Frequently asked questions
About ExchangeYourVan
ExchangeYourVan (EYV) is an international exchange platform for camper vehicles: campers, motorhomes, and caravans. Instead of renting, members can lend and use each other's vehicles through a points system called VanPoints. That way, your vehicle becomes an asset that lets you travel more while spending less. The idea is simple: today you lend your vehicle to someone in your city, tomorrow you could be traveling with another vehicle in another country, with the same peace of mind.
There are two types of exchange:
Reciprocal: Unlimited, and they happen between two members who agree to exchange their vehicles, on the same dates or different ones. These exchanges don't require VanPoints.
Non-reciprocal:
Every time you lend your vehicle to another member, you earn VanPoints.
Every time you travel with another member's vehicle, you spend VanPoints.
The platform handles verification, security, insurance validation, the deposit, and the exchange contract.
Access to an international community of travelers with camper vehicles.
The chance to travel with different campers, motorhomes, or caravans, in different places, without renting.
Significant savings compared to traditional rental prices.
Insurance and contracts included in every exchange.
A points system that motivates you to share and lets you keep traveling more.
Content, comparisons, and routes that inspire new experiences.
No. ExchangeyourVan is not a rental agency and doesn't manage its own fleet.
We're a collaborative platform, a meeting point for camper vehicle owners who want to exchange the use of their vehicles in a safe, regulated, and transparent way.
We take care of the legal side, security, contracts, and providing a trustworthy space where members can interact.
No. ExchangeyourVan is a platform exclusively for camper vehicle owners. That's actually one of the platform's core values and one of the most distinctive parts of our model:
Every member is an owner. This guarantees a balanced community, built on mutual trust and fair exchange.
The VanPoints system only works if every user brings a vehicle. That way, whoever enjoys a vehicle in one exchange knows the other party is sharing theirs on another occasion too.
It encourages reciprocity and quality. Since we're all owners, we understand the value of caring for and respecting each other's vehicle, because we know what it means to look after our own.
Membership and sign-up
The annual membership price is designed so that a single exchange already pays for it.
The fee is fixed, transparent, and much lower than the cost of a conventional camper vehicle rental.
(The exact price will be announced at official launch, with special promotions for the first beta members).
Once you become a member you get access to:
Unlimited exchanges on reciprocal exchanges for a full year.
VanPoints system to use and lend camper vehicles.
Legal coverage and contract on every exchange.
Access to the international community of verified travelers.
Support and assistance throughout the search and lending process.
Exclusive content: routes, travel tips, and shared experiences.
Signing up is simple:
You go to the website and create your account with your email and password.
You verify your identity (for the safety of every member).
You create your vehicle's profile, with photos, a description, and availability.
You publish your listing and can start receiving or sending exchange requests.
A well-put-together profile is key to receiving requests. Include:
Quality photos of your vehicle (inside and out, with good lighting).
A clear description: number of berths, amenities, included services.
Vehicle condition: maintenance or upgrade details that build trust.
Up-to-date availability on the calendar.
A personal touch: explain how you use your vehicle and what experiences it offers (beach, mountains, family trips…).
The more complete and honest your profile is, the more likely you are to attract other members.
Yes. You can sign up and create your profile for free to explore the platform.
You'll be able to see how it works, which vehicles are available, and how exchanges are organized.
Paying for membership is only required when you confirm your first exchange.
Your membership is non-refundable once activated.
However, you'll keep enjoying every benefit until the annual term ends.
You won't be charged anything for the next cycle if you decide not to renew.
Yes, so you never lose your benefits or your VanPoints, renewal happens automatically every year.
Either way, you'll get a reminder before the renewal date so you can decide whether to continue or cancel.
You can cancel the renewal from your profile at any time.
Exchanges and VanPoints
VanPoints are ExchangeyourVan's internal currency.
Every time you lend your vehicle to another member, you earn VanPoints.
Every time you travel with another member's vehicle, you spend VanPoints.
This is how we guarantee a fair, balanced system where everyone can travel more, with no money needed for each exchange.
The amount depends on three factors:
Type of vehicle: a basic camper doesn't cost the same as a premium caravan.
Length of the exchange: points are calculated per day.
Season: high or low, depending on demand in the area.
Example: a 7-day trip in a mid-size camper could cost around 560 VanPoints, while the same length trip in a fully equipped motorhome could cost 1,050 VanPoints.
Don't worry. There are several options:
Lend your vehicle to earn VanPoints again.
Get extra VanPoints by taking part in community activities (for example, referring new members or designing travel routes for the community). You'll also get VanPoints by activating your membership, through welcome points, and by fully completing your profile
Buy additional VanPoints: only under certain conditions.
Yes, but…
ExchangeyourVan's philosophy isn't about buying and selling VanPoints, but about exchanging vehicles.
Let's not fall into the trap of only wanting to be a guest and never a host.
If you don't have enough VanPoints to complete an exchange, we'll review each case individually and decide whether it can go ahead or whether it doesn't meet ExchangeyourVan's exchange policy.
In any case, VanPoints pricing will always follow the logic of the points system set by the platform.
This can happen in specific cases (very old vehicles, poorly equipped, or located in areas with less demand).
In that case you have several options:
Optimize your profile (better photos, detailed description, wider availability).
Offer your vehicle during high-demand periods (holidays, long weekends, weekends).
Lend your vehicle without a direct exchange (someone else travels and you earn VanPoints all the same).
No one is left out: there's always a way to earn points.
On EYV you can choose whichever model best fits your travel style:
Reciprocal:
Simultaneous: you travel with another member's vehicle while they travel with yours.
Non-simultaneous: you travel with another member's vehicle while they travel with yours, but on different dates.
Non-reciprocal:
Exchanges with VanPoints: another member uses your vehicle, and you earn VanPoints to use later, anywhere in the world, with a different vehicle.
Each owner decides. The platform recommends including 100 km per day by default, enough for most trips balanced between driving and rest.
That said, each member is free to choose how many kilometres can be driven daily with their van.
If you exceed the daily kilometres set by the owner, an extra cost per additional kilometre will apply. The platform recommends a price per km between €0.20 and €0.45, depending on the type of vehicle and country of residence.
This guarantees fair use of the vehicle and covers the extra wear.
The VanPoints system is based on an objective rating table that takes into account:
Type of vehicle: basic camper, equipped camper, standard motorhome, premium motorhome, conventional caravan, etc.
Capacity: number of berths for sleeping and traveling.
Equipment (bathroom, kitchen, heating, extras).
Age and overall condition.
Location of the vehicle.
This makes exchanges fair: traveling in a simple 2-berth van doesn't cost the same as traveling in a fully equipped 6-person motorhome.
Security and trust
Yes, and that's one of the pillars of ExchangeyourVan: guaranteeing trust in every exchange.
Every member goes through a verification process before they can take part (documentation, identity, and validation of vehicle ownership).
On top of that, the reviews left after each exchange let the community self-regulate: those who don't take care of vehicles get left out.
ExchangeyourVan isn't a "rental between strangers" — it's a community of verified owners who share the same passion for travel.
Verification includes several mandatory steps:
Identity: we check the validity of an ID card, passport, or official document.
Driver: the member must upload their current driving licence.
Vehicle: we review the vehicle's paperwork (registration, valid insurance, valid inspection).
Although the ExchangeyourVan community is built on trust and shared responsibility, there's always a chance a vehicle comes back with some damage. For those cases, we've designed a system with three layers of protection that guarantee security, balance, and a fair resolution for both parties.
Every vehicle must have its own valid insurance, taken out by the owner in line with current regulations.
Main function: it acts as the first layer of coverage, responding to certain incidents or damage in line with the owner's policy.
Coverage:
Fully comprehensive, with or without excess.
Material damage to the vehicle.
Third-party liability.
Roadside assistance.
Certain cases of negligence or vandalism.
Process:
The owner notifies ExchangeyourVan and provides evidence.
A claim is opened with the exchange's insurer.
An assessor or adjuster evaluates the damage and determines compensation.
At this early stage of the project, we don't have a dedicated exchange insurance policy.
Insurers need a solid customer database, and require a minimum number of registered members.
Although each member's insurance already provides security for exchanges, ExchangeyourVan wants to take out supplementary lending insurance to add even more security.
In addition to insurance, every exchange activates a held security deposit. This deposit acts as a guarantee to cover damage that insurance may or may not cover.
Activation: The deposit is held at the start of the exchange and stays frozen for the duration of the rental.
Use: If minor damage is found when the vehicle is returned, the platform may withhold part or all of the deposit to cover repairs or cleaning.
Release: Once the case is resolved and the vehicle's condition confirmed, the remaining deposit is released to the borrower.
If a disagreement arises, ExchangeyourVan acts as an impartial mediator:
It gathers evidence from both parties.
It determines the correct application of insurance, deposit, or compensation.
It ensures the case is resolved fairly and transparently.
When there's disagreement over the assessment of damage or responsibility for an incident, ExchangeyourVan's claims system comes into play.
Mediation: ExchangeyourVan acts as an impartial mediator, assessing the situation through evidence, photos, insurance reports, and statements from the parties involved.
Fair resolution: The goal is to reach a fair agreement, preventing the owner from bearing damage that isn't theirs to bear and ensuring the borrower isn't unfairly blamed.
Transparent process: The entire exchange and all communications are logged on the platform, providing a clear history that supports the resolution.
At this early stage of the project, we don't have a dedicated exchange insurance policy.
Insurers need a solid customer database, and require a minimum number of registered members.
Although each member's insurance already provides security for exchanges, ExchangeyourVan wants to take out supplementary lending insurance to add even more security.
Yes. A financial deposit set by the owner is held on every exchange as an additional guarantee.
This deposit is only used for damage not covered by insurance (for example, a broken interior fitting).
If everything goes well, the deposit is released automatically once the trip ends.
Alongside the security system (insurance, deposit, and verification), we encourage a community culture built on trust and respect:
Every member knows that, sooner or later, they'll also be a "guest" in someone else's vehicle.
There's a ratings and reviews system that scores the condition the vehicle is returned in.
Profiles with good reviews get priority in the community; those who break the rules lose access to exchanges.
At ExchangeyourVan respect goes both ways: you take care because you know your vehicle will be taken care of too.
Trips and experiences
Practically any. ExchangeyourVan's community is international, which means you can access vehicles in countries you'd never be able to take your own to, due to time or cost.
From touring Scotland in a motorhome to experiencing a road trip across Canada in a camper, or taking a road trip through Portugal or Norway.
You and the community set the limit: wherever there are members, there'll be trip possibilities.
Yes. ExchangeyourVan is designed precisely so you can travel abroad without having to drive your vehicle hundreds or thousands of kilometres.
Instead of spending time and money on fuel, ferries, or tolls, you simply exchange with a member in the country you want to visit.
That way you make use of your vehicle as an asset without having to physically move it.
You'll be able to live every experience each place has to offer, using the full range of camper vehicles available on the platform:
Fixed caravans at campsites.
Camper vans of different sizes.
Motorhomes of different styles.
Converted vehicles such as trucks, 4×4 vans, and pick-ups.
Of course. That's one of ExchangeyourVan's biggest advantages.
Your vehicle might be a small camper, but maybe you want to experience a trip in a large motorhome, or try a family caravan at a mountain campsite.
With exchanges, you can experience different travel styles without needing to buy or rent.
This is where the real magic of ExchangeyourVan lies:
Exploring far-off countries without having to drive your vehicle all the way there.
Experiencing a road trip in a different type of vehicle you've always wanted to try.
Saving on accommodation and transport costs, investing in experiences instead of fuel.
Connecting with an international community of travelers who share your passion.
Traveling more times a year, since your vehicle, even parked, can still open the door to new trips.
With ExchangeyourVan, your vehicle becomes a passport to unique experiences, far beyond what you could do with it alone.
Special cases
What happens
Several things could be going on: low demand in your area/season, unappealing photos or description, an inflexible calendar, etc.
What the platform recommends
Widen your van's availability to qualify for more exchanges.
Review and improve your listing: high-quality photos (min. 8 photos — interior, engine, storage, equipment), an honest description, and clear attributes (A/C, towbar, roof, etc.).
It sends automatic alerts or tips if it's gone a long time without bookings.
Contact support: ask for a listing review or ask to be included in a local campaign.
Contact support: ask for a listing review or ask to be included in a local campaign.
At ExchangeyourVan we want every exchange to be safe, sound, and high-quality. That's why, before accepting a vehicle onto the platform, we apply a validation process that ensures every vehicle meets some basic minimums for safety, livability, and presentation.
Initial review: every vehicle that's registered goes through a check of its documentation, overall condition, and usage state.
Minimum standards: it must have valid fully comprehensive insurance, be in proper mechanical condition, have a clean, functional interior, and offer a comfort level in line with the community's standards.
Goal: to prevent vehicles that, due to age or poor condition, aren't appealing or suitable for exchanges.
This means that if your vehicle is listed on ExchangeyourVan, you can be sure it meets the quality standards needed to generate real interest among other members.
And at the same time, as a user, you have the peace of mind that every available vehicle has passed through the same quality filter.
What happens
The owner cancels a confirmed booking before the exchange begins.
What the platform does (standard procedure and clear penalties)
Immediate notification to the borrower, with options: full refund of VanPoints and automatic search for an alternative vehicle.
Cancellation with more than 30 days' notice: no penalty.
Cancellation more than 15 days ahead: light penalty — loss of 50% of VanPoints.
Cancellation less than 7 days before pickup: heavy penalty — total loss of VanPoints + possible suspension from the platform.
Penalty policy (explicit example you can adapt):
Cancellation with more than 30 days' notice: no penalty.
Cancellation more than 15 days ahead: light penalty — loss of X VanPoints.
Cancellation less than 7 days before pickup: heavy penalty — total loss of VanPoints + possible suspension from the platform.
Cancellation for a documented case of force majeure (serious accident, hospitalization): appeal possible, and the penalty may be waived at support's discretion.
The platform can offer compensation to the borrower (credit, discount on a future booking, help finding an alternative vehicle).
What the owner should do (concrete steps)
Cancel the booking in the app as soon as possible (the automatic notification reduces costs for the other party).
Attach an explanation and, if applicable, documentation (accident, hospital) to request a penalty waiver.
Propose proactive solutions: offer a substitute vehicle from the same owner or coordinate with another nearby host.
Communicate with the borrower: send a sincere message, apologize, and propose compensation (template below).
What happens
The owner wants to delegate handover/collection and/or let someone else (a family member, for example) physically manage the exchange.
Rules and conditions (explicit policy)
Yes, but ONLY if the platform formally authorizes it and the following steps are followed:
The owner must state on the booking that the vehicle will be handed over/managed by a third party.
The person acting as the deliverer/collector (let's call them the "representative") must be registered on the platform as authorized for that exchange and must have completed identity verification.
If the vehicle will be driven by a third party during the loan, that person must be registered as an authorized driver, with their licence and details on record for the booking.
The owner remains responsible to the platform: insurance coverage and the deposit apply under the usual terms (in other words, delegating doesn't remove liability, except by agreement and specific coverage).
What the platform does
It allows a "representative" and/or "alternative driver" to be added to the booking with documents (ID + driving licence + selfie) and acceptance of the terms.
It checks that the insurer accepts the authorized-driver arrangement; if not, the platform may impose restrictions or refuse the delegation.
What the owner should do (concrete steps)
On the booking, select "handover by representative" and fill in their details.
Upload/validate the representative's documents and, if applicable, the driver's.
Hand over keys and documentation with a photographic checklist and starting mileage, signed by the representative and the borrower at the start of the exchange.
Keep communication open and stay reachable during the handover in case any issue comes up.
Risks and recommendations
Risk of insurance being invalidated if the actual driver isn't listed on the booking.
We recommend adding a clause to the listing: "Pickups by third parties are only allowed with prior authorization and verification."
Good practice: do a full photographic inventory and digitally sign the handover record.
Nothing happens. You simply won't be able to book other members' vehicles until you have VanPoints again. This happens automatically when your membership renews, since 250 starting VP are added to your account each year.
That said, you don't need to wait for renewal:
Lend your vehicle and earn VanPoints right away. Every day another member uses your vehicle, you build up VanPoints for your next trips.
Save on your membership. Besides VanPoints, lending your vehicle also gets you progressive discounts on your renewal fee.
Multiply your opportunities. The more you share your vehicle, the faster you'll build up points and benefits.
Legal and tax matters
General situation
Vehicle exchanges through VanPoints aren't a simple free loan: since they carry an indirect economic value (points work as an internal currency), they can be considered an activity with tax implications.
The obligation depends on the owner's country of tax residence, but in most jurisdictions (including Spain and the EU):
If you receive direct monetary income (euros or any currency): you must declare it as investment income or business income.
If you receive VanPoints or equivalent benefits: the tax authorities may treat this as a payment in kind or a barter transaction, meaning you have to declare the economic value of those points if they're redeemed for goods or services with monetary value.
As the vehicle owner, you keep certain legal obligations even though you use the platform as an intermediary.
Ownership and documentation in order.
Vehicle maintenance and safety.
Accurate, truthful information at handover.Mandatory insurance.
Liability towards third parties
ExchangeyourVan acts as a technological intermediary and as a mediator in disputes, but its responsibilities are limited by contract.
Intermediation:
ExchangeyourVan facilitates contact between users, the exchange of VanPoints, and the digital signing of contracts.
It is not a direct party to the exchange contract between users.
Deposit custody:
ExchangeyourVan holds and releases deposits transparently.
Claims system:
ExchangeyourVan acts as an arbiter in the event of a dispute, assessing evidence and issuing internal resolutions.
Its decisions may be binding within the platform, but they don't stop a user from going to court.
Clear limits:
ExchangeyourVan is not liable for damage arising from misuse of the vehicle if it isn't covered by insurance or the deposit.
ExchangeyourVan does not guarantee any minimum income for owners.
ExchangeyourVan does not replace users' tax obligations.
Registration and international insurance:
If you leave your country with a vehicle, check that your policy (and the exchange policy) covers international driving.
A Green Card or equivalent document is mandatory if you drive outside the EU.
Local regulations:
Every country has different requirements:
Tolls and road vignettes (for example: Switzerland, Austria).
Environmental restrictions (for example: Low Emission Zones in France, Germany, Spain).
Mandatory equipment (for example: hi-vis vests, warning triangles, snow chains).
Platform restrictions:
ExchangeyourVan may restrict international travel to certain countries or high-risk areas.
You must notify us if you plan to use the vehicle outside its home country.
Legal consequences:
Driving without authorization in another country can leave you without insurance coverage.
In the event of an accident abroad, procedures can be longer and more complex (consulates, foreign insurers).
Yes. The contracts each user signs when confirming an exchange on the platform are legally valid as private digital contracts.
Contract content:
The contract includes:
Owner's and borrower's details.
Vehicle details.
Dates, terms, and VanPoints value.
Responsibilities and coverage.
Legal force:
These are valid private contracts between the parties.
In the event of a serious dispute, they can be submitted to a judge as documentary evidence.
ExchangeyourVan keeps a certified copy on its servers.
Limitation:
The contract governs the exchange within the platform, but doesn't replace national rental, traffic, or consumer law, which prevails in the event of a conflict.
Support and community
Yes. The platform allows prior communication so users can resolve questions before confirming the exchange.
How it works:
You can send internal messages through ExchangeyourVan's chat.
You can exchange questions about the vehicle's condition, terms, schedules, rules of use, etc.
The system keeps every conversation as part of the exchange's record, which protects both parties in the event of a dispute.
Rules:
Sharing external contact details (phone, email) is not allowed until the booking is confirmed. This protects users' safety and privacy.
Every agreement must be recorded in the platform's chat.
Benefit:
It avoids misunderstandings and ensures the owner and borrower go into the exchange with clear expectations.
Yes. After every exchange, both parties (owner and borrower) can leave a rating.
How it works:
Star rating (for example, 1 to 5) on key aspects: punctuality, care of the vehicle, communication, vehicle condition, etc.
Optional written review to give context.
Purpose:
It builds trust between members of the community.
It boosts visibility for the most reliable profiles.
It lets ExchangeyourVan spot problematic behavior.
Rules:
Reviews must be objective and respectful.
ExchangeyourVan may moderate or remove reviews that are offensive, false, or include personal data.
Practical impact:
A good review history improves a vehicle's position in search results.
A build-up of bad reviews can lead to warnings, suspension, or removal from the platform.
Recommended process:
Direct communication: first try to resolve it amicably using the internal chat.
Documentation: gather evidence (photos, messages, handover records).
Opening a claim: if it isn't resolved, open a case in the support section.
ExchangeyourVan assigns a mediator to review the situation.
Both parties are asked for evidence.
A binding resolution is issued within the platform (for example: deposit refund, compensation in VanPoints, etc.).
External escalation: if you don't accept the resolution, you can always go to the relevant legal authorities, using the digital contract and the record as evidence.
Practical advice:
Resolving things quickly and with good communication usually beats a long claims process. ExchangeyourVan encourages amicable agreements.
Types of emergencies and ExchangeyourVan's response:
Accident or breakdown during an exchange:
24/7 roadside assistance included in the host's insurance policy (as long as the insurance conditions are met).
Immediate guidance on next steps (friendly accident report, contacting the insurer, towing).
Serious conflict with a member (for example: refusing to return the vehicle):
ExchangeyourVan acts as a mediator and, in the event of a serious breach, activates legal and security procedures.
The owner is protected by the insurance and the held deposit.
Support available:
In-app chat (quick response during business hours).
24/7 emergency phone line for serious incidents only.
Help centre with step-by-step guides.