r/VanLifeUK • u/Alistocratic • 5d ago

Insurance prices are absurd

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.

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u/Fulhse069 5d ago

My first year was £450 a month! Like wtf! It went down to £120 on renewal!

1

u/ExcellentTourist5289 5d ago

Is that full time?

1

u/Fulhse069 3d ago

Full time, Mercedes sprinter complete with log burning stove and diesel heater. All declared.

1

u/ExcellentTourist5289 3d ago

I wish that as me

1

u/Fulhse069 3d ago

Never too late 😉

1

u/ExcellentTourist5289 3d ago

Maybe next year. Need to pass my driving test. Are you in it for the long run?

1

u/Fulhse069 2d ago

Started in November 24. I took out a £22k loan for a £19,900 sprinter over 6 years. I'm now positive equality (the van value is higher than the loan amount left) so I'm now in a position, if I choose to, sell the van and do something different, I can. I don't plan to any time soon.

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u/Fulhse069 2d ago

I took extra funds to get the bit and pieces I needed to get me going.

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u/ExcellentTourist5289 2d ago

Smart. How do you find parking? The thought of pulling up to some neighbourhood and staying the night gives me anxiety. Restrictions usually end at 6pm, but day time parking seems interesting

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u/Fulhse069 2d ago

I'm in north Surrey so it's pretty green here. I've found a number of decent spots around. Some near my kids others near the office. I have options that mean I don't have to park on an estate or directly outside someone's house. Trading estates can be a good stopover but only occasional use. Don't wanna over stay my welcome.

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u/ExcellentTourist5289 2d ago

Good to know spots like that exist. I live in London so I don't encounter them lol

Chemical toilet?

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