Youngsters are embracing van life culture, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.
TikTok and Instagram are awash with people who have decided to document their decision to live life on the road. They live and sleep in the vehicle they are travelling in.
New data has revealed that this trend is on the increase. Sterling Insurance say the number of 18 to 34 year-olds taking out ‘tourist policies’ is on the rise. They have seen an increase of 277% since this time last year.
Thousands of ‘tourists’ first got their insurance through Sterling during the Coronavirus lockdowns of 2020.
These includes those taking out green card, walkabout or van life policies. All have been created to offer cover for those who want to tour the UK or abroad using motorcaravans.
Not just youngsters
It is not just the youngsters! Adults over the age of 55 continue to take out around 50% of these types of insurance.
Just under 70% of all policyholders take out cover for a year which means they can be on the road for 12 months. Others of all ages tend to get more quotes during the summer than in the winter
Stories of individuals and families ditching their homes and living in vehicles to combat the cost-of-living crisis has no doubt further exacerbated the rise in van life popularity.
Some, like Simone Stewart, have gone on to become social media influencers. These youngsters have attracted more than 20,000 followers who want to follow her journey and camper renovation tips.
“Van life has never been bigger,” said Peter Cook, a manager at Sterling. He added,
“The majority of our policies for those touring has been, and probably always will be, older people. They like to travel and explore in their motorhomes during retirement or as they wind down their working lives.
Youngsters looking to travel
“But it’s been obvious to us that more youngsters are looking to travel around the UK and Europe in campers. Often in ones they have converted too. It’s a cool way of living and seeing the world. And it’s often a lot cheaper than living in a house or flat too.”
Sterling is an insurer providing cover for life’s journeys. As brokers, it compares cover from providers to produce tailored policies that offer the very best deal to each customer. Staff have more than 30 years’ experience and can provide expert knowledge in a range of specialist markets.
Sterling is part of the Adrian Flux Insurance Group whose posted turnover for the financial year 2021/22 exceeded £350million.
All data/stats included in this report are correct as of August 2024.
