What’s not covered by motorhome insurance?

Motorhoming continues to grow in popularity and we’re insuring more motorhomes than ever before, so knowing what your motorhome insurance policy does and doesn’t cover you for is important.

There are of course many things that specialist motorhome insurance does cover, providing protection for your specific motorhome equipment, options to extend comprehensive cover abroad, and bespoke breakdown assistance.

But here we explain what’s not covered on our motorhome insurance policy (and probably the motorhome policies from many other providers) to help you make sure you’re not caught out in the event of a claim and that your pride and joy is always protected.

Many people buy a motorhome or campervan for holidaying but some owners might also use their leisure vehicle to get to work or nipping to the shops.

Business use and hiring out

Here at Caravan Guard our motorhome insurance policy is designed for owners who use their motorhome for social, domestic and pleasure uses, and it’s fully comprehensive cover with a range of benefits.

Although we can insure owners who use their motorhome to commute to a single fixed place of work, unless you’re a member of the Caravan Writers’ Guild or a recognised journalist within the caravan or motorhome industry,  we’re unable to extend our policy to those who use their motorhome for business use.

We’re also unable to offer cover for hiring out your motorhome for monetary reward (even if you get temporary insurance elsewhere).

Full time motorhoming

Vanlife, or full-timing, is becoming very popular not just in the UK but across the world as people choose to permanently live in their home on wheels. At Caravan Guard, we’re unable to offer insurance cover for people who live in their motorhome full time, but we do provide cover for your motorhome to be used for up to nine months of the year for leisure. We may be able to extend this in some circumstances, but it’s important to speak to us to agree this before exceeding the standard nine month period.

All of our policyholders also need to have a permanent UK address (this cannot be just a correspondence address) to get an insurance quote.

Motorhome miles

It’s important to keep an eye on how many miles you’re covering in your motorhome throughout the policy year.

If you exceed the specified mileage you must inform your motorhome insurance provider so this can be increased appropriately to continue full insurance cover. There’ll likely be an extra premium to pay for this increase, plus an administration fee to make this mid-term policy amendment. But not letting your insurer know could result in a claim being declined.

Wear and tear

Over time your motorhome might be suffer some wear and tear from its adventures around the UK and even into Europe. Damage caused by general wear and tear, such as rusting, damp, fading, or erosion of seams and seals are not covered on our policy.

It’s important to make sure your motorhome is kept in a good state of repair and is regularly maintained. Having an annual habitation check on your motorhome will help you keep an eye on things like water ingress and damp. An engineer will carry out a full check of your motorhome habitation area and make sure everything is safe and up to standard, including the water, gas and electrical systems.

You also need to keep your motorhome in a good mechanical and roadworthy condition. An up-to-date MoT and service will make sure any issues are picked up and dealt with quickly.

Pet and vermin damage

We know many owners like to take their pets and dogs on their motorhome holidays but it’s important to note that damage caused by pets or other animals chewing furniture, scratching or fouling in the motorhome will not be covered by your motorhome insurance policy. So make sure your furry friend is always relaxed in your motorhome. To do that we’d always recommend you provide plenty of creature comforts for your furry friend especially when leaving them unattended in the vehicle for any length of time.

When storing your motorhome between trips it’s also important to take steps to prevent vermin from getting into your motorhome, and even an insect infestation, as any damage caused will also not be covered by your policy.

Named drivers

When taking out a motorhome insurance policy you’ll be asked to name the drivers of your motorhome or campervan and this is the person or people who will be covered by the policy.

Cover will not be provided whilst the motorhome is being driven by, or used by, anyone not included on the policy, or if it’s been driven by someone who doesn’t have a valid driving licence or has been disqualified from driving.

Motorhome theft

Sadly, motorhome thefts have been on the rise as motorhomes increased in popularity here in the UK. Our motorhome insurance policy will only cover a theft where there’s been violent or forcible entry into the motorhome.

If your motorhome is unattended AND left unlocked or your motorhome keys are inside the motorhome, or you leave a window open, then a claim for theft could be declined.

Any portable sat navs should also be stored out of sight in a locked compartment when your motorhome is left unattended as they will not be covered if stolen or damaged.

You must also make sure you fit and activate all the security items you have listed on your policy whenever leaving your motorhome unattended.

It’s also important to note that any theft, attempted theft or malicious damage to your motorhome must be reported to the police before making a claim.

High risk items

Caravan Guard’s motorhome insurance policy provides up to £5,000 cover for equipment and personal possessions as standard. Our personal possessions cover includes items such as: clothing, books, and toiletries that you take with you on your motorhome holidays. There’s a single article limit of £300 for those items.

Our personal possessions cover excludes high risk items such as mobile phones, laptops, computer tablets and jewellery.

Changing storage location

If you decide to change the storage location of your motorhome you need to tell your motorhome insurance provider. The same applies if you change the security on your motorhome. If we’re not notified of a change of storage or security then your policy could be invalidated in the event of a claim.

Levels of motorhome insurance cover will vary by provider but choosing a specialist and comprehensive policy will make sure you’re pride and joy is protected from a range of risks, such as road accidents, fire, theft, storm and accidental damage.

Also see our guide about when to update your motorhome insurance policy to make sure you’re fully covered in the event of a claim.

For more information about Caravan Guard’s specialist motorhome and campervan insurance which can be tailored to your specific needs click here or call us on the number at the top of the page.

Please note any cover benefits are subject to terms, conditions and underwriting criteria. Please see our motorhome insurance documents page for a full policy wording.