I’ve recently bought a T6 camper on finance which I’d like to occasionally rent out. My finance agreement states that the van can’t be rented out without prior permission. Obviously I would take out a self drive daily cover insurance for anyone renting my van, but I’m wondering whether the policy would be void if the insurance company found out I hadn’t informed the finance company. The V5 is in my name and nothing I’ve read in any self drive policy’s state that I have to gain permission from the finance company, I’ve searched the internet and can’t find any examples or mention of this scenario.
Judging by the number of motor homes and camper vans that must be on finance, and the amount now being rented out on sites like Canptoo, Go Boony etc, if this was a problem I would have thought there would be something on it. Does this mean that my agreement with the finance company and my agreement with the insurance company are completely separate, and not having permission from the finance company wouldn’t affect the cover?
Has anyone had any experiences with this or tried to gain permission from the finance company to rent out your van.
Any comment or advice would be appreciated,
I imagine that if your finance company want you to ask permission, that is what you need to do. Why would all companies have the same conditions? Did you not check before accepting the Finance agreement?
I was under the impression that this clause is in all finance agreements?
When I took out the finance I wasn�t intending on renting the van out, it�s something I am thinking about now.
The finance company owns part of the camper until you pay it off. Of course they want to know that their property will be covered by the insurance. If you owned part of a house, wouldn’t you want to know that the insurance covered the damage caused by the idiots renting it & trashing it?
I was trying to find out whether the finance company are likely to grant permission providing i have adequate insurance, I’m sure other people have similar clauses in their finance agreements so was hoping someone could let me know if they managed to gain permission.
As you are renting it out, the insurance will need to operated as a business and not private. Also you will need to notify the DVLA that the vehicle will be used commercially as it is then in a different tax bracket. Also HMRC as there may be a VAT to be paid plus you will need to pay tax on any profits.
Ultimately to may need to register as a business with companies house. Renting out as a sole trader means that if the vehicle is involved in a mishap, you could be responsible for all costs and end up losing your home. Be very careful!
I have seen Motorhomes on Airbnb so I doubt it’s too complicated. Some agencies that advertise in the club magazines cover the insurance.
As has been said, just phone both companies & ask! It would be quicker than waiting on here for the answer you want.
Oh, and let us know the outcome so the next person doesn’t need to ask the same question.
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 04/7/2022
I have seen Motorhomes on Airbnb so I doubt it’s too complicated. Some agencies that advertise in the club magazines cover the insurance.
As has been said, just phone both companies & ask! It would be quicker than waiting on here for the answer you want.
Oh, and let us know the outcome so the next person doesn’t need to ask the same question.
That is the other way to do it and get a company to rent it out on your behalf. They take a cut but they take all the responsibilities. I must admit I would never dream of offering our motorhome or caravan for rent as it is our pride and joy.
I would do an awful lot of very careful research before you even think about renting out a campervan. I would imagine the insurance costs would be horrendous as the risks are extreme. You could have someone rent it, drive it straight into a container, and ship it abroad in less than 24 hours! If you had rented it out for a week you wouldn't know it was missing until it didn't come back a week later. Not something I would even contemplate.
I once had a Mazda Bongo and it got stolen from outside my house. I knew it was missing within hours and reported it straight away. I think that went abroad as no trace of it was ever found.
I can only think that nothing I owned wholly or on H.P. would ever be driven by anyone other than myself. Baring a total van failure and the need for it to be rescued.
If you are seriously thinking of doing this without informing your insurance or finance companies it would be unfair / dishonest to do so. When you take out your insurance I know you have to name any additional driver.
Interesting as this is the first time I’ve been on a forum.
I was really hoping for a reply from someone that had been in a similar situation.
Anyway, yes I had business finance, yes I know about self drive insurance, due diligence , deposits, gas safety certificates, etc.
It was a very grey area and even insurance companies couldn’t give me a definitive answer.
I now have written permission from the finance company so I am leaving this discussion.
Thank you for participating.
Hi all
I'm renting out my motorhome when not being used by myself through Goboony. Saying that We own the vehicle outright so this may not be relevant to you as you are on HP.
Goboony look after all the financial side of things including deposits ,we have had no problems with security. We did have to take out commercial insurance for renting out by Alan Boswell which covers all drivers aged 25 + but this insurance covers is as the owners so our regular insurance can be canceled.
The only incident we have had was one renter drove all the way to Snowdonia and back without problem only to bump into his own gate post outside his house. Causing a small dent in the rear. This was sorted out by Goboonys deposit scheme within 2 days.
To summarise I would say it's a little more worry and cleaning time but well worth it financially. Much better than seeing your vehicle sitting on the drive doing nothing. Hope this helps
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