In the UK, you are not legally required to have caravan insurance. But when around 4,000 caravans are stolen each year, getting a policy that suits you could save you money if the worst were to happen to your home away from home.
Caravan insurance is a type of cover that protects your caravan if anything were to happen to it. As with car insurance there are a number of policies to choose from to suit your personal circumstances. But, unlike car insurance, caravan insurance is not compulsory.
Market value. Market value cover insures your caravan against its current market value. For example, if your £30,000 caravan was stolen or damaged beyond repair 10 years after you bought it, your insurer would only pay out around £15,000. this is usually the cheaper cover option.
New for old cover. New for old cover means your insurer would pay out the original cost of your caravan regardless of how long you’ve had it. New for old cover can also extend to your caravan equipment and personal belongings. Older caravans might not be eligible for this cover.
Your personal cover requirements will largely dictate what caravan policy works for you. Follow these five steps to ensure you get the best deal and most practical policy.
1. Consider the value of your caravan. Think about how much your caravan would cost to repair or replace following an accident. If your caravan is brand new, you’ll probably want a more comprehensive policy and one that offers new-for-old replacement.
2. Consider how you will be using your caravan. Is it an on-site van or a touring caravan? How far will you be travelling and through what sort of terrain? Are you planning one big trip or several smaller trips?
3. Think about what you want your policy to cover. In addition to fire, storm, theft and malicious damage, do you want cover for towing costs and temporary accommodation? Do you need extra contents cover for valuable items?
4. Do your research. Armed with an idea of your cover needs, start shopping around for appropriate policies.
5. Balance the policy features with the price. To make sure your policy is the best fit, try to find a balance between the cost of the cover and the features you need.
According to moving intelligence, around 4,000 caravans are stolen each year. Combined with the higher risk of damage from towing, reversing and high winds, investing in caravan insurance could set you back, on average, £100-£300. A big saving compared to the thousands it could cost to replace or repair your vehicle.
The average cost of caravan insurance in the UK is roughly £100-£300, according to Caravan Tech, but the actual cost of your insurance will depend on the following factors:
Picking the best campervan or caravan insurance for you means ensuring that it does everything you want it to do. But equally, you want to pick an insurance that puts your safety, and that of your vehicle, first.”
There are a range of insurance policies to cover different types of caravan. These are:
A touring caravan is one that is towed by a car or other vehicle. While your existing car insurance may protect you when towing a caravan, this will generally only extend to third party, and will not cover any damage to your caravan.
Getting specialised insurance for your touring caravan will protect you from the following:
Static caravans are generally larger than touring caravans and are often permanently installed at holiday parks. While you are not legally required to get caravan insurance, it can help protect against any damage caused to your property, especially if you’re not there to look after it all year round.
If you live in a static caravan permanently, you will need to get different insurance to someone who uses it as a temporary holiday home.
If you are pulling a trailer tent or folding camper behind your vehicle, you can also get caravan insurance to protect it from damage and theft.
A motorhome is a vehicle that can be driven as well as lived in. Unlike caravans, you are legally required to get motorhome insurance if you plan on driving it in the UK. There are three main levels of motorhome insurance:
You can also get additional cover to protect from accidental damage, personal possessions cover and public liability.
Different providers will have different cover options so it’s important to check in advance if a policy suits your specific needs. Typically, caravan insurance won’t cover the following:
Start comparing caravan insurance
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best caravan insurance providers in the UK and some top tips on how to get the best deal on your policy.
When it comes to your static caravan, it’s important that you’re covered for any damage or loss. Find out how to get cheap static caravan insurance.
Touring caravan insurance can cover your mobile home from theft, fire and accidental damage. Find out how it works and what to look out for.
