The yellow of daffodils illuminating gardens and hedgerows is a sure sign that warmer weather is just around the corner. For campervan owners that means it won’t be long until you can head back out on the road. So grab your scrubbing brush and hold on to your dipstick: here are our top 9 tips to get your campervan summer ready.

1) Get scrubbing

First, start with the outside. Scrub away the dirt accumulated over the winter months. Polish. Then stand back and think about all the admiring glances you’ll be getting when you park up at the campsite this season. But giving your campervan a good clean is more than just a chance to get it looking its best. It will also get you up close to the paintwork to check for any signs of rust or deterioration of the seals around the glass or lights.

2) Are you ready to go?

There’s no point having a gleaming campervan if it won’t go. Leaving your campervan over winter could have left the batteries flat unless it’s been hooked up to a trickle charger. Now is the time to get behind the wheel and try to start her up!

3) Other essentials

Before you set off on your adventures it’s also wise to check oil levels and fill it up if needed. Checking the lights are all working too can give you peace of mind that you won’t discover only one light is working when you’re negotiating a dark Cornish lane.

4) Tyres

Whilst they may not have got any wear whilst being parked up over winter, you still need to check your tyres. Look for signs like cracking to see if the tyre wall is starting to perish. If it is, it’s worth replacing tyres sooner rather than later as you don’t want to risk a blow-out. Also check your tyre pressure, as being parked up can lead to pressure dropping. If you drive with your campervan tyres too low, it can lead to uneven wear and could even increase your fuel consumption! And don’t forget to check your spare too.

5) What about on the inside?

Your campervan might be clean and the engine working well, but is it somewhere you really want to sleep in? Water leaks and condensation can lead to mould and mildew. So pull on your rubber gloves and clean out the inside. You also need to try and keep it dry to stop the problem coming back. Have a really good look around to see if you can spot where water is getting in so you can fix it. Window and door seals are the most common culprits. And try using some dehumidifying crystals to reduce moisture in the air too.

6) Water and waste

Mould and mildew may also have infiltrated your water and waste systems over the cooler months. Flush out systems and give them all a good clean.

7) Fire safety

It’s wise to carry a fire extinguisher in your van so you can deal with any emergencies quickly. But did you know fire extinguishers have a limited life span? Check it’s still in date and if not, make sure you replace it. It could save your life.

8) Paperwork essentials

Finally, before you head off on the open road, don’t forget to check your paperwork is all up to date. You’ll need a valid MOT, road tax, and insurance. If these are not in order, you risk hefty fines that will be a sure way to ruin your trip away. You can check if your MOT is still valid here. And find out if your vehicle tax has run out here.

Specialist campervan insurance will ensure you’re covered for some of the extras you might not have thought about, like your awning or generator. And for a stress-free road trip, take out breakdown cover at the same time. Then, you’ll know that even if you breakdown you can travel on to your destination or home without any hassle.

9) Finding cheap campervan insurance you can count on

Shopping around is always the first step towards finding the best price for your insurance. But your campervan is a specialist vehicle, and standard car insurance won’t cut it. That means it can be hard to know where to start looking for campervan insurance. And it can be time-consuming to call around or fill in multiple online forms.

Why choose Easy2Insure?

• We’re independent insurance brokers, so our job is to shop around on your behalf to find you the best price – saving you time and hassle
• Our expert advisors truly understand the specific insurance needs of campervan, motorhome and caravan owners. For your peace of mind, we’ll make sure any extras you need are covered
• We are part of the highly respected Park Insurance Group, so we’re in a great position to negotiate cheap insurance deals from top UK insurance companies
• Whether you only want your campervan insurance for home or you need European or worldwide cover, we can source it
• We’re here 24/7 to answer your questions and help you

Call us on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch today for your free, no-obligation quote.

When it comes to owning a car, it’s not just the purchase price you need to worry about. The ongoing costs, such as car insurance, need careful consideration too. Car insurance premiums have gone through the roof this year. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says that the average annual policy is now £484, an increase of11% in just 12 months. For frugal motorists, one way to help cut costs is to look carefully the insurance group of your vehicle. Every car model is allocated a group rating from 1-50. Generally speaking, the lower the insurance group the lower your insurance costs will be.

How are car insurance groups decided?

The Group Rating Panel decides and sets the insurance group rating for each make and model of car. Cars in the highest groups tend to be high-performance models or ones that can be costly to repair or replace. They are in the highest insurance groups because claims against them cost insurance companies the most. Alongside Lamborghinis and Ferraris in the top group, you’ll also find many other high spec models from manufacturers including BMW, Jaguar, and Lexus.

How do I find out what insurance group my car is in?

If you have your car’s registration number, you can go online here to find out the insurance group it is in. If you don’t have a registration number but do know the model, you can look through the lists at Parkers.co.uk.

What cars are in Group 1?

Popular cars including the VW Fox, VW Up!, Vauxhall Corsa, and Citroen C1 all have models that are in the Group 1 insurance category. But remember that the Group 1 rating is only for models with the least powerful engines. As an example, whilst the Vauxhall Corsa 1.0i 12V ecoFLEX Expression 3d is Group 1 rated its beefier 1.6T 16V Sri model is in Group 26.

What about any modifications to your vehicle?

If your car has any modifications it is no longer the standard model. This may affect the cost of your insurance. Modifications could be cosmetic, such as a re-spray or wrap. They could be to improve the accessibility of your vehicle, such as to make it suitable for a disabled driver. Or they could be to improve the power and performance of your vehicle. In all cases, you need to notify your insurance company of anything that is not a factory standard fitting for your car or you risk invalidating your cover.

Do all insurance companies use this rating system?

Not all insurance companies use this group rating system. However, if your car insurance company makes their own assessment it is likely to be very similar. Insurers may also look at accident statistics to determine the risk of insuring your vehicle.

Does a low insurance group automatically mean low prices?

Your car’s insurance group is just one of the factors considered by your insurance company when calculating your premium. Other things, including your age, where you live, and the number of claim-free driving years will also influence the cost of your premium.

Our top 3 tips to get the cheapest car insurance

Whatever insurance group your car falls into, there are several steps you can take to help keep insurance costs down.

• The first thing you should always do is make the time to shop around to compare prices. Online comparison sites can be a good place to start but remember they don’t always show all the options available to you. You’ll also need to read the small print very carefully to make sure the policy you’re buying covers everything you need or you could be in for a shock when you make a claim.
• Look for insurance cover that can be tailored to your specific needs. If you only drive a limited number of miles every year make sure you specify that as it could reduce your premiums.
• Make your money go further buy purchasing your breakdown cover at the same time as your insurance. In many cases, you can save money by buying both together.

Let Easy2Insure shop around to find you the best value deal

If you don’t have the time to get lots of different quotes, ask a broker like Easy2Insure to do the calling round for you. Part of the respected Park insurance Group, we’ve been helping motorists to find the best value car insurance for over 30 years. We’ll make sure you get the cover you need with no nasty surprises lurking in the small print. For a free quote, call our friendly team on 0800 9179522 or get in touch.

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.

The cost of car insurance continues to spiral upwards. Earlier this year, experts warned premiums could increase by a staggering £1000 thanks to government changes to personal injury payouts. If you’re trying to keep your insurance costs down, opting to pay an additional voluntary excess can help lower premiums. It’s very tempting to opt for a higher excess, especially if you’re confident you’re a safe driver. But no matter how careful a driver you are, accidents still happen – and often through no fault of your own. If that happens, can you afford to pay the large excess that seemed such a good idea when you took your insurance out?

Luckily, there is a clever way to get the best of both worlds. You opt for a high excess to bring down the costs of your annual insurance premium and you take out a separate car insurance excess protection policy to cover you for this cost if an accident does happen.

Should I take out car insurance excess protection?

When you take out car insurance excess protection you have peace of mind that you won’t need to find a lump sum of cash to pay for the excess if you make a claim. You can take advantage of cheaper car insurance premiums, but if you do have an accident, you won’t be faced with any big bills.

To decide if you should take out car insurance excess protection you need to consider if you could easily afford to pay the voluntary excess on your car insurance. If you could, you may decide that you’d rather take the risk than pay for excess protection. But if you can’t, or you just prefer to eliminate risk from your finances, then car insurance excess cover could be a good choice for you.

What about if I have an accident that isn’t my fault?

If you have an accident that isn’t your fault, and that is agreed by the other party’s insurance company, you’ll be able to claim back the cost of your excess from them. But if the person who causes the accident is one of the estimated one million uninsured drivers on the UK roads, you’ll be stuck paying the excess yourself.

How does car insurance excess protection work?

As an example, if you opt for a voluntary £500 excess on your car insurance you will have to pay that sum to your insurer, as well as the compulsory excess if you make any claim for damage, fire or theft. With car insurance excess protection, you’ll still need to pay your excesses when you make a claim but your insurer will pay out £500 to you to cover that cost.

Reduce your liability to £0

Remember that your car insurance provider will also have a compulsory excess. This can differ depending on your insurer but is typically £50-£150. If you want to cover this cost as well, set your excess protection at the amount of your compulsory excess and your voluntary excess added together.

Save more in the long run

Whilst taking out car insurance excess protection does involve making two claims rather than one, the cost savings you’ll make can far outweigh any slight inconvenience.

What is lifestyle excess insurance?

As well as taking out excess protection for your car insurance, you can also opt for lifestyle excess insurance. This annual policy would cover the excess costs on all the insurance policies you hold, such as car, home, pet and travel insurance. This can be a good option if you want reassurance that you’re financially protected from any potential excess costs but remember that it will only pay to a capped amount. If you take out excess protection insurance for £500 and make more than one claim in a year that comes to more than this amount, you’ll only get the £500 you’re covered for.

Hire car insurance excess protection

Excess protection is not just a good option for your own car. It can give you real peace of mind when you hire a car on holiday or on business.

When you hire a car, it is insured by the car hire company and you’ll pay an agreed excess fee if any damage occurs. This can range from around £300 to £1500 depending on the car or hire company.

Most car hire companies offer you the option of taking out excess protection insurance when you hire a car from them. But purchasing it from the car hire company can sometimes be more costly than if you organise it yourself. If you don’t take out excess protection with the hire car company, they may ask for a deposit to be secured against your credit card.

Is there anything else I need to think about?

Always be aware of the small print. Thoroughly check through the wording of your policy or discuss it with your broker so you can be confident that you have the level of cover you need.

Get a good price on car insurance excess protection

Like all insurance products, it pays to shop around if you want to be sure you’re getting a good price on your car insurance excess protection.

Easy2Insure is an independent insurance broker, so we can search through a wide variety of car insurance excess protection providers to find you the best value deal. We have over 30 years experience in the industry and we have ‘preferred’ broker status with some of the UK’s largest insurance companies, which gives us great negotiating power to secure great prices on your behalf. Call our friendly team for free now on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch for a no-obligation quote.