Motorhome Insurance 101: The Ultimate Guide to Motorhome Insurance

Whether you’re a seasoned motorhome tourer or about to get going in your own vehicle for the very first time, it’s important to understand your obligations around motorhome insurance. With legal requirements, different types of cover, exclusions and cost-saving tips to consider, it’s really important to make informed choices. This edition of our blog is a motorhome insurance guide, designed to take you through everything you need to know whether you have bought a new or used motorhome from Go European, so that you can hit the road insured and with confidence. 

Yes, you do. If you’re driving your motorhome on UK roads, you’re legally obliged to insure it. The UK’s Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) laws require all vehicles to be always insured unless you have declared yours as ‘off-road’ (using a Statutory Off Road Notification, aka you’ve “SORNed it”).  

If you’re wondering whether you need motorhome insurance if you only use the vehicle on very rare occasions, the answer remains yes. Even if your motorhome is just parked in your driveway, without a SORN, and only used once or twice a year, you must still make sure you have a valid insurance policy. 

Beyond the legal requirement for insurance, you should also think about the value of your motorhome, the personal items stored inside and the potential costs of an accident. Even a relatively minor incident could result in you having to pay out thousands of pounds for repairs or in liability claims. Having proper insurance in place gives you peace of mind as well as protection. 

There are several levels of insurance cover available for motorhomes, and your choice depends on how much protection you need and how you use the vehicle. It’s really important to look beyond price alone and understand what is – and isn’t – included in your motorhome insurance policy. 

• Third-Party Only: This is the legal minimum and covers damage or injury caused to others, including their vehicles or property. However, this type of cover does not protect your own motorhome or its contents. Although there is a benefit in that it’s usually the cheapest option, third-party only offers limited support in the event of a loss. 

• Third-Party, Fire & Theft: This includes the same basic protection, with added cover if your motorhome is stolen or damaged by fire. It offers more security but still leaves your own vehicle somewhat exposed in the event of an accident. 

• Fully Comprehensive: For more comprehensive protection, this type of policy is generally considered the best choice for motorhome owners. It covers accidental damage to your own vehicle (regardless of who’s at fault), and may also include windscreen repairs, theft of personal items and vandalism. In some cases it may even cover things like misfiling (in other words, accidentally filling up with the wrong type of fuel – petrol instead of diesel, or whatever). 

• Laid-Up: Some policies also include what is known as laid-up cover, ideal for periods when your motorhome is declared off-road. This cover ensures the vehicle is still protected against theft, fire and accidental damage, even when you’re not driving it. 

Many insurance companies offer extras that can be added in to their standard policies. These additional extras may increase the premium that you pay each year but can be extremely valuable depending on your usage. 

• European cover: If you travel to Europe, this is essential. Some insurers offer a set number of days as standard (usually between 90 and 180), while others offer European cover as an add-on. Make sure the breakdown cover element of your insurance policy also applies abroad, as recovery from Europe can be very costly without it. 

• Other useful extras: Other useful extras include breakdown assistance, legal expenses cover and personal accident protection (which provides financial assistance in the event of serious injury). A particularly useful additional is contents cover, which protects belongings inside of the motorhome (things like electronics, camping gear and kitchen equipment), often up to a specific limit. 

Every insurance policy comes with exclusions, and so making sure that you understand these in advance can save you from unpleasant surprises later. General wear and tear, for example, is not covered by any motorhome insurance policy. If your tyres wear down or your battery dies from lack of use, you will not be able to make a claim as these are standard aspects of vehicle ownership and use. 

Likewise, any damage caused by neglect of the vehicle or improper maintenance (such as ignoring an oil leak, for example) may invalidate your insurance policy. That’s why regular servicing is so important – not just for safety reasons and to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition, but to also keep your insurance policy valid.  

Theft claims could also be denied if it’s proven that the motorhome was unlocked or that you left valuables in plain view. Another common reason for rejected insurance claims is that the motorhome was used for purposes not declared on the policy (eg. renting it out or using it for business). 

The cost of your motorhome insurance policy is based on various factors, and once you understand these it will help you find a better deal. Things like your age, driving experience and claims history all play a role in ensuring lower premiums. 

Where you keep your motorhome when it’s not in use also affects insurance policy pricing. A vehicle stored on your drive or in your garage, or in a secure compound, is considered less of a risk than one parked on the street. Installing additional security measures such as immobilisers, alarms or GPS trackers can also make a noticeable difference in reducing insurance premiums. 

The make and model of your motorhome will also impact the cost of your insurance. Heavier vehicles with custom modifications tend to cost more to insure, as do those with high-end fixtures, electronics and technology. 

While paying for motorhome insurance is an expense you cannot avoid, there are several ways you can lower your premium without compromising your protection. 

• Mileage: Limiting your annual mileage can also result in lower insurance premiums. If you only use your motorhome for summer trips or the occasional holiday, fewer miles typically mean lower risk. 

• Excess: Increasing your voluntary excess is another strategy for lowering your motorhome insurance premiums. Excess is the amount you agree (in advance) to pay towards a claim. A higher agreed excess often leads to a lower premium, though it’s important to ensure you will be able to afford it in the event of an accident. 

• Go European: We work with trusted and recommended motorhome insurance partners for exclusive discounts and attractive rates. 

Choosing the best motorhome insurance isn’t always about finding the cheapest quote and going with that. The right policy strikes the perfect balance between comprehensive protection, affordable pricing and good customer service. Always read the fine print of your insurance policy so that you understand what’s included, particularly when it comes to claims handling, repair networks and response times. 

Accidents and incidents can be stressful, but knowing the right steps to take will help things go a lot more smoothly. Firstly, ensure everyone is safe and, if necessary, call emergency services. Document the scene thoroughly by taking photos if you can (usually on your phone as it will be to hand) and collecting the names and contact details of everyone involved. 

Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible. Ideally this report should be within 24 hours. Delaying can jeopardise a claim. Be completely honest and totally accurate in your report and submit any required documents promptly. If your motorhome needs to be repaired, use an authorised repair centre recommended by your insurer or approved by specialists like Go European’s servicing team. 

Insuring your new motorhome is a legally required step in safeguarding your vehicle and protecting yourself and others. So next time you ask yourself, “Do I need motorhome insurance?”, remember that the right cover doesn’t just protect your investment — it protects your lifestyle, your holidays, and your peace of mind. With many different levels of cover, exclusions and pricing options, it pays to talk to the experts at Go European!