Trying to compare static caravan insurance is an activity that you may well periodically undertake.

After all, virtually everybody wants to know that they’re getting a suitable and cost-effective solution and it’s not easy to be sure of that unless you compare static caravan insurance policies.

Here are a few thoughts that may help.

• Look at the discounts

Unless you’re very fortunate, you probably have to watch the pennies. Some policies may be able to offer you the chance to save money by doing things that are in your interests as well as those of the insurers.

That may include things such as joining a caravan or owners’ club, only using approved static caravan sites, fitting additional security devices (above those which you are obliged to use as part of your caravan cover) and formally and securely storing your caravan over winter.

Those discounts (or the lack of them) may make a significant difference to how much you’re spending.

• Note the conditions

Insurers often see things differently to each other. That means that typically they’ll also have policies with different conditions and requirements of the policyholder.

These conditions are rarely particularly demanding but compliance with them is necessary if you’re to avoid putting your cover at risk.

It’s a good idea to check these when trying to compare static caravan insurance to be certain that they’re equally acceptable to you.

• Watch out for flood zones

As worries about global warming increase, some insurers are becoming increasingly worried about static caravans located in areas prone to flooding.

You may find that there are special clauses and conditions (perhaps also costs) arising on some policies.

• Contents cover

Some policies may have lower maximum payout levels than others or may only offer market value replacement rather than new-for-old.

This may make a big difference to you in the event of a claim.

• Days’ usage

A static caravan is not a park home and is typically only occupied for a number of days, weeks or months per year for holiday purposes.

Some policies may specify the maximum occupancy period.

• Winter close-downs

Some policies may understandably demand that you take certain preventative measures before the winter arrives in order to protect your static home.

These may include things such as draining down water systems or making special anchoring arrangements.

These conditions may vary between insurance providers.

• Service

Finally, don’t forget that not all insurers offer identical customer service arrangements.

For example, if you enjoy speaking to someone rather than using the internet exclusively, then you may be looking for a customer service centre such as ours that is available via the telephone and the internet.

Finally, price is also a factor of course! However, to compare static caravan insurance most effectively might entail focusing on the cover provided and your needs first, then thinking about cost comparisons second.

Dear All

Well the weather has taken a turn for the worse, and to be honest we in this country are not prepared for snow and the like, and everyone panics. I was in Sainsburys and one of the check out staff told me people have been panic buying beans and things! This is a slight exaggeration of the Country’s plight surely!

The Company’s Christmas Party is on Friday and it is a testimony to our Directors that even in these lean times they arrange a do when alot of Companies are not. I am taking my partner and I am sure it will be a great night for all.

Where would you like to be right now? I personally would love to be in Australia watching the Ashes, hot weather, great sporting theatre etc. Problem is here that I can’t stay up long enough to watch any of it so I tape the highlights. It has been excellent so far but a long way to go!

Have a safe time during this spell

Mike

Getting a touring caravan insurance quote may be one thing, understanding what it tells you may be something completely different.

You may be forgiven for thinking that the only important piece of information provided in a quote is the cost of the premium. While the price is undoubtedly important, it really only makes sense in the context of the cover it provides.

To take a non-caravan example, a pair of shoes may be on sale at a fantastic bargain price but if you take a size 8 and the shoes are a 6 then it doesn’t really matter what price they are, they are no good to you.

If you have touring caravan insurance quote that offers 30 days’ continental cover but you like to get away for 3 months abroad each year, then it’s not going to be much use to you.

Before you can act on your quote, you need to match what you need against what’s on offer.

Even once you have a good match, then you may benefit from looking at those policies that may offer discounts in some circumstances, which could help reduce the price a little.

So, for example, if you are member of a recognised caravan club you’ll find that we can offer a caravan club insurance discount to club members. This is because we view membership as a sign of responsibility and maturity. Responsible caravan owners may adopt a more serious approach, which could result in fewer claims.

Reducing risk

Reducing the risk to your caravan may see you get a more attractively-priced premium, though do note that certain security requirements will be mandatory with many caravan cover providers. For example, policies may require that you fit a hitchlock if you leave your caravan attached to an unattended vehicle. Unhitch the caravan and you may need to fit a wheel clamp.

An area where you could help to reduce risk to your touring caravan relates to where it is parked when not in use.

If it is left on a public road, then it may be more at risk from:

• being stolen or broken into;
• passing vandals may cause damage;
• another vehicle may cause accidental damage.

Your tourer may not be 100 per cent safe in your driveway but the chances of it sustaining damage may be greatly reduced. Even better, storing it away at an approved site may not only give your caravan greater protection, but may see you get a discount on your cover, too.

A touring caravan insurance quote can be an extremely useful tool in helping find the most appropriate policy for you – if you remember what to look for.

Hello All,

Well the temperature has well and truly plummeted and I am sure we are all feeling the cold. It snowed today, and unlike some people who think it causes inconvenience and chaos I really love it. We all just need to make sure we are careful on the roads and not to take any risks. Although we are good on the roads doesn’t mean our cars will behave, just like mine, my car now has no heating in it and only blows out cold air. It’s as cold in my car as it is out I can even see my breath! Oh well can’t have it all can we.

A few recent events in my life have put alot of things in perspective and I am now not trying to moan about silly little things (which is tough I can tell you). I think all of us need to sit back and see how lucky we are, and its amazing to realise what you have compared to some.

On another optimistic note I would like to congratulate my partner Simon who has now started his new job, if you read my last blog he was out of work for a while and it was getting us both down with job hunting and he has finally found something that is right up his street. I am very proud of him and we can now have a nice relaxing Christmas together.

We are currently in the process of completing our Christmas caravan newsletter, and I hope you are looking forward to it. Has a slight twist to it making it more fun and exciting, and of course our caption competition with a different prize. You will have to wait and see though can’t be going around spoiling surprises.

So again be careful on the roads and look out for the newsletter coming soon!

Take Care

Sophie

Dear All

Well my 29th birthday arrived on Sunday and I was in good spirits despite Arsenal chucking away points against Spurs and Dagenham losing at home. We met friends and family for a quick drink on Sunday afternoon and then a Chinese meal in the evening which was all fun.

Monday came and as I took a couple of days of work my motherin law came down and myself and my partner spent the afternoon in town and went to see Dara O’Briain at the Cliffs Pavilion in the evening.

He was very good and there was some great interraction with the audience, I must say the first half was better than the second as there were jokes about parenting etc which I could identify with!

Back to work today and the Team were fine without me (they probably enjoyed the quiet!) but I am here now and it’s a short week which is good.

On a final note I must wish my Dad better as he has some bad back problems at the moment, it’s never nice to have back aches and pains.

Have a great week

Mike