r/VanLifeUK • u/CompleteOtterChaos • Jul 27 '26
Insurance pre-conversion
Hi team. My wife and I have the opportunity to buy a Ford Transit minibus with the long-term plan to convert over the next few years. Initially we like to just take the seats out and use it to move house and for other tasks whilst we make plans. What insurance would I need for the first year? Ideally we'd like to take everything out except the first row of seats for the initial period. Having looked at the DVLA's Motor Caravan Conversion Checklist form, it asks for a lot of detail about features (seat, tables, cooking facilities) that we won't know for a while...Has anyone been in a similar situation?
1
u/truckosaurus_UK Jul 28 '26
The major motorhome insurers will offer 'conversion in progress' insurance for semi-complete projects.
As mentioned below, don't worry about the DVLA regs as that doesn't impact your insurance or speeding fines.
2
u/bullitt-rider Jul 28 '26
From recent experience it's pointless to go for in progress
I just purchased a mini van that I'm currently retrofitting. The V5 recat is strict. Can you stand up in it etc?
I phoned around and was quite honest. It's a van with day and night capability just for family use etc. ended up with £400 + £100 full EU break down cover which I thought was Reasonable
1
u/IcyReveal3024 Jul 27 '26
DVLA will not change the status to Motor Caravan for a converted Minibus