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A buyer's guide to motorhome insurance

• Motorhome insurance considerations

  Travelling abroad

  If you are taking your motorhome abroad on holiday, you must confirm with your insurer that you have sufficient cover for the length of the trip. Many insurers will limit such cover to 90 days, whereas our own Club Care policy offers 365 days cover in the EU and associated countries (this may be limited to 125 days per trip, depending on which policy underwriter is selected).

  Motorhome claims expertise

  Look at the company offering cover and examine exactly what their motorhome insurance policy really covers. Do they really know about motorhome insurance? You can now pick up cheap insurance at supermarket checkouts, but will they have the expertise to help you out if you find yourself in trouble abroad and need to make a claim? Is there a 24-hour helpline so that you can get emergency help around the clock?

  Personal belongings

  You will also need to consider what might happen in the event of a break-in. Remember that many of your personal effects may already be covered under your household contents insurance policy. A typical motorhome insurance policy will cover equipment, baggage, awnings, toilet tents, portable TVs and audio equipment up to a total value of £350. Do check your insurer's exact definitions and the limit of cover available. Club Care's £3,500 limit is typical of good policies on the market.

  Motorhome prices are going up and it is no longer unusual to find a motorhome selling for over £40,000, yet some companies make this the limit for their motorhome insurance cover. Good companies such as Club Care don't, but we may ask you to fit extra security devices to a very expensive motorhome.

• How can I reduce my motorhome insurance premium?

  Limited mileage

  If you have a motorhome, think how often you use it. Most companies offer discounts to drivers who cover low annual mileages - we do. Always tell your Insurer how many miles you expect to do each year, because as well as discounts, some policies may have annual mileage limits written into them. It is important to check.

  Introductory no claims discount

  No claims bonuses are often a cause for concern. Any bonus that you have earned on your car policy won't necessarily apply to cover on your motorhome. Club Care can provide a matched introductory no claims discount and your car does not have to be insured with us.

  Named drivers

  You might wish to consider the implications of adding other drivers to your policy. Some policies will limit drivers to those over the age of 30 and up to 75, whereas Club Care will insure a wider range of ages and even offer discounts for the more mature. Think carefully: do you really need to add younger and less experienced drivers to your motorhome insurance policy? Premium rates will often be based on the youngest or least experienced driver named, even if they only drive very occasionally.

  Safety and security devices

  It pays to be proactive. However well you insure your motorhome, you will still need to do as much as you can to deter thieves. Adding extra security devices such as alarms, extra locks or a tracking system is a good idea and can sometimes earn you a discount to your premium. Typically, you may get a five or ten percent reduction for a good security system (although not necessarily in cases where the high value or your postcode causes the insurer to insist on these devices).

  Some security devices do cost, but they could substantially reduce your annual insurance premium and provide you with the peace of mind that they could prevent your pride and joy from being stolen or if stolen, recovered safely.

• Club Care's top tips for buying motorhome insurance

  • Don't just choose your insurance for the premium. Think about how you will be treated if you need to make a claim.
  • Look after your property. Lock your motorhome and keep the keys with you.
  • Shop around. Make sure you only pay for the cover you require and make sure the cover you buy is exactly what you need.
  • Look at your motorhome insurance every year. Don't pay for more cover than your motorhome is worth, unless your policy is new for old.
  • Make sure all other drivers are named on your policy. Extra drivers don't add much to the premium, but un-named drivers are not covered.
  • Take your insurance documents with you and keep copies at home.
  • Watch out for deception. Before anyone gets behind the wheel of your motorhome, make sure you can trust them not to drive it away for ever.
  • Build a passport for your vehicle, with pictures, serial numbers and all relevant details. They will help the authorities to identify your vehicle if it is stolen or cloned.
  • Report any suspicious activity - or it could be your motorhome next time!

   

  Finally, don’t be tempted to buy on price alone or you may be left disappointed at the point of a claim. Choose wisely and enjoy your motorhome with true peace of mind.

  Club Care also offers discounted motorhome insurance premiums for members of The Camping and Caravanning Club.