Caravan

Full details

Usually a sum insured will be set for the caravan, equipment and contents. It will have a policy limit and single article limit. Insured perils usually include fire, theft, vandalism, flood and accident damage. Specific covers should be checked in the policy wording.

• General Exclusions

  Some circumstances of loss are usually excluded, such as if damage is caused by wear and tear, vermin, damp or rust, mechanical breakdown or from the use of an unsecured portable heating appliance. Caravans must be securely locked when unattended and a wheel clamp must be used to prevent theft.

  The caravan must not be used as a permanent residence, or towed by anyone other than the policyholder, their family or party.

• Additional Covers

  Extra covers can be arranged to pay for; the recovery of a broken down caravan and redelivery to you, temporary accommodation if the caravan is uninhabitable, personal accidents and legal liabilities.

• Security

  Understandably, theft is a major concern for caravanners. On average, in excess of 1400 caravans are stolen each year according to the Caravan Club. Some manufacturers now incorporate tracking devices into new models, while installing a system into an existing caravan could reduce premiums.

  Policyholders may also be able to join a computerised theft register at their caravan club, helping identify stolen caravans.

  All caravans manufactured since 1992 by NCC members are recorded on the CRiS database. Many insurance companies require CRiS registration before they will issue a policy.

• Minder

  MINDER was created by HPI and the UK Motorhome Industry; it is a vehicle security and asset registration system which helps protect against theft and fraud.

• Weather Risks

  Storm damage leads to a high volume of claims. The Department for Food and Rural Affairs reported in 2012 that 28% of the UK caravan parks are at risk of flooding. The risk increases if a caravan is based on a permanent site, especially in a vulnerable location such as near a river, coast or cliffs. Caravans may be unoccupied for several weeks before damage is detected.

  The caravan club recommends fitting a flood saver device – galvanised steel struts enclosing fire-retardant polystyrene blocks which keep the unit above the surface of flood water.

• Claims and Other Types of Caravan

  In the event of a claim following loss or damage to the caravan or its contents the policy will pay the cost of reinstatement, replacement or repair. Where relevant, deductions will be made to reflect the age of and wear and tear to items lost or damaged.

  Many policies allow the policyholder to arrange for repairs to be carried out up to a certain limit without prior consultation with the insurer

  Most standard caravan policies contain exclusions for mobile homes and caravans used as permanent residences. Insurance for these would normally be provided by a specifically designed policy, similar to a household policy.

  Motorised caravans have to be insured under a motor policy due to the legal requirement to insure third party risks.