Motorhome hire agency
A motorhome hire agency is a vacation rental company that rents privately owned motorhomes or campervans to travellers. In the UK these agencies are common and have recently grown in the United States as well. They started in the UK around 2005, as more owners began renting out their motorhomes to earn extra income and holidaymakers looked for cheaper travel options.
Campervans are smaller than motorhomes, easier to drive, and often cheaper to insure, which can make the overall hire cost lower. Motorhomes offer more space and facilities.
How it works: An owner lists their vehicle with a hire agency and creates an online profile. Bookings come through the agency, which handles payments and insurance. The customer collects the motorhome from the owner, and the owner is paid a fee after the agency deducts VAT, insurance, and its commission. Commissions vary by company, typically between 50% and 75%. While on hire, the vehicle is insured by the agency and includes breakdown cover. If damage occurs, the hirer pays for repairs or the agency covers them as needed.
Anyone can register a motorhome with a hire agency if it is clean and roadworthy. In the UK, residents must declare income from motorhome hire to HMRC, even if earnings are below the tax threshold.
Global trends: campervan rental has grown worldwide, including in New Zealand where self-drive holidays are popular. In the UK, campervan hire also appeals to festival-goers who want a dry, comfortable alternative to tents.
Key developments: The first online availability and booking system in 2006, via Motorhome Group, enabled online booking and payments. Owners could track bookings with online profiles. In 2009, SMS alerts began to notify owners of new bookings. UK motorhome brokerage services also exist to help buy, sell, or value motorhomes, such as The Motorhome Trader.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 02:46 (CET).