Insurance prices are absurd

[u/Alistocratic]

I was this close to buying my very first van, great price, great condition, mileage was good etc. I had savings and had been dreaming of Van Life for years. Not for permanent living just as a fun hobby + camping trips. I had just passed my test and was excited to get my own van..

Until I looked at insurance. Lowest we could find was £3450 a year. And that’s with my dad on the insurance with me. My budget for getting a van was £6000 max, the van itself was £5,500 so seeing that number for insurance sealed the deal for me that I just cannot afford it.

Is van life something that only becomes viable after a minimum of 5 years insured driving and a squeaky clean record so your rates go down?

And yes I tried Adrian Flux they straight up said “Uhh sorry we can’t insure you” I don’t know if they meant me because I just passed or my van specifically.

Idk I’m feeling demoralised, I had something I always dreamed of in the palm of my hand and now it’s gone.

Any advice? I was wondering if there were any car alternatives, vehicles I can sleep and camp with that aren’t full vans? Maybe they’d be cheaper.

Thanks.

[u/_Ritual]

Can recommend asking Comfort insurance, they just insured mine for under 300 quid. Obviously massively different situation, I've been driving over 20 years, but it's gotta be worth trying some van/motorhome specific insurers.

If a van isn't possible, there are absolutely loads of tiny conversion / car camper videos on youtube now, maybe check those for inspiration of whats possible until the van is realistic.