Why Check Insurance for a Rooftop Tent?
Rooftop tents can be valuable equipment, so taking sensible roof tent security measures is important and you should also check whether your insurer has specific security requirements.
That raises several insurance questions:
- Does your motor insurer need to know that you’ve fitted one?
- Is the rooftop tent itself covered by your motor insurance?
- Does cover apply when the tent is fitted, removed or stored?
- What happens if it’s damaged or stolen?
- Are belongings inside the tent covered?
- Are there security requirements or policy exclusions?
- Does the position change if the tent is rented rather than owned?
There isn’t one answer that applies to every UK insurance policy, so check directly with your insurer.
Should You Tell Your Car Insurer About a Rooftop Tent?
The safest approach is to contact your motor insurer before fitting a rooftop tent.
Insurance policies and definitions of vehicle modifications or accessories vary. Don’t assume that a removable rooftop tent is automatically covered or that your insurer doesn’t need to know about it.
Explain what you’re planning to fit and ask whether:
- the rooftop tent needs to be declared;
- fitting it changes your vehicle cover or premium;
- the tent itself is covered against accidental damage or theft;
- there is a maximum value for accessories or equipment;
- any additional security requirements apply; and
- cover continues while the tent is being used or while travelling abroad.
If possible, keep written confirmation of the insurer’s answer with your policy documents.
Aviva — How car modifications affect your insurance
Declaring a rooftop tent doesn’t necessarily mean your premium will increase. Any effect on price or cover will depend on the insurer, vehicle, equipment and policy.
Is Your Rooftop Tent Covered by Insurance?
Don’t assume that because your vehicle has comprehensive insurance, a rooftop tent attached to it is automatically insured for its full value.
Ask your insurer specifically what cover applies to the tent and whether there are:
- accessory or equipment value limits;
- separate excesses;
- theft exclusions or security requirements;
- restrictions when the tent isn’t attached to the vehicle;
- requirements to specify particularly valuable equipment; or
- exclusions for accidental damage while the tent is being used.
If your motor policy doesn’t provide suitable cover, ask your insurer or an insurance broker what alternative cover may be available.
Finding Suitable Rooftop Tent Insurance
If your existing motor or home insurance doesn’t provide the cover you need, speak to your insurer or an insurance broker about other options.
Explain exactly how the rooftop tent will be used — including whether it’s permanently or temporarily fitted, owned or rented, its value, and whether you plan to use it outside the UK.
Don’t assume that a policy marketed for camping equipment, vehicle accessories or modified vehicles automatically covers a rooftop tent. Check the policy wording and obtain confirmation from the insurer where necessary.
If you’re new to rooftop tents, our Rooftop Tents Guide explains the wider considerations around vehicle compatibility, roof bars, fitting and using a rooftop tent safely.
Could Home Contents Insurance Cover a Rooftop Tent?
Some home contents policies include cover for possessions away from home, sometimes offered as personal possessions or away-from-home cover. However, what’s covered, where it’s covered and the applicable limits and exclusions vary between policies.
If you’re considering relying on home insurance, ask your insurer whether your rooftop tent is covered:
- while attached to your vehicle;
- while being used away from home;
- while removed from the vehicle or stored at home;
- against theft and accidental damage; and
- up to its full replacement value.
Check any single-item limits, excesses, security requirements and exclusions before relying on this cover.
Association of British Insurers — Home insurance guidance
What About Liability While Using the Tent?
A rooftop tent introduces risks that don’t exist with an ordinary roof box, including people climbing into and sleeping in equipment mounted above the vehicle.
Don’t assume your motor, home or travel insurance covers every situation involving the tent. If liability cover is important to you — particularly where the tent is rented out commercially — ask your insurer or broker what protection applies.
Renters should also read the rental agreement carefully to understand responsibility for damage to the tent, vehicle or third-party property.
Insurance When Renting a Rooftop Tent
If you’re renting a rooftop tent, check both your own insurance position and the terms of the rental.
Before collection, establish:
Vehicle insurance — Ask your motor insurer whether fitting the rented rooftop tent needs to be declared and whether doing so affects your cover.
Tent damage — Check who is responsible if the tent is accidentally damaged during the rental.
Theft or loss — Check what happens if the tent or associated equipment is stolen while in your possession.
Vehicle damage — Establish what protection applies if the tent or mounting system damages your vehicle.
Excess or deposit — Check the rental terms for any deposit, excess or maximum amount for which you could be responsible.
Personal belongings — Don’t assume belongings stored in the tent are covered by the equipment owner’s insurance.
Take photographs of the tent and mounting equipment at collection and return, and report any damage promptly in accordance with the rental agreement.
Ready to try before you buy? Compare renting vs buying to see which option suits you best.
Weather and Accidental Damage
Whether damage from storms, flooding, falling branches or other environmental events is covered depends on the policy.
Wear and tear, deterioration and damage caused by failing to follow manufacturer instructions may also be treated differently from sudden accidental damage.
Check your policy wording rather than assuming a particular event is covered.
Reducing the Risk of Theft
Similar to roof box security measures, rooftop tents can be valuable equipment, so check whether your insurer has specific security requirements.
Follow the tent manufacturer’s security guidance, use any supplied locking systems correctly and keep purchase records, photographs, model details and serial numbers where available.
When the tent isn’t being used for an extended period, consider whether removing and securely storing it is practical.
If your insurer requires particular locks, storage arrangements or other security measures, failing to follow those conditions could affect a future claim.
If Your Rooftop Tent Is Stolen or Damaged
Follow the claims procedure set out by your insurer or rental provider.
Keep useful evidence such as:
- photographs of the tent and damage;
- purchase or rental documentation;
- make, model and serial number where available;
- details of the mounting and security equipment; and
- receipts or other proof of value.
If equipment is stolen, report the theft to the police and obtain the information your insurer requires for a claim.
Contact the insurer or rental provider promptly and follow their instructions before arranging significant repairs or disposing of damaged equipment.
Renting Out a Rooftop Tent
If you earn money by renting out a rooftop tent, don’t assume insurance intended for personal use will cover commercial rental activity.
Owners should tell their insurer or broker exactly how the equipment will be used and confirm what cover is required for the tent itself, damage caused by renters and any relevant liability risks.
If you’re listing equipment through a rental platform, also check exactly what protection the platform provides and what remains the owner’s responsibility.
Overseas Travel and European Coverage
Taking a Rooftop Tent Abroad
If you’re travelling outside the UK, check that your motor insurance and any separate equipment cover apply in every country you’re visiting.
Also check:
- whether the rooftop tent itself remains covered;
- theft and security requirements;
- territorial limits and maximum trip lengths;
- breakdown/recovery restrictions relating to vehicle height or equipment; and
- whether your travel insurance covers personal belongings carried in the tent.
Check directly with the relevant insurers and breakdown provider before travelling.
Where Can I Ask About Rooftop Tent Insurance?
Rooftop tent insurance isn’t necessarily included with standard motor or home insurance. Depending on your circumstances, suitable cover may be available through specialist roof-tent, camping-equipment or vehicle insurance.
The providers below offer relevant insurance products or services. Always confirm that your exact rooftop tent, vehicle and intended use are covered before purchasing or relying on a policy.
Coast Insurance
Coast offers a dedicated Roof Tent Insurance product and provides an online quote facility. As with any policy, check the cover, exclusions, excess and security requirements for your particular rooftop tent and how you intend to use it.
Coast Tent Insurance
Shield Total Insurance
Shield offers specialist camping insurance covering tents and camping equipment, and also publishes guidance specifically about roof-tent theft. Its public policy information doesn’t explicitly confirm whether vehicle-mounted rooftop tents are eligible, so contact Shield to confirm that your particular rooftop tent and use can be covered.
Shield Camping Insurance
Howden Insurance (formerly A-Plan)
Howden’s leisure insurance team specifically acknowledges roof-mounted tents as specialist leisure equipment for which brokers may need to source appropriate policies.
Ask Howden about rooftop tent cover
Questions to Ask Insurers
- What is the maximum accessory or equipment value covered?
- Is my rooftop tent covered both when mounted and when stored?
- What excess applies if the tent is damaged or stolen?
- Are personal belongings inside the tent covered?
- Does the cover apply when travelling outside the UK?
- Are there specific security requirements?
- If the tent is damaged beyond repair, how would its value be assessed?
- Does fitting the rooftop tent affect my premium or other terms of cover?
Rooftop Tent Insurance Checklist
Before fitting, renting or travelling with a rooftop tent:
- Tell your motor insurer what you’re planning to fit and ask whether it needs to be declared
- Confirm whether the tent itself is insured against theft and damage
- Check accessory/equipment value limits and excesses
- Check any security requirements or exclusions
- If renting, understand your responsibility for damage, theft and vehicle damage
- Check whether personal belongings are covered separately
- Check territorial cover before travelling abroad
- Keep receipts, photographs and equipment details
- Keep written confirmation of important answers from your insurer where possible
Insurance policies differ. If you’re unsure whether your rooftop tent is covered, ask your insurer or broker before fitting or using it.
Important: This guide provides general information and isn’t insurance or legal advice. Insurance terms vary between providers and policies. Always check your own policy documents and contact your insurer or broker for advice about your circumstances.
Thinking about trying a rooftop tent before buying one? Read our rooftop tent rental guide for what to consider before hiring one.
For more essential rooftop tent owner information, see our guides on weight limits and vehicle compatibility, winter camping weather protection, and preventing vehicle damage and security best practices.
