Why Leisure Vehicles Need Specialist Warranty and Repair Services

Leisure vehicles such as caravans, campers and motorhomes require a very different type of servicing and repair compared with standard cars and commercial vans, according to Cornwall based warranty provider Engineer Aftercare Ltd.

The company says that while most motor and commercial garages are suitable for everyday vehicle repairs, they often lack the specialist compliance and expertise needed for leisure vehicles.

Why leisure vehicles are different

Caravans, campers and motorhomes include gas systems, habitation electrics and living areas that fall outside the scope of many standard workshops. Gas Safe Registration is required to service or repair gas cooking and heating appliances, including carrying out a habitation check.

Water ingress is also highlighted as a key issue unique to caravans and motorhomes and is generally the most expensive type of claim. Campers are considered less at risk as they are usually sealed van conversions.

Approved workshops and compliance

The Approved Workshop Scheme, run by the National Caravan Council, is the recognised trade body for compliant gas system and habitation repairs in the leisure sector. There are more than 590 approved fixed and mobile workshops across the UK, with around 450 classed as mobile. These mobile workshops operate fully stocked vehicles capable of carrying out most habitation related repairs.

Engineer Aftercare Ltd now works exclusively with these approved workshops.

Growth of leisure vehicle sales

The company points to a rise in car and van retailers stocking campers and larger motorhomes since the Coronavirus period, driven by families choosing to holiday in the UK and Europe using leisure vehicles as both transport and accommodation.

As an example, a 2015 VW Transporter panel van can be found online for around £23,495. A professionally converted camper version of the same vehicle is more likely to sell for between £30,000 and £34,000, depending on the conversion and specification. New campers from brands such as Camper King, Orange Campers and Consort Motorhomes can now cost over £70,000.

Habitation only warranty option

Based in Marazion, Engineer Aftercare Ltd was launched in 2020 and has grown rapidly over the past five years. The company is developing what it describes as the industry’s first Manufacturer Habitation Warranty designed to mirror the motor manufacturer warranty often supplied with new motorhomes and campervans.

Its Enhanced Habitation products are aimed at campers and motorhomes where no motor warranty cover is required. Retailers and selected dealerships can apply through a quick set up portal to offer habitation only warranties for leisure vehicles up to 12 years old, provided they have passed a habitation check carried out by an approved workshop listed on the Approved Workshop Scheme website. Existing motor warranty arrangements can remain separate.

The habitation warranty covers mechanical and electrical components and water ingress affecting main seals, doors and windows. Covered items include heating systems, lighting, electric bed motors, water pumps and toilet cassettes. Policies range from one to three years, with claim limits from £1,000 to £3,000 per claim, no customer excess, and a diagnostic fee included. Habitation only contracts start from £176 plus VAT.

Industry event appearance

Managing Director Martyn Raybould said:
“The NCC Camping and Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham is the premier show for leisure and we can be found on the AWS stand Hall 18 Stand 18-01 and in the NCC members lounge on the concourse.”

About Engineer Aftercare Ltd

Engineer Aftercare Ltd is a warranty aftercare provider specialising in caravans, campers and motorhomes. The company is a member of the National Caravan Council and a working partner and sponsor of the AWS Approved Workshop of the Year awards. It has registered offices in Chichester, West Sussex and Marazion, Cornwall.

More information for retailers and traders can be found on the Engineer Insurance and Aftercare website.