The demand for motorhomes has been sharply rising since the start of the pandemic at 30%. Many people have turned to motorhomes after discovering the joys of staycations (along with their affordability). A motorhome can give you a second home on wheels and you could even rent it out when not in use, so it could be a great investment that allows you to see returns over the long term. There are various expenses to consider, though, so you need to factor these into your budget.
Insurance
Motorhome insurance is an essential investment that will provide financial protection and peace of mind. This can protect you from accidents, fire and theft with additional options like breakdown cover and travel insurance. There are several factors that will determine your premium, such as the level of cover, your claims history, storage postcode and security and the type of motorhome that you have. You might be able to bring your premium down by increasing your excess, adding security features and reversing aids.
Maintenance
Like any vehicle, a motorhome will require ongoing maintenance to keep it in the best condition. There are some tasks that you can do yourself, such as topping up the tyres and checking the tread depth, but you must also keep up with regular servicing and get an annual MOT much like a regular vehicle. You could reduce your maintenance costs by doing your own maintenance and researching different garages to take your motorhome to.
Taxes
All vehicles in the UK are subject to motorhome road taxes and the cost of this can vary. Annual road tax will be calculated based on the price that you purchased the vehicle for, so it is a good idea to shop around in the used market to keep your road tax down. Buying used will also allow you to avoid having to pay VED, which is a tax for new motorhomes calculated based on CO2 emissions – this is why you should look for low or zero emissions if buying new.
Parking & Storage
You also need to think about where you will park and store the vehicle when you are not on the road. Keep in mind that parking laws can vary depending on the country you are in, so you should always learn what these are, particularly if travelling to a new country.
These are the main costs that are involved with owning a motorhome. A motorhome can be a great investment as it gives you a second home on wheels and you could even make money by renting it out, but you need to be prepared for the expenses that come along with ownership as these can be daunting at first and you must factor them into your budget.
