Slidepod kitchen unit and insurance.

[Wondering Star]

My 2019 Beach is insured with LV, a company I have used for a number of years and found to be excellent even when making a claim.
However when I notified them that a slidepod kitchen unit had been fitted, I wanted it listed as our other non factory accessories I was told the vehicle would now be classified as a conversion.
The policy price would rise by a modest £12 but only cover upto a maximum of £1000.
As the unit cost £2300 it falls a little sort, I didn't ask if it was still covered if heaven above we had a fire!
The question therefore is, can anyone recommend an insurer who will give a more comprehensive cover. I'm assuming I need to go to a specialist motor home insurer but which one?

 

[2into1]

I'm surprised that LV (who I like) would contemplate insuring a 'conversion' on the basis that we understand that term. It might suggest they haven't understood what has been fitted. If they don't understand, and cooking in a van that doesn't have a cooker, there is a chance your insurance would be invalid if the van went up in flames.

I don't think we've spent much time discussing the insurance implications of cooking inside a van that doesn't have a cooker. I think it needs exploring, as it's not too far to believe any incident might be viewed in terms of you setting fire to your van.

 

[Wondering Star]

I completed an on line quote with Caravangaurd, who refused to insure as it was listed as an MPV on the v5 . As it was now a 'Camper' it must of been coverted by a specialist and therefore they wouldn't cover. No amount of explaining made any difference so in the end I gave up.
Is there any insurance specialist that does actually knows what a VW California Beach is?
Is it really that difficult to get habitation cover on a Beach.
What do others do when they install a kitchen pod?

 

[Lightning]

I completed an on line quote with Caravangaurd, who refused to insure as it was listed as an MPV on the v5 . As it was now a 'Camper' it must of been coverted by a specialist and therefore they wouldn't cover. No amount of explaining made any difference so in the end I gave up.
Is there any insurance specialist that does actually knows what a VW California Beach is?
Is it really that difficult to get habitation cover on a Beach.
What do others do when they install a kitchen pod?

Try safeguard.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Yes try a campervan specialist, Safeguard or Comfort.

I think the issue here is not that the insurers don't know what a Beach is. Rather, it's that the installation of a Slidepod converts it from a van with some seats and a pop-up roof, into a campervan with after-market gas fittings etc. I can understand why they'd see the risk profile as somewhat different.

 

[MattBW]

The slidepod is technically removable, so I havent got mine as converted because it isn't really but that does mean it would be part of my cap for anything on board that was damaged and not insured fully. I told them I had a removable kitchen pod that I use, my premium wasnt effected.

I also tend to assume if it ever gets damaged I will have probably been hit from the rear and I would pursue the driver for full cost anyway.