CIL Insurance is Australia's specialist caravan, motorhome and RV insurer, owned by Suncorp Group. Serving the grey nomad market and caravan enthusiasts since 1962, CIL offers tailored cover for caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and fifth wheelers - including unique features like annex cover and permanent contents protection.
In This Review
What is CIL Insurance?
CIL Insurance has specialised in caravan and recreational vehicle insurance since 1962, making it one of the longest-serving specialist insurers in the Australian RV market. Now owned by Suncorp Group, CIL combines niche expertise with the financial backing of one of the country's largest insurance groups.
The brand has become synonymous with the Australian caravan lifestyle, particularly among the grey nomad community - retirees who travel extensively around Australia in caravans and motorhomes. CIL understands that these vehicles are often high-value assets and, for full-time travellers, serve as primary residences rather than occasional recreational vehicles.
CIL's product range covers standard caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, fifth wheelers, slide-on campers and pop-top caravans. The cover goes beyond basic collision and theft to include caravan-specific features such as annex and awning cover, permanent contents for full-time travellers, solar panel protection, emergency accommodation if the vehicle is uninhabitable, and cover for personal effects inside the caravan.
The specialist focus means CIL's claims assessors understand caravan construction, common damage scenarios (such as water ingress, annex failures and towing incidents) and the network of specialist caravan repairers across Australia. This expertise typically results in more appropriate repair assessments compared to generalist insurers who may not understand the specific requirements of caravan and motorhome repairs.
CIL Insurance is the specialist choice for Australian caravan and motorhome owners who want coverage designed specifically for the way they use their vehicles, whether for weekend getaways or full-time living on the road.
CIL Insurance Ratings Across Review Platforms
Disclaimer: Ratings are sourced from public review platforms and awards as of April 2026. Individual experiences may vary. Scores are aggregated for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Refer to ASIC's MoneySmart website for guidance on choosing insurance.
What Customers Say About CIL Insurance
Our caravan was damaged in a hailstorm at a caravan park in central Queensland. CIL arranged for a specialist caravan repairer and the quality of work was excellent. Claim settled in three weeks.
Full-time travellers for four years now and CIL's permanent contents cover is essential. It treats our motorhome as our home, which is exactly what it is.
The annex cover saved us when a strong wind ripped ours apart at a free camp in the Nullarbor. Replacement annex was covered in full.
Premium increase at renewal was significant. Called to negotiate and they brought it down a bit but it is still substantially more than the previous year.
Good specialist cover but the online portal is basic. Would like to be able to manage more of the policy online rather than having to call.
Disclaimer: Review highlights are sourced from public review platforms for informational purposes only. Individual experiences may vary and do not represent guaranteed outcomes. This content does not constitute financial advice. Visit ASIC's MoneySmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) for guidance on choosing insurance products.
CIL Insurance Products
Full cover for your caravan including collision, storm, fire, theft, water damage and towing incidents. Includes annex, awning and solar panel protection.
Specialist cover for motorhomes and campervans including permanent contents cover for full-time travellers. Treats your motorhome as both vehicle and home.
Cover for camper trailers, pop-tops, slide-on campers and other towable camping vehicles. Includes off-road and remote area usage.
CIL Insurance Pros and Cons
CIL Insurance Pricing
CIL premiums depend on the type of vehicle, its value, age, storage location, usage pattern and the scope of coverage. The following are estimated premium ranges for common scenarios.
Disclaimer: All pricing figures are indicative estimates based on publicly available data and general profiles. They are not binding quotes. Your actual premium will depend on your vehicle type, value, usage and cover options. Visit cilinsurance.com.au for an actual quote or refer to ASIC's MoneySmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) for guidance on comparing insurance.
The type of RV (caravan, motorhome, camper trailer, fifth wheeler), its make, model, age and agreed value are the primary drivers of your premium.
Where your caravan is stored when not in use - a locked garage, carport, storage facility or on the street - affects the theft and damage risk and therefore the premium.
Full-time travellers pay more than occasional weekend users due to the increased exposure. Off-road and remote area usage may also affect pricing.
CIL offers agreed value policies where the insured amount is set at inception. Higher-value vehicles attract higher premiums. Regular revaluation ensures the agreed value remains appropriate.
A higher excess reduces the premium but increases your out-of-pocket costs per claim. CIL offers multiple excess options to balance cost and coverage.
CIL Insurance vs Other Caravan Insurers
| Feature | Feature | CIL Insurance | AAMI Caravan | Allianz Caravan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.1/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.9/5 | |
| Specialist Caravan Insurer | Yes | No (general insurer) | No (general insurer) | |
| Annex & Awning Cover | Included | Limited | Limited | |
| Permanent Contents | Yes (full-timers) | No | No | |
| Solar Panel Cover | Included | Limited | Limited | |
| Emergency Accommodation | Yes | Limited | Limited | |
| Motorhome Cover | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Camper Trailer Cover | Yes | Yes | Limited | |
| Underwriter | Suncorp Group | AAI (Suncorp) | Allianz | |
| Fifth Wheeler Cover | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Disclaimer: Comparison data is based on publicly available information as of April 2026. Features and pricing may change. Verify details directly with each insurer before purchasing. This comparison does not constitute financial advice. Refer to ASIC's MoneySmart website (moneysmart.gov.au) for guidance.
Alternatives to CIL Insurance
General insurer offering caravan cover as part of its broad product range. Typically lower premiums for basic recreational caravan cover.
Part of the Allianz global insurance group, offering caravan and motorhome cover with strong financial backing.
Australia's most-awarded value insurer also offers competitive caravan cover with straightforward online purchasing.
Who Is CIL Insurance Best For?
CIL's permanent contents cover and full-time traveller understanding make it the natural choice for retirees and others who live on the road full-time. The policy treats your RV as your home, not just a vehicle.
Modern caravans costing $80,000 to $200,000+ represent a significant investment. CIL's specialist expertise in caravan valuation, repair and replacement provides the depth of cover that a high-value rig deserves.
Annexes, awnings, solar panels, satellite dishes, generators and other accessories are standard features for serious caravanners. CIL covers these items as part of the policy rather than treating them as afterthoughts.
CIL covers caravans and camper trailers used off-road and in remote areas, which is essential for travellers exploring outback tracks, station stays and remote camping destinations.
Our Verdict on CIL Insurance
CIL Insurance has earned its position as Australia's go-to specialist caravan and motorhome insurer through over 60 years of dedicated focus on the RV market. The caravan-specific features - annex cover, permanent contents, solar panel protection and emergency accommodation - address the real-world needs that generalist insurers often overlook.
For the grey nomad community and full-time travellers, CIL is particularly compelling. Treating a motorhome or caravan as a primary residence with appropriate contents cover is a capability that very few insurers offer. The claims team's familiarity with caravan construction and the specialist repairer network ensures that claims are assessed and resolved by people who understand the vehicle.
The premium is typically higher than generalist alternatives, which is the trade-off for specialist cover. Casual caravan users who keep their van in the driveway most of the year may find adequate cover at a lower price elsewhere. But for anyone who relies on their caravan or motorhome as a significant part of their lifestyle, CIL provides purpose-built protection.
Common questions about CIL Insurance
How we research and rate insurance companies
This review is based on data collected from the following sources, last verified in April 2026:
Our editorial scores (out of 10) are calculated using a weighted methodology that considers:
Disclaimer: Our review methodology is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Scores represent editorial opinion based on publicly available data. Individual experiences may vary. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing insurance. For independent guidance on choosing insurance, visit ASIC's MoneySmart website at moneysmart.gov.au.
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