Camper conversion and vehicle insurance: why many compensations do not reflect the real value

Campervan Conversions and Insurance: Why Many Claims Fall Far Short of the Vehicle's Real Value

Campervan conversions have multiplied in recent years.

Vehicles transformed into veritable mobile homes, with electrical installations, furniture, water systems, solar panels, and equipment that can easily exceed €20,000 or €30,000.

The problem arises when an accident occurs and the insurance company compensates the vehicle as if it were completely standard, ignoring much of the added value of the campervan conversion.

In this article, we explain why this happens, what should be correctly included in the policy, and why many claims fall far short of the vehicle's actual value.

The Most Common Mistake: Not Registering the Campervan Conversion on the Policy

One of the most common mistakes is thinking that, because the conversion was paid for, the insurance will automatically cover it.

It doesn't work that way.

If the camper conversion:

• Is not registered
• Is not explicitly stated in the policy
• Has not been reported to the insurer

The insurance company is not obligated to compensate for it, even if the damage is real.

In many cases, the vehicle is paid according to standard valuations, as if it had never been converted.

👉 If the insurer has ignored part of your vehicle's value, you can review the claim here:

👉 Claims for underpaid vehicles

Approved camper conversion is not the same as insured camper conversion

This is one of the points that generates the most confusion.

A camper conversion can be:

• Fully approved for road use
• Included in the vehicle registration document
• Legalized with the traffic authorities

And still not be properly insured.

These are different plans:

• Homologation allows legal driving
• The policy determines what is compensated in the event of an accident

If the added value is not declared correctly, it may be excluded from the compensation, either partially or completely.

What should be correctly included in the policy

For a camper conversion to be properly covered, it is essential to review:

• Value of the base vehicle
• Added value of the camper conversion
• Maximum limits accepted by the insurer
• How interior elements are declared

Not all companies accept the same criteria or the same amounts, and many impose automatic limits that the insured is unaware of until an accident occurs.

Campervan Conversion Elements That Can Be Declared as Contents

In many cases, it makes more sense to declare some campervan conversion elements as contents, especially when it comes to:

• Interior furniture
• Mattresses and bedding
• Integrated appliances
• Specific kitchenware
• Portable equipment

Declaring them as contents can allow for:

• Greater flexibility
• Better policy fit
• Fewer disputes in the event of a claim

The correct classification between structure and contents is key for this type of vehicle, as we explained in other cases of incorrect valuations.

Elements That Usually Cause the Most Problems in Compensation Claims

The most common conflicts arise with:

• Complex electrical installations
• Solar panels
• Auxiliary batteries
• Water systems and tanks
• Stationary heating

When these elements are not expressly declared, they usually:

• Are excluded from the valuation
• Are compensated symbolically
• Or are disputed after the accident

Campervan Conversions and Total Losses

In serious accidents—fires, floods, or DANA storms—it is common for:

• The vehicle to be declared a total loss
• An automatic valuation to be applied
• The actual value of the campervan conversion to be ignored

In these cases, compensation is usually based on generic tables that do not reflect the reality of the vehicle, especially when there are significant modifications.

Here we explain why these valuations aren't always correct: GANVAM Tables and Vehicle Value: Real Limits

The Importance of a Technical Review of the Claim File

Camper conversions don't fit well into standard schemes.

They require:

• Analysis of the base vehicle
• Complete review of the policy
• Correct identification of the vehicle and its contents
• Real valuation of the entire package

Without this technical analysis, the compensation usually falls far short of the actual damage, a common occurrence when the claim file isn't properly reviewed from the insured's perspective.

In these types of claims, the technical approach makes all the difference: When is it worth hiring an independent vehicle expert?

Conclusion

Converting a vehicle into a camper involves a significant investment. But if that investment isn't declared and structured correctly in the policy, it can disappear into an incorrectly calculated compensation payment.

Reviewing how a campervan conversion is insured is just as important as having it done correctly.

At MataSeguros, we analyze claims for campervan conversions to verify if the compensation reflects the true value of the vehicle and its modifications.

👉 If your vehicle has been under-compensated or part of the conversion has been excluded, we'll review your case here: 👉 Claims for under-compensated vehicles