There are three main categories of caravan, each of which has its own special needs as far as caravan insurance cover is concerned.
Touring caravans
Tourer caravans are probably what most people think of when you say caravan, one of the main areas of risk for tourers is from theft either of the contents or of the caravan itself. Fitting secure locks and bolts on doors and windows can help improve security and prevent burglary, as can the installation of a burglar alarm.
There are a number of steps you can take to help prevent the theft of the caravan itself and that is through the use of a wheel clamp to immobilise the tourer and a hitchlock to stop your caravan being unhitched from your car or hitched onto someone else’s.
The touring caravan insurance cover from some insurers may insist, as a condition of cover, on the use of a hitchlock if the caravan is attached to the car and a wheel clamp with a hitchlock if the caravan is unattached.
Static caravans
Flooding is one of the major events that static caravan insurance cover has to deal with. Some insurers will offer premium discounts if your static caravan is sited at a location at least a certain distance from water (sea, lake or river).
While static caravan insurance typically comes as an annual policy, there may be special stipulations about draining down water and heating systems over the winter months when you caravan is empty.
Motorhomes
For some people having a motorhome is holiday heaven. The freedom to come and go as you choose without having to think too much about being in a certain place for a certain time can be the perfect holiday.
If your motorhome breaks down though, you run the risk of losing both your transport and your accommodation. This is why having motorhome breakdown insurance, which can provide alternative transport and accommodation, can make the difference to continuing your holiday or having to go home.
Awning issues
While an awning does provide additional living space for any type of caravan, contents cover for awnings is unlikely to include anything apart from outdoor furniture. Leaving personal belongings under the awning and assuming that they would be covered in the same way as items in the caravan itself, may not be a good idea.
Awnings are particularly susceptible to weather damage and some insurers attach special insurance conditions to them. Making sure that your awning is securely stowed away when you are not in your caravan may seem like a chore at times but given the unpredictability of the UK weather, may actually not be a bad idea.
Finding what you need
It may be worth using a caravan specialist to make sure you get suitable caravan insurance cover. Their expertise may help you get a suitable deal and at a suitable price.
Caravan insurance – just what is covered?
Most insurers offer instant quotes and immediate cover onlinee cover nowadays.
Touring Caravans
Policies typically cover the Touring Caravan itself for loss or damage, its contents and should the caravan be involved in an accident emergency removal may be included, together with alternative accomodation for the caravanners.
To enable the caravanner to use their caravan abroad European use up to 240 days can be sourced and also cover for immediate family should they wish to use your touring van.
Depending upon the age of the caravan ther amy also be an option for New for Old.
most insurers nowadays provide the option to pay by Monthly Direct Debit, Credit card or cheque if desired. Some will even let you pay by invoice!
Typical features -
Loss of damage whilst the caravan is being towed.
Protection and removal to the nearest repairer following loss or damage.
Delivery after the caravan or trailer tent has been repaired to your home address or the storage location.
Third party liability.
Alternative accommodation.
Expenses occurring from the sole person who can drive the caravan becoming ill
Caravan contents.
Agreed Value
If the caravan has been purchased from a bona fide caravan dealer within the last 12 months, it can usually be insured at an agreed value ie for its purchase price.
In the event of a total loss with 12 months of purchase the Insurer will pay the purchase price with no deduction for depreciation since the purchase date.
Market Value
The sum insured should reflect the market value of the caravan, its equipment and contents taking into account age and condition. The sum insured should be reviewed at renewal each year to reflect the value of any additions or depreciation in value.
Most insurers will pay either:
• the market value of your caravan or its equipment immediately before the loss;
or
• the sum insured of your caravan or its equipment as shown in the schedule;
whichever is less.
Sum Insured
The sum insured is declared by you and should represent the full cost of the caravan.
The most an Insurer will pay is the sum insured shown in the schedule.
Underinsurance
If the cost of repairing or rebuilding the caravan is more than the sum insured declared by you at the time of any loss or damage, then you will have to pay a share of the claim. Repairs
If your caravan suffers loss or damage which is covered, you can usually
authorise and arrange for the caravan to be taken to the nearest authorised repairer. The Insurer will usually pay for the cost of protection, removal and redelivery charges (including disconnection and reconnection costs).
Static Caravans
Static Holiday Caravans insurance will cover the holiday caravan itself and its contents and with some Insurers a loss of rental income if the caravan is made uninhabitable.
Depending upon the age for the caravan there is uaually also an optional New for Old extension. The majority of Caravan Sites in the UK are covered by most companies.
Typical key features static van policies you should look out for -
Option to pay by Monthly Direct Debit
Cover for loss of or damage to the caravan itself (fairly obvious)
Cover for the fixtures and fittings within the caravan including
Furnishings
Utensils
Bedding and Accessories
Awnings
Toilet tents
Freezer spoilage
Contents
Loss of rental income Public Liability
Accidental damage to fixed glass, panels, sanitary fixtures, televisions, videos, audio and computer equipment
Replacement locks if keys are stolen
Standard levels of cover including fire, lightening, earthquake, explosion, storm or flood