Updated March 2026

Compare Motorhome Insurance in New Zealand

Compare motorhome and campervan insurance from NZ providers. Cover your vehicle, contents, and accessories. From small campervans to large A-class motorhomes. 100% free.

Last reviewed: 6 March 2026
Highest Rated Featured Provider

Star Insure

4.5 / 5

A favourite among Kiwi vehicle owners for specialist cover and agreed value policies. Star Insure has built a strong reputation for fair pricing and hassle-free claims - get a quote below.

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$600–$2,500
Avg. comprehensive premium/yr
Contents Included
Most comprehensive policies
100,000+
Motorhomes & campervans in NZ
NZMCA
May qualify for member discounts

What is Motorhome Insurance?

How motorhome insurance works in NZ and why it differs from standard car insurance.

Motorhome insurance is specialist vehicle insurance designed for campervans, motorhomes, and bus conversions. Unlike standard car insurance, motorhome policies need to cover both the vehicle and the living quarters - including fixtures, fittings, appliances, and often the personal contents inside.

New Zealand has a strong motorhome culture, with over 100,000 campervans and motorhomes on the road. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) has over 120,000 members, making it one of the country's largest recreation organisations. Specialist RV insurers such as Covi Insurance (the NZMCA's insurance partner) offer policies tailored to motorhome and campervan owners, alongside mainstream providers like AA, Tower, and AMI.

Motorhome insurance is not compulsory in NZ, but given that motorhomes can be worth $20,000 to $300,000+, the financial risk of being uninsured is substantial. ACC covers personal injuries but not vehicle or property damage.

Self-containment certification (to NZS 5465:2001) is a separate requirement for freedom camping in many areas. While not typically required for insurance, it demonstrates that the vehicle meets certain standards. Note: NZ is transitioning to a new green warrant self-containment system. Existing blue self-containment warrants remain valid until 6 June 2026. For information about freedom camping rules, see your local council's guidelines.

Key point: Motorhome insurance typically covers more than a standard car policy - including fitted appliances, solar panels, awnings, satellite dishes, and personal contents. Make sure your policy reflects the true total value of your motorhome and everything in it.

Types of Motorhome Insurance in NZ

Three main cover levels are available for motorhomes and campervans.

Third Party Only

From ~$200–$400/yr

Covers damage you cause to other people's property only. Your motorhome, its fit-out, and contents are not covered.

Third-party property damage
Your motorhome - accidents
Your motorhome - theft
Contents cover
Awnings & accessories
Cheapest option

Third Party, Fire & Theft

From ~$350–$700/yr

Mid-tier cover adding fire and theft protection for your motorhome. Contents cover may or may not be included - check your PDS.

Third-party property damage
Your motorhome - accidents
Your motorhome - theft
Your motorhome - fire
Contents (some policies)
Good for older motorhomes

Top NZ Motorhome Insurance Providers

A closer look at popular motorhome insurance providers in New Zealand.

AA Insurance

One of NZ's largest insurers with motorhome cover options. Includes AA Roadside Assistance and strong customer service reputation.

AA Roadside Assist
Contents cover options
Multi-policy discount
Agreed or market value
Tower Insurance

Competitive pricing with flexible cover options for motorhomes and campervans. Straightforward online quote and management process.

Competitive premiums
Contents included
Flexible excess
Multi-policy discount
Covi Insurance

NZ's specialist RV insurer, partnered with the NZMCA. With 17,000+ members insured, Covi focuses exclusively on motorhomes, campervans, and caravans. Underwritten by NZI (IAG New Zealand).

Agreed Value for 5 years
No glass excess under $400k
Auto fixtures & fittings cover
NZMCA member partner
Star Insure

Specialist insurer experienced with non-standard vehicles including motorhomes, bus conversions, and custom-built campervans.

Custom builds covered
Bus conversions
Agreed value options
Modifications welcome
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How to Choose Motorhome Insurance

The right policy depends on your motorhome, how you use it, and your budget.

🏠 Full-Time Living

  • Comprehensive cover is essential when the motorhome is your primary residence
  • Ensure contents cover limit is sufficient for all your belongings
  • Not all insurers cover full-time living - declare usage when quoting
  • Consider whether emergency accommodation cover is included

🌄 Holiday & Weekend Use

  • Comprehensive cover with agreed value protects your investment
  • Contents cover for holiday essentials (electronics, bedding, kitchenware)
  • Check whether freedom camping is covered in your policy
  • Consider seasonal storage cover if the motorhome sits unused over winter

🚐 Rental Fleet

  • Standard personal policies do not cover rental or commercial use
  • Specialist commercial motorhome insurance is required for rental operations
  • Rental platforms (Camplify, Mighway) may provide their own cover
  • Check liability limits carefully for third-party use of your vehicle

NZ Motorhome Insurance Providers

A comparison of providers offering motorhome and campervan insurance.

Provider Cover Types Online Quotes Best For
Covi Insurance Comp Phone / online RV specialist / NZMCA
AA Insurance Comp, TPFT, TP All-rounder
AMI Comp, TPFT, TP Multi-policy
State Comp, TPFT, TP Bundling
Tower Comp, TPFT, TP Competitive pricing
Cove Comp, TP Digital-first
Star Insure Comp, TPFT Specialist vehicles
Vero Comp, TPFT Broker only High-value motorhomes

Disclaimer: Features and cover options may change. Always verify motorhome-specific cover availability and details directly with the provider. Report an error.

What Motorhome Insurance Covers

Coverage features specific to motorhome and campervan policies.

Feature Third Party TPFT Comprehensive
Third-party property damage
Theft of motorhome
Accidental damage
Fixtures & fittings Some policies
Personal contents Usually included
Awnings & annexes Usually included
Solar panels & accessories If declared
Emergency accommodation Some policies

Common Exclusions

What motorhome insurance typically does not cover.

🔧 Mechanical Breakdown

Standard motorhome insurance does not cover mechanical or electrical failures, wear and tear, or engine/transmission faults. Separate mechanical breakdown insurance is available for this.

💼 Rental / Commercial Use

Personal motorhome insurance does not cover renting your vehicle to others or commercial use. Separate commercial cover is needed for rental operations or business use.

⚖️ Overloading & Towing Limits

Damage caused while exceeding the vehicle's gross vehicle mass (GVM) or towing capacity may void your cover. Always stay within manufacturer specifications.

🍺 Impaired Driving

Claims will be declined if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident.

🐛 Vermin & Gradual Damage

Damage from rodents, insects, mould, condensation, or gradual deterioration is typically excluded. Regular maintenance is expected to prevent these issues.

🚳 Illegal Freedom Camping

While freedom camping itself is covered, damage or theft while camping illegally in a restricted area could complicate claims. Always check local freedom camping rules.

What Affects Your Motorhome Insurance Premium

Key factors insurers consider when pricing motorhome cover.

🚐

Motorhome Type & Size

Larger motorhomes cost more to insure due to higher value and repair costs. A-class motorhomes and luxury models attract higher premiums than smaller campervans.

💰

Vehicle Value

The total value including the base vehicle and all fit-out, appliances, and accessories. Custom builds and high-spec fit-outs increase the insured value.

📍

Location & Storage

Where the motorhome is stored when not in use affects premiums. Secure indoor storage or a locked compound is viewed more favourably than street parking.

🛣️

Usage & Kilometres

Full-time use attracts higher premiums than occasional holiday use. Some insurers offer limited-use discounts for motorhomes driven fewer km per year.

👤

Driver Age & Experience

Younger drivers pay more. A clean driving record and several years of claims-free history reduce premiums through no-claims bonuses.

🔒

Security Features

Alarms, immobilisers, GPS trackers, and secure storage all help reduce premiums. The quality of the motorhome's locking systems also matters.

Motorhome Insurance Cost Guide 2026

Indicative annual comprehensive premiums by motorhome type.

Campervan / Small
$500-$900
$500-$900/yr
Mid-Size Motorhome
$700-$1,400
$700-$1,400/yr
Bus Conversion
$800-$2,000
$800-$2,000/yr
Large A-Class
$1,000-$2,500
$1,000-$2,500/yr

Disclaimer: These are indicative estimates only. Actual premiums depend on vehicle value, usage, driver profile, and insurer. These are not quotes.

How to Save on Motorhome Insurance

Ways to reduce your motorhome insurance premium in NZ.

1

Compare Multiple Estimates

Motorhome insurance prices vary significantly. Get at least 3 - 4 quotes to find the best value for your situation.

2

NZMCA Membership

Some insurers offer discounts for NZMCA members. Covi Insurance, NZ's specialist RV insurer, is a partner of NZMCA and has 17,000+ members insured.

3

Invest in Security

Alarms, immobilisers, GPS trackers, and secure storage all help reduce premiums. Many modern motorhomes come with factory-fitted security.

4

Increase Your Excess

A higher voluntary excess lowers your premium. Ensure you can afford the excess amount if you need to claim.

5

Bundle Policies

Multi-policy discounts are common when you insure your motorhome, car, home, and contents with the same provider.

6

Pay Annually

Monthly payments include fees that add 5 - 10% to the total. Paying upfront saves money over the year.

How to Make a Claim

What to do if your motorhome is damaged, stolen, or involved in an incident.

1

Ensure Safety

Move to a safe location. Call 111 for emergencies or 105 for non-urgent police matters.

2

Document Damage

Photograph all damage to the motorhome, contents, and any other vehicles or property involved.

3

Contact Insurer

Lodge your claim as soon as possible. Have your policy number and damage photos ready.

4

Assessment

An assessor evaluates the damage to both the vehicle and living quarters. Contents claims may be assessed separately.

5

Resolution

Repairs arranged or payout made. You pay your excess. Emergency accommodation may be provided if the motorhome is your primary residence.

NZ Motorhome Information

Key information for motorhome owners in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about motorhome insurance in NZ.

Is motorhome insurance compulsory in NZ?
No. Like all motor vehicle insurance in NZ, motorhome insurance is voluntary. ACC covers personal injuries but not damage to your motorhome, contents, or other people's property.
How much does motorhome insurance cost?
Comprehensive cover typically costs $500 - $2,500 per year depending on the vehicle type and value. Smaller campervans may cost $500 - $900/yr, mid-size motorhomes $700 - $1,400/yr, and large A-class motorhomes $1,000 - $2,500/yr.
Does motorhome insurance cover contents?
Most comprehensive policies include $5,000 - $15,000 in contents cover for personal belongings inside the motorhome. High-value items may need to be specified separately. Check your PDS for exact limits.
Are awnings and annexes covered?
Most comprehensive policies cover attached awnings, annexes, and fixed accessories. Portable accessories like solar panels, satellite dishes, and bike racks are often covered too if declared.
Do I need self-containment for insurance?
Self-containment certification is not typically required for insurance purposes, but it is required for freedom camping in many NZ areas. It does not usually affect premiums.
Does my insurance cover freedom camping?
Yes, most policies cover your motorhome while freedom camping legally. Camping in restricted areas without a permit could complicate claims.
Can I live full-time in my motorhome and be insured?
Some insurers cover full-time living, but not all. This may be classed differently and affect premiums. Always declare your intended usage when getting quotes.
Does my insurance cover rental use?
No. Standard personal insurance does not cover rental or commercial use. You need specialist commercial cover or platform-provided insurance for rental operations.
What's the difference between motorhome and caravan insurance?
Motorhome insurance covers a self-propelled vehicle. Caravan insurance covers a towable trailer that is separate from the tow vehicle. They have different registration, WoF/CoF, and insurance requirements.
Does NZMCA membership affect insurance?
Some insurers offer discounts or specialist cover for NZMCA members. Covi Insurance is the NZMCA's insurance partner and focuses exclusively on motorhome, campervan, and caravan cover. Membership demonstrates responsible ownership and provides access to resources that may reduce risk.

Glossary of Motorhome Insurance Terms

Self-Contained
A vehicle certified to NZS 5465:2001, meaning it has onboard fresh water, grey water, and toilet facilities. Required for freedom camping in many NZ locations. NZ is transitioning to a new green warrant system; existing blue warrants remain valid until 6 June 2026.
Agreed Value
A fixed payout amount set when the policy is taken out. Includes the vehicle, fit-out, and accessories. Paid minus excess if the motorhome is written off.
Contents Cover
Insurance for personal belongings kept inside the motorhome - kitchenware, electronics, bedding, clothing, etc. Typically $5,000 - $15,000 in comprehensive policies.
Freedom Camping
Camping on public land outside of designated campgrounds. Regulated by the Freedom Camping Act 2011 and local council bylaws.
GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
The maximum loaded weight of the motorhome. Exceeding GVM can void insurance and is illegal. Important when loading for trips.
CoF (Certificate of Fitness)
Required for motorhomes over 3,500 kg GVM instead of a WoF. Must be renewed every 6 months.
Bus Conversion
A bus or commercial vehicle converted into a motorhome. May require specialist insurance due to non-standard construction.
Annexe
An attached fabric or rigid extension that expands the living space of a motorhome. Usually covered under comprehensive policies.

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