Owning a campervan gives you the freedom to travel and explore, but it can also come with risks. Theft and break-ins can happen anywhere, and without the right precautions, you could risk losing both your vehicle and the personal belongings inside.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to help keep your campervan secure, whether you're on the road or not. In this guide, we’ll cover our top campervan security tips to help reduce the risk of theft and keep your vehicle safe, wherever your journey takes you.
Why Campervan Security Matters
Campervans are valuable, and not just because of the vehicle. Owners often store personal belongings, equipment, and even sentimental items inside campervans, which makes them an attractive target for thieves—even more so when left unattended or parked in less secure areas.
Theft can happen in a variety of situations, whether you’re at a motorway service station, quiet campsite, or outside your home. Sometimes, thieves may try to steal your contents, while others may attempt to take the entire vehicle. This is why good security is essential, regardless of whether you’re using your campervan or not.
Physical Campervan Security Tips
When it comes to protecting your campervan, simple physical measures can make a big difference. Most thefts happen when there’s an easy opportunity to steal, so anything that slows down or deters thieves can help reduce your risk.
Here are a few practical options to consider:
- Install deadlocks and slam locks: Deadlocks require a separate key and make it harder to force entry. Slam locks automatically lock when the door is shut, which are useful if you’re away from the campervan.
- Secure windows and roof vents: Always close and lock all windows and roof vents when you're not inside the campervan or before going to sleep, as these are common entry points if left unsecured.
- Use steering wheel and pedal locks: These add an extra layer of protection and can slow down or prevent theft. They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and a good visual deterrent for thieves.
Electronic Security Devices for Campervans
Electronic security devices can offer an extra layer of protection and peace of mind, especially if you’re away from your campervan. These systems help deter thieves and can alert you to suspicious activity or help recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.
Here are a few electronic options worth considering:
- Van alarm systems: Fitting your campervan with an alarm system, can help scare off intruders. Look for models with immobilisers, tilt sensors, or motion detection to trigger alerts if someone tries to break in or tow the vehicle.
- GPS tracking devices: A discreet tracking device can help locate your campervan if it’s stolen. Some systems also offer real-time tracking and send notifications to your phone.
- Dash cams and motion sensors: Dash cams can record incidents in or around your campervan, while motion sensors can alert you to movement nearby, which is useful when parked up at night or in quiet areas.
- Smart home integration: Devices like Ring cameras or WiFi-enabled monitors can help you keep an eye on your campervan remotely. Many let you view live footage and get instant alerts, even when you're not nearby.
Parking and Travel Safety Tips
Where and how you park your campervan can have a big impact on its security. Although you might think it’s safe to leave your campervan unattended for a few minutes in a quiet layby, that can be all a thief needs to steal your belongings or vehicle.
Consider the following tips when parking or travelling:
- Choose well-lit areas: Thieves are less likely to target a campervan that’s parked in a bright, visible location. Choose areas with good lighting, especially if you’re stopping overnight or leaving the vehicle unattended.
- Stick to official campsites and pitches: Whenever possible, use well-known campervan sites and pitches. These locations are generally safer, may have security measures in place, and reduce the likelihood of being targeted in quieter areas.
- Park near other vehicles: Parking nearby others can discourage thieves. Isolated vehicles are more vulnerable, so try to position your campervan near fellow travellers or in busy areas.
Internal Security Tips
Even with strong external security, it’s worth taking extra steps to protect the contents inside your campervan. Valuables left in plain sight can attract unwanted attention, so it’s important to secure items and keep things out of view.
Here are some simple but effective ways to improve internal security:
- Use lockboxes and hidden safes: Store valuables like passports, cash, or electronics in a small safe or lockbox fixed to the interior. Hidden compartments can also be useful for keeping high-value items secure and out of sight.
- Hang curtains or use window covers: Closing curtains or fitting blackout blinds when you leave the campervan helps prevent people from seeing inside. This can be enough to discourage an opportunistic thief, even if you’ve only been gone a few minutes.
- Use decoys and warning signs: Stickers such as “Alarmed Vehicle” or signs warning of CCTV can act as simple deterrents, even if you don’t have those systems installed.
Campervan Insurance and Documentation
While physical and electronic security can help prevent theft, having suitable insurance can also be worthwhile to consider if the worst happens. Campervan insurance can provide added protection for both your vehicle and the belongings inside it.
When choosing a policy, consider cover for:
- Theft of the vehicle and contents: If you require cover for both the campervan and any personal belongings you usually keep inside.
- Accidental damage and vandalism: consider a policy that can offer protection against unexpected incidents while parked or in use.
- Breakdown cover: A policy with breakdown cover, can be useful if you're travelling long distances or heading off-grid. Some policies include European cover too
It’s also a good idea to keep important documents in a safe but accessible place, such as your insurance certificate, breakdown details, and vehicle registration. If you’re using a tracking device or alarm system, make sure this is recorded on your policy, as it may help reduce your premium.
Keep Your Caravan Protected Wherever You Go with Dedicated Insurance from Lifesure
Taking steps to secure your campervan is a smart way to help protect your vehicle and everything inside it. But even with the right precautions in place, unexpected things can still happen, so having suitable insurance in place can be just as important.
At Lifesure, our campervan insurance is designed to help protect your vehicle and belongings, whether you're parked up at home, on the road, or staying at a campsite. You can also add RAC motorhome breakdown insurance for more protection during your travels.
Fill in our online form to get an instant quote or call us on 01480 402 460 and one of our agents will be happy to help.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Lifesure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
FP1178-2025
