UK Van Life • Ownership • Costs • Insurance • Gear
Campervan Insights: Practical UK Advice on Costs, Insurance & Van Life
Thinking about buying or living with a campervan in the UK? This one-page guide covers the essentials:
realistic running costs, insurance considerations, power/solar basics, and gear that genuinely helps.
About Campervan Insights
Campervan Insights is an independent UK resource created to help people make informed decisions about campervan ownership and van life.
We focus on real-world running costs, insurance considerations, essential equipment, and practical lessons from everyday use.
Transparency: some links may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, this site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to Know Before Owning a Campervan in the UK
The “right” campervan setup depends on how you travel. Weekend coastal breaks, long road trips,
and full-time van life each have different priorities. Use these insights to avoid expensive surprises.
1) Running costs that catch people out
Fuel + mileage: the biggest variable. Budget based on your likely weekly use.
Maintenance: older vans can be brilliant value, but keep a buffer for repairs.
Insurance: specialist campervan policies can differ depending on conversion type and security.
Campsites vs informal stops: paid nights add up, but can reduce hassle (showers, hook-up, facilities).
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2) Quick “fit check” for your first campervan
Where will you park at home? Driveway vs street parking affects security and insurance.
How many people? Seatbelts and sleeping layout matter more than Instagram aesthetics.
Power needs: phone + lights is easy; laptops, cooking and heating change everything.
Cold weather use: insulation + ventilation + heating are the comfort triangle.
If you want one guiding principle: optimise for comfort and simplicity.
The best campervan is the one you’ll actually use every month.
Essential Campervan Gear That Actually Helps
The best upgrades reduce daily friction: power reliability, storage, ventilation, and simple cooking.
Start with the basics below, then upgrade once you understand your travel style.
Power & comfort (highest impact)
Portable power station (fastest “quality of life” improvement for most new owners).
Solar (entry level) for topping up on longer stays.
Ventilation (window vents or roof vent) to reduce condensation.
Smart storage (stacking boxes, seat-back organisers, magnetic hooks).
Practical extras
Levelling ramps (sleep better; some fridges perform better when level).
Water solution (simple jerry can + tap, or compact container system).
Outdoor shelter (awning/tarp) for the UK’s “four seasons daily”.
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Campervan Insurance & Running Costs (UK)
Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Prices can change depending on your campervan value,
whether it’s a professional conversion, your annual mileage, where it’s kept overnight, and your driving history.
Ways to reduce the chances of overpaying
Keep documentation of any conversion work and fitted security devices.
Be realistic with mileage and overnight parking location.
Compare specialist campervan policies, not only generic van insurance.
Tip: if you don’t have a referral partner yet, link to a “how to choose insurance” resource (even on this page),
then swap in your referral once you’re approved.
Campervan Life FAQs
These Q&As are written to be snippet/AI friendly: direct answer first, then context.
Can you live full time in a campervan in the UK?
Yes, many people do, but where you park matters.
Rules vary by council and landowner, and tolerance depends on behaviour, location and duration.
Use official sites when needed, ask permission where appropriate, and avoid causing obstruction or nuisance.
How much does campervan life cost per month in the UK?
It depends on mileage, fuel prices, maintenance and campsite usage.
Typical costs include insurance, road tax, maintenance, fuel, gas and occasional campsite fees.
Track your baseline for 30 days to get a realistic personal figure.
Is campervan insurance expensive?
It depends. Premiums vary by vehicle value, conversion type, mileage, parking location and driver history.
Specialist campervan policies can be competitive if your conversion is documented and secure.
What’s the best first upgrade for comfort and independence?
For most new owners, reliable power is the best first upgrade—either a quality leisure battery setup
or a portable power station—followed by better storage. Next is usually ventilation, insulation and a simple solar setup.