Holiday caravan insurance – different needs for different caravans

There are three main types of caravan – touring, static and camper vans. While there are many elements of holiday caravan insurance that are common to all three types, each also has its own specific features corresponding to the different characteristics and usage patterns.

Touring caravans

Touring caravans may be particularly prone to theft and vandalism. Theft does not just relate to the theft of the caravan contents but of the actual caravan itself. It is not uncommon to find that while some tourer caravan UK insurers recommend the use of hitchlocks and wheel clamps, there are others who go one step further in crime prevention by making the use of these devices mandatory for their holiday caravan insurance cover.

Static caravans

Choose your site carefully. Static caravans are often prone to damage from flooding. You may expect some premiums to be higher if you choose to locate your static holiday home on a site which is close to water or which has had flooding problems in the past.

There may also be special terms and conditions for draining down heating and water systems when your static caravan is not in use over the winter.

Camper vans

If you use a camper van or motor home for your holiday, if it breaks down you have not only lost your means of transport but also your holiday accommodation. Camper van breakdown insurance, which can typically provide alternative transport and accommodation, may mean that your holiday does not have to be cancelled following a breakdown.

Some standard camper van insurance policies may include cover for use of your motor home abroad. This may be limited to a certain number of months or weeks per year. If you feel that you may exceed this limit, remember to let your insurers know so that they can arrange additional continental cover.

Common features

Your caravan is also, on occasion, your holiday home. Fixtures, fittings and the other items that you may add from time-to-time to make it more of a home, may all benefit from being insured with a caravan contents policy.

If you fit a burglar alarm and park your caravan at an approved site, you may be helping to reduce theft and vandalism and may find that premiums are discounted as a result.

Many of the specialist caravan insurers may offer discounts for membership of caravan clubs. They believe that by joining a club, caravanners demonstrate that they are responsible caravan owners.

Some insurers these days provide awning insurance separate from standard holiday caravan insurance cover. Awnings that are not stowed may be particularly liable to damage from windy weather. You may find that cover for some types of storm damage is only valid if you are present in the caravan when it happens or if the awning has been fully stowed.

Whatever type of caravan you have, you may benefit from discussing your needs with a specialist insurance provider to find the holiday caravan insurance which is right for you. We have been providing caravan insurance for over 60 years, so why not take advantage of our knowledge and the special deals we can access? We are always happy to offer advice and guidance on all these issues so that you can feel confident you have suitable cover at a competitive price.