Short guide to static caravan insurance

Static caravans and static caravan insurance may seem like a bit of a specialist subject. For example, once you get your static home, how can you keep it secure?

And what about insurance? Knowing what is the right cover for you; your insurer’s expectations; and ways that you can get potentially discounted static caravan insurance premiums can seem like a lot to take in!

However, our short guide here may help you!

Location, location, location

Insurance is all about risk and there are different risks for different types of caravan.

With a touring caravan for instance, the major risk as far as insurance is concerned is probably theft of the caravan itself.

For a static caravan though the most likely cause for problems is flooding or fire – which is why static caravan insurance discounts are typically offered if your caravan is kept on an approved site or at a location far from the sea, rivers or lakes etc.

With many sites closing over the winter season, finding a secure location for your static caravan is important. CaSSOA storage sites are widely recognised and approved as safe sites for static caravans. There may be less scope for incidents on these sites, so if you use one, you may see an attractive discount on your premiums!

Keeping your contents safe

The same basic security precautions that you may carry out without thinking for your permanent home still make sense for your holiday home caravan. These include making sure that your doors and windows are closed and locked when you are not in the caravan thereby helping reduce the chance of burglary or theft.

Contents cover for static caravans may include things like clothing, baggage and televisions in addition to the regular fittings and fixtures, but may exclude items like portable telephones, laptops and computers.

Removing valuable items from the caravan, particularly if it is to be empty for long periods of time, is typically a sensible idea. Installing a burglar alarm is generally also considered a wise precaution.

Don’t be tempted to under value your possessions to keep static caravan insurance premiums down! If there is a problem you may find that your insurers pay out based on your (too low) valuation.

Awning cover

Many static caravan insurers may not include awnings under the general static caravan insurance cover. They may only provide insurance for an awning if it is insured in its own right.

Special conditions may then also apply. Storm damage to the awning, for example, may only be covered if you are present when it happens – unless you have fully stowed the awning beforehand. If you leave the awning out and it is damaged while you are absent, you may find that you are not covered.

General maintenance

As a responsible caravan owner, it is in your own interest to keep your caravan in good condition and well maintained. There are some general maintenance procedures that your insurers may expect you to undertake as part of the terms and conditions of cover.

For example, if your caravan is to be left empty for extended period of time, you may typically be expected to drain down the water and heating systems to reduce the risk of damage as a result of burst pipes.

Static caravans need to be firmly anchored at each corner to a firm and solid base. Regularly checking these anchors from time to time to ensure that have not deteriorated due to wear and tear not only makes sense but you may find it is also a condition of your static caravan insurance.