Temporary Campervan Insurance

Why choose Howden for Temporary Campervan Insurance?

Here at Howden we’re committed to making things easier for our clients. We simplify the process of comparing multiple policies on your behalf, thanks to our strong relationships with a select panel of standard and specialist insurers.

Our service is personalized, taking the time to understand your specific needs when it comes to campervan insurance. We know that every policy should be as unique as its owner. As fellow enthusiasts, we understand the significance of your campervan to your lifestyle and are here to help you protect it.

Whether you're looking to purchase a new policy, renew an existing one, or make a claim, you can count on us to support you every step of the way.

Benefits of working with Howden:

• We’re driven to save you time, money, and hassle.
• Speak with your local branch, within your community.
• We’re right by your side in the event of a claim.
• Benefit from a tailored service that comparison sites can’t provide.
• You can trust us – we’re rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

Why take out temporary campervan insurance?

Temporary campervan insurance is designed to ensure you’re legally compliant and adequately protected in a number of short-term scenarios. Temporary policies usually provide coverage from one to 28 days, though some providers offer coverage for up to three months. 

Here are a few reasons why you might need need to invest in this type of insurance:

• Borrowing a campervan: When borrowing a friend or family member's campervan for a short trip, temporary insurance can give you the coverage you need without affecting the owner's existing policy. 
• Renting a campervan: Some rental companies require you to have your own insurance in place. Temporary coverage can help you if this is the case, or if you feel your rental company's insurance is inadequate or too expensive.
• Additional drivers: Temporary insurance is an option if you want to add a driver to your campervan insurance for a short period of time. 
• Seasonal use: If you only use your campervan during certain months of the year, temporary insurance can be a more affordable option than year-round insurance. Don’t forget that you might need to declare it as off the road (SORN) for the rest of the year. 
• Test drives and purchases: If you're considering buying a campervan, you may need temporary insurance to take it for a test drive or to cover the period between buying it and arranging long-term insurance.
• Gap in coverage: Changing insurers? If there's a gap between your insurance policies, temporary insurance can ensure you remain covered during this period.
• Festivals or events: Attending a festival or special event with your campervan might require specific short-term insurance, especially if your regular policy has mileage restrictions or doesn't cover certain types of usage.

If you’re wondering, “Can you get temporary motorhome insurance?”, you certainly can. Temporary insurance is available for campervans and motorhomes, and for ordinary vans, too.

What does temporary campervan insurance cover?

Temporary campervan insurance typically comes with comprehensive insurance as standard. This means that, in the event of an accident, you are comprehensively insured for any damage caused to your own car as well as anyone else’s car or property. It also protects you and other people in the event that you sustain injuries. 

Some insurers do offer third-party or third-party, fire and theft coverage, but you will have to request this and discuss the details with your insurer. 

It’s also possible that your insurance policy will provide additional cover as part of its standard offering — windscreen cover, a limited period of European travel, and protection for your audio equipment are some potential inclusions. It all depends on the insurer you choose. Be sure to speak to your provider about your specific needs before signing on the dotted line. 

Are there any restrictions you should be aware of?

Like other forms of insurance, temporary insurance can come with certain conditions and restrictions that you should be aware of. Always read your policy details carefully so that you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered. It's also wise to check if there are any specific exclusions that might affect your planned usage of your campervan. 

Regular exclusions include:

• Mileage limits: Many temporary policies have restrictions on how many miles you can drive.
• Driver restrictions: There may also be age limits or requirements for driving experience. It might be harder to secure temporary insurance if you’re a young driver under the age of 25.
• Usage limitations: Some policies may not cover commercial use or living in the campervan full time.
• Pre-existing modifications: Always make sure that you declare any modifications you’ve made to your campervan.

Are there any add-ons that might be useful?

Depending on your circumstances, you might be interested in taking out one or more of the following optional add-ons to ensure you’re properly protected. Again, it’s possible that some insurers will include one or more of the options below in your policy automatically. Chat to them to make sure.

• Breakdown assistance: With breakdown assistance, you’ll never be stranded on the side of the road.
• European travel: Crossing the Channel? You can get temporary European cover, too, usually up to a certain number of days.
• Contents insurance: Even standard campervan insurance doesn’t usually cover the contents of your campervan. Extra contents insurance will ensure your belongings are protected. 
• Awnings and attachments: As the name suggests, this covers your fixed awnings and other permanent attachments.
• Emergency accommodation: Some policies offer compensation for alternative accommodation if your campervan becomes uninhabitable as a result of an insured event, such as a large storm or flood.
• Legal expenses: Legal protection covers the legal costs associated with an accident that wasn’t your fault. 

How much does short-term campervan insurance cost?

There are a number of factors that influence the cost of short-term campervan insurance. The following will influences the price you’re quoted:

• How long you take the coverage out for
• The type of campervan you’re insuring
• How much it’s worth
• What you intend to use it for
• Your age and driving experience 
• Where the campervan is kept and where you plan to take it
• Whether you choose to take out any optional add-ons

You’ll pay more for temporary campervan insurance the longer you take it out (though the cost will be cheaper per day), and you’ll likely pay more if you’re a younger or less experienced driver.

To get an exact price, it’s worth asking a few insurers to quote you. A broker like Howden can help you here.

How to get cheap campervan insurance: Top tips

Of course, there are always a few handy tips you can follow to try and reduce your temporary insurance costs. To get the best deal:

• Raise your excess: A higher excess will usually mean lower premiums. Of course, it’s important that you can cover the cost of this excess in the event that you have to pay it.
• Security features: Alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices can help to lower the cost of your premiums. Be sure to tell your insurer about these features if you have any installed. 
• Camping or caravan clubs: Don’t forget to mention to your insurer if you belong to any camping or caravan clubs. These memberships can help to lower your quote.
• Shop around: Don’t accept the first quote you receive. Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the one that’s right for you.

Remember, while cost is important, adequate coverage matters more. Ensure the policy you choose covers your needs — the cheapest option doesn’t always offer the best value.

If you’re looking for the best short-term motorhome insurance, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a quote.

Related articles

Do you want to read more about campervans and other leisure vehicles? Take a look at one of our Campervan Insurance Guides, or read any of the articles below from the Howden Blog!

• What insurance do I need to rent out my campervan?
• Is campervan insurance cheaper than van insurance?
• Do you need specialist insurance for a campervan?