Motorhome Tax, MOT & Insurance
So, you've found your dream motorhome, and you're eager to get on the road. Before you set off on your adventures, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements of motorhome ownership in the UK. Neglecting these can lead to fines, penalties, or even void your insurance. At Ropers Leisure, we want to ensure you're fully prepared and compliant.
Insuring Your Motorhome
Just like any other vehicle in the UK, your motorhome must be insured if you plan to drive or even just park it on a public road. This is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act.
- Third-Party Only: This is the minimum legal requirement, covering damage or injury to other people or their property.
- Third-Party, Fire & Theft: This offers the above, plus protection against fire damage and theft of your motorhome.
- Comprehensive: This is the most extensive cover, protecting your motorhome as well as third parties, and often includes features like personal belongings cover, breakdown assistance, and European travel cover.
We always recommend comprehensive motorhome insurance, as it provides the greatest peace of mind. Specialist motorhome policies often include cover for your personal belongings inside the vehicle, which standard car insurance wouldn't. If you declare your motorhome "off-road" with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you don't need insurance, but it cannot be used or parked on public roads.
MOT Test for Motorhomes
As with cars, if your motorhome is over three years old, it needs an annual MOT test to ensure it meets road safety and environmental standards.
- Motorhomes up to 3,500kg: Generally fall under Class 4 MOT (the same as a car).
- Motorhomes over 3,500kg: Often fall under Class 7 MOT or even HGV MOT, which requires specialist testing centres.
We ensure all our used motorhomes have a valid MOT certificate upon sale, and our service department can assist you with future MOTs and servicing.
Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty - VED)
You must pay road tax (VED) to legally drive your motorhome on UK public roads. The amount you pay depends on factors like your motorhome's weight (MAM), engine size, and the date it was first registered. Motorhomes under 3,500kg are often taxed differently from those over, sometimes falling into different categories with varying rates. Some older, classic motorhomes may be exempt, but you still need to apply for that exemption.
At Ropers Leisure, we're here to guide you through these legalities. We'll ensure the motorhome you choose is suitable for your licence, and we can advise on the typical insurance and road tax costs so you can budget effectively for your new freedom on the open road.