Campervan use has surged across Ireland and Northern Ireland in recent years. The appeal is clear: travel freedom, flexible accommodation, and the chance to explore scenic routes at your own pace. But along with the freedom comes responsibility – road risks are real, and accidents, theft, or damage can happen to anyone.
At Dolmen Insurance, we specialise in campervan cover for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Whether you’re a seasoned van-lifer or just starting your adventure, understanding your insurance options is essential to protect your investment and travel plans.
Why Campervan Insurance Matters
Owning a campervan isn’t just about having a vehicle; it’s an investment in your lifestyle. Campervans are typically more expensive than standard cars, and a single accident, theft, or weather-related damage can result in significant costs.
Insurance gives you financial protection if the unexpected happens. It can cover damage to your campervan, liability to other road users, personal injury, and even certain contents inside your vehicle. Comprehensive policies can also include extras like breakdown assistance, windscreen cover, and European travel protection.
Types of Campervan Insurance Coverage
Understanding the different types of campervan cover is key to choosing the right policy. Here’s a breakdown:
- Third-Party Only (TPO)
Third-party cover is the most basic legal requirement. It protects you if you cause injury to someone else or damage their property. However, it does not cover your campervan, personal belongings, or accidental damage to your own vehicle.
This type of cover may suit owners of older campervans, but many people prefer more comprehensive options for broader protection.
- Third-Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT)
TPFT adds protection for fire damage and theft. For example, if your van is stolen from a campsite or suffers fire damage, this policy covers the cost of replacement or repair. While more expensive than TPO, it gives extra peace of mind.
- Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance provides the fullest protection. It covers accidental damage to your campervan, whether you’re at fault or not. In addition, many policies include:
- Windscreen cover
- Personal injury
- Contents cover
- Optional extras like new-for-old replacement and breakdown assistance
Understanding Your Excess
A key term many owners find confusing is excess. This is the amount you pay out-of-pocket when making a claim. For instance:
- If you have a £3000 repair bill and your excess is £500, the insurer pays £2500.
- Typical excesses can range anywhere from £250 to £500 for campervans, depending on the insurer and policy.
Additional Benefits and Add-Ons
Modern campervan insurance isn’t just about covering accidents. Many policies include extras that make life easier for van owners:
- European Travel Cover: Some insurers limit days abroad. At Dolmen, Northern Ireland customers have unlimited European cover, without strict time limits, ideal for extended trips.
- Breakdown Assistance: Covers towing, roadside repairs, and vehicle recovery – essential if you’re travelling in remote areas.
- Windscreen and Glass Cover: Accidental cracks or chips in windscreens and windows can be expensive; many policies include repair or replacement.
- Contents Protection: Covers personal items like camping gear, bicycles, or electronics inside your campervan.
- DIY Conversions: If you’ve fitted a kitchen, solar panels, or pop-up roofs, disclosure ensures these are covered. Non-disclosure may result in rejected claims.
By including these benefits, some policies offer reassurance that your campervan and lifestyle are protected wherever you go.
Choosing the Right Policy
When selecting campervan insurance, consider these steps:
Identify Usage Patterns
Determine whether your van is for holiday trips only or if it’s your main form of transport. Full-time usage can affect premiums, whereas holiday-only vans often cost less to insure
Assess Coverage Needs
Think about what matters most: comprehensive protection, European travel, breakdown assistance, or DIY conversions. Understanding your priorities helps you match the policy to your lifestyle.
Check Price Drivers
Policy costs are influenced by factors such as vehicle value, location, mileage, driver age, claims history, and security measures like alarms or trackers.
Review Policy Wording
Carefully read exclusions, personal accident limits, European travel thresholds, and living-in clauses. Knowing what isn’t covered is just as important as knowing what is.
Ask About No-Claims Discounts
If you have a car no-claims bonus, some insurers allow you to transfer it to your campervan policy, reducing costs.
Balance Your Excess
Decide how much risk you’re comfortable covering yourself. A lower excess reduces financial strain in the event of a claim, while a higher excess can lower premiums.
Seek Local Expertise
Dolmen Insurance specialises in Northern Ireland campervan cover, providing tailored advice and support for local regulations, travel conditions, and claims handling.
Tips for Saving on Campervan Insurance
- Improve Vehicle Security: Install approved trackers or alarms; secure parking may reduce premiums.
- Limit Drivers: Named drivers only; avoid open-drive policies unless necessary.
- Lower Mileage: With some policies, if you use your van less frequently, you may get a lower premium.
- Build No-Claims History: With some insurers, a no-claims history may decrease your costs.
Campervan Insurance and Road Safety
Although specific campervan accident data is limited, general road statistics provide insight:
- Northern Ireland has seen high campervan uptake, increasing potential claims.
- In Northern Ireland, road fatalities reached 69 in 2024, with over 4,753 injury road traffic collisions.
Insurance claims reflect this trend – more vehicles on the road, more incidents, more need for adequate cover. Policies with Dolmen Insurance Brokers are designed to provide support in real-life scenarios, helping van owners manage risks without stress.
Planning for European Travel
Many Northern Ireland owners take campervans abroad. Policies often limit how long a van is covered outside of a country. Dolmen Insurance offers unlimited European travel and great breakdown assistance as standard, which is great for long holidays or seasonal trips.
Why Dolmen Insurance?
Dolmen Insurance focuses on understanding campervan owners’ unique needs:
- Fully comprehensive cover for all policies
- Standard inclusion of breakdown assistance and windscreen cover
- Optional open drive cover
- EU travel cover without restrictive limits
- Transparent and locally tailored advice
Our goal is to help Northern Ireland campervan owners make informed decisions, understand coverage, and travel confidently.
Final Thoughts
Campervan ownership brings freedom, flexibility, and adventure – but also responsibilities and risks. Adequate insurance is essential to protect your vehicle, belongings, and financial security.
By understanding coverage types, considering policy extras, checking excess levels, and comparing insurers with local expertise, you can enjoy the open road with peace of mind.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, Dolmen Insurance Brokers Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or changes in legislation. Insurance policies and cover requirements may vary based on individual business needs and circumstances. This blog does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Readers should consult a qualified insurance broker or advisor to obtain advice specific to their situation. Dolme
