A useful quotation begins with the right vehicle
Motorhomes often begin life as a Fiat, Ford, Peugeot, Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen before another manufacturer builds or fits the living accommodation. A registration search may therefore find the chassis without identifying the finished motorhome. Read the description shown on the quotation and make sure it includes the correct make, model and body type.
Have the full model name, registration, maximum authorised mass and current mileage to hand. State whether it is a panel-van conversion, coachbuilt or integrated motorhome. If it was privately imported, say whether it is left-hand drive and keep the VIN and conformity documents nearby. Choosing an approximate model simply because it appears in the list can leave the policy schedule describing a different vehicle.
Set a value you could explain afterwards
Look for motorhomes of the same model, age, mileage and condition. Compare the completed conversion rather than the underlying commercial van. Factory packs and valuable fitted equipment may affect the figure, although spending money on an accessory does not always add the same amount to the resale value.
Ask how the policy would settle a total loss. Market value, agreed value and new-for-old cover mean different things, and each policy sets its own conditions. An agreed figure may need photographs or a recent valuation. New-for-old cover can have age, ownership and availability rules. Keep the purchase invoice, service record and clear photographs even when the quotation form does not ask for them.
Declare changes to the motorhome
Solar panels, lithium batteries, an awning, levelling equipment, a tow bar, cycle carrier or satellite system may have been fitted after manufacture. Changes to wheels, suspension, engine performance, seats or restraints also need describing when the provider asks about modifications. This applies to work arranged by a previous owner as well as work you commissioned yourself.
Give the correct number of approved belted travelling seats. The number of beds is not evidence that the same number of people can travel. If extra seats or belts were installed during a conversion, keep the fitting and approval paperwork.
Check weight, licence and breakdown limits separately
The maximum authorised mass is shown on the vehicle plate. It may be 3,500kg or considerably more. Check the entitlement on every driver's licence, particularly for heavier motorhomes or drivers whose entitlement has changed with age or licence renewal. The government guidance on driving a motorhome explains the main licence categories.
Breakdown assistance is separate from motor insurance even when sold alongside it. Read the recovery provider's limits for age, length, height and weight. A policy may allow the motorhome to be driven in Europe while its breakdown service cannot recover a vehicle of that size. For a long continental trip, check onward travel, accommodation and repatriation limits as well.
Read security and storage conditions literally
Give the address where the motorhome normally stays overnight. If it is kept at a storage compound, identify the site and its security arrangements accurately. A CaSSOA rating can be relevant, but it does not replace the need to answer the individual provider's questions.
A policy may make theft cover conditional on a particular alarm, immobiliser, steering lock or tracker. Find out which make and standard is required, when it must be used and whether a tracker subscription must remain active. Keep both sets of keys secure; some policies set conditions about keys being left in or near the vehicle.
Compare the cover you are likely to use
Price matters, but so do the excess, windscreen limit, personal-belongings cover and maximum length of a European trip. Integrated windscreens and habitation windows may be handled differently. Fixed equipment, portable camping gear and bicycles can sit under separate limits, and home contents insurance may overlap with some belongings.
Check that the stated mileage and use are realistic. Tell the provider if the motorhome is used for commuting, business travel, long periods abroad or paid hire. The Financial Conduct Authority's insurance information explains what consumers can expect when buying cover. The Financial Ombudsman Service explains how unresolved complaints are handled.
Use the guides in this directory to check the parts that apply to your own motorhome, then compare quotations on the same answers. That gives a clearer comparison than looking at the headline price alone.