Is your caravan covered?

By SARAH JAGGER
Updated:

 

A new caravan can now cost more than £20,000, but the Association of British Insurers says very few of the 500,000 UK owners bother to insure their vans. This is in spite of the fact that premiums start at just £180 a year and the average claim tops £1,100.

Traditionally, caravan insurance could be tacked on to a household policy but many insurers have stopped offering this after a sharp rise in claims. So owners may have to go to caravan clubs or specialist brokers - there is a full list below.

You can choose from two main types of policy. They are: market value policies that insure caravans at their current re-sale price; new-for-old policies that provide cover equal to a caravan's replacement value.

Whatever policy you choose, there are ways to cut the premiums. The Caravan Club, for example, offers a 5% no claims bonus after a year and many policies also offer other discounts based on the owner's age. Caravan Guard gives discounts to people over 40 and security conscious caravanners can cut costs if they have suitable alarms.

On the road the caravan is covered for accidents under the owner's motor policy at no extra cost. But before travelling abroad you may need to extend their breakdown cover to include caravans. This costs about £10 for 17 days.

Insurance checklist
• Shop around - there are huge differences in cost and cover out there

• Read and understand what's on offer: do the security requirements suit you? Is the Continental cover what you want? Can other family members use the van?

• How much excess will you accept?

• What type of cover suits you best: new for old, agreed value or market value?

Once you've made your choice...
• Check the schedule - is it exactly what you asked for? If not, get it corrected.

• Review your sum insured every year - don't pay premiums for a value that will not be paid out if a claim arises.

• Keep details and receipts of all improvements made to your caravan. They could be vital evidence about its value.

• Notify your insurer about any changes to your address, storage arrangements, or security devices. This may save a claim from being ruled out - and might even get you a discount.

Caravan insurers
Bakers of Cheltenham 0800 496 1516
Caravan Club 01342 327433
Caravanguard 0500 358525
Comfort Insurance 020 8470 1127
Coyle Hamilton Insurance Brokers 020 8514 3333
Crusader Direct 0800 834120
Direct Caravan Insurance 0800 783 4350
Drewe Insurance 01299 401663
E&L Insurance 0700 0800 800
Motor Caravan Insurance Agency 01480 218273
Mobile Homes Insurance 01926 452626
Saga Insurance Services 0800 484 184
Shield Direct 0800 393033
Shield Insurance 0800 413271
Tourer Select 01452 511 480
Whittlesey Insurance 01733 208117

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