you’re working on your campervan. By using your campervan as your primary vehicle, you can save a lot of space on your drive. It’s a small benefit but if you have young children, it’s additional valuable space for learning to ride bikes, drawing and general time outdoors.

3. Extra Space for School Runs

If you’re doing the school run, every additional bit of space that can be used for school bags, ingredients for cooking with, PE bags and so much more is valuable. If you don’t have to do the school run, this extra space could be used for work equipment, instruments or whatever you like, even if it is your mountain bike!

Negatives to Using Your Campervan for Commuting

As with the practical limitations, there are some downsides for those who want to commute in a campervan.

1. The Fuel Cost

Campervans only really have good MPG over long distances. For daily drives, even the new T6 hits 32 MPG. The additional fuel cost will be an impact to consider, although it does depend on what your MPG was on your car or previous commuting vehicle.

2. Car Parks with Height Restrictions

If your workplace car park has height restrictions, then you will have to either find alternative parking, or park a distance away and walk in. This does depend on what the height restriction is, but this can pose problems, especially for those with Sprinter esq campervans.

3. Navigating Urban Streets

Unlike city cars that are small and nimble, campervans do take up more road room, and aren’t as easy to manoeuvre on parked up streets, or on tight bends. For those who work in city centres or heavy residential areas, this can pose a problem if you commute at peak times, and potentially cause damage to your campervan. However, it is dependent on where your workplace is.

Looking for a Campervan Insurance Policy that Covers Daily Drivers and Commuting?

At Just Kampers Insurance, in 99% of cases, we can adjust your policy to cover you for commuting. Just speak to one of our experts who will be able to help you. Get in touch today.

When is a campervan not a campervan?

Posted on 21 July 2022 | by Jason Sims

When is a campervan not a campervan?

It’s a classic dad joke – when’s a door not a door? When it’s ajar!
But when is a campervan not a campervan? When it comes to insuring your camper, it’s a pretty important distinction.

In vehicle insurance terms, there’s a difference between a campervan and a self-built camper. If your insurance policy has your vehicle listed as a camper, but it’s technically a self-build, you could find that your policy is invalid if you ever need to make a claim on it.

A picture of a self-built campervan interior

So, what is the difference between a campervan and a self-built camper?

Simply put, if your vehicle left the factory with a bed, cooker and cupboards, then it’s a camper. It may have left with other components, too, but it needs all three of those to be classified as a camper. This counts for both classic campers and modern campers, with conversions like the Westfalia or California being covered under this policy.

If you’ve made any alterations to the vehicle, then it’s a self-built camper. Modifications to either a factory-built camper or a panel van which you’ve converted into a campervan will both fall under this category.

Like with campervans, self-built campers need to have a bed, cooker and cupboards to count, but can also have any number of other modifications.

If you’ve added side windows, a rock’n’roll bed, a pop-up roof or a sink to your campervan, it now counts as a self-built camper, because of these changes, and you’ll need to inform your insurers to make sure they’re aware of this and that your vehicle is correctly covered.

I just bought the van, how do I tell the difference?

The easiest way to tell whether your new camper counts as self-built or not is to check the logbook. If it’s listed in there as a camper, then check whether it’s got any features or modifications which aren’t listed there. If your camper isn’t originally listed as a campervan in the log book, it will count as a self-built camper.

Another example of a self-built camper interior

Do you cover both?

Of course! We’re the UK’s leading campervan insurance specialist and VW expert, and we’re more than happy to give you a really competitive insurance quote for your camper, whether it left the factory as one or whether you’ve put the time and effort into building one yourself.

In fact, if we aren’t able to give you the cheapest like-for-like quote on your camper, we’ll send you a £50 JK gift voucher, so it’s a win-win – you either get really cheap insurance from Just Kampers Insurance, or you get money to spend at Just Kampers on parts and accessories for your campervan!

You can check out the details on the insurance policies we offer for Classic Campervans, Modern Campervans and Self-Built Campers using the links provided.

An example of a self-built camper interior

A nice example of a classic VW T2 Split interior

What other modifications do you cover?

We’re happy to include all sorts of different modifications in your Just Kampers Insurance policy, including modified vehicles like converted campervans, modified cars, day vans with modifications and self-built motorhomes.

We’ll also cover specific mods like body kits, fibre glass panels, rear spoilers, suspension changes, custom paintwork, flared wheel arches, nitrous oxide kits, turbocharging, non-standard alloys or engine replacements.

You can find out more about our modification cover policies here.

Get in touch now for a quick quote, and speak with our team about the mods on your vehicle to make sure you’re properly covered.

For more information about tailoring insurance policies to your campervan or motorhome, whether you’re after affordable premiums, or something with that little bit more protection, consider coverage from the experts at Just Kampers Insurance.

What Are the Cheapest Campervans in the UK (The 7 Most Affordable Models in 2022)?

Posted on 15 June 2022 | by Jason Sims

What Are the Cheapest Campervans in the UK (The 7 Most Affordable Models in 2022)?

Jump to:

Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda
Ford Transit Conversion
VW T4
Mitsubishi Delica
VW T25/3
Vauxhall Vivaro Conversion
Fiat Ducato

For the past 50 years, the campervan has been a great escape for many as they took to the open road, whether adventuring along Cornwall’s many scenic coastal routes, or driving over the open moors of Yorkshire.

But for prospective buyers on a tight budget, buying a campervan affordably nowadays is not always easy unless you know where to look.

With so many models on the market, our experts have tested, driven and insured some of the most renowned and recognisable campervans out there, including nostalgic VWs to modern van conversions. If you’re wondering about the cheapest campervans in 2022, we’ve reviewed the most affordable models you should consider buying.

What makes a campervan affordable?

It’s not always the case that campervans can’t be budget-friendly, in fact, you can sometimes get certain models that need a bit of love for under £5000.

When considering what typical ly makes a campervan “affordable”, buyers will need to think about models and makes, the regular running costs, insurance charges, part sourcing and much more.

Factors that make a campervan affordable

The 7 Most Affordable Campervans on the Market in 2021

1. Mazda Bongo / Ford Freda

Pay no more than: £17,000
Aim to pay between: £6,000 and £15,000
Engine size: 2.0 or 2.5
Manufactured between 1995 and 2006

An image of a Mazda Bongo courtesy of courtesy of kokoro_the_bongo-instagram

The Mazda Bongo, also manufactured as the Ford Freda, was made in Japan in the late 90’s/ early 2000’s and is reminiscent of vehicles of that time. It looks a bit bulky overall, but the grill is something you can easily fall in love with.

While many Bongos have been extended, with pop tops or extended sleeping space, it’s best to check if your campervan is stock, or whether it has been customised over time. Bongo’s either come with 4 or 5 seatbelts, but five is much more common.

Why should you buy a Bongo?

The Bongo is quite a roomy campervan, giving you more space than it may appear. As they run on Japanese engines, they are reliable and aren’t known to breakdown. They come with more features, such as electric elevating roofs and other driver assistance features that many other models didn’t at the time.

The Bongo is also a pleasure to drive, according to owners. As they have both 2WD and 4WD options, as well as automatic gearboxes, the Bongo is a simple campervan to drive and use (and its size is perfect for UK roads).

The downsides to a Bongo

There are two downsides to a Mazda Bongo: improper conversion for imports and poor fuel economy.

As Mazda Bongo’s were manufactured in Japan and then imported to the UK, unscrupulous importers may not have carried out the correct conversion measures to ensure a Bongo was road legal. Get a trusted engineer to check that all of these are correct before purchasing one.

The second issue is poor fuel economy, with the Bongo only hitting an average of under 30mpg across any speeds.

Here’s some of our favourite Bongo’s we’ve seen on social media:

A Mazda Bongo - image courtesy of Pintrest

An image of a Mazda Bongo courtesy of kokoro_the_bongo-instagram

Camping in a Mazda Bongo image courtesy of maurice_the_bongo Instagram

2. Ford Transit Conversion

Pay no more than: £25,000 for a good conversion
Aim to pay between: £6,000 and £20,000, depending on conversion/model
Engine size: 2.0-2.5
Manufactured: 1965 onwards

For years, Ford Transits have been manufactured as work vans, but it’s perhaps only recently that many have converted old Ford Transits into modern campervan conversions. They’ve got the perfect base for it, being quite square with plenty of headroom for even the tallest users.

Most people take the original panel van and convert it into their dream campervan. Historically, the Ford Transit chassis has been taken and converted into campervans, such as the Buccaneer Clipper and others.

Why should you buy a Ford Transit?

As Ford’s are incredibly popular, and use common parts, replacing things, especially engine and body parts, is often easier than older models. Most drivers describe it as a ‘what it does on the tin’ van, and one that is easy to drive and just as simple to use. However, they are incredibly popular, and you can barely go for a drive without seeing one.

Converting a Ford Transit is also very popular, and there’s many online forums discussing the easy hacks learnt.

The downsides to a Ford Transit

While Ford’s are a popular van, there are many downsides. Honest John, a popular motoring forum, reports the van as having flimsy interior plastics, and AA driver reviews report the van as being incredibly uncomfortable to drive in older models, as well as reacting poorly to wet, icy or snowy weather.

Here’s some of our favourite Transit’s we’ve seen on social media:

An image of a Ford Transit, courtesy of Jennifer-M-Springman-tipsymangodreams-•-Instagram

An image of a Ford Transit van, courtesy of Simon-standerwick-on-Instagram-Life-is-better-in-a-van - instagram

An image of a Ford Transit courtesy of CampingBuddies.de on Pintrest

3. VW T4

Pay no more than: £16,000
Aim to pay between: £5,000 and £15,000 depending on conversion/model
Engine size: 1.8-2.8
Manufactured between 1990-2003

As avid Volkswagen lovers, the T4 had to be on this list. It’s easily the most affordable van for upfront cost of all the VWs, and is practical, simple and does the job!

First manufactured in 1990, it was notably different from other Transporters, having a front engine, front wheel drive and all of its engines are water-cooled. Originally made not as a campervan, the T4 is now an incredibly popular vehicle to convert into one. It’s simple to do and can be done as a DIY project, or by a specialist company.

Why should you buy a T4?

It’s got a more robust body than older models, and looks like a typical VW, reminiscent of older Golf models or similar. For the nostalgia value, coupled with more modern and reliable engineering, the T4 is popular with owners for their versatility and are commonly self-converted. The 1.9 diesel engines are great on economy and remarkably strong for their age and mileage, the petrol engines can be thirsty, so do your due diligence on higher mileage ones.

The downsides to T4s?

The T4 is known to corrode in certain spots, largely across the base of the vehicle. Where a campervan has previously used as work vans, they’re often more prone to corrosion, as they will have been used for heavy duty work. If the bonnet has been chipped with stones, then there is also a chance of rust.

It’s also important to check that the dials on the dashboard are working correctly, as there is a voltage regulator that is known to fail, and the easy way to spot this is with unexpected dial workings.

There’s also known issues with the electric windows and central locking. While this doesn’t affect the ride quality and may not greatly impact your life, it can get annoying and cause more issues further down the line.

Here’s some of our favourite T4’s we’ve seen on social media

An image of a VW T4 Transporter courtesy of PUGWEB on Instagram

A picture of a VW T4 Transporter by the beach courtesy of 𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦-𝘪𝘴-𝘯𝘰𝘵-𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦-on-Instagram

A Red VW T4 Transporter courtesy of lady_red_bullion Instagram

4. Mitsubishi Delica

Pay no more than: £18,000
Aim to pay between: £15,000 and £17,000 depending on conversion/model
Engine size: 3.0
Manufactured: 1968 – present

A favourite with JDM drivers who want a more practical vehicle, the Mitsubishi Delica is a fan favourite with a cult following. Head online and you’ll find forums of owners, whether imported or second hand.

The Delica is known for its adaptability and customisation. From off-road mods to more conservative campers, the mods made have kept the Delica rolling off the production line, something that has been happening since 1968. And, with the revival of 90s trends, a Delica has never been more popular, with purchasing prices heading upwards of 10,000 for a well maintained one.

You can get a Delica, either new from an import company, or second hand from previous UK owners. As they’ve never been manufactured or sold in the UK, you will purchase an imported one, but it’s whether you want to import your own, or buy from a previous UK owner.

Why should you buy a Delica?

First and foremost, they’re more spacious than you may expect. Unlike van conversions, the Delica is designed as a campervan, so it’s got space for living in, as well as a good driving position. It comes with up to seven seats, but with the ability for endless customisation, many have adjusted seat capacity over the years.

It’s also a pleasure to drive, thanks to its 4×4 capabilities, as well as many people choosing to upgrade it to have greater suspension or ground clearance.

The Delica Downsides

One well known quality about Delica’s is their fuel consumption. For shorter journeys, you’re looking at no more than 20mpg. Longer journeys, it can be up to 25mpg at a push. It’s petrol for pleasure, rather than performance, with the Delica’s.

As most vehicles on the second-hand market are older, from the late 90s or early 2000’s, you will need to replace parts, perhaps when you get it, or soon after.

Here’s some of our favourite Delica’s we’ve seen on social media

A Image of a Mitsubishi Delica from japaneseclassics.com on Pintrest

A picture of a Mitsubishi Delica from leblogauto.com on Pintrest

A Mitsubishi Delica Camper image courtesy of lovecampers.co.uk on Pintrest

5. VW T25/3

Pay no more than: £21,000
Aim to pay between: £5,000 and £18,000 depending on conversion/model
Engine size: 1.8-2.8
Manufactured between 1979 – 2002

A VW T25 Joker Edition Campervan in Green

Moving on from the traditional styling of the T25/T3 (used interchangeably), was a van for the 80s. This campervan has a very unique look and is instantly recognisable anywhere one goes. While it didn’t have the original silhouette that many associate with the T2 Split or Bay, it still became a firm favourite with owners, and is still popular today thanks to the extra headroom it offers.

For many, the joy of a VW was the nostalgia value. While a T25 doesn’t have that original, heritage look, it’s got its own cheeky 80’s charm, and more importantly, it’s still practical today.

Earlier versions are air cooled, while more modern versions are water cooled. While German production ended in 1992, production in South Africa carried on for another decade, allowing for a thriving import market.

Why should you buy a T25?

It’s got the old school VW charm, but in an easier to maintain and roomier way. The high top and Caravelle models are ideal for those looking for a spacious campervan and give you more options for customisation. There’s also a well-supplied aftermarket parts supply system, with some original parts still available if you know where to look.

The downsides of a T25

There’s known gear stick issues, as the synchromesh can be worn easily in both the four and five speed units. As part of this, the long gear lever can be bent, but it’s easily fixed.
Another important point to check is that any conversion carried out has been done correctly. As conversions may have been carried out over the years, hastily fitted out VWs may now be falling apart, or not holding their original structural integrity.

Here’s some of our favourite T25’s we’ve seen on social media.

An image of a VW T25 Auto Sleeper from Hettie on Instagram

A VW T25 in the woods. Image courtesy of projectmaxus on Instagram

A slammed VW T25 image courtesy of Timmy Tiereliers on Pintrest

6. Vauxhall Vivaro Conversion

Pay no more than: £35,000 for new vehicles
Aim to pay between: £10,000 and £30,000 depending on conversion
Engine size: 1.6-2.6
Manufactured between 1990-2003

The Vauxhall Vivaro is probably one of the smallest vans that you can convert into a campervan, as it’s more commonly used as work van. However, for those who don’t want to pay out for a Ford Nugget, the Vauxhall Vivaro may be a good option.

It’s easy to get hold of the Vauxhall Vivaro, thanks to its British heritage, and it’s a decent size for what you pay. For the same size, you could get an old school VW, but if you’re not fussy about heritage and want a modern drive with notably good driver convenience, then the Vivaro is probably a good bet for you.

Why should you buy a Vauxhall Vivaro?

Despite the size, you can get a full width bed in! This is a huge bonus in itself, and it’s a good-sized van without taking up excess space when parking, so you won’t have to pay for two parking bays in busier areas.

As Vauxhall is a very common brand in the UK, you’ll be able to get parts and repairs done pretty much everywhere, especially engine side. Another great thing about the Vivaro, is that it looks like a work van, so you can create a stealth conversion that won’t draw attention in car parks.

The downsides to a Vivaro?

The ride can be stiff with no furniture in, according to existing users. However, if you’ve got a loaded-up campervan, you should find that more comfortable. The other downside is that it isn’t that tall for those who want to spend time in their van long term, and you won’t be able to stand to full height.

Here’s some of our favourite Vivaro’s we’ve seen on social media.

An image of a Vauxhall Vivaro camper at the beach. Image courtesy of vanwebsite.co.uk on Pintrest

An image of a Vauxhall Vivaro courtesy of traficclub on instagram

An image of a Vauxhall Vivaro in the snow courtesy of frankieroe on instagram

7. Fiat Ducato

Pay no more than: £45,000
Aim to pay between: £15,000 and £30,000 depending on conversion/model
Engine size: 2.0-3.0
Manufactured from: 1981

The Fiat Ducato is the same size as a Mercedes Sprinter, but without the same price tag. It’s a staple in the work world for good reason, as it’s a large van, that does the job without screaming about it, unlike some of its counterparts.

The Ducato commonly comes as a panel van or a chassis cab. The reason why it’s becoming more popular in the campervan world is because it can be easily converted with little hassle. The inside is the right height, and because it’s a common shape, parts and fit-outs can be done as a DIY job, or by a converter.

Why should you by a Ducato?

The Ducato does the job it needs to, and does it well, and this impressive testimony comes from owners who already have one.

It offers good fuel economy, especially on newer models, when compared to other vans. And because of its size and build, there’s a good payload for those who want to live in their van full time.

The downsides to a Ducato?

There’s limited storage around the driver’s area, so you are pretty much confined to what’s already existing with no room for drastic change, and depending on configuration, swivel seats. There’s also limited flexibility to amend the interior space, and not much imagination can be applied to layouts.

If you’re wanting a van that’s got looks and performance, a Ducato may not be for you, as it’s definitely function over fashion.

Here’s some of our favourite Ducato’s we’ve seen on social media

An image of a Fiat Ducato Camper courtesy of molly.thevan on instagram

An image of a Fiat Ducato courtesy of fiat.ducato.camper on instagram

An image of a Fiat Ducato courtesy of fiatducatoconversion on instagram

What else do I need to know before buying affordable campervans?

How affordable are VW campervans?

VW campervans are surprisingly affordable. If you’re not fussy about generation, you can get a VW campervan from upwards of about £5,000, although older models may need work.

A T25 or T4 is going to be your best bet for an affordable VW campervan, with both starting from £5,000.

How cheap are older model’s vs newer campervans?

Older models are considerably cheaper to buy than newer models. Models like the VW T25 or the Mitsubishi Delica work out much cheaper, but you do also run the risk of more expensive repairs and harder to source parts.
Models older than 40 years won’t need a formal MOT, but it’s worth regularly servicing them anyway.

Is it cheaper to buy a converted campervan?

No, it’s often not if it’s a self-build, as the amount of materials and the cost of those materials will quickly add it up to someone who isn’t buying wholesale or with trade discounts. A good conversion can cost upwards of £40,000 for historic models, and much more for new vans.

Which is the most affordable campervan?

Well, it depends. Affordability as we’ve looked at it only covers the initial purchase cost. While a T25 or T4 may be cheaper upfront, the cost of mechanical faults and repairs could quickly work up more of a cost than a brand-new Ford Transit or Fiat Ducato conversion, and without the manufacturer’s warranty.

Lifelong affordability, when considering things like specialist campervan insurance, petrol/diesel, MOTs (or the lack of for models over 40 years old), servicing, campervan parts availability, maintenance costs and so much more.

Just Kampers Insurance can help with the affordability of your campervan insurance. With our experience providing insurance for over 20 years, we can insure your campervan, whether self-build, classic, modern, or something else. Get an online quote today.

An image of a VW T4 Campervan with a blue and white camping mug

How Much Is a Campervan to Insure?

Posted on 15 June 2022 | by Jason Sims

How Much Is a Campervan to Insure?

So, you’ve bought a campervan, or you’re considering buying one. You’re researching and want to know how much a campervan could cost you to insure.

Well, here you go:

The average cost to insure a campervan in the UK is £377, according to Just Kampers Insurance (as of February 2022). Different factors such as the age, size, and mileage, as well as any customisations, will affect the overall price of a policy. This average doesn’t include optional add-ons such as breakdown cover, key cover and more.

Why is Campervan Insurance Different?

Campervan insurance doesn’t just cover you for your driving, it also covers things that you may get in a home insurance policy such as greater contents cover and personal effects.

Campervan insurance is designed specifically for a campervan, which makes it better suited for this type of vehicle, and ensures you’ll be properly reimbursed in the case of a collision.

A VW Split Screen Campervan on a single track road

What Factors Affect Campervan Insurance?

From the size of your campervan to where you store it when you’re not using it, a huge variety of factors can affect the cost of campervan insurance.

The Value of Your Campervan

For those who’ve got a new campervan or are looking to insure their beloved classic, the value of your campervan will greatly affect the cost of your insurance, especially for rare, classic or imported models.

When you look to renew or insure for the first time, you’ll be asked the current retail value of your campervan. Some insurers will use a lookup such as AutoTrader or a similar system to look at the approximate market value of your campervan.

However, for those who want to ensure that the value of their campervan is protected in the case of an accident or similar, investigating agreed value can help to appease any nerves about not getting the correct value of your campervan.

Why do insurers look at the value of a campervan?

The value of your campervan will affect how much an insurer would have to pay out in the case of a collision and total write off. The greater the value, the more your insurance will cost.

Age of your Campervan

The age of your campervan is another important factor that can affect the cost of your insurance. While a classic campervan would be expected to have a lower value, certain models and ages, especially when it comes to campervans, gain more value over time and therefore insurance will reflect the increased value.

The Make and Model of Your Campervan

Whether you’re a VW purist or much prefer your converted panel van, the make and model of your campervan, when combined with other factors listed here, can affect the price of insurance. For example, a 30-year-old Ford Transit with very little resale value will cost less to insure than a classic 30-year-old VW campervan that is considered rare on the market.

The make and model of your campervan can also affect insurance costs if it’s one that is harder to source parts or panels for. A Japanese import Mazda Bongo, for example, may cost more than a VW T4 of the same age, as parts would have to be sourced from overseas markets rather than being readily available in the UK.

Aftermarket Work (Such as Conversions)

If you’ve done any kind of modification on your campervan, this can increase the cost of your insurance. Whether it’s increasing the tyre size from the factory standard to even changing the paint colour, any modification or aftermarket work, aside from replacing parts as like-for-like as possible, can incur extra costs.

Why do insurers look at any aftermarket work on a campervan?

As well as knowing what the difference from any factory specifications is, the cost of some aftermarket work can increase the value and cost of sourcing replacement parts.

Drivers and Use Type

Policy costs will also be determined by the age of each driver applying, their claims history, and any No-Claims Discounts. Young drivers, especially those under 25, will often see a premium increase, and those driving in high-risk areas, or at peak times, will also typically see higher costs on premiums.

This applies across all insurance policy types, regardless of vehicle type. Your perceived risk level does not change, and insurance policies are essentially risk assessments.

Storage Location

Whether you park your campervan in a specific campervan storage park, in a secured garage at your home, or on the street nearby, these factors all contribute to your overall insurance cost.

When requesting an insurance quote, you’ll be asked about your storage location, and potentially also about your winter storage if you don’t drive year-round. For those with classic campervans, winter is often a time to work on your pride and joy, so you may want to specify this at the point of requesting a quote.

A VW T2 Bay Window parked outside a shop

Why do insurers look at the storage location of a campervan?

Depending on where you store a campervan will affect the risk. For example, parked on a street will increase the risk of damage, but could lower the risk of theft. Or a car parked in a shared garage will be very secure, but may be more likely for the occasional scrape.

Campervan Size

For VW campers, size isn’t as much of a factor as they are all considered to be a smaller campervan. But for those with large American-style RVs, the size of your campervan (classified as a motorhome) will affect the costs of your premiums.

You’re at greater risk from scrapes, there’s more space to hold valuable contents, and less interior space to need to carry out repairs in. However, for most campervans found on UK roads, you’ll find little difference in the cost.

What About Insurance Optional Benefits?

When you go to take out a policy of any kind, there’s always optional benefits on offer. Whether you want breakdown included in your insurance policy, or want to add key cover, each optional benefit will cost more, but can add peace of mind.

Some optional benefits might not apply to you. Some camper owners, especially those with classic or highly modified campervans, will want agreed value – this is where the pay out after an accident is to the sum of a value agreed upon prior to a policy being taken out.

Agreed value

Agreed value is only really for those with highly modified campervans or classic campervans. As the estimated insurance value is often lower than the market resale value of modified cars and campervans, an agreed value policy will take into account photos, invoices of work done or a valuation from an independent expert to come to a fixed value of the camper, should it be sold.

This value is then used for a sum assured or amount payable in the event of a partial or total write off.

Estimated additional cost: Agreed Value – From £40

Contents cover

Much like home insurance, contents cover for campervans ensures that any belongings, including fixed items such as cookers and tables, are covered in case of theft, loss or fire.

Just Kampers Insurance insure up to a value of £2000, for a variety of contents depending on policy selection.

Estimated additional cost: Contents Cover – £26

Breakdown cover:

For those with older VW’s, you’ll know the trials of having a campervan that regularly breaks down, and the stress it can bring, especially if you’re on holiday in all far-flung corners of the UK.

While there’s no legal requirement to have breakdown cover, it’s one of the best things that any campervan or car driver can take out, as it will protect you in case of the worst.

The cost as an addition to your policy shouldn’t be too much more, and can often be cheaper than buying separately, such as with the RAC or AA. Similarly, EU cover for campervans can often be extortionate when going separately. This is due to the distance driven to come and provide assistance.

Take a look below.

Data correct as of March 2022

	Entry-level cover from Just Kampers Insurance	Average RAC Cost (Entry Level)
Cars	Starting from £25.50	Starting from £95.00
Vans	Starting from £42.00	Starting from £125.00
Campervans	Starting from £149.99	Starting from £149.99

	UK and European Roadside Assistance and Home-Start cover from JKI	RAC Equivalent Policy
Cars	Starting from £42.00	Starting from £195, plus an additional cost depending on European Country
Vans	Starting from £47.00	Starting from £217 (business use)
Campervans	Starting from £90.00	Starting from £245.99

Windscreen cover

A cracked or chipped windscreen can lead to a failed MOT if it obstructs the driver’s eyeline or is greater than the size of a pound coin. Getting any chips repaired or windscreens replaced quickly is essential to ensure the safety and legality of your windscreen.

Windscreen cover is often one of the cheaper additions, but can be one of the best to add, as costs without insurance can skyrocket.

For example, a single chip repair from Autoglass costs £198.71 inc. VAT (as of March 2022) but an annual windscreen policy from Just Kampers Insurance costs £13.99.

Misfuelling assistance

If you accidentally misfuel your car or campervan, you’ll be stuck on the forecourt or nearby, and long-term engine damage can occur if not treated quickly.

Misfuelling assistance add-ons will include removing contaminated fuel and flushing the engine through, whether roadside or at a specialist garage. Some policies will also include a set amount to refuel.

The additional cost on your insurance is often minimal, but without this level of cover, your costs can be reaching into the tens of thousands to repair the engine damage.

Excess Protection

Excess protection means that in the case of no responsible third party, your insurer will pay back the cost of the excess listed on your policy. Excess protection can make claiming for issues less of a concern.

Estimated additional cost: Excess Protect – From £34.99

Spare Parts Cover

If you have parts stocked up in case of breakdown or are about to do some renovations on your campervan, then the loss of these parts can prove expensive, especially for classic or modified vehicles.

Adding spare parts cover to an insurance policy means that in the case of loss or damage, you can claim back some of the costs. Cover often only applies when any parts are kept inside your locked garage or, at the time of the loss, were temporarily housed inside a locked motor vehicle but not attached or fitted to the motor vehicle.

Estimated additional cost: £12.99

Replacement Car Cover

If you’re in the process of making a claim, whether your car has been stolen, left un-recovered, written off or otherwise undriveable after an accident, then having a replacement car add-on can reduce the stress post-accident.

Some insurers, often on their premium policies, will roll this into your annual cost, but others will make this an add-on.

Estimated additional cost: From £29.99

Key Cover

If you’re prone to losing keys or have lost them before and know how hard it can be to find the spares, then key cover is often a preferred add-on.

Key cover will often cover all keys attached to a fob, and some insurers will also provide recovery in the instance of loss leading to not being able to get home.

Discover How Much Just Kampers Insurance Can Insure You For

Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we’ve been providing campervan and classic car insurance for over 20 years. And, we don’t just insure campervans, we can cover all kinds of vehicles, from self-build campers to motor trade insurance.

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