Caravan insurance: all you need to know

What you need to know about caravan insurance

Much like our insurance policies for homes, cars, pets, and other items, caravan insurance covers your touring caravan against certain insurable risks.

These risks include theft and accidental damage, with some policies encompassing your caravanning essentials, such as awnings, motor movers, air-conditioning units, barbecues, etc. Insurers can also tailor cover to suit caravans permanently sited on a seasonal pitch.

Do I need caravan insurance?

Legally, no, you do not need to have insurance for your caravan but it would be a mistake not to have it. So, it’s worth covering a few points in greater detail to explain why.

If your car insurance policy covers you while towing (most policies do, but you should always check with your car insurer), damage caused to a third party is likely covered. This is the legal minimum required while on the move. However, your car insurance policy will not cover any damage to your caravan, even if you have comprehensive cover.

Caravans can be expensive, so dedicated caravan insurance should always be sought. The specialist brokers listed at the foot of this article offer such insurance policies, with many offering outstanding value for money.

There are many variables for underwriters to consider, so no two quotes are the same, but as a rough guide, it costs me a few hundred pounds per year to insure a Bailey Phoenix caravan that has a motor mover and an air-conditioning unit.

What does caravan insurance cover?

Even experienced caravanners can encounter low-hanging branches, rocks obscured in roadside undergrowth, or posts on a campsite pitch. Thankfully, caravan insurance covers accidental damage.

It can also cover you in the event of a road accident. Again, we need to reference towing experience here; experienced folk know they have to lessen speed on downhill gradients and allow room when cornering to avoid clipping a tight kerb, but accidents do happen.

Even though experienced caravanners know the hazards of towing in high winds, there are occasions when that is unavoidable. For example, you may be unable to delay your return to work to wait for high winds to subside. Plus, high winds may develop when you are on a journey. You keep the speed down, of course, but gusts can happen, and accidents can result.

Storm damage is another covered risk. Freak hailstone storms can damage the upper surface of your caravan, fencing panels can break free in high winds and collide with your caravan, and should an awning collapse or partially collapse, its poles can wreak havoc with caravan side panels.

Caravan insurance, however, isn’t all about towing and touring. If your caravan is sited in one place on a seasonal pitch, site owners will likely want to see a copy of your insurance policy, as most have a rule that all caravans on the campsite must be insured.

Theft. It isn't nice to think that your pride and joy might end up in the hands of a thief, although insurance that will cover the cost of damage or replacement gives policyholders peace of mind.

Caravanning kit (awnings, barbecues, outdoor furniture, motor movers, TVs, AC units, etc) can also be expensive, although a dedicated policy can include these items if specified.

Types of caravan insurance

Two common types of cover are new for old and market value.

New for old cover means that your caravan is insured for its full replacement cost with a new caravan. Insurance companies typically offer this cover for caravans up to a specified age, usually 15 years old.

Market value cover means the caravan is insured for its current retail value. Because caravans tend to hold their values better than cars, etc, checking your caravan's value at renewal time is essential.

Caravan insurance discounts

As a caravanner, I’m not a fan of spending money unnecessarily. Thankfully, serious discounts can be had on policy costs, many of which you may already qualify for.

The list below is from the insurer I use for my own caravan, so discounts may vary between different brokers and insurance companies. However, this does indicate the money-saving potential.

• Up to 25% no claims discount
• 15% discount for an approved tracking device
• Up to 15% secure storage discount
• 10% discount for axle wheel locks
• 10% CaSSOA silver/gold storage
• 5% discount for an electronic anti-snaking device (Al-Ko ATC, etc)
• Up to 5% security marking discount (5% VIN Chip Plus, or 2.5% other security marking)
• 5% tyre safety discount. Tyron bands, or TMPS, or tyre sealant
• 5% discount for a caravan reversing aid. Reversing cameras or reversing sensors, not your partner or child!

Quotes depend not just on the value of the caravan but also on where it is stored when not in use. Caravan storage facilities that have the maximum CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association) security rating, for example, will likely attract a discount on your premium regardless of the insurer.

As with house and car insurance, the area you live in (if you store your caravan at home) has a bearing on the cost of insurance.

The cost of a policy is also influenced by the security devices you have. Wheel clamps and hitch locks are mandatory for most policies, and this combination may be the minimum security required.

It’s worth noting that security products have to be approved to attract a discount. Your insurer will have a list of such products, so it’s worth getting in touch before opting for a particular make and model of security product.

Al-Ko’s ATC is a handy addition. ATC stands for automatic trailer control, and it is designed to detect a snaking motion when towing before automatically applying the caravan brakes. It aims to straighten the caravan before the snaking motion becomes serious.

What is an insurance excess?

Simply put, an insurance excess is the amount you must pay in the event of a claim. This can vary, with typical amounts being £100, £250, or £500. Choosing a higher excess amount may lower your premium.

European caravan travel

It’s commonplace for caravan insurance policies to include European travel cover, but make sure this cover is in place before visiting the near Continent and beyond. My own policy includes 180 days of European cover per year, which can be extended to 240 days.

However, at the time of writing, post-Brexit European travel rulings will likely come into force before reaching this upper limit. Check the small print on your policy before travelling abroad, as it will likely ask you to adhere to European travel rules on gov.uk for the policy to remain in force.

Are all caravan insurance policies the same?

In short, no. Check the small print before accepting a quotation to ensure it meets your needs. Some insurers may not offer cover for a specific item of equipment, or the insurable risks may not be as comprehensive as another policy.

Before signing on the dotted line, make a cup of tea and read through the small print, including the policy section that details what’s covered and what’s not. Taking a few moments to check these areas can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. The cheapest isn’t always the best.

What might not be covered by a caravan insurance policy?

This is based on my own policy and experiences, so this list isn’t exhaustive. It does, however, include the potted highlights.

• Frost damage to fixed water or heating installations
• Damage caused by animals, including pets or vermin
• Tyre damage (although a new tyre will likely cost less than your insurance excess)
• Water ingress

What do I need to get a caravan insurance quote?

• Caravan details. The make, model, and how many berths it has, ie Bailey Phoenix GT75 762, six-berth
• Caravan and equipment values. The cost of your caravan plus any kit fitted (including awnings, etc) can soon add up, so make sure these values truly reflect the replacement cost
• Storage information. Do you keep your caravan at home or in a dedicated storage yard? You’ll need the full address and details of any security features
• Caravan security devices. List the security features fitted – hitch lock, wheel lock, axle lock, tracker, etc – and ensure you always fit the items mentioned. If you have a tracker, the subscription will need to be active
• Caravan safety devices. Do you have Al-Ko ATC, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), or a reversing camera?
• Insurance cover start date. When would you like the cover to start?
• CRiS number or VIN. This is usually a 17-digit mixture of letters and numbers on a window sticker. Or, it may be etched onto your caravan’s chassis or window.

Expert advice: industry insiders share their top tips

New for old

Tom Doy, Product & Underwriting Development Manager at Adrian Flux, says to check your new for old cover.

Don’t be underinsured

Stuart Craig from Shield Total Insurance warns of the dangers of being underinsured

Trio of tips

Liz Harrison from Caravan Guard Insurance offers three tips covering discounts, insured values and customer reviews

Do your research

Liefsure’s Head of Insurance, Nick Long, has some very sound advice about researching and understanding exactly what you will get for your money

FAQ

Does car insurance cover a caravan while it’s being towed?

Most comprehensive car policies cover the caravan while it is being towed but always check with your car’s insurance company. This can cover you for third-party risks, such as if your caravan collides with another vehicle while being towed. Any damage to the caravan will only be covered by a caravan insurance policy, not your car policy.

Does the age of my caravan matter?

Some companies insure caravans up to 25 years old, while others may cover a 30-year-old caravan. This varies between insurers, so contact multiple companies if you’re struggling to insure a vintage caravan.

Do insurance policies cover you if the person towing the caravan becomes ill?

Yes, some do. It is common for only one person in a family or couple to tow the caravan, and insurance companies recognise this; a mere sprained ankle can render a driver unable to drive. Some policies will get your caravan home for you if this should happen during a holiday.

Can I include personal possessions on a caravan insurance policy?

Yes, although it may be worth checking your house insurance policy to avoid duplicate cover. Things to look at include policy exclusions, including specified items, and the excess amount for each policy type.

Will my caravan insurance policy cover friends or family who wish to borrow our caravan?

Certain policies can extend cover to friends or family who are borrowing your caravan. However, ensure cover is in place before they embark on a holiday.

Which companies offer specialist caravan insurance?

Among the best-known, and in no particular order, are Lifesure, Caravan Guard, Ripe, Shield Total Insurance, Caravanwise, Grove and Dean, E&L, Adrian Flux, Safeguard, Towergate, Coast and the two major Clubs.

Final thoughts

Although not a legal requirement, caravan insurance is vital to protect your tourer and the associated equipment you take on holiday. No matter how careful we are, accidents can happen, and such cover offers peace of mind, even if an incident isn’t your fault.

Specialist insurers, such as those listed above, know the caravan market inside out, so it’s worth contacting them for a competitive quote.