There’s nothing quite like the freedom, flexibility and fantastically scenic views a campervan trip brings. Taking a van with living space on the road offers ample opportunities to explore and discover the whole country.
While campervans often have space for you to live, they’re still vehicles so subject to tax and insurance rules stated on gov.uk:
The police could give you a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 penalty points if you’re caught driving a vehicle you’re not insured to drive.
If the case goes to court you could get:
- an unlimited fine
- disqualified from driving
The police also have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle that’s being driven uninsured.
If you’re borrowing a campervan or only drive it occasionally, temporary van insurance could be the answer – providing absolutely no modifications have been made to the vehicle at all.
How much is campervan insurance?
Short-term campervan insurance is ideal if you’re borrowing a van or sharing the drive on a long journey, just like TikTokers Billy and Leanne:
@billyandleanne @tempcover sorted us right out #vanlife #vanliving #travel AD
If you also like to leave things to the last minute, Tempcover’s temporary van insurance can help get you on the road in next to no time.
Just enter yours and the vehicle’s details, the time period you want cover for – from 1 hour to 28 days – and you’ll get a campervan insurance quote in under 2 minutes.
You’ll be able to start your road trip as soon as the policy starts. Just remember there must be no modifications, apart from those designed to aid disabled drivers, made to the vehicle for the short-term campervan insurance policy to be valid.
To get temporary van insurance, you must:
- Be aged 17-77 years old.
- Hold a full UK or EU driving licence with no more than 7 points in the last 3 years.
- Have been a permanent UK resident for the last 12 months or be a British expatriate.
- Have no criminal convictions.
- Not had a previous policy of insurance declared void by an insurer.
To get temporary van insurance, your van must:
- Be valued between £1,500 and £65,000.
- Be taxed and in a roadworthy condition with a valid MOT.
- Have no modifications other than the addition of the manufacturer’s optional extras (signage, roof racks, ply lining, interior storage) or those designed to aid disabled drivers.
- Be a right-hand drive vehicle with no more than 5 seats.
- Not weigh more than 7.5 tonnes.
Each insurer on our panel has its own eligibility criteria. Please pay close attention to their Proposer’s Declaration.
Where can you go on campervan road trips in the UK?
Cornwall
You could follow in Billy and Leanne’s tyre prints and head to the South West, taking in the sandy beaches, fishing villages and Celtic monuments along the way.
The Lake District
Magnificent mountains, glistening lakes plus one of the UK’s favourite service stations… There’s so much to enjoy in the Lakes.
The Scottish Highlands
Visit the Trossachs and Cairngorms National Parks before setting off to the Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond and even the ever-exhilarating Edinburgh.
The Norfolk Broads
Travel to Southwold, the Broads National Park and enjoy the entertainment of the Cromer Pier as you drive around the stunning area of Norfolk and its surrounding areas.
The Cotswolds
With its rolling hills, country pubs and quaint villages, The Cotswolds isn’t the easiest area to get around by public transport. Taking a campervan road trip lets you go at your own pace, taking in the sights of Bourton on the Water and Chipping Camden when you want to.
More campervan tips
Campervans are more flexible than public transport and can add a bit of van life adventure to any journey you’re going on. It’s important to stay safe, only parking in legal spaces and campsites etc, and to abide by the rules of the road.
Before setting off, you should perform basic maintenance checks on the vehicle and get anything that is causing concern checked out by a professional. You should also know who to call in case of emergency and take the time to prepare an emergency kit.
Remember, you need insurance – whether that’s an annual policy or temporary van insurance – to drive the vehicle on a public UK road. Modifications could void your policy. If you have any questions, ask your insurer.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-without-insurance
https://www.camperbug.co.uk/blog/an-itinerary-for-the-best-cornish-road-trip-in-a-campervan
https://www.camperbug.co.uk/blog/a-campervan-road-trip-itinerary-for-the-lake-district
https://www.adventures-scotland.com/tour/highlands-by-campervan/
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/blog/uk-road-trips/a-seven-stop-tour-of-norfolk/
https://www.vanlifefamily.uk/cotswolds/long-weekend-in-the-cotswolds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive a campervan on a regular driving licence in the UK?
You can drive a campervan that weights up to 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes) on a standard UK driving licence (Category B). If the campervan exceeds this weight, you may need a Category C1 licence.
Where can you stop overnight in a campervan?
You can park in designated campsites, campervan parks and some areas of private land (as long as you get permission). Many of these will places offer facilities including drinking water, toilets and electricity connections.
How do I plan a campervan road trip?
Before setting off on a road trip in your campervan, make sure it is in full working order and that you have the correct tax and insurance etc. Plot out your route, taking note of where you plan to rest and fill up with petrol. Keep an eye on the weather forecast
Can you use a campervan as your everyday car?
Yes, you can use a campervan as your regular vehicle. This can help you save money and space.
Can you stop anywhere in a campervan?
You can’t park where you like in a campervan. You have to adhere to the same restrictions as other road users, unless stated otherwise. You should be considerate of your surroundings and only park in legal spaces.
How much is insurance on a campervan?
Campervan insurance varies depending on the value and age of the vehicle, its annual mileage and the driver’s history. Contact your insurer or get a quote for an idea of how much it’s likely to cost, either annually or a temporary policy through Tempcover.
Can I drive my van without tax?
It is illegal to drive any vehicle on a public road in the UK without road tax. Exceptions to this rule include if you are taking your car to a pre-booked MOT test.
