Standard vehicle insurance is not designed for classic campervans. A policy that pays "market value" in case of write-off will almost certainly undervalue your restored T2 — because the Irish market for professionally restored classics is thin and hard to reference. This guide explains what you actually need.
Why standard cover fails classic-camper owners
Standard car insurance policies pay out the "market value" of your vehicle if it's written off — which means the insurer will assess what your specific vehicle would sell for in the open Irish market at the time of the claim. For a classic campervan, this creates two problems:
- Market value vs restoration cost: A van you've spent €40,000 restoring might be assessed at €25,000 market value because comparable sales in Ireland are limited.
- Standard depreciation assumptions: Standard policies apply annual depreciation models that don't apply to appreciating classics.
Agreed-value policies
An agreed-value policy is the solution. At policy inception, you and the insurer agree on the insured value of the vehicle — usually supported by a professional valuation. In the event of a write-off, you receive the agreed value, not the insurer's post-event market assessment.
Agreed-value policies cost more than standard cover, but the additional premium is usually modest relative to the protection they provide. For any restored or restored-quality classic campervan worth more than €15,000, agreed-value cover is worth the premium.
Limited mileage cover
Most classic-camper owners drive their vehicles seasonally and for specific trips — not as daily transport. Limited mileage policies (typically 3,000, 5,000, or 7,500 miles per year) reduce premiums significantly in exchange for the mileage cap.
If you genuinely drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year in your campervan — which is typical for Irish owners who use them mainly in summer — limited mileage cover can reduce your premium by 30–50%.
Contents and conversion cover
Standard vehicle insurance covers the vehicle structure but often excludes the campervan conversion contents — the kitchen unit, pop-top, bed, electrical system, and personal effects inside. Check your policy explicitly for this. Some classic-campervan specialist policies include conversion contents up to a stated value; others require a separate contents policy.
Tips for getting the best rate in Ireland
- Get a professional valuation: A certified valuation from a classic-vehicle specialist gives you the evidence to support an agreed-value amount and strengthens your position in any claim.
- Secure storage: Keeping your van in a locked garage significantly reduces premium. Some insurers require this for classic cover.
- No-claims record: Your standard vehicle no-claims bonus typically transfers to a classic policy. Build and protect it.
- Classic vehicle clubs: Some Irish classic vehicle clubs have negotiated group insurance rates for members. Worth joining before buying cover.
- Get multiple quotes: The Irish classic-vehicle insurance market is small but competitive. Get at least three quotes before renewing.
This guide provides general information only. Insurance products and pricing change frequently. Always read full policy documents and speak with a qualified insurance broker before purchasing cover. We are not insurance advisers.