Here are a few FAQs relating to static caravans insurance.

What is a static caravan?

A static caravan is typically seen by the insurance industry as being one that meets certain characteristics:

• it is located on an approved caravan site;
• although on wheels and therefore technically mobile, it is fixed semi-permanently in one spot of the site and is appropriately and securely anchored;
• it is used occasionally through the year for the purposes of holidays and recreation (in the case of some policies, that may include holiday rentals);
• by definition, following on from the above point, it is not permanently occupied as your normal place of residence.

It may be a good idea to read the precise definitions of your own static caravans insurance policy, as there may be variation between insurance providers.

Is caravan site insurance obligatory?

There are two aspects to this question:

• whether or not it may be mandatory to have insurance for your caravan on some caravan sites;
• whether or not you must purchase your insurance from the site owners.

As part of the site conditions, it may be legitimate for the site owners to insist that caravan owners have appropriate insurance cover. They may have a right to see evidence of this and perhaps to even charge an administration fee for checking and filing copies.

By contrast, it would be inappropriate for a site owner to insist that you purchase your insurance from them, as you may have far more cost-effective options open to you.

Why may third party liability cover be advisable?

Comparatively few people dispute that we live in an increasingly litigious age.

If someone is injured or suffers damage to their property, as a result of your caravan, they may be quick to sue you for compensation.

The costs of this, including any court awards against you, may prove to be staggeringly high.

That is why it may be advisable to seek static caravans insurance that covers this risk adequately.

What precautions must I take when closing the caravan down for a period?

There is a range of sensible activities to undertake as part of closing your caravan up for extended periods.

Not all of these will necessarily be written down in your policy as a formal requirement, however, some may be.

Typically, some policies may demand that you drain down all water and heating systems and that your caravan is appropriately and securely anchored to protect against the worst of the elements. Some policies may require (or offer discounts for) the use of security systems.

Some static caravans insurance may offer discounts if your caravan site is secure and patrolled over the closed season period or if you store your caravan in a separate approved and secure storage location.

Tomorrow see’s my working week commence after two days off, it could be argued that by responding to emails and calls and working in the evenings these were not real days off but they were!

Off to the NEC tomorrow to have a look at the Caravan Show.

It has to be more interesting than the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, we took the boys there yesterday and talk about boring and small. With all the great places you can visit in London this was not a good choice.

Today saw a trip to the Zoo. I think we have totally exhausted our annual passes now and although I find it one of my happier places the magic has really worn off. I do not think we will be renewing those passes in 2011 but I am known to change my mind.

Learnt some new things today. Oddly I made an error when misinterpreting an email I was sent and then someone did the same with one of mine. The scarey part is, when reflected upon, would people really fall out over the content of an email? If so then there was never anything very special to save. Hopefully that does not apply to me.

Richard

Mr F from Kent wrote:

“The salesman that sold me the policy had just the right amount of “push”. He sold the policy well but did not put me under any pressure. If your prices remain competitive I will probably stay with you”

Dear All

Rather a grand title but I have to report that I am experiencing some pain in my shoulder today which is getting me down somewhat, I have to book a doctors appointment for a check up and like most men I have the doctors! I don;t expect any sympathy.

It was my sisters birthday yesterday and my family came down to babysit so that we could watch the football (lucky she loves spending time with my son!) although it was a bit of a washout as Arsenal were very poor in the Cup.

I am off the NEC on Wednesday to see the Caravan show and am very much looking forward to it, seeing all the new models, the members Clubs, the caravanners.

Have a great day

Mike

Today sees a well earned day off with the clan. We are going into London on the train. We are going to meet Grandma and Grandad at the London Transport museum which is near Covent Garden.

It has been a while since we had a day out together so we should have lots of fun.

Tomorrow sees a Zoo trip and then  back to work, but not the office, on Wednesday.

I am hopeful the new car can be collected Saturday but we are now waiting on the wonderful DVLA to change my cherished number plate over. That was a great investment a couple of years ago but everytime you change your car you have to go through this process!

Have a great day whatever you decide to do.

Richard