A wise friend in insurance
Tourer Caravan Insurance
Touring caravans are at risk particularly from theft and accidental damage while being towed. A comprehensive caravan insurance policy will cover you for these things together with a wide range of other more minor risks.
Caravan Insurance Claims
Most claims, relating to touring caravans, are for relatively minor accidental damage often caused at very low speed while manoeuvring but even a dent the size of a tennis ball on a side panel can end up costing well over £1000. This is because it is rare for a panel to be repaired, most are replaced with a new panel, new paintwork and trims. No matter how experienced you are accidents occasionally happen and a comprehensive policy will step in to soften the blow. That is not to say that your caravan will necessarily be repaired quickly because no matter how soon your insurer approves the work you will still have to wait for the parts to be delivered from the manufacturers and this takes a length of time that many owners find unacceptably long.
"It would be unrealistic for the caravan industry to promise automotive industry standards, but I see no reason why customers should have to wait eight weeks for body panels and upholstery and six weeks for windows, when we are confident that this could be reduced to six and four weeks." Christopher Ball Avondale.
Bigger problems exist for caravans that are no longer in production.
Touring Caravan Security
Theft of caravans is relatively significant when compared with the numbers of caravans manufactured each year. The Home Office state that 3000 caravans are stolen each year.
All caravan insurance policies have a minimum level of physical security and whilst these act mainly as a deterrent it is important that you do your best to reduce the chances of having your caravan stolen. Typically the requirement is for the caravan to be secured by a hitch lock and/or a wheel clamp whenever it is detached from the towing vehicle and unattended, but make sure that you ask before you buy because some policies are particularly strict in their requirements. People often ask us to recommend security products. We are not able to do this but can advise that Sold Secure independently test caravan security equipment. For a full list follow this link.
For some caravans that are at a higher than average risk of theft such as larger German manufactured caravans and twin axled caravans some insurers insist on you having a tracking device fitted. Since there are limited numbers of insurers prepared to take on some of these caravans you may be forced to consider having a tracker fitted.
You can minimise the chance of buying a stolen caravan by doing an HPI check before you commit to purchase.
Cassoa is an organisation that encourages improved standards in secure caravan storage.
Specific Touring Caravan Insurance Issues
More caravan insurance guides and information on this site.
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Don't leave reading the small print until you need to make a claim. If you do it may be too late if you find that you have not complied with a specific requirement of the policy......................
Touring Caravan Insurance top tips
* If you are buying new for old caravan insurance cover ensure that you cover it for the full replacement cost of a new replacement caravan and equipment.
* Remember to include your awning and other equipment that you will store with your caravan.
* Check that your awning is covered for storm damage and in what circumstances. Some policies only cover your if the caravan is damaged at the same time, which is a remote possibility.
* If you are going abroad check that your policy will pay the cost of repatriation to the UK if it is damaged and you are unable to tow it as a result. The cost of this can be over £2000 and many policies do not include it. The Caravan Club offer an additional policy for this called Red Pennant.
* Check what the security requirements are on your policy and ensure that you comply with them. If you don't the insurance company may not pay out if your caravan is stolen.