When applying for motorhome insurance, having the right paperwork ready saves time and helps you get better cover at fair prices. Some motorhome owners scramble for documents at the last minute or receive quotes that don’t accurately reflect their situation. This guide outlines the exact paperwork needed when insuring your motorhome, why these documents matter to insurance companies, and how being prepared helps you avoid common pitfalls in the application process.
Essential Motorhome Ownership Documents
The foundation of any motorhome insurance application begins with proof of ownership and vehicle details.
Your V5C registration document (log book) serves as primary proof of ownership and contains important information about your motorhome. Insurers use this to verify the vehicle exists in the DVLA database and match your application details.
A valid MOT certificate shows that your motorhome meets minimum safety standards. This document is legally required for road use and insurance cover for motorhomes over three years old. Some insurers review MOT history to assess maintenance records.
Purchase receipts and invoices provide proof of value and acquisition date, which is especially important for newer motorhomes. These documents help establish the correct insured value for total loss claims.
Driver Documentation Requirements
Insurers need information about who will be driving the motorhome:
- Driving licence details – Full licence information for all named drivers, including licence number, issuance date and endorsements.
- Driving history documentation – Details of claims, accidents or convictions within the specified period (typically 3-5 years).
- No Claims Bonus proof – Certificate from previous insurers documenting claim-free years.
- Previous motorhome insurance certificates – Evidence of prior specialist cover.
- Additional driver information – Age, occupation and relationship to the policyholder for all named drivers.
UK insurers now verify licence details directly with the DVLA through the MyLicence scheme. To do so, they require your driving licence number and check code from the DVLA website.
Motorhome-Specific Documentation
Motorhomes have unique features that affect insurance. Be prepared to provide:
- Motorhome habitation check– Annual inspection report confirming the living area’s safety, particularly gas and electrical systems.
- DVLA classification evidence – Documentation showing the vehicle is properly registered as a motorhome rather than a van.
- Conversion certification – Documentation of the conversion process for self-build or professionally converted motorhomes.
- Modification details – Records of any modifications, including awnings, solar panels, satellite systems or performance upgrades.
- Security system certificates – Proof of installed alarms, immobilisers, tracking devices or other security features.
- Storage arrangements evidence – Documentation of secure storage facilities, particularly CaSSOA-approved sites.
- Mileage records – Evidence of typical annual mileage, which impacts premium calculations.
Foreign Travel Documentation
For motorhome owners planning European trips, additional documents affect your cover abroad:
- Green Card – While no longer required for most EU travel post-Brexit, some insurers still issue these as proof of minimum cover.
- Travel itinerary – Details of planned foreign travel duration and destinations.
- International Driving Permit – While not directly insurance-related, having this ready is advisable for certain countries.
Specialist motorhome insurance providers like us offer extended European cover with the required documentation.
Contents and Valuation Documentation
Motorhomes may contain valuable personal belongings requiring specific cover beyond the vehicle itself.
An inventory list of valuable items helps ensure your content cover matches your needs. Consider creating a photographic record of your motorhome’s interior and contents, updating this annually.
Collect purchase receipts or valuation certificates for high-value items like electronics, bicycles or specialist equipment. Many policies have single-item limits, so identifying valuable possessions ensures appropriate cover.
Professional valuation certificates become particularly important for premium or rare motorhomes where market values may be difficult to establish. These independent assessments protect against underinsurance in total loss situations.
Previous Claims Documentation
If you’ve made insurance claims previously, transparency is essential when applying for new cover.
Gather details of any previous motorhome-related claims, including reference numbers, dates, circumstances and settlement amounts. Having these ready improves accuracy during the underwriting process.
Letters from previous insurers confirming your claims history can expedite applications. If you’ve switched insurers previously, this documentation ensures your no-claims discount transfers are correct.
How to Organise Your Motorhome Insurance Documents
Store digital copies of all documentation in an organised folder structure. This protects against document loss and allows quick submission when applying for insurance. For important documents, maintain physical copies in a waterproof folder kept separate from the motorhome itself.
Review your documentation annually before renewal, adding new modifications, updated valuations or changes to driver details. This prevents cover gaps and ensures accurate premium calculations.
Using Documentation to Improve Your Insurance Terms
The correct documentation can actively improve your insurance claim:
Security Upgrades and Club Memberships
Evidence of security upgrades qualifies for premium discounts. Trackers, alarms, and immobilizers with certification can reduce your premium. Memberships like the Camping and Caravanning Club earn discounts when properly documented.
Servicing History and Driver Training
Proof of professional motorhome servicing shows responsible ownership and influences underwriting decisions. Maintenance records demonstrate your commitment to vehicle safety. Advanced driver training certificates for large vehicles can reduce premiums by providing enhanced driving skills.
Condition Documentation
Photographs of your motorhome protect claims. This evidence establishes pre-incident conditions and value, preventing disputes about pre-existing damage. A dated visual inventory helps insurers accurately assess future claims.
Expert Support for Your Motorhome Documentation With Advance Insurance
Gathering the necessary documentation for motorhome insurance can seem challenging, especially for first-time owners. We specialise in making this process straightforward with advisors who understand exactly what documentation underwriters require.
Our team can guide you through the document collection process, explaining which papers matter most to insurers. We understand the specific documentation needs for different motorhome types, from factory-built models to self-converted campervans.
Contact our motorhome specialists today for guidance on preparing your documentation.
