I intend to do a home conversion on a Mercedes Sprinter or possibly something similar, using a caravan as a parts donor.
Once completed, do I need to insure it as a campervan?, and if so, can anyone advise on a good company for home conversion insurance.
Alternatively I could just insure it as a van, but could this lead to problems with the insurers if they found out it was 'modified', despite not being any faster/more powerful?
All advise greatfully received.
Phil
------------- Our motorhome loves Rock'n'Roll... it rolls all day and rocks all night ;0)
Check out Self Build Motorhome or Motorhome Facts forums for help or do a search on this site as the question has been asked a few times before. There are companies who you can get a reasonable deal from but it can be difficult & frustrating. You should insure it as a campervan otherwise you are allowing any insurance to refuse to pay up on a claim. You should also get the registration doc changed to read motorhome rather than commercila vehicle, it doesn't cost anything just fill in the appropriate section & send it to the DVLA.
We use Adrian Flux insurance, 08700 777120, they specialize in cherished vehicles, etc. and don't require an engineers report for self built motorhomes
good luck with your conversion Phil, ours is taking forever..... i looked into insuring just as a van and it costs loads more for a commercial vehicle than for a motorhome of the same year.
Yeah, commercial vehicle insurance is very expensive usually, though I just got a quote to 'test the water' so to speak, and was pleasantly surprised. I used my company van as a 'test bed' for the quote - a long wheelbase Transit 2.5 ltr only 5 years old. The quote was £373 tpf&t which is less than my car insurance! and thats a 12 year old Rover 620.
Phil
------------- Our motorhome loves Rock'n'Roll... it rolls all day and rocks all night ;0)
SixWheels, a Mercedes Sprinter now that's the sort of van I would like to have a go at, it's as big as you can get with out going into a coach build. I would be interested in seeing how you go on. Keep me posted. Good luck
projectHELLFIRE is [still] just about to get underway: Scarlet T reg transit, crew cab seats (being ripped out), crew windows staying in - see bad pic on profile. Aim to turn it into an adventure wagon with somewhere big and comfy to sleep and enough storage so I can leave it fully loaded up for weekends away (surfing, mountainbiking etc etc) with no packing required...
Any chance of someone starting a string on here with real conversion tips as they go along... Seems that a lot of people have pro-conversion campers and/ or years of experience. I have neither(!) so plan to keep it simple as my requirements are minimum. Advice always welcome though especially if others are first time too.
Insuring as a private van as not installing; toilet, fixed water, plumbing, perminent gas or shower therefore cant qualify as a camper...
Thanks everyone, I'll definately let you all know how I get on with it, with some pics aswell. If all goes according to plan (which it usually doesn't), I should be looking for the van in about 5 to 6 weeks, then the donor caravan, then god knows how long of hard work. But it will be worth it.
Phil
------------- Our motorhome loves Rock'n'Roll... it rolls all day and rocks all night ;0)
my last took 4 month solid about £2000 for the bits, our Insurence Shield Direct, they send a starter pack with all the info, you have 90days to complete, then a set of photos to finish. they estimate the value if you agree off you go. ours was valued at £9.000 and yearly is £280 with full continental breakdown. if you want to look at the van visit ebay item no 4507360867. It didnt make the reserve, of £7995.
Nice van mate, looks really good, think perhaps you could be selling wrong time of year. There was a lot of interest in it , rightly so, perhaps more towards summer should realise its full value. Good luck with it
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Home conversion insurance?
, I should be looking for the van in about 5 to 6 weeks, then the donor caravan, then god knows how long of hard work. But it will be worth it
.
