“We would recommend you to other people as we had a bad accident on the way home form scotland the caravan wheel came off as we were travelling home when we got in touch with the insurance they couldnt do enough for us.Everything went really smoothly and everybody who dealt with  us was very good we have now bought another caravan and you have dealt with the new insurance again the insurance agent dealt with us very well.We wrote a letter to AMTRUST to thank everybody for all the help and also   we would like to say a big thank you to Mr Daniel Watson for all his help the other day to renew a new policy for us may you all go onwell for a good future as we all know at the moment things are a bit gloomy kind reagrds”

Well I am back in the office today following a fruitful trip to London to visit one of our Insurers, we made excellent progress and also discussed claims, which is a very important area and one that we take very seriously.

On the way home I saw an advert for a budget travel policy and, being an insurance broker, my first thought was “what cover are they offering?” Cheap policies may be attractive but it is important to look at what is behind the price. If you invest your hard earned money in a caravan, surely you want the best protection available? I have seen far too many of these cheap offerings and it still frustrates me to think that people do not totally understand the cover thet are being offered.

Well that’s a rant over! Tomorrow sees the staff party, we have this in the New Year which is a good thing as January is quite a depressing month financially and a free night out is always welcome!

Have a great day all

Mike

Did anyone see the Paul Merton show on Caravanning last night, if you missed it it’s on Channel 5 On Demand http://www.channel5.com/shows/paul-mertons-adventures/episodes/florida-3

It will be interesting to hear your views!

Mike

Very worrying for all of those involved.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/wales/8864335/Cliff-top-caravans-left-dangling-after-landslide-in-south-Wales.html

News from the Caravan industry that buyers in East Riding have been warned by police to approach purchasing caravans on E Bay to take precautions following one unfortunate resident being part of a £4,000 con.

The unamed lady from Beverley transferred the money to an E Bay account but was returned saying that the transaction was not possible.

She was then contacted by the con artist who requested sending the money to a different account, which she did, but dod not hear from the person again and the van was not delivered. The police believe the money was sent an account in Europe with Spain a real possibility.

It is a good idea to buy your van from a reputable dealer with experience in the field.

Mike

Well the Caravan season is slowing down and, apart from Statics we are quietening on the New Business front. The Renewals are going well and as I say with lots of people’s site renewals coming up we are experiencing an increase in Static New Business.

Congratulations to my sister in law Jude and partner Ray in Australia on the birth of their son Ned, weighing in at 7lbs 14 and healthy. Shame they live so far away!

We have a visit from mother in law on Friday so this means a trip to London for us, I have Friday and Monday off for a bit of relaxation for a change!

Have a great day

Mike

Well another weekend is upon us, it seems hard to believe it is nearly October already but to be honest I like the weather a bit cooler.

This week I have caught a cold which, whilst I refuse to let it stope me carrying out my normal routine, has been somewhat annoying. The good things is that I tend to get bad colds but they go quicker.

The weekend sees another match for Dagenham against Morecambe, we have had a poor run and our Captain has suffered some abuse on Twitter which went beyond acceptable criticism. I sent my support as he is an honest hard working pro and why should’nt he have a Twitter, he’s not exactly Wayne Rooney!

Next week I have my Team One To Ones which are very good and informative for all concerned and a trip to London with my partner. We are very much looking forward to the trip and a couple of days away from the office.

Have a great day

Mike

A: The short answer is yes, most Insurance Companies will not cover you in this instance as the awning is not in use. It may take a few minutes to take the awning down but, for exapmle in these recent high winds, if you are not with the caravan the awning is likely to be damaged. The caravan (and thus the awning) is deemed as in use “when you or your immediate family are using or visiting your caravan for holiday purposes or when the caravan is attched to a towing vehicle. This includes a 24 hour period immediately prior to and returning from you or your immediate family using or visiting your caravan for holiday purposes provided the caravan is kept at your home during this 24 hour period.”

If you have any questions regarding this you can either read our policy wordings (on the Terms of Business and Documents page on the main page) or ring us free on 0800 9707172.

Reports from experts within the industry suggest that caravan thefts from service stations are on the rise again. After years of positive figures it appears that caravan owners have relaxed and this has led to a sharp increase in crime, and of course as you are on the road more of your prize possessions will be stolen with it.

The thefts are the result of organised gropus where the owners may only have stopped for 10 minutes to grab a cup of coffee as many owners do not fit their wheel clamp and hitchlock, but whilst this is a pain it could save you thousands of pounds by securing your van and the hours of trouble that ensue.

Another idea is to fit a tracking device, whether it be pro active or target, which can be monitored to improve the chances of a recovery.

Other advice is to park with other caravanners, avoid extended periods of vacancy and to invest in security equipment.

Mike

As you are aware the most important test of your policy is if you need to make a claim, here is what one client said about our service:

“We are with you at the moment as you are very reasonable. We had a bump this year and there was no problem arranging the repair and we were kept informed all the way. Good price and helpful staff and we are happy to renew with you”