Well the new cartoon funny for 2010 has been finished and is with our I.T. department to load up as we speak.

We have opted for a different Touring Caravan Insurance theme this year and we very much hope you like it.

We will let you know as soon as it is live.

Richard

[podcast format="video"]http://www.cover4caravans.co.uk/media/caravans_cartoon_23-03-10.flv[/podcast]

Caravan insurance cover means that one of your favourite assets – your holiday home – is typically covered from the risks of damage or destruction caused by storms, fire, floods and theft. The exact range of risks varies from provider to provider. However, getting a good deal on your caravan cover means more than just finding a policy that meets these basic requirements. Good quality caravan cover must be appropriate, affordable and user friendly.

A policy that meets your needs
Whether you have a static or a touring caravan, a policy that meets your needs is worth its weight in gold. For example, if you have a touring caravan that you like to take outside of the UK on a regular basis, make sure that the cover allows this with continental cover. If you think you might exceed the level of foreign travel permitted by your caravan insurance cover, mention this to your insurer. If you do not and subsequently attempt to make a claim when you are overseas, the policy may not pay out.

On the other hand if you have a static caravan, you might leave it empty in the winter time, preferring to use it only during the summer. Would you insurer withdraw cover for these cold winter months? Some insurers may keep the caravan on risk, but subject to certain terms and conditions such as you draining down the heating systems etc.

A policy that fits your budget
When it comes to caravan insurance cover, the most competitively priced policy might not necessarily be the most suitable deal for you. So never just accept the first quote you are given – shop around or let us do it on your behalf.

Insurers often offer discounts to careful caravanners with no claims bonuses and to those with extra security devices on their vans. Likewise, caravanning clubs use their bargaining power to secure valuable discounts for their members, so if you have joined such an organisation be sure to exploit the fact.

Aside from discounts, there are other issues to take into account. You may for example wish to compare the excesses on the various policies you are considering. A high excess generally means a lower premium, but this is subject to the problem that you will not be able to make a claim under the policy unless it is for a substantial sum. A low excess on the other hand typically has the opposite effect – pushing the price up by making it easier to claim.

A policy that treats customers well
Insurers and customers alike are united in the hope that you do not have to make a claim. But if you do, would the claims handlers of the insurance company be available at a time that was convenient to suit you? Is your caravan insurance cover provider well experienced in the travel and leisure industry, and do they understand your concerns? The answers to these questions are important when you make your decision.

Dear All

We at Cover4Caravans are happy to announce that you can now renew your current Touring Caravan and Static Caravan policy online now!

All you need to do is click on the link, type in your brokers reference (this number has four letters and two numbers followed by CT or CS), your email address and correspondence details along with your name etc and then follow the secure HSBC payment screens. Simple!

Of course if you have any issues we are always here to help on the phone.

Happy touring

Mike

Lots of positive news on both the sales of new caravans and advance bookings for caravan sites!

Sales

First of all, caravan production is on the increase reports Glass’s Guide. Citing figures from the National Caravan Council (NCC), Glass’s reported that at the end of the last quarter of 2009, production of UK market touring caravans totalled 6,450 units. This was a 21.8% increase on the 5,296 produced in the same period in 2008.

This surge reflects the recent strong demand for touring caravans that UK caravan manufacturers have been experiencing.

Sales between September and November 2009 also were up on the previous year, by 4.3%. 6,265 tourers were sold in the last quarter of 2009 compared with 6,009 sales in the same months of 2008.

Glass’s recent trade survey highlighted that the demand for 2, 4, 5 and 6-berth touring caravans was well up on the same period twelve months previously, though slightly less so for twin-axle models. For manufacturers, who no doubt due to the aftershock of the economic crisis, tend to work to a more cautious level of production, this means that delivery lead-times are extending noticeably.

Manufacturers reported very little build-up of new stock and almost half confirmed their stocks were lower.

Bookings

As we mentioned a few months ago, the Camping and Caravanning Club reported advanced booking rates already up 16% compared to the same time last year. And look through any newspaper or online, and you’ll probably find something about the virtues of staycations, where people holiday in the UK.

Certainly, as various reports have highlighted, it’s not always about the money. Reasons why more Brits are choosing to holiday at home typically may include:

• it’s green – eco-friendlier than flying and you get to see a lot more looking out of the window;
• great for families – it’s easier to drive to a caravan park than load you and couple of youngsters on to a plane;
• easy to get to – less travel and chance of long delays;
• no issues – with food (if one of your group is a fussy eater) or a foreign language!

These staycations could be going somewhere in your own caravan or visiting a caravan holiday park. Whatever your holiday choice, we say – Viva the caravan!

Here is a photo from the lovely Nerja, just north of Malaga. Beautiful place.

This post was submitted by Richard.