California Vehicle Classification & VW UK

[MartG]

As Jabberwocky said earlier, DVLA no longer have a 'motor caravan' body type, the Ocean can only fit into the 'MPV' class.
I'm sure it's the original vehicle manufacturers purchase price which attracts the 'LVT', not the final cost after conversion.

 

[Joker 1299]

Am I right in saying that "Motorcaravans" and "Commercial Vans" (as used by most campervan converters) don't attract the "Luxury Vehicle Tax" (Over £40,000) government first registration tax + subsequent next 5 yrs additional payment (drops after 6yrs)? but "MPV's do attract this tax. If this is the case it could be suggested that the reason this situation has occurred is to allow the government to gain more tax by classifying the California Ocean as an MPV. I can't see the DVLA allowing someone to reclassify their MY19 VW California Ocean to "Motorcaravan" and providing them with a refund of the Luxury Vehicle Tax and a further 5 yrs of reduced tax. The insurance implications for owners due to this change in Classification from Motorhome to MPV have clearly been highlight

I think you are over-thinking this. California’s are already subject to the £40k plus tax. Converters avoided it because the doner van was below that threshold. That is set to change.

 

[Joker 1299]

As Jabberwocky said earlier, DVLA no longer have a 'motor caravan' body type, the Ocean can only fit into the 'MPV' class.
I'm sure it's the original vehicle manufacturers purchase price which attracts the 'LVT', not the final cost after conversion.

Surely the California is the definitive MPV - a truly Multi Purpose Vehicle. Label it whatever you like. A rose by any other name...

 

[WelshGas]

Surely the California is the definitive MPV - a truly Multi Purpose Vehicle. Label it whatever you like. A rose by any other name...

It might be, but according to some specialist insurers the risk assessment for a MPV is different or greater than that for a Motor Caravan and so they will not accept the MPV.

 

[Joker 1299]

It might be, but according to some specialist insurers the risk assessment for a MPV is different or greater than that for a Motor Caravan and so they will not accept the MPV.

If indeed the classification has changed, then we are in a transition period when it will take time for people to adjust. It will settle down. The reality is that a California is still a California.

 

[MartG]

Yes, otherwise the specialist insurers will run out of business as 'motor caravans' will dwindle...

 

[WelshGas]

Am I right in saying that "Motorcaravans" and "Commercial Vans" (as used by most campervan converters) don't attract the "Luxury Vehicle Tax" (Over £40,000) government first registration tax + subsequent next 5 yrs additional payment (drops after 6yrs)? but "MPV's do attract this tax. If this is the case it could be suggested that the reason this situation has occurred is to allow the government to gain more tax by classifying the California Ocean as an MPV. I can't see the DVLA allowing someone to reclassify their MY19 VW California Ocean to "Motorcaravan" and providing them with a refund of the Luxury Vehicle Tax and a further 5 yrs of reduced tax. The insurance implications for owners due to this change in Classification from Motorhome to MPV have clearly been highlight

All Campervans and Motorhomes are built using a N1 commercial chassis/vehicle apart from the California and Marco Polo which are built on a M1 Diesel Car base vehicle. All M1 vehicles pay the Luxury VED addition for 5 years from 1st registration. N1 vehicles do not.
I gather, from the 1st September All N1 Motorhome/Campervans new conversions sold new will have the same Luxury VED levied from 1st registration if costing over £40,000. This will stop the anomaly of a new Autosleeper Motorhome paying less VED than a California.
The problem is that during this transition period DVLA have failed to properly register the Marco Polo and California.

 

[homerorchid]

Just received this email from "Safeguard"

I can confirm that we know what a California ocean is and are able top insure them as a campervan.
The logbook information is not an issue to ourselves.
We are recognised by the VW California owners Club and are promoted by them to insure this type of vehicle.
If you would like a quote please call the office on 0113 258 1614

 

[MartG]

I gather, from the 1st September All N1 Motorhome/Campervans ...
The problem is that during this transition period DVLA have failed to properly register the Marco Polo and California.

So, does DVLA require to bring back the 'MOTOR CARAVAN' body class, re-classify Oceans as 'MOTORHOME' or do the insurers agree that Oceans & MP's are 'MPV' and insure as manufactured complete with habitation (plus accessories / options such as awnings, LED headlights, privacy glass listed)?

edit - not directed at you personally WG!

 

[MartG]

I can confirm that we know what a California ocean is and are able top insure them as a campervan.
The logbook information is not an issue to ourselves.

I think all previous insurers will take that stance, but best check...

 

[WelshGas]

So, does DVLA require to bring back the 'MOTOR CARAVAN' body class, re-classify Oceans as 'MOTORHOME' or do the insurers agree that Oceans & MP's are 'MPV' and insure as manufactured complete with habitation (plus accessories / options such as awnings, LED headlights, privacy glass listed)?

edit - not directed at you personally WG!

No idea. It will be interesting to see what the vehicles produced by the mainstream converters are classed as post September. I know some converters are having problems at the moment because N1 Van with Windows have different speed limits to N1 Motor Caravans/Homes.

 

[Ian Maddocks]

Hope all goes well for you, if not please call VW UK, the more Cali owners the more pressure upon them.

I do have an open complaint with VW for this topic too, as I think DVLA is more likely to listen to VW than insurance companies.

 

[Loz]

I think DVLA are missing the point that most converted van owners only want the speed limit lifted by the classification and not interested by the tax.

 

[WelshGas]

I do have an open complaint with VW for this topic too, as I think DVLA is more likely to listen to VW than insurance companies.

Agree. VW can't continue selling a Campervan if it is registered as a MPV.

 

[MartG]

VW can't continue selling a Campervan if it is registered as a MPV.

Sorry, I can't see why not?

Is it from a semantics (wording / advertising) point of view?
As long as the vehicle is taxed appropriately and fully insured, I can't see the problem...
It's still a campervan, which was never a body classification, I think?

edit - was this the description of 'diesel car' on the V5 causing the issue?

 

[WelshGas]

Sorry, I can't see why not?

Is it from a semantics (wording / advertising) point of view?
As long as the vehicle is taxed appropriately and fully insured, I can't see the problem...
It's still a campervan, which was never a body classification, I think?

edit - was this the description of 'diesel car' on the V5 causing the issue?

Mine is M1, Diesel Car, Body Type Motor Caravan.
The California SE was based on the Caravelle base vehicle which is M1 but has a different Body Type .

 

[Jester]

Sorry, I can't see why not?

Is it from a semantics (wording / advertising) point of view?
As long as the vehicle is taxed appropriately and fully insured, I can't see the problem...
It's still a campervan, which was never a body classification, I think?

edit - was this the description of 'diesel car' on the V5 causing the issue?

Looking forward to you renewing your insurance, hope it’s soon as I have been refused a quote via 5 companies due to the reclassification. But guess your ok jack as yours is listed as a motor home/Campervan.

 

[Digger]

Marco Polo is also an MPV class and their owners obtain insurance. Maybe try to get an underwriter to talk too rather than a sales rep!

 

[MartG]

Looking forward to you renewing your insurance, hope it’s soon as I have been refused a quote via 5 companies due to the reclassification. But guess your ok jack as yours is listed as a motor home/Campervan.

I have only bought it this July! No problem getting quotes (with habitation covered)... and my V5 says diesel car, MPV...

 

[Jester]

I have only bought it this July! No problem getting quotes (with habitation covered)... and my V5 says diesel car, MPV...

Have you advised them of its classification?

 

[MartG]

Not for my quotes, I shouldn't have to... But, I called yesterday and checked due to this thread - 5 mins on hold and yes, full cover of everything VW supplied.

 

[homerorchid]

Hi MartG, really pleased you were able to get proper campervan/motorhome cover, which includes habitation area etc. If you don't mind me asking did you tell them that your V5c says it's an MPV . If possible would you mind telling me who you were able to obtain quotes from, I know most of the specialist insurers won't cover the MY19 as yet because it's now classed as an MPV e.g. C&CC, C&MC etc. As far as I'm aware it's easy to insure MY19's as MPV's with usual car insurance but again as far as I'm aware the habitation part of the MY19 Cali might not be insured, pop-up, kitchen area etc.

 

[MartG]

Hi MartG, really pleased you were able to get proper campervan/motorhome cover, which includes habitation area etc. If you don't mind me asking did you tell them that your V5c says it's an MPV . If possible would you mind telling me who you were able to obtain quotes from, I know most of the specialist insurers won't cover the MY19 as yet because it's now classed as an MPV e.g. C&CC, C&MC etc. As far as I'm aware it's easy to insure MY19's as MPV's with usual car insurance but again as far as I'm aware the habitation part of the MY19 Cali might not be insured, pop-up, kitchen area etc.

No problem. I was aware of the C&MC, C&CC, Comfort & Safeguard not renewing due to the re-classification. I got quotes from Direct Line, who I have been with for many years and LV, both stating full cover of all factory fitted items, both as multi-car and sole vehicle. I went with LV based on cost and recommendations from forum.
After this threads discussions yesterday, I contacted LV to re-state that my vehicle is a VW Ocean and that full cover of vehicle including habitation is correctly covered.
I did NOT tell them about it being an MPV, they are aware of the make, model and year, they should use their own system to supply quotes & cover in my opinion, the on-line webpage does not request classification. I followed up with phone calls to clarify the extent of cover. I have never before had to supply insurers with anything other than make / model, age, modifications etc...
I can understand some underwriters not being happy should the use of a vehicle not be for it's intended purpose...

There must be lots of owners with MY19 or Marco Polo's on the road, without a worry?
I am watching this thread with interest just as much as you guys...

 

[homerorchid]

I spoke with "Fatima" at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Tel: 08007834909 Option 7 Mon-Fri 8:30 - 4:30.
I said that I had bought a MY19 California Ocean which was registered as new March 15th 2019. I made them aware that I wished to make a complaint because despite them/the dealers knowing that the vehicle would be registered as an MPV, I was not made aware of this or the possible implications this can have trying to insure the Vehicle + Habitation area. I was given a complaints number. I was told by a very helpful lady "Fatima" that they would need a minimum of 5 other customers with the same complaint for it to be carried forward (at least I think that's what she said)

 

[Jester]

I spoke with "Fatima" at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Tel: 08007834909 Option 7 Mon-Fri 8:30 - 4:30.
I said that I had bought a MY19 California Ocean which was registered as new March 15th 2019. I made them aware that I wished to make a complaint because despite them/the dealers knowing that the vehicle would be registered as an MPV, I was not made aware of this or the possible implications this can have trying to insure the Vehicle + Habitation area. I was given a complaints number. I was told by a very helpful lady "Fatima" that they would need a minimum of 5 other customers with the same complaint for it to be carried forward (at least I think that's what she said)

Well done, well that’s at least two of us please any of you have the same issue please call them. And complain.