In March 2023, a writer found themselves in a dire situation when their van was stolen while they were working at a refugee camp. The theft not only deprived them of their vehicle but also several personal possessions stored inside. Despite being an experienced driver with 38 years on the road, the writer faced unexpected hurdles with their insurance provider due to using the van as a camper on weekends.
The insurer rejected the writer's claim for the stolen van, citing the undisclosed weekend camper usage as the reason. This decision left the writer in a difficult financial situation and led to further complications with their motorcycle insurance. In October 2024, the motorcycle insurance was automatically renewed, only to be cancelled two weeks later because of the unresolved van issue.
Seeking resolution, the writer lodged a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman but was met with disappointment as their plea was unsuccessful. Turning to the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) for assistance, they accessed BIBA's "find insurance" service. This service helped them connect with a broker who could navigate the complexities of their situation.
A letter from the broker informed the writer of the critical importance of disclosing the camper van usage to all current and future insurers. The letter warned, "failure to do so may result in future policies being declared void." This situation underscored the necessity of complete transparency with insurers and highlighted the potential consequences of omitting significant details.
The writer's ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of full disclosure in insurance matters. Using a van as a camper without informing the insurer can invalidate policies, creating unforeseen challenges. The experience, described by the writer as extremely stressful, emphasizes how such oversight can lead to significant difficulties.
Graeme Trudgill, the chief executive of BIBA, addressed this issue, stating:
"Anyone who has had a policy cancelled may find it more challenging to find insurance from standard online routes, but specialist brokers often have access to niche markets that may be able to help."