Fitting a pop-top roof is a modification, so you must tell your insurer before you drive the van. A pop-top on its own won’t change your V5C to “motor caravan”, because DVLA guidance specifically excludes pop-top roofs from its list of external features. If the van is on finance or leased, you’ll also need the finance company’s permission first.
Here’s what each of those means in practice, and a checklist to work through before your fitting date.
Insurance: you must declare a pop-top
A pop-top changes the structure of the van, so it’s a modification your insurer needs to know about. Specialist campervan insurers describe a pop-top as a structural modification that must be declared, and warn that not declaring it could invalidate your policy. If that happens, you may not be covered after an accident or theft.
When you call your insurer, be ready to tell them:
- That a pop-top roof has been fitted, and when
- Who fitted it, and the make of roof if you know it
- Whether the roof includes a bed, and how many people it sleeps
- Any other conversion work, such as a bed, kitchen, windows or a leisure battery
- The van’s new value, so you’re not underinsured
Some standard van insurers won’t cover campervan conversions at all, while specialist campervan insurers cover pop-tops routinely. If your current insurer won’t cover it, a specialist will usually be the better option anyway, as they understand conversion values.
Do you need motor caravan status to get campervan insurance?
Not necessarily. Specialist insurers say you can get campervan cover without changing the body type on your V5C, and the GOV.UK guidance itself says body type doesn’t affect insurance category. Check with your insurer, as each sets its own rules about what it will cover as a campervan.
DVLA: why a pop-top won’t change your V5C on its own
DVLA’s guidance on converting a vehicle into a motor caravan lists the external features it commonly expects to see:
- Two or more windows on at least one side of the main body, not counting the cab doors
- A separate door into the living area
- Motor caravan-style graphics on both sides
- An awning bar on either side
- A high-top roof
On the last point, the guidance is explicit: a high-top roof “does not include a pop-top elevating roof”. So a pop-top doesn’t count towards reclassification. It doesn’t stop you getting it either: plenty of pop-top campers are reclassified using windows, a side door, graphics or an awning rail.
Inside, DVLA expects seats and a table, sleeping accommodation (which can be the seats converted), cooking facilities and storage, all fixed to the vehicle. You apply with a checklist, labelled photos of the inside and outside and a photo of the VIN plate, and DVLA may inspect the van. It can either change the body type or keep it as it is.
Do you need to reclassify at all?
No. It’s optional. GOV.UK says a vehicle can still be used as a motor caravan without the body type being changed, and that body type doesn’t affect insurance category, speed limits or other legal requirements. Some owners reclassify for resale or for campsite and ferry bookings; many never bother.
Finance, leases and company vans
Cutting the roof is permanent. If the van is on hire purchase, PCP, a lease or a company scheme, you’ll normally need written permission from the finance company or owner before any structural change. Fitting a roof without it could breach your agreement. Get permission in writing before you book.
Using a pop-top safely
- Never drive with the roof raised. It must be down and secured whenever the van moves.
- The roof bed is for sleeping when parked only. Nobody should travel in it.
- Check the roof is latched before every journey. It’s easy to forget after a night away.
- Lower the roof in strong winds. Canvas is weather resistant, not storm proof.
- Dry the canvas fully before storing the roof down for long periods.
- Remember the closed height includes anything on the roof, such as bars, solar panels or an awning.
Weight and payload
A pop-top, its bed and any extras like solar panels or an awning all add weight. On vans that are already carrying a heavy conversion, check you’re staying within the van’s maximum permitted weight once everything is fitted and loaded. Our guide to campervan weight explains how to work it out.
Your pre-fitting checklist
- Get written permission if the van is on finance, leased or a company vehicle.
- Check your insurer will cover a pop-top, or line up a specialist campervan insurer.
- Decide on extras now, such as solar, spotlights or roof bars, as they’re easier to fit at the same time.
- Plan any wiring or lighting that needs to go in the roof area.
- Tell the fitter about rust, old holes or repairs on the roof.
- Measure any garage or barrier you need to clear and check the closed roof height.
- After fitting, tell your insurer and update the van’s value the same day.
Ready to price it up? See what a pop-top costs, or go straight to the pop-top roofs page for every van.
Want a price for your van? Use the pop-top price calculator or send us your van details and you’ll get a confirmed price and fitting date, usually within 1–2 working days.
This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Rules and insurer policies change, so always check with DVLA and your own insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell my insurance about a pop-top roof?
Yes. It’s a structural modification. Not declaring it could invalidate your policy.
Will a pop-top make my insurance more expensive?
It can, because the van is worth more and is now a campervan. Specialist campervan insurers often price conversions more fairly than standard van insurers.
Does a pop-top count as a high top for DVLA?
No. DVLA guidance says the high-top feature does not include a pop-top elevating roof.
Do I need to change my V5C after fitting a pop-top?
No. Reclassifying to motor caravan is optional, and a pop-top alone won’t qualify. You can still use the van as a camper.
Can I fit a pop-top to a leased van?
Only with the leasing company’s written permission, as cutting the roof is a permanent change.