If you’re hitting the road in 2025, there’s one more hidden cost you need to know about:
Camper insurance premiums are rising — and fast.
Whether you’ve got a caravan, camper trailer, motorhome or a rooftop setup, you’re likely to pay 10–20% more for insurance this year compared to 2024.
Here’s why it’s happening, and how you can still travel smarter (and cheaper) by embracing the pub camping life.
Why Camper Insurance Costs Are Up
- More Claims:
Extreme weather events (floods, storms, cyclones) have driven up insurance claims across Australia. - Higher Replacement Costs:
Thanks to supply chain delays and inflation, the cost of repairing or replacing campers and vans has soared. - Theft and Vandalism Rates:
Sadly, there’s been an uptick in thefts from unattended vehicles at busy, unsecured campgrounds. - Premium Adjustments:
Insurers are “rebalancing” policies across all recreational vehicles to keep pace with risk — and guess who’s footing the bill? (Hint: us.)
“Our van insurance jumped by $270 this year — and we haven’t even made a claim!”
— WikiPubs Community Member
How Pub Camping Can Help You Save (Big Time)
✅ Secure Locations:
Most pubs offering free or low-cost camping are in safer, well-lit areas close to town — not isolated bush spots.
Result? Lower theft risk.
✅ Shorter Trips, Less Risk:
By pub-hopping shorter distances, you avoid long-haul highway risks that insurers hate (and charge extra for).
✅ Lower Accommodation Costs:
When you save $40–$80 a night by camping at a pub instead of a caravan park, you free up budget — perfect for offsetting any insurance hike.
✅ Community Protection:
Pubs usually have locals, staff, and patrons around. There’s built-in “community surveillance” — way safer than remote free camps with no one around for miles.
✅ No Hidden Fees:
Unlike some caravan parks that charge extra for security gates, storage, or late check-ins — a friendly country pub just says, “Mate, pull up out the back.”
Extra Tips for Keeping Camper Insurance Costs Down
- Secure Your Gear: Always lock your trailer or van and use a wheel clamp if you’re leaving it unattended.
- Install a GPS Tracker: Some insurers offer discounts if you have real-time tracking installed.
- Review Your Policy: Strip out any extras you don’t need (like excess towing insurance if you already have RACQ/NRMA membership).
- Update Your Address: If you store your van somewhere safe (like a rural property) between trips, tell your insurer — it can reduce premiums.
Why Pub Camping Is the Smart Traveller’s Secret Weapon
Rising costs are everywhere — fuel, rego, insurance — but Aussie pub camping is still one of the best-kept travel hacks.
You’ll save:
- 💸 On accommodation
- 🚐 On fuel (with smarter routes)
- 🔒 On insurance risk
- 🛏️ On campsite fees and permits
Plus, you’ll support local communities, meet great people, and have way better yarns at the bar than you’d find stuck in a packed caravan park.
👉 Browse free and cheap camping-friendly pubs now at WikiPubs.com.au
👉 Grab our Free “Top 20 Free Camping Pubs” Guide — built for smart travellers like you!
Final Word
2025 might be the year of rising camper costs — but it’s also the year smart Aussie travellers beat the system.
Skip the overpriced parks. Skip the sketchy rest stops. Camp smarter with pubs.
Your wallet — and your adventure spirit — will thank you.
