Life on the road: How to keep your valuables protected

In 2021, van traffic increased by nearly 12% across the United Kingdom – and with more people escaping high rent payments by living in camper vans, the numbers are expected to rise. 

Whether you’re on holiday or temporarily living from your van, you’ll need to have your belongings with you, inevitably including some valuables. 

While keeping everything safe might feel straightforward when you’re on the move, things can get a little bit complicated when you need to park up for the night. Luckily, there are a few simple strategies, supplies, and resources that can give you some protection – and peace of mind too. 

Van life: Just how dangerous is it? 

Most vans and motorhomes come with dependable central locking. Unfortunately, this external level of security alone is not enough to keep you and your belongings completely safe. 

Whether you’re an experienced motorhome owner or thinking of converting a van, it’s always worth knowing how to make things more secure. And with solo female vanlife on the rise, it’s important for all drivers to know the risks of hitting the road.

A few of the challengers faced by drivers include:

• Theft:
  Vans and motorhomes aren’t the most inconspicuous vehicles, and it’s usually quite easy for opportunists to notice when yours is left unattended. Even if you’ve locked the van, it could still be possible for a thief to lean through a partly opened window and rummage through anything within reach.
  
• Vandalism:
  Unfortunately, motorhomes and campervans are at risk of being vandalised by disgruntled strangers. Even though vandalism at campsites and off-road parking spots is quite rare, the risk increases in residential areas. Certain insurance brokers might not cover vandalism to your van, so taking out comprehensive motorhome insurance could be vital.
  
• Damage:
  Just like any other vehicle on the roads, motorhomes and vans risk accidental damage from crashes and collisions. Despite the confidence and skills of many van drivers, certain risks from other drivers are unavoidable.
  Furthermore, the risks intensify when a motorhome or camper is used in a volatile climate. Extreme weather events like floods could be catastrophic for vans and drivers.

How to choose the right cover for your campervan

Choosing a dependable insurance policy is essential before starting your next adventure. 

Personal Belongings Cover could be an invaluable asset if you’re thinking about being in your van for extended periods. It could be difficult to recover from financial losses incurred through theft of your van – when you add to that the loss of personal equipment you’d stored inside it, getting back on your feet could feel impossible. 

In addition to motorhome insurance, you should seek out a robust personal belongings policy that covers items like your clothing, gadgets, camping equipment, and personal valuables like jewellery.

Concluding thoughts

If you’re travelling solo, a few of our safety recommendations could come in handy:

• Keep your van locked, even when you’re inside it
• At campsites, park facing the exit and don’t leave anything outside your van
• Try to text a friend if you’re sleeping in a new location
• If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, leave straight away
• Where possible, take a friend with you

After you’re fully covered, you’re ready to hit the road!