Caravan Insurance

Caravan Insurance – Who Needs It and Why?

It’s little wonder that caravans are so popular in the UK.
The freedom and flexibility of towing a touring caravan with you on holiday, knowing that at the end of your journey you will be able to sleep in affordable luxury in a bed of your own choosing and whilst surrounded by your ‘home comforts’ is a strong attraction for millions. But what are risks that can threaten your caravanning experience and what should you be looking for in an insurance policy to cover your touring caravan?

On-Road Risks

Because you will be towing your caravan behind your vehicle to and from your holiday destination, which could be hundreds or even thousands of miles away, you are at risk from exactly the same kinds of things as every other road user. However, the potential for incurring damage is magnified by simple fact that you are towing a caravan as this places restrictions on your driving awareness. Even if you are a very experienced driver, you must have at least third party liability cover for your caravan when towing as the caravan will not normally be covered under the insurance for the tow-vehicle you are driving. Low bridges and side winds can both cause problems and lead to damage, and if your Caravan is damaged in this way, your caravan insurance will usually cover safe transport of your caravan to a repair centre as well as covering the cost of the actual repairs needed.

Caravanning Abroad

Touring Europe in your caravan may be high on your wish-list but, as insurers strive to charge owners only for the policy features they require, foreign travel with a caravan is often not included in basic policies. There are certainly increased risks from both crime and the unfamiliar driving circumstances in other countries. Also the varying legal circumstances concerning caravan travel abroad is often an issue for insurers. For these reasons there may be limits imposed or a surcharge to pay to ensure that you are covered during your foreign  travels..

Anti-Theft Clauses

It is a double-edged sword that because touring caravans are so portable, they are also liable to become targets for thieves. As a result, some insurance companies insert clauses into their policies that require the compulsory use of immobilisation systems such as hitch-lock or wheel clamping security devices in order to qualify for cover under their caravan insurance policies. In these cases, in the event of a claim, should it be found that you haven’t complied with these security measures then you may find that the insurance company refuse to pay out a penny as they will deem the policy to have been voided by your non-compliance.

Caravan Contents And Equipment Cover

Part of the attraction of holidaying with your own touring caravan is that you can take all the comforts of home and all your expensive gadgets with you. We all do this but it is important to make sure that whatever caravan insurance policy you choose comes with sufficient contents cover to ensure that you will not be ‘out of pocket’ if the worst were to happen and you lost all your valuables. Be sure to check on the ‘excess’ or amount you will have to pay out of your own pocket towards any claim that is made against the policy.

Loss Of Use Cover

In the event that your caravan becomes unusable either before or during a holiday (perhaps due to accidental damage, fire etc) and as a result you incur unforseen expenses, some policies will cover you for varying amounts by reimbursing you with a flat daily rate. Again, there are different levels of cover available and various limits and rates available. You will need to look carefully into the type of cover you think you require.

I hope this little ‘snapshot’ has highlighted some of the things to consider when buying insurance for touring caravans.