As an owner of a caravan it is important to take responsibility by organizing insurance cover for your holiday home, not only to compensate in the event of an accident, fire or theft but also for overall piece of mind. Whether you are a new owner looking to insure for the first time, or you are an existing owner looking to renew your insurance cover this article covers some of the key issues you should bear in mind.

2 Types of Policy – There are two types of policy which have been developed under the umbrella of caravan insurance, these reflect the 2 different types of caravan (Static and Touring), specific insurance policies have been developed for each.

1. Touring Caravan Insurance – Touring caravans are towed on the road behind a car or another suitable tow vehicle. Touring caravans are towed to camp sites for use as a form of holiday accommodation. Tourer insurance incorporates cover for towing the unit on the roads behind a tow vehicle as well as general cover for damage, theft, fire. A touring caravan can be subject to all the hazards of the road which include: accidents, collisions, high winds, unbalanced loading, and also fire and theft.
2. Static Caravan Insurance – Static caravans are stationary and typically located or sited on a caravan site or holiday park on a semi-permanent basis. They are subject to environmental hazards which include, high winds, flooding of the immediate local area and also fire and theft of personal items. For these reasons separate policies have been developed for each type of caravan. Insurance policies are often very specific in their cover and conditions, in this article you will find reference to terms and features that might help you when comparing insurance quotes.

‘New for old cover’ often only applies to newer caravans (both tourers & statics), the insurer provides a guarantee to replace a caravan should it be written off. The insurer will replace your old caravan with a new caravan of equal or better specification. Many insurers only offer new for old cover on caravans up to 5 years old although some insurance cover now offers extended new for old cover of up to 15 years but at a premium.

‘European cover’ (touring caravans’ for use abroad), essential if you plan holidays with your touring caravan abroad. European cover provides added cover for use of your holiday caravan in numerous EU countries, and includes features like emergency accommodation.

‘Twin Axle’ (touring caravans), twin axle caravans are usually larger caravans with a double central axle, you might find insurers do not offer cover for twin axle caravans on a standard policy. Many insurers offer dedicated policies for twin axle caravans.

Security the benefits of added security can lead to insurance discounts! Security has become an increasingly important factor in accessing the best value insurance. Many insurers now require at least one item of added security for touring caravans. This could be a hitch lock or wheel clamp or proof of storage on a secure storage facility when the unit is not in use. In the case of twin axle caravans and more costly luxury models a tracker alarm could be required, as they are considered much more attractive to thieves. Security is not such an issue for static vans as they are sited on Parks on a semi-permanent basis, although an intruder alarm system is viewed by many insurance companies as a bonus and will often qualify an owner for a discounted premium.

Public Liability Cover is now a feature of most insurance policies and provides a level of cover against injury or fatality to a 3rd party. Public liability cover is increasingly important, and would be seen as essential for anything towed on a public highway. It is also important with static caravans especially if they are used by family and friends and essential if you rent out or plan to rent out your holiday home.

Online quotes, the internet has revolutionised insurance, making it easy and quick to obtain numerous quotes for comparison a key factor in getting accurate quotes is to ensure you use the same information when you request a quote from different insurers (i.e. ensure you enter the same value, age and other key details about the caravan).