Myth: Many drivers believe that small modifications, like custom wheels or minor aesthetic changes, won’t affect their insurance and don’t need to be disclosed. However, even seemingly minor upgrades could impact your policy.
Reality: Any modifications to your vehicle, whether for aesthetics or performance, need to be disclosed to your insurer. Failure to disclose modifications could result in your policy being voided if you make a claim! Modifications can make your vehicle look more appealing, so insurers need to know about any changes to properly assess your cover.
Always speak to your broker about any changes you make to your vehicle to ensure you remain covered under your Car Insurance.
Motor insurance can often seem confusing and with so many policies, terms and jargon, it’s no wonder there are some common misconceptions.
As an insurance broker, we hear these frequently, and it’s our job to help clarify what’s true and what’s not.
“Comprehensive Insurance Allows Me to Drive Other Cars”
Myth: Many drivers think having a comprehensive insurance policy automatically means they’re insured to drive other people’s vehicles.
Reality: While some comprehensive policies may offer third-party cover to drive other cars, this isn’t guaranteed and the level of cover is often very basic. In many cases, you won’t be covered unless it’s explicitly stated in your policy. The said ‘other’ vehicle must be insured in its own right too.
Always check the fine print or speak to your broker to confirm if your policy includes driving other vehicles and if so, under what circumstances?
As the number of motorhome thefts increases each year and thieves become more innovative in their tactics, it’s so important to ensure you stay up to date with the latest security measures and advice.
Here at David J Miller Insurance Brokers, we understand that your motorhome is your pride and joy. We want you to be able to enjoy your motorhome fully without worry of leaving it unattended. Your motorhome is made for exploration, not for being stuck on the driveway out of fear of taking it elsewhere.
With this in mind, let’s explore 10 ways you can protect yourself from motorhome theft:
1. Tracking devices
In the event of your motorhome being stolen, having a high-quality tracking device fitted could mean the difference in recovering your stolen motorhome or not. While it may seem tempting to save a few pennies and go for the cheapest tracker available, investing in your security means investing in your peace of mind.
Insurance tip
Some insurance companies have now made it mandatory to have a Thatcham Research or Sold Secure approved tracker installed. Which can significantly increase the chances of recovery following theft, whilst upholding the security of your motorhome.
2. Take measures to prevent motorhome theft
While installing security measures around your motorhome such as steering wheel locks, gear locks, clutch claws and wheel clamps increases the overall safety of your vehicle, they also act as effective visual deterrents.
3. Protect your keys
Although this may seem like an obvious point, how many of us have left our vehicles running or with the keys in the ignition while we ‘popped’ in somewhere? It is always better to err on the side of caution by removing keys from the ignition. We also recommend to avoid leaving them lying around the motorhome. Insurers are unlilkley to pay out in the event of a claim where keys have been left in an unattended vehicle.
Safety tip
Consider storing your keys in a secure pouch to protect against keyless entry and loss of keys.
4. Immobiliser
While some motorhomes come with an immobiliser already installed, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle is equipped with one. An immobiliser can protect your vehicle from moving once turned off, even in the event of being hot-wired by a thief without a key.
Insurance tip
Make sure your immobiliser is Thatcham category 1 in order to meet most insurance requirements.
5. Alarms
The installation of a motorhome alarm can be one of the simplest yet most effective deterrents of theft. Whilst most motorhomes now-a-days come with an alarm already installed, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is equipped with one.
Safety tip
Find out whether your vehicle has an immobiliser and alarm in your vehicle handbook.
6. Security cameras
While the installation of security cameras may not prevent the act of motorhome theft, they are hugely beneficial in helping to figure out who is responsible for it.
7. Enhanced door security
As most motorhomes are built with lightweight bodies, upgrading the security of your motorhome doors can greatly help prevent thieves from using simple tools like screwdrivers or lock picking devices to gain entry to your vehicle.
8. Safes
Unsure of where is best to store your valuables such as money and jewellery? Investing in a safe to store in your motorhome can help add another layer of security to your vehicle, especially when travelling for long periods of time.
Safety tip
It is recommended to not take valuable or sentimental possessions on trips as thefts from campsites can occur frequently.
9. Display deterrent signs
Displaying deterrent signs and stickers of the security measures in place in the window of your motorhome acts as an effective warning to prevent potential thieves.
10. Find motorhome insurance that protects you
We have the privileged position to not only offer access to fantastic rates and competitive motorhome insurance deals from our panel of some of the the UK’s leading motorhome insurers, we also guarantee a first-class customer experience with our friendly and personal team.
Be confident that your home on wheels is competitively and comprehensively insured and protected with David J Miller Insurance Brokers.
Safety tip
Although it’s imperative you get insurance cover for your motorhome, it is just as important to ensure you put the necessary security measures in place to prevent theft of/from your motorhome.
Looking for the best quote on your motorhome insurance?
Find out how we can help! Call us now for a no obligation quote or advice on insurance for your motor home.
Click here to contact our team for competitive motorhome and travel insurance.
Our pick of the best destinations for motorhome holidays
Where: Amalfi Coast, Italy
When: Spring
Where: Munich, Germany
When: Winter
Where: Szeged, Hungary
When: Summer or fall
Where: Killarney, Ireland
When: Summer
Where: Luosto, Finland
When: Winter
Our motorhome holidays checklist
Now that you have decided where you are travelling to, it’s time to pack! Make sure you don’t forget anything important with our motorhome holidays checklist.
Remember: If you are travelling aboard, take the time to read up ahead to establish entry requirements, rules, regulations and driving laws needed for that particular country.
Driving licence
Visa
International Driving Permit
Motorhome insurance (if you are travelling abroad, make sure your insurance covers this)
Equipment (certain countries require motorhomes have particular pieces of kit as a legal requirement)
Security devices (alarms and trackers)
Warning triangle/s and nationality sticker
Hitch locks (helps to prevent caravan theft)
Wheel locks and clamps
Immobilisers
Fire extinguisher (this is a requirement in many countries)
Spare bulbs (this is a requirement in many countries)
First aid kit (this is a requirement in many countries)
Reflective jacket (this is a requirement in many countries)
Travelling difficulties to keep on the radar
Rises in fuel prices
As the price of fuel sky rockets, many motorhome owners have found their typical yearly fuel spend has significantly increased compared to previous years.
Poor road conditions
Extreme weather conditions like wind, rain and snow from the winter prior all leave their marks on the surface of the road. Take extra care to avoid bad roads that could cause damage to your motorhome.
Campground availability & cost
Many motorhome enthusiasts have noticed a significant increase in the price and overcrowding in a number of campgrounds worldwide. How will this impact your own travel plans?
Financial planning / Inflation
You should review your budget. Its likely you can expected to see an increase in the cost of your journey/ holiday with the rises in the prices of food, clothing, motorhome accessories, repairs and parts.
5 tips to save on your motorhome insurance
Here at David J Miller Insurance Brokers we understand how important it is to find the best deal for your motorhome insurance – it’s what we do!
Here are 5 things that you can do which may help to cut the costs of your insurance policy:
1. Store the vehicle off the road
Using a barrier or a Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CASSOA) registered site.
Add an extra layer of security to your vehicle with an alarm system, tracking device or ID Kit.
3. No-claims discount
Get rewarded for driving carefully by building up your no-claims discount.
4. Take an advanced driving course
Prove you are a safe and experienced driver by taking and passing an advanced driving course.
5. Limit your mileage
Understandably, this can be a lot easier said, than done sometimes. However, planning ahead to limit your mileage use could be financially rewarding and help save on your insurance premium.
Looking for the best quote on your motorhome insurance?
When travelling abroad in your motorhome, it is essential to cover all bases of your trip and more importantly yourself. More often than not, even on holiday, we are faced with unexpected circumstance such as accidents, medical emergencies, theft or loss of personal possessions and cancellation or the cutting short of your holiday to name a few. While some motorhome owners choose to ‘take a risk’ and avoid purchasing a travel insurance for their trips, unforeseen incidents can result in significant financial losses.
So, how can you ensure you get the best deal on your travel insurance? Here are 5 things that you can do to help cut the costs of your cover:
1. Take out cover as soon as possible
Arranging your travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday helps to avoid unlikely circumstances such as holiday cancellation leaving you out of pocket.
2. Are you planning two or more trips abroad this year?
Taking out an annual travel insurance can help you save money, however, make sure to double check which countries are excluded from your policy, as some will be.
3. Avoid cover on features you don’t need
Are you planning on travelling to the seaside, yet your insurance covers skiing accidents? Don’t pay for features you don’t need; it always pays to double check!
4. Apply for a free GHIC
A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitles you to free or reduced cost healthcare in Europe. The GHIC will be replacing the UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) moving forward (if you currently have an EHIC, it will be valid until the expiry date on the card, after that you will need to apply for a GHIC).
5. Buy from an insurance brokers, not a travel agent
When booking a holiday through a travel agent, they will most likely ask details about your travel insurance and try to sell you their own insurance, which can be very expensive. However, an insurance broker often has access to a wider range of insurers.
Looking for the best quote on your travel insurance?
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