Who is Ripe?
Ripe offers a broad range of niche insurance products. Since launching in 1998 with The Golfers Club, the company has expanded to offer a number of insurance products, including for caravans, lodges, cabins, chalets and trailers.
Who underwrites the caravan insurance from Ripe?
The caravan insurance from Ripe is underwritten by RSA (Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc).
Ripe is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
What types of caravan insurance are available?
- Touring caravan insurance. This is relevant for anyone towing a caravan on the roads for leisure. While not a legal requirement, this type of cover is worth considering to keep a caravan protected whilst being towed.
- Static caravan insurance. This type of insurance is best suited to a caravan that is permanently fixed in one place. Most holiday parks will require a basic level of protection in the form of caravan liability insurance to host a caravan on their property.
Ripe also has more tailored insurance policies on offer:
- 5th wheel caravan insurance. This has been adapted from the touring caravan insurance to provide specialist protection for “5th wheelers” or “5vers” caravans, which are gaining a steady following in the UK.
- Trailer tent insurance. Specialist cover for towing and storage all year round, as well as storm and flood cover.
- Folding camper insurance. This specialist insurance provides year-round protection against “all risks” for touring and storage.
- Folding caravan insurance. This adapted touring caravan insurance provides cover while a folding caravan is in storage, being towed or pitched on site.
What is covered under my Ripe policy?
- New for old option if caravan is less than 15 years old
- Awning storm damage cover
- Fire, theft, storm and flood damage
- Accidental damage
- Recover and redelivery, including whilst abroad
- Public liability cover up to £2.5 million
- Emergency accommodation or caravan hire
- European cover up to 180 days
- Sick driver cover
- Fatal accident benefit up to £25,000
- Key and lock cover for caravan and security devices up to £500
- Public liability cover up to £5 million
- Fire, theft, storm and flood damage
- Accidental damage
- New for old option
- Debris removal, re-siting and emergency repairs cover up to £10,000
- Fixtures and fittings cover
- Key and lock cover up to £500
- Emergency accommodation costs up to £75 a day for 15 days
- Emergency services damage up to £1,000
- Ground rent cover up to £2,500
- Fatal accident benefit up to £25,000
- Special occasions cover (with £2,500 contents cover increase around birthdays, weddings or religious festivals)
Optional extras
Ripe offers extras you can bolt on to your caravan insurance policy, including:
- No-claim discount protection
- Extended European cover up to 240 days
- Home emergency cover
- Hiring out and loss of earnings cover for static caravans
- Emergency accommodation or caravan hire cover up to £100 a day for 30 days
General exclusions
Ripe has some general exclusions that apply:
- When your caravan is being used for a purpose not included under your policy
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown
- Depreciation of your caravan
- General wear and tear
- Manufacturing defects
- Rust, corrosion or any gradual deterioration
Check your policy for further details to confirm your cover is valid.
How to save on your caravan insurance policy with Ripe
- Increase security. Fit security alarms and immobilisers to deter thieves. Fitting a security camera or tracking device may also be a good idea.
- Increase the excess. Agreeing to pay a bigger voluntary excess could make your overall premium cheaper. But remember that your insurer won’t pay out for a claim that costs less than your excess. So be careful about making it too high, as it could leave you out of pocket if damage occurs.
- Increase safety. Installing devices such as electronic anti-snaking devices, axle wheel locks to the caravan chassis or tyre pressure monitoring systems to caravan tyres, could result in additional discounts.
- Join a club. Savings could be made by becoming a member of a national or regional caravan owners’ club.
- Check the discounts. Caravan Guard has a range of discounts that can be applied to your premium so check which discounts apply to you so that you get the savings you deserve.
What is the claims process for Ripe?
If you need to make a claim, you can contact Ripe’s claims department in any of the following ways.
- Calling 0344 274 0272
- Sending an email to newclaim.caravans@davies-group.com
- Writing a letter to Ripe Insurance for Caravans Claims, Davies Group, PO Box 2801, Hanley Stoke on Trent, ST4 5DN
You’re encouraged to report any lost or stolen items as soon as possible. It’s also important that you take reasonable steps to minimise any further damage or loss from happening.
Verdict
Ripe offers a decent comprehensive policy for both touring and static caravans. The company’s specialised policies will appeal to owners of more niche caravans as well.
If you have read this review and decided that Ripe’s cover is not for you, you can also compare with other caravan insurance providers on the market.
Frequently asked questions
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