How To Rent Out Your Campervan or Motorhome

Can You Make Money Renting Out A Motorhome?

It’s definitely possible to earn some extra income. According to industry data, motorhome owners can earn around £800 per week during the peak summer months. Even during the shoulder seasons, a well-maintained van can bring in significant cash flow.

By renting your vehicle out for just a few weeks a year, you can usually cover the costs of your annual maintenance, MOT, and storage. It’s a great way to save money on your own road trip adventures by letting the van pay for itself.

The specifics of how much you can expect to earn mostly depends on the age, model, and location of your vehicle. A modern, high-spec VW Transporter or a luxury 4-berth motorhome will usually drive a higher price than an older conversion.

What Do I Need To Rent Out My Campervan?

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, you might feel a bit overwhelmed when it comes to getting your vehicle rental-ready. Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to do to rent out your campervan:

• Gas and Electric Safety: Get an annual habitation check to make sure all appliances are safe for users.
• Maintenance: Make sure the engine’s serviced and the tyres are in top condition.
• Inventory: Provide the basics like kitchenware, levelling ramps to keep the van flat when parked, and a first aid kit.
• User Guide: Create a simple how-to manual for your specific van. Every camper has its own unique quirks!

Knowing how to lend your car to your family is one thing, but renting to a stranger requires a more professional approach. You’ll want to take plenty of photos and write a clear description of the amenities to attract the right people.

What Insurance Do I Need To Hire Out My Campervan?

Every vehicle on the road in the UK needs to be properly insured to avoid running into potential fines, including your campervan. You’ll likely want to know if you can rent out your motorhome on your standard annual policy? Unfortunately, the answer is usually no.

Most standard policies don’t include cover for rented-out vehicles, which means if you take any money for a rental, your insurance is probably invalid. This is where many people get stuck. But when you’re hiring out your motorhome or campervan as a way to earn a bit of extra money, it typically comes down to one of two choices:

1. Self-Drive Hire Insurance: This is an annual policy that replaces your standard insurance. It’s often expensive and can be overkill if you only want to rent out your campervan a few times a year.
2. Temporary Motorhome Insurance: This is often the quickest way to get insured and stay protected. It lets the person renting your van take out their own short-term policy for the duration of their trip.

At GoShorty, we offer temporary motorhome insurance, which ranges from as little as 1 day all the way up to 28 days. The best part? Because it’s a separate policy, if the renter has a bump, it won’t affect your No Claims Discount or annual premiums. It keeps your own policy safe while your van is out earning its keep. Please keep in mind that this can only be used for peer-to-peer rentals and is invalid for commercial hires.

Staying Safe And Legal

It’s vital to stay on the right side of the law, and leaving your vehicle uninsured not only puts it at risk of damage but also leaves you open to legal punishment.

Even if you’re not the one driving, as the owner, you could still face penalties if you let someone drive your motorhome or campervan without valid cover.

Always check that the renter meets the age requirements (usually 25+) and that they’ve got the correct category on their driving licence for the weight of your motorhome.

Most standard UK licences cover vehicles up to 3,500kg (Category B), but heavier motorhomes require a specific Category C1 licence, which many younger drivers or those who passed their test after 1997 might not have.

How To Find The Right Renters

So, your vehicle’s ready to go, but now what?

If you’re wondering how to rent out your campervan, you’ve got two main options. You can either manage it yourself through social media and local ads, or you can use a dedicated peer-to-peer rental platforms. Not sure which is the right choice for you? Let’s take a look:

• Peer-to-Peer Platforms: This gives you peace of mind, as they handle the booking, identity checks, and payments for you. They usually take a commission, but for many owners, the security they provide is well worth it.
• Self-management: If you prefer to go it alone or to only lend your campervan to people you know, this can be the best choice. You’ll need to make sure you have a solid contract in place and a clear process for checking the hirer’s driving licence.

How Do I Rent Out My Motorhome Most Effectively?

Once you’re set up, you can start thinking about how to appeal to the high demand for road trips.

Think about the big events of the year, whether that’s people travelling by car to festivals or coastal camping trips. In the months leading up to summer, start listing your vehicle on the relevant platforms or advertising availability on your social media (if self-managing).

You might also want to consider offering add-ons to encourage potential renters. These can include useful features like:

• Bike racks
• Outdoor furniture
• Pre-stocked fridge
• Bedding and towels (cleaned thoroughly after each use)
• Toiletries

While they might seem like small additions, these thoughtful touches go a long way.

Get your campervan borrowing-ready with GoShorty

Making some extra money from your campervan when you’re not using it doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on safety, choosing the right renters, and making sure you’ve got the correct insurance in place, you can enjoy the extra income while your van helps someone else create memories on the road.

If you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. With GoShorty, you can get a quote for motorhome insurance in under two minutes, giving you and your renters total peace of mind.