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Motorhome insurance: Choose the best option for you
Travel the world with the best motorhome insurance! We'll walk you through the requirements, coverage, and key benefits.
Traveling in a motorhome gives you a great sense of freedom. You can go wherever you want, travel at your own pace, and always have your home with you. However, it also involves more responsibility than a regular car.
In this article, we’ll explain how motorhome insurance is different from regular insurance, what coverage you need, the basic requirements, how much it costs, and the five best motorhome insurance options on the market.
What is the difference between motorhome insurance and car insurance?
Motorhome insurance is designed to protect both the vehicle on the road and the living space inside while you travel. Because of this, it includes coverage that goes beyond what a standard car insurance policy offers. We’ll look at the details in the sections below.
1. Vehicle and living space covered under a single policy
The main difference is that a motorhome is both a vehicle and a place to live. So insurance doesn’t just cover driving risks, but also furniture, the kitchen, appliances, and onboard electrical systems. This is useful in case of fire, accidents, or theft.
2. Special equipment and accessories
Motorhome insurance should also cover common extras like solar panels, awnings, antennas, bike racks, navigation systems, and air conditioning. Not all insurers include these as standard, so it’s important to request a tailored quote.
3. Assistance tailored for motorhomes
A comprehensive policy should include roadside assistance from the moment you set off, specialist recovery services, towing, and temporary accommodation if the vehicle becomes unusable.
4. Coverage for international travel
If you regularly travel across borders, it’s important to choose a policy that provides coverage in the countries you plan to visit. This includes help on the road abroad, bringing the vehicle back if needed, travel costs for passengers, and cover for damage or theft in other countries. For these trips, Holafly’s monthly plans are a good way to stay connected with a global eSIM, so you don’t need to change SIM cards or plans in each country.
5. Protection for personal belongings
It’s common to carry personal belongings in a motorhome, such as clothes, electronics, sports gear, bikes, or travel equipment. Some insurance policies cover these items, while others set specific limits, so it’s important to check the details before signing up.
What types of coverage should you consider before purchasing motorhome insurance?
Motorhome insurance varies a lot, so it’s important to consider what coverage really matters to you based on how you use your vehicle. Here are some essential protections your policy should have.
1. Liability insurance
Liability insurance is the minimum legal requirement in most countries and covers damage or injuries you cause to other people. Many insurers also offer extra liability cover, which increases the protection for bigger claims.
2. Own damage
This coverage protects your vehicle against damage from an accident, no matter who is at fault. It’s especially recommended for new or high-value motorhomes, since repairs tend to be much more expensive than for a regular car.
3. Theft and vandalism
Theft is one of the most common risks for people who travel in a motorhome, especially when parking in different places. This cover can include the total theft of the vehicle, theft of insured accessories, and damage caused by vandalism.
4. Roadside assistance
This is very useful if your motorhome breaks down far from home. When comparing insurance, check if it includes a replacement vehicle, temporary accommodation, towing, cover abroad, and help from the start of your trip.
5. Protection against severe weather
If you travel throughout the year, your motorhome may be exposed to everything from hailstorms to flooding and high winds. Many policies include specific protection for this kind of weather-related damage.
6. Coverage for accessories and personal belongings
Some motorhome insurance policies also cover personal belongings, but there may be limits on what’s included. It’s a good idea to protect valuable items like laptops, cameras, bikes, solar panels, batteries, antennas, and multimedia equipment against theft or damage.
7. Legal defense
This cover is included in most motorhome insurance policies, although the level of protection can vary. If you’re involved in an accident or a dispute related to your vehicle, it can help with legal advice, representation, and handling any claims or paperwork.
What are the requirements for insuring a motorhome?
Each insurer has its own requirements, but there are some common factors that can affect both whether your application is accepted and how much you pay for your insurance. Here are the main ones:
- Age of the motorhome: Older vehicles may be subject to restrictions under comprehensive insurance policies.
- Documentation and certification: The motorhome must be properly registered, and any significant modifications must be certified.
- Intended use: There are differences depending on whether the vehicle is used occasionally, for vacations, or intensively for most of the year.
- Driver age and experience: Experienced drivers typically qualify for better terms than new drivers.
- Claims history: If you’ve had several accidents in recent years, your insurance premium is likely to be higher. On the other hand, a clean driving record can help you get better rates and more favourable terms.
- Installed equipment and accessories: Items such as solar panels, awnings, or bike racks must be declared in order to be covered.
- Usual parking location: If you park your motorhome in a private garage or secure area, it’s usually seen as less risky than leaving it on the street, which can help lower the cost of your insurance.
- International travel: If you travel abroad frequently, the cost of the policy will be higher than for domestic travel.
How much does motorhome insurance cost?
There’s no fixed price for motorhome insurance, as the cost depends on the vehicle, how you use it, and the level of cover you choose. When comparing quotes, pay close attention to what’s included and any coverage limits. The following factors play a key role in determining the final premium.
1. Value of the motorhome
The more valuable your motorhome is, the more expensive the insurance is likely to be. That’s because repairs or payouts will cost the insurer more. Extra features and accessories can also increase the price of your policy.
2. Age of the vehicle
The age of your motorhome can affect both the cost of insurance and the cover available. Older motorhomes can sometimes be more expensive to insure and may not qualify for the same level of coverage as newer models.
3. Type of coverage purchased
Third-party insurance is the cheapest option. Then comes extended third-party cover, which adds things like theft or fire. Fully comprehensive insurance gives the most protection, but it also costs more.
4. Domestic or international use
If you plan to travel abroad, your insurance costs may be higher because you’ll need broader cover for roadside assistance, vehicle repatriation, and legal protection in other countries. On the other hand, if you only use your motorhome within your own country, your policy will generally be cheaper.
5. Driver profile
The driver’s age, years of driving experience, claims history, and the number of drivers on the policy all affect the insurance price. Drivers with more experience and a clean claims history generally qualify for lower premiums and better policy terms.
What kind of insurance does a motorhome need when traveling through several countries?
If you plan to travel across different countries, you should look for motorhome insurance that includes international cover and roadside assistance abroad. Having full protection when you’re overseas can make a big difference, so we recommend making sure your policy includes at least the following cover:
- International coverage: Specifies the countries in which the policy is valid and whether there are any geographical restrictions.
- Roadside assistance abroad: Must include towing, assistance for passengers, and assistance throughout the trip.
- Vehicle repatriation: This can be very helpful if a breakdown or accident prevents you from continuing your journey and you have to return home.
- Claims handling abroad: Find out how customer service and claims processing work when you’re overseas.
- Coverage for contents and accessories: Make sure your personal belongings and motorhome equipment are still covered when you travel abroad.
The 5 best insurance policies for motorhomes
Choosing the right insurance depends on what coverage you need, your vehicle’s value, the kind of trip you’re taking, and the protection you consider essential. The table below shows five of the best motorhome insurance options and their main differences.
| Insurance Company | Coverage Options | Roadside Assistance | Accessory Coverage | Specializing in Motorhomes |
| Zalba-Caldú | Basic, extended and comprehensive | Yes | Optional | Very high |
| MAPFRE | Third-party liability, extended third-party liability, and comprehensive coverage | Yes | Optional | High |
| Allianz | Third-party, extended and comprehensive | Yes | Optional | High |
| FIATC | Third-party, extended and comprehensive | Yes | Optional | Medium-high |
| Carvan | Third-party and advanced options | Yes | Optional | Very high |
1. Zalba-Caldú
Zalba-Caldú has been protecting motorhomes since 1985. Their plans cover everything from skylight damage to weather mishaps, so you can enjoy your road trip worry-free. To get prices, you need to fill in an online form to receive a tailored quote. There are three plans to choose from:
- Basic: Third-party and voluntary liability coverage of up to $58,137,506, roadside assistance from mile zero, personal accident insurance, legal protection, and compensation if your driving licence is suspended.
- Basic + theft and fire: Coverage is extended to include fire and theft damage, collisions with animals, and natural disasters.
- Comprehensive: All of the above coverage with a deductible of $348 or $627.
2. MAPFRE
This well-known international insurer, with 93 years of history, also offers motorhome insurance with third-party, extended, and fully comprehensive options. Notable features include strong coverage for both national and international roadside assistance, the freedom to choose your own repair shop, and protection for accessories.
- Third-party liability: Coverage for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Roadside assistance, legal defense, and claims for damages.
- Extended third-party coverage: Includes glass breakage, fire, and theft.
- Comprehensive coverage: All of the above coverages plus damage to the insured vehicle with a deductible of $348 or $697, damage caused by weather events, and damage caused by collisions with wildlife.
3. Allianz
Allianz is another top choice for motorhome insurance, boasting over 100 years of experience worldwide. It offers coverage for these vehicles through specialist brokers and intermediaries. Its main strengths are its extensive assistance network and the ability to customise coverage options.
- Third-party coverage: Mandatory and additional third-party liability cover for personal injury and property damage. Roadside assistance, driver accident cover, and windscreen damage.
- Extended third-party coverage: Includes fire, theft, damage caused by natural disasters, and coverage for collisions with game animals.
- Comprehensive coverage: Own damage, immediate digital claims assessment, and repair shops with premium services.
4. FIATC
Another motorhome insurance option is FIATC, founded in 1930, with flexible plans that offer a good balance between price and coverage. Depending on the policy, it may include cover for international trips, roadside assistance, and damage to your own vehicle. These are the available policies:
- Third-party coverage: Mandatory and optional third-party liability cover for injury and property damage to others. Roadside assistance, legal protection, driver accident cover, and damage caused by collisions with wild animals.
- Extended third-party coverage: Includes theft, fire, and broken windows.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers damage to the vehicle itself and total loss, with deductibles of $348, $755, or $1,453.
5. Carvan Seguros
The last motorhome insurance option we present is Carvan, a specialist broker with over 20 years of experience. Its main advantage is that its policies are designed specifically for motorhome travelers, with different levels of cover.
- Basic: Mandatory and additional third-party liability cover for injury and property damage to others. Roadside assistance, legal protection, and driver accident cover. Prices start from $302 per year.
- Comprehensive: Also includes theft, fire, glass breakage, and total loss, starting at $483 per year.
- Premium: It also includes own-damage cover with deductibles of $348 or $697, traffic fine defence, a repair loan, weather-related damage, and cover for collisions with wild animals, starting from $626 per year.
How can I get internet access when traveling in a motorhome?
Just as important as insurance is having a reliable internet connection on the road. In an emergency, you need enough coverage and data to contact your insurer. Internet is also useful for GPS, booking campsites, checking the weather, or working remotely from your motorhome.
That’s why, if you travel often and visit multiple countries, the best option is Holafly’s monthly plans, offering 25 GB or unlimited data with 5G coverage in most locations. You can also use the same eSIM and plan in over 160 countries. That way, you don’t have to worry about roaming charges every time you cross a border.
If you only travel occasionally, Holafly’s international eSIM is the better option. Get unlimited data and only pay for the days you need.
Frequently asked questions about motorhome insurance
It’s not mandatory. The only legal requirement is to have at least third-party liability insurance in order to drive. However, it’s highly recommended, as these policies are designed specifically for this type of vehicle.
It depends on the policy. You can customize it and add coverage for items you consider important, such as personal belongings and interior equipment.
There are motorhome insurance policies that include international roadside assistance. We recommend checking which countries are covered, any geographic limits, and the services included.
The price depends on the value and age of the vehicle, the driver’s profile, the coverage chosen, and how the motorhome will be used. Basic third-party policies can start from $302 per year, such as with Carvan Seguros.
In most cases, yes, but it’s important to check which countries are covered under the policy and whether there are any limitations on coverage or duration.
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