How to Insure a Part Built Campervan Conversion

Key Takeaways

• Standard commercial van insurance often excludes vehicles undergoing conversion, potentially voiding your cover the moment you start work.
• "Conversion in Progress" policies protect the base vehicle, fitted components, and sometimes tools and materials during the build phase.
• Insurers typically provide a 90-to-180-day window to complete the build before requiring a re-evaluation or transition to a full campervan policy.
• Agreed Value cover is essential to protect your "sweat equity" and the cost of high-end components like pop-tops or lithium power systems.
• Detailed evidence, including dated photos and VAT receipts, is mandatory for successful claims and valuation updates during the build.

The May 2026 bank holidays are the peak time for DIY campervan builders to make progress. Whether you are insulating a Volkswagen Transporter or fitting bespoke cabinets into a Ford Transit, your vehicle is in a vulnerable state. It is no longer just a panel van, but it isn’t yet a finished camper. Most owners do not realise that their standard commercial van insurance might be void the moment they start cutting holes for windows or fitting gas hobs. Securing specialist "part-built" cover is essential for protecting your investment.

RoamWorthy’s editorial standards emphasise legal and financial security. Our verification process ensures we only recommend insurance strategies that align with specialist UK providers and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations.

The Problem with Standard Van Insurance

If you insure your base vehicle as a "Panel Van" with a general insurer, their policy assumes the van is being used for carrying goods or commercial purposes. If you have an accident and the loss adjuster identifies half-fitted kitchen units or a lithium battery bank, they may refuse the claim on the grounds of "undeclared modifications." Specialist insurers, such as Adrian Flux, Brentacre, or Caravan Guard, offer specific policies that acknowledge the vehicle is a work-in-progress. You can read more about the final compliance requirements in our conversion compliance guide.

Agreed Value: Protecting Your "Sweat Equity"

The most important feature of a part-built policy is "Agreed Value." If you bought a base van for £15,000 and have spent £5,000 on a pop-top and insulation, a standard policy will only pay out the £15,000 market value of the van (minus depreciation). An agreed-value policy allows you to update the insurer as you hit milestones, ensuring you are covered for the total cost of the project at its current stage. Always keep every receipt and take dated photos of each stage of the build to satisfy the insurer's valuation department.

The Timeline for Completion

Insurers will typically grant you a set period—usually 90, 120, or 180 days—to finish the conversion. Once the build is complete, you must notify them to transition to a full campervan policy. In 2026, many insurers will require a professional Gas Safety certificate (Landlord's certificate) and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) before they will finalise the permanent cover. Use our Campervan Conversion Checker to ensure your build is on the right track for these standards.

Planning Your Next Steps

If you’re still in the planning phase, our base vehicle guide can help you choose a van with high conversion-resale potential. If the DIY route seems too complex, you can browse campervan models from professional converters like Vanworx or Kaktus Adventure Vans that already have full, compliant insurance history and DVLA reclassification where applicable. For those converting larger vehicles, ensure you use our Motorhome Weight Checker to stay within your licence's MTPLM limits. You can also research specific caravan models or motorhome models to understand the layouts that insurers prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions