Caravan Insurance

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Caravan Insurance

There are typically two types of caravan, the touring caravan and the static caravan. The touring caravan is towed by a vehicle to various caravan sites, remaining only for a short period of time, whereas a static caravan is usually permanently parked on a hard-standing on a serviced site. The purchase of a new and even second-hand caravan is a very expensive investment so it is advisable to protect this investment with the right insurance cover.

Both types of caravan require relevant insurance cover to address the different risks they face. A touring caravan is naturally subject to the risks of road travel including collisions with vehicles and accidents caused by careless driving, side winds or poor loading. A static caravan faces the risks caused by the elements including flooding, wind damage and falling trees. The one insurance risk common to both is that of caravan theft.

Touring Caravans

Touring Caravans have grown in popularity as holiday accommodation because of the freedom and flexibility that they offer. But because you tow it on roads, both in this country and probably across Europe, your risk is the same as other road users, but the potential costs in damage are amplified by the size of the object that you are moving and how it affects your driving. Even experienced drivers towing a touring caravan must by law have a minimum insurance level of third party liability, as you would expect with driving a car. In addition, side winds and low bridges can both cause damage, and the resulting safe transport and storage of your caravan before a repair can be made will be costly if not covered in your policy.

Although large, also being so moveable means that caravans are targets for thieves. Many insurance companies insert a clause that a hitch lock or wheel clamping security device must be used at all times and will only honour a claim if there is evidence that this has been adhered to.

As with house contents insurance, don’t forget to ensure that every valuable and personal item that you carry in your caravan is covered within your policy. Many caravanners carry sports equipment, including bicycles, audio devices and a television, as well as the mandatory sleeping and cooking equipment, and some of these items are expensive to replace.

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If for any reason you are unable to use your caravan before or during a planned holiday which incurs a loss in monies paid out, some policies will cover you at different rates.

As a home away from home, static caravans offer a cost-effective last minute holiday or a cheap weekend break. But the risk is in its benefit – it’s a home, and should be insured as such. Since you’ll be away from your caravan for long periods of time, any damage or other incident that transpires may go unnoticed for months until you next return, which often compounds the original damage. You may be at risk from flooding, storm damage or damage from falling trees, all of which can cause immense damage to both the construction and contents. Another potential and unpredictable risk is fire damage and it is wise to check your policy covers this eventuality.

Again like your home, the expensive equipment and valuable belongings you enjoy in your static caravan are usually left there when you travel home – which can be particularly tempting to thieves.

A permanently-sited static caravan on rented land may be the cause of a dispute such as rent disagreements, land valuation or other concerns, and any ensuing legal activity can prove to be expensive. The reimbursement of such legal fees will often be offered by your insurance company, as well as any costs incurred as a result of accidental damage to the structure or contents of the caravan that has been caused by you, a member of your family or your neighbours.

For peace of mind, and for a lower insurance premium, explore the security options for your caravan. Theft of the caravan itself can be effectively thwarted by using such devices as a hitchlock or a wheel clamp. Whilst on site, your contents in the caravan are at greater risk from opportunist thieves so investing in sturdy secondary door locks which work in unison with your standard lock will greatly improve security.

Investing in an alarm for your Caravan for on the road and on site would be an advisory investment. There are also excellent tracking systems for caravans on the market that will locate your caravan quickly in the event of a theft.

These additional security measures will result in discounted premiums from many insurers. You can also expect discounts for being a member of certain caravan clubs, no-claims bonuses and for booking your policy online.