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Hidden costs of motorhome ownership: insurance, taxes and maintenance

30.04.2026 22:35 1 min 2 sources
Autobahn NLD + 1 more
Hidden costs of motorhome ownership: insurance, taxes and maintenance
© Autobahn

Owning a motorhome or caravan involves significant recurring costs: insurance (€700–2,500), maintenance (€750–1,500), storage and fuel. Since 1 January 2026, the Netherlands has raised the tax rate for private campers from a quarter to a half

Buying a motorhome or caravan is only the first step. Annual running costs include several items that CAN far exceed owners' expectations.

Main expenses

  • Insurance: €700–2,500 per year
  • Maintenance and inspection: €750–1,500 per year
  • Storage: hundreds or thousands of euros per year
  • Fuel: consumption significantly higher than for passenger cars
  • Vehicle tax: can amount to hundreds or thousands of euros per year

Changes in the Netherlands

Since 1 January 2026, the Netherlands has changed its tax system for private campers: instead of a reduced quarter rate, a half rate now applies. This has led to an increase in annual tax payments.

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Story sources

Hidden Costs of Motorhomes: Freedom Comes at a Price

20.04.2026 Autobahn NLD

Cost of Maintaining a Motorhome After Purchase

15.03.2026 inFranken.de DEU

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🇩🇪 Germany — fuel prices

Updated: 27.04.2026

Diesel

$2.53 /l

€2.16 · £1.87/l

100 of 116

pricier than 85% of countries

Petrol

$2.48 /l

€2.11 · £1.83/l

106 of 115

pricier than 91% of countries

LPG

$1.40 /l

€1.20 · £1.04/l

44 of 45

pricier than 96% of countries

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