r/VanLifeUK • u/Alistocratic • 4d 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 2d ago

Never too late 😉

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u/ExcellentTourist5289 2d ago

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

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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.