Insuring and buying second hand camper vans

It’s hard to beat the thrill of loading up a camper van and hitting the road on a weekend.  Thousands of Britons would agree, and more and more join their ranks every week. If you’re looking to launch yourself headlong into camper van ownership, then a second hand model might be a good option. So how do you get a good deal on van insurance.

Insurers calculate your premium by taking a number of factors into account, including your driving history, location and the camper van itself. Lower power will generally mean that your insurance will be cheaper. Facilities will also play a factor. The more your camper van has, the more it will cost to insure.

Carefully choose what you think you do and don’t need. Lots of campsites have facilities which mean that you’ll only need the bare minimum of amenities in your van.

It’s also helpful to consider the camper van’s engine size and power output, as it will have a bearing on how much it will cost to insure.

Another great way to keep your insurance premium down is to invest in security. This can be anything from a steering wheel lock to a sophisticated alarm and immobiliser. You could even invest in a tracking device to ensure that your camper van can be located should a thief make off with it.

Insurance for your camper van is compulsory. While you could go for a relatively inexpensive third party policy which covers damage and injury to others, it’s also possible to opt for more expensive comprehensive insurance. This policy will cover damage to your camper van, and may provide insurance for driving abroad and the contents within, too. But be certain that you know what your providers’ exclusions are. And if you’re able to limit how open the road actually is, agreeing to a fixed mileage can significantly lower your premium.

It can also pay to shop around online. Comparison websites can make it very easy to view lots of quotes from many different providers to increase your chances of getting the best deal. But make sure your insurance will provide adequate cover in the event of you having to call on it

Shopping for a camper van

So, how do you tell a bargain from a heap? Sometimes, it’s obvious. But on occasion, telling whether or not a camper van is a dud is a tricky exercise.

Buying privately can bypass the costs associated with getting the campervan from a dealer. But it also throws up a host of issues.

Knowing who you’re buying from will certainly go a long way. So check the owner’s credentials thoroughly. To do this, you should check whether their address matches up with that in the logbook, Make a note of the engine and chassis number, and also compare it to what is stated in the logbook. It is also worth paying extra for a HPI check on the vehicle’s history.

If you’re mechanically au fait, it goes without saying that you should conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s key components. However, if you’re not confident to do this yourself, you can always pay for a qualified mechanic to carry out a check.

A lot also has to be said for going with your instincts. If you don’t trust the buyer, then walk away.

Buying from a reputable dealer can make life easier, and you’ll also have the chance to see lots of second-hand campervans in one fell swoop. It can also make for a greater deal of peace of mind, as dealers are obliged to inform you of any issues with the vehicle, and could even offer you a short warranty.

When you’re browsing campervans, make sure you view lots of them. By doing so, you’ll soon appreciate what represents good and bad value for money.

What do I want from a campervan?

Chances are that your campervan will be a secondary vehicle that you’ll use on weekend getaways. But if it will be your primary vehicle too, you’ll need to take economy and practicality into account. For instance, will it fit in your house’s driveway, and if you’ve got a family, you’ll have to check the level of space to see if it will accommodate you all with comfort.