Top Tips When Looking For Caravan Insurance

By H Robinson

1. New for Old Cover
   
   
   With newer caravans, you may have the option to insure your caravan under a new for old policy, meaning, should your caravan be damaged beyond economical repair or stolen, you will receive a brand new replacement caravan. The alternative is a straightforward 'market value' policy. In both cases it is important to get the value of the insured caravan correct and include any equipment in the sums insured. Equipment can include awnings, security devices, gas bottles etc.



2. European Cover
   
   
   Make sure your policy includes European use if you plan to travel on the continent with your touring caravan. This may be included as standard, or you may have to pay an additional charge. Also check the duration of the cover as you may be limited to a certain number of days per trip.



3. Emergency Accommodation Expenses
   
   
   This can save your holiday should the worst happen to your caravan whilst you are away or if you have a holiday booked. The cover will pay towards alternative accommodation for a certain length of time, but the level of cover can vary from insurer to insurer, so it's always a good idea to check before you travel.



4. Personal Effects
   
   
   Household items taken on holiday, such as clothing, are classed as personal effects. It is possible to insure these under your caravan insurance policy; however, it is more than likely that these items will be insured under your home contents insurance, so check with your existing policy before paying out for cover you don't need. High risk items such as jewellery or expensive electrical equipment, such as cameras and laptops, certainly need to be covered under a household policy.



5. Storm Damage
   
   
   Storms can cost thousands of pounds worth of damage to your caravan and equipment, but not all insurance policies cover storm damage to awnings. With the unpredictable weather in the UK, you never know when a storm could hit your 'van and its awning, so choose a policy that has this included for complete peace of mind.



6. Caravan Insurance Discounts
   
   
   This is probably one of the most important factors for a lot of people when shopping around for caravan insurance - the price you will pay. You can get discounts for being mature, claim free caravanners, or even being a member of a caravanning club. There are often discounts to be had on security devices such as alarms and tracking devices as well as safety devices such as the new AL-KO ATC stability device. Some insurers even offer discounts for readers of caravan magazines and website forums!

Whatever you require from your touring caravan insurance policy, remember to shop around and ask the right questions before taking out cover.

Heather Robinson of Caravan Guard Limited. Caravan Guard specialise in touring caravan insurance. For more information about insuring your caravan, please visit the Caravan Guard website at http://www.caravanguard.co.uk