There’s no feeling like setting off on the open road with everything you need for your holiday in the back. From vintage VW to six-figure sum luxury RV motorhome, in your campervan, you’re ready for adventure.

Us Brits took nearly 4 million trips in our campervans and motorhomes in 2015. But not all journeys run smoothly. Luckily there’s insurance for that. Read our 7 fundamental rules you can’t afford to ignore when it comes to campervan insurance and get peace of mind at the best price.

1) Always shop around

First and foremost, always shop around. If you simply renew your annual insurance you’re likely to be paying above the odds. Take the time to call as many insurance companies as you can or use an expert insurance broker like Easy2Insure to do the leg-work for you. The other benefit of using a broker is that you can be certain there won’t be any surprises lurking in the small print.

2) Be a safe driver

The longer you’ve been without a claim, the bigger the discount you can negotiate on your motorhome insurance. Safe driving and knowing and sticking to the speed limits so you don’t have any penalties on your licence is a must. There are other steps you can take, like carrying out regular maintenance and improving security when your camper is at home, to help reduce the likelihood of making a claim.

3) Choose insurance tailored to how you use your campervan

Look for campervan insurance that lets you tailor your policy to the way you use your RV. If you’re only likely to use it for one trip this year, and stay in the UK there is no point paying out extra for a policy that covers you for unlimited miles anywhere in the world.

4) Market value is not always enough

Just like classic cars, if you’re lucky enough to drive a classic campervan you need a specialist insurance policy that recognises an agreed value for your vehicle. If you don’t, you could find yourself out of pocket if you need to make a claim. Depending on the wear and tear and mileage on your camper, you might also want to consider a new for old replacement policy. This means you’ll insure the cost of buying a new motorhome, not the market value. Your insurance broker can advise you on the best options for you.

5) It can be cheaper to buy your breakdown cover with your insurance

Breakdown cover is often included with motorhome insurance and can be a cost-effective way to purchase this peace of mind for when you’re on the road. But always double-check what level of cover you’re being offered and make sure it is enough for your needs. If not, it is normally possible to buy a more sophisticated policy.

6) Check your contents are covered

When buying your campervan insurance remember that things inside are not always covered as standard. Awning and generators are rarely considered part of the vehicle for insurance cover, but won’t cost much more to add on to your policy. And don’t forget the cost of other contents – from your dinner service to your e-bike – can quickly mount up.

7) Are you legal?

Last of all, no matter how comprehensive your insurance cover, you can come unstuck if you ignore the law. You’ll need a full, valid driving licence to drive any campervan under 3.5 tonnes in the UK. If your motorhome exceeds this, you’ll need a category C1 extension to your driving licence or your insurance will be invalid. If you need to find a weighbridge to check your load before you set off on a trip, use this online locator.

Campervan insurance for peace of mind and happy holidays

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The cheapest insurance can end up costing you more in the long run. But, you can still get an affordable deal on your campervan insurance when you follow these golden rules.

Our team at Easy2Insure understands the specific need of our customers with campervans and motorhomes. We use this knowledge and our understanding of insurance to find you the best price on your campervan insurance. We focus on value for money, making sure there are no surprises in the small print that could end up ruining your holiday. For more information, or for a free quote on your campervan or motorhome insurance call 0800 917 9522 or get a quote online.