Self Build Campervan Insurance
Building your own campervan is an exciting journey, offering the freedom to create a home on wheels that's perfectly tailored to your needs and preferences.
Whether you’re planning to use your campervan for weekend getaways or long-term adventures, ensuring it is adequately insured is crucial. Self build campervan insurance is specifically designed to cover the unique aspects and potential risks associated with DIY conversions, giving you peace of mind as you embark on your travels.
Why You Should Stay and Read Further
- Comprehensive Information: This guide provides detailed information on self build campervan insurance, ensuring you understand all aspects of coverage.
- Expert Advice: Learn the key features to look for in a policy, including coverage for modifications, personal belongings, and more.
- Comparison Tips: Get practical tips on how to compare insurance policies to find the best coverage at the best price.
- Cost-Saving Strategies: Discover tips on how to lower your insurance premiums and avoid common mistakes.
- Real-Life Examples: Read testimonials from satisfied customers who have protected their custom campervans with the right insurance.
- Easy Quotes: Our website helps you get multiple insurance quotes from a panel of trusted insurers, potentially finding better and cheaper options by completing the quote form.
Unlike standard campervan insurance, self build insurance takes into account the bespoke modifications and personal touches that make your campervan unique. This type of insurance provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring that both your vehicle and the custom features you’ve added are fully protected.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about self build campervan insurance, from understanding its importance to finding and comparing the best policies.
We’ll explore the key features to look for, provide tips on lowering your premiums, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. Additionally, we'll help you differentiate between self build campervan insurance and campervan conversion insurance, so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive resource that not only answers all your questions but also makes the process of finding the right insurance straightforward and stress-free. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of what self build campervan insurance entails and be ready to secure the best coverage for your unique campervan.
Ready to protect your dream campervan? Let’s get started!
What is Self Build Campervan Insurance?
Self build campervan insurance is a specialised type of coverage designed specifically for individuals who take on the challenge of converting a van into a campervan themselves.
This DIY approach allows you to personalise every aspect of your campervan, from the layout and design to the materials and features.
However, with this level of customisation comes the need for an insurance policy that understands and covers the unique risks and requirements of a self-built vehicle.
Definition
Self build campervan insurance provides comprehensive protection for campervans that have been converted by their owners.
Unlike standard campervan insurance, which typically covers factory-built or professionally converted vehicles, self build insurance is tailored to the specific needs of DIY projects.
This includes coverage for the bespoke modifications and customisations you’ve added, ensuring that every element of your self-built campervan is adequately protected.
Key Differences from Standard Campervan Insurance
Why Choose Self Build Campervan Insurance?
Building a campervan yourself is a labour of love, and self build campervan insurance ensures that your hard work and investment are safeguarded. Here are some reasons why choosing specialised self build insurance is important:
In summary, self build campervan insurance is essential for anyone who has invested time, effort, and creativity into converting a van into their dream campervan. By choosing the right insurance policy, you can enjoy your travels with the confidence that your unique creation is fully protected.
In summary, self build campervan insurance is essential for anyone who has invested time, effort, and creativity into converting a van into their dream campervan. By choosing the right insurance policy, you can enjoy your travels with the confidence that your unique creation is fully protected.
Why You Need Self Build Campervan Insurance
Building your own campervan is a rewarding experience that allows you to create a personalised home on wheels.
However, with this freedom and creativity comes the responsibility of ensuring your unique vehicle is adequately protected. Here’s why self build campervan insurance is crucial for any DIY campervan project:
1. Protection Against Accidents and Damage
Accidents can happen at any time, whether you're on the road or parked up. Self build campervan insurance provides comprehensive coverage that protects your vehicle against damage caused by collisions, fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. This means that your investment is safeguarded against unforeseen incidents, ensuring you don't face significant financial loss.
2. Coverage for Custom Modifications
One of the primary benefits of building your own campervan is the ability to customise it to your exact specifications. Standard vehicle insurance policies often do not cover custom modifications, but self build campervan insurance is designed to include these bespoke features. Whether you’ve installed a custom kitchen, bespoke cabinetry, or unique electrical systems, your insurance will cover the cost of these additions.
3. Peace of Mind During the Build Process
Many self build campervan insurance policies offer coverage during the build phase. This means your van and ongoing work are protected from risks such as theft, fire, and accidental damage while you’re still in the process of converting it. This coverage is essential for ensuring that any unexpected setbacks during the build don’t result in a total loss.
4. Agreed Value Coverage
Determining the value of a self-built campervan can be complex due to its unique modifications. Self build campervan insurance often includes agreed value coverage, where you and your insurer agree on the value of your campervan. This agreed value takes into account all the custom work and materials used, ensuring you receive fair compensation if your campervan is written off or stolen.
5. Specialist Claims Handling
Claims involving self-built campervans can be more complicated than those for standard vehicles due to their bespoke nature. Insurers specialising in self build campervan insurance have experienced claims handlers who understand the intricacies of self-built vehicles. This expertise ensures a smoother, more efficient claims process, providing you with the support you need when it matters most.
6. Financial Security
Building a campervan involves a significant financial investment. Self build campervan insurance provides the financial security you need by covering the costs associated with repairs, replacements, or rebuilding in case of an accident or other covered event. This security allows you to enjoy your travels without worrying about potential financial setbacks.
7. Compliance with Legal Requirements
Having the right insurance is not only a wise decision but also a legal requirement. In the UK, you must have at least third-party insurance to drive on public roads. Self build campervan insurance ensures that you meet these legal requirements while also providing comprehensive protection tailored to your vehicle.
Potential Real Life Scenarios
Consider these potential real life scenarios to understand the importance of self build campervan insurance:
Accidental Damage: You accidentally reverse your campervan into a low-hanging tree branch, causing significant damage to the custom solar panels you installed on the roof. With self build campervan insurance, the cost of repairing or replacing the solar panels is covered.
Theft: Your partially completed campervan is stolen from your driveway during the build process. Self build insurance ensures you are compensated for the value of the van and the work completed so far.
Fire: An electrical fault causes a fire in your campervan, damaging the custom interior you’ve spent months building. Your insurance policy covers the cost of repairs, allowing you to rebuild and continue your project.
By choosing self build campervan insurance, you could better protect your investment, ensure legal compliance, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your unique creation is safeguarded against various risks. Don’t leave your hard work and creativity unprotected, secure the right insurance coverage.
Key Features to Look For:
When choosing a self build campervan insurance policy, it's essential to ensure that the coverage meets the unique needs of your custom-built vehicle. Here are the key features to look for in a self build campervan insurance policy:
Coverage for Build Modifications
Custom Modifications: Ensure your policy covers all the bespoke modifications and upgrades you’ve made to your campervan. This includes custom cabinetry, unique layouts, electrical systems, plumbing, and any other personal touches you’ve added.
Value of Add-Ons: The coverage should account for the value of the materials and labour involved in these modifications, ensuring you're fully protected in the event of damage or loss.
Personal Belongings Coverage
Inside the Campervan: This feature protects your personal belongings stored inside the campervan, such as electronics, camping gear, clothing, and other valuables.
Security Measures: Look for policies that cover theft of personal belongings, especially if you have security measures like alarms or trackers installed in your campervan.
Roadside Assistance
Breakdown Cover: Roadside assistance is crucial for campervan owners. Ensure your policy includes comprehensive breakdown cover, offering help if your campervan breaks down while on the road.
Recovery Services: Check if the policy includes recovery services to tow your campervan to a garage or safe location if it cannot be repaired on the spot.
European Travel Coverage
Travel Flexibility: If you plan to travel across Europe with your campervan, make sure your insurance policy provides coverage for European travel. This ensures you’re protected no matter where your adventures take you.
Duration of Coverage: Look for policies that offer extended European travel coverage, allowing you to stay abroad for longer periods without losing protection.
Agreed Value Coverage
Fair Compensation: Agreed value coverage means you and the insurer agree on the value of your campervan, taking into account all custom modifications. This ensures you receive fair compensation if your campervan is written off or stolen.
Avoid Depreciation: Unlike market value policies, agreed value coverage does not account for depreciation, so you get the full agreed amount in the event of a total loss.
Additional Considerations
Legal Protection: Some policies include legal protection cover, which can help with legal costs if you're involved in an accident that leads to legal proceedings.
Temporary Accommodation: Check if the policy provides temporary accommodation coverage in case your campervan is unusable due to an insured event, ensuring you’re not left stranded.
How to Compare Self Build Campervan Insurance
Choosing the right self build campervan insurance can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can find a policy that fits your needs perfectly. Follow this step-by-step guide to compare insurance policies and make an informed decision.
Step-by-Step Guide to Comparing Insurance Policies
Identify Your Needs:
Consider the specific features and modifications of your self-built campervan.
List your essential coverage needs, such as modifications, personal belongings, roadside assistance, European travel, and agreed value coverage.
Gather Quotes:
The the form on our website to get multiple insurance quotes from a panel of trusted insurers through our partners. This allows you to compare a variety of options easily and efficiently.
Make sure to provide detailed information about your campervan and any custom modifications to receive accurate quotes.
Compare Coverage Options:
Review the coverage options provided by each insurer. Look for policies that cover your listed needs and offer comprehensive protection.
Pay attention to any exclusions or limitations in the policies.
Check Additional Benefits:
Look for additional benefits such as legal protection, temporary accommodation, and coverage during the build process.
Evaluate the value of these extras and how they align with your travel plans and lifestyle.
Evaluate Costs:
Compare the premiums, deductibles, and coverage limits of each policy. Ensure that the cost aligns with your budget while providing adequate protection.
Consider any discounts available for security measures, membership in campervan clubs, or safe driving records.
Read Reviews and Ratings:
Research customer reviews and ratings of the insurance providers. This can give you insights into their customer service, claims handling, and overall satisfaction.
Seek Professional Advice:
If you're unsure about any aspect of the policies, don't hesitate to seek advice from insurance brokers or professionals who specialise in campervan insurance.
Make an Informed Decision:
After thorough comparison and evaluation, choose the policy that offers the best coverage for your needs at a reasonable price.
Ensure you understand the terms and conditions before finalising your purchase.
Comparison Table
To help you visually compare the key features of different policies, use the following comparison table:
Self Build Campervan Insurance
There are many reasons to build your own campervan.
A self-built campervan might be cheaper, or help you to stick to a budget, though it could just as easily be a more expensive way of doing things. When you’re in control of every element, you can take it as far as you want.
Building your own campervan is also the best way to get everything you’ve always wanted. A custom build gives you freedom to add the things you want, whilst leaving out anything you don’t. No inch of space is wasted.
As you work on your project, and when it’s complete, it’ll need suitable insurance. Protect your investment from theft and damage, when you’re driving it and when you’re not.
About Self Build Campervan Insurance
There are many different ways to build your own campervan. These projects take time and effort - from sourcing the right parts and finding the right fittings, to bringing everything together. It’s not an easy task, but once it’s complete you’ll be very proud of the results. And, arguably, there’s a lot of fun to have along the way. Like all good campervan holidays, the journey can be as exciting as the destination!
Source: The Climbing Van
Popular vehicle choices for self build campervans include:
- Larger cars, MPVs and mobility vehicles (like the Renault Kangoo, Ford Galaxy or Toyota Previa)
- Vans (like the Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit or Renault Trafic)
- Specialist vehicles (like an ambulance, minibus or livestock carrier)
You can take time to find the vehicle that you want to convert. Then, think about what you’ll want to have inside it and how you’d like it to look. The end result is a personalised campervan, entirely unique and tailored to your needs and lifestyle.
Why You Need Self Build Insurance Cover For Your Campervan
A self build project allows you to take a lot of pride in your campervan, so it’s only right that you’ll want the most suitable insurance policy.
Your insurance, like your campervan, needs to be personalised.
You’ll want to choose an insurer that knows the value of your self build campervan. It’s easy to value a standard motorhome, but not so easy to put a value on something that’s completely unique. Specialist insurance is needed for this type of vehicle.
Understanding Your V5C Document
Source: GOV UK
After you’ve finished your campervan self build, you’ll need to update your vehicle’s documents so that you can get the right insurance. Your log book states your vehicle’s body type, which now should be changed to ‘motor caravan’.
In order to be approved for a change to a ‘motor caravan’, your vehicle must be identifiable if it’s viewed from the outside. It should also have certain fixed features inside.
External Features
External features for a self build campervan include windows, campervan-style graphics, pop tops or awning bars.
Internal Features
Internal fixed features can include sleeping facilities, tables and chairs, storage and cooking facilities.
Evidence will need to be sent to the DVLA. They may ask for several photographs of your vehicle (inside and outside), so they can make a judgment about your vehicle’s final classification.
Once your vehicle’s V5C document has been updated, you’ll be entitled to purchase the appropriate insurance. Now, you’re ready to explore the country – or travel further afield!
How Much to Pay for Campervan Insurance
It’s difficult to predict, in advance, how much you will pay for your insurance. Specialist self build campervan insurance must be tailored to each unique vehicle. How much you pay will depend on how you’ve built your campervan, including what furniture you’ve fixed inside it and what vehicle you’ve used.
Getting a Quote for Self Build Campervan Insurance
After you’ve finished your self build campervan project, you can get a quote for your insurance. Your insurer may ask for detailed information about what your campervan includes, and may in some cases ask for photographic evidence before your quote is finalised.
Before you worry about the finer details, start with our quote form. Provide the essential facts, then we’ll take care of the rest.
We’ll find insurers that are happy to offer self build campervan insurance, so you can save time and get insurance quotes from several providers at once.
Arranging Your Bespoke Campervan Insurance
It’s in everyone’s interest that you’re honest about your self build campervan. If the worst should happen and you’re involved in an accident, this will make sure that your vehicle’s value has been properly assessed.
If you’re asked questions, do your best to give accurate answers. If you’ve converted your van, you’re the one that knows best what it really includes. Nobody knows the value of your campervan quite as much as you, so you’ll want to make sure that you and your insurer agree on a final valuation.
If you’ve purchased a campervan conversion from elsewhere, you’ll know how much you spent on the campervan you bought. You should feel confident that you paid a fair price for the vehicle you’ve bought, and your insurer should agree if you want to make sure that you won’t lose out if it’s in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
After Getting Insurance Cover For Your Campervan
Remember that further changes, after you’ve purchased insurance, might affect your insurance cover. Keep your insurer up to date about any adjustments you’ve made, if you think there’s any chance that they’ll affect the value of your vehicle.
Keeping your insurer up to date doesn’t always mean that you’ll pay more, but it does mean you’re covered in an accident or if something gets stolen.
Get Your Self Build Campervan Insurance Quote
Is your self build campervan complete? Does your vehicle’s log book accurately represent the hard work you’ve put in? Now’s the time to get your quote for self build campervan insurance.
Just fill in our form, then let us send your details to insurers that might offer cover. We’ll come back to you with quotes so you can choose the most suitable campervan insurance.
