Strong demand for motorhomes and campervans as customers look to staycation
As the days get longer and brighter and UK slowly edges out of lockdown, thoughts of spending quality time with friends and family and well-deserved holidays are once again front of mind. In fact, the long-awaited dream is fast becoming a reality.
Ben Cue, General Manager & Director of Operations at VM Insurance says;
“Following the exit from the first lockdown last summer, demand for leisure vehicles spiked* in July 2020 with sales soaring 71% compared to July 2019. This growth continued in August (41%), September (55%) and October (36%). He says “We’re seeing similar strong demand for both motorhomes and campervans as these vehicles provide the perfect opportunity to escape to the great outdoors, whilst maintaining a safe social distance.
Traditionally, motorhomes were the preserve of the older generation who had both the time and the money to be able to spend lengthy periods travelling. Typically, spending chunks of time chasing great weather, different and interesting food and drink and the open roads of mainland Europe. However, we’re seeing a shifting of the demographic of motorhome and campervan owners to the younger generation looking for the perfect family holiday, away from the distractions of tech and the hustle and bustle of modern life. We’re seeing an increase in the number of 30-somethings buying campervans as a day-to-day vehicle which doubles up as a family retreat at the weekend.
In October 2020 a survey of our customers revealed that 74% of them regularly travelled to Europe in their leisure vehicle. 60% of customers also said that they intended to visit Europe in 2021. Spain was the most popular destination, with 27% of customers planning to visit there in 2021. France and Germany were also popular destinations, followed by the Netherlands. A combination of Brexit and uncertainty created by COVID19 will more than likely change the numbers of people planning to travel in their leisure vehicles to Europe this year and we’re expecting to see a greater focus on UK holidays, or staycations as they’ve become to be known. Scotland’s national tourist board are actively promoting the benefits of motorhome and campervan holidays.
Following Brexit, for any motorhome or campervan owners wishing to travel in Europe, this is perfectly doable, but it does require a little bit more organisation than in previous years. Some of changes to consider are the need for GB stickers, tighter control on what can be imported into Europe (particularly foodstuff), travelling with pets and the amount of time that can be spent in any one trip – 90 days and of course, the requirement for a Green Card. Up to date European travel information can be found on the government website.
The strong demand for leisure vehicles and increasing prices of both new and second-hand vehicles alas isn’t going unnoticed by the criminal fraternity and we’re seeing increases in both motorhome and campervan theft. In fact, whilst overall crime rates have fallen during lockdown, leisure vehicle theft has been buoyant throughout, with vehicles being stolen from both owners’ driveways and secure storage compounds. We’ve always recommended that customers use multiple security devices such as wheel locks, clutch claws and security bollards. But now, more than ever before trackers are becoming more of a necessity for these much sought after vehicles.
Whether your customer has a campervan or motorhome; is looking to holiday in the UK or Europe, we have over 30 years’ experience in providing specialist cover for these very special and highly cherished vehicles. With Aviva policies starting from just £220**."
To find out more about how VM Insurance can support you in placing motorhome and campervan risk, visit the VM insurance product page, under ‘vehicles on Aviva Marketplace where you’ll find their wide range of solutions for those hard to place risks.
Benefits of VM Insurance policies can include:
- Annual Green Card cover
- Cover for awnings and generators
- Gas explosion cover
- Up to £5,000 personal effects limits***
- Optional cover for satellite TV systems
- Optional UK & European breakdown cover
*Source National Caravan Council
** Over 12% of our Aviva Motorhome and Campervan policyholders paid this amount or less for their annual premium between 1st August 2019 and 31st July 2020.
*** Subject to Sum Insured of customer’s motorhome or campervan.