subject: Top 6 Tips To Affordable Caravan Insurance [print this page] Have you just purchased a new caravan? Whether it's a touring caravan or whether it's a static caravan, you will no doubt want to make sure that you get it insured as soon as possible. Rather than waste any words, let's go ahead and take a look at what some would consider being the top six tips for getting insurance.
1 - New for Old:
If you've purchased a relatively old caravan then unfortunately you may have no option but to go with what is known as 'market value only' cover. On the other hand, if you're caravan is brand new, or if it's below a certain age, you'll be able to upgrade to what's known as 'new for old' cover. If you do qualify for this sort of cover then you should seriously consider taking advantage of it.
The greatest thing about new for old cover is that your existing caravan will be replaced with a brand new one if your old one gets stolen, or if it ends up getting damaged beyond repair. If you don't qualify for this level of cover then you should still go ahead and take out caravan insurance, even if it's based on the market value of your existing caravan. After all, if your caravan did get stolen, you would at least get a tidy sum of money from your insurance company, which in turn could go a long way towards being able to afford a new home away from home.
2 - European Cover:
If you intend travelling across into Europe with your caravan then you need to make sure your policy includes European cover. If it doesn't, and you run into problems on the continent, your insurance provider will refuse to honour any claim you make. In many cases, caravan insurance policies automatically include this form of cover, although there are a few exceptions. With that said, if you can't imagine yourself leaving the UK with your caravan then you may want to opt out of having this extra expense.
3 - Emergency Accommodation:
This is perhaps one of the most important features you should be looking for when you start shopping around for insurance. Emergency accommodation means that your insurance company will pay a percentage of the costs if for some reason you need to make use of alternative accommodation. In other words, if you're involved in an accident while towing your caravan, you can then arrange for alternative accommodation rather than having to cancel your holiday. The amount of money your insurance company will pay towards such accommodation varies from one company to the next, so of course this is something you need to discuss right at the beginning.
4 - Contents and Personal Effects:
Most people furnish their caravans to an incredibly high standard nowadays, and if your caravan gets broken into or stolen, and all the contents are lost, you'll want to know that your insurance company will pay for everything to be replaced. One should however bear in mind that certain items may already be covered by your existing building and contents insurance, but this is of course something you need to verify before you head out onto the open road.
5 - Storm Related Damages:
Storm damage can result in thousands of pounds worth of damage, so of course it's something you need to take very seriously. Many caravans have been severely damaged by up-routed trees, and many static caravans have also been severely damaged by flooding. Unfortunately, storm damage isn't something which is included in all policies, and as such you'll need to make sure that your policy does include it.
6 - Discounts:
Practically all caravan insurance providers are willing to offer you certain discounts providing you're able to meet certain criteria. For example, you could see your rates being significantly reduced if you join a recognised caravanning club. You could also qualify for further discounts if you've gone the extra mile in order to make sure your caravan is not an easy target for thieves.
by: Tom Jones
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