Caravan insurance is a specialised type of insurance that provides financial coverage for damage caused by certain events like theft, accidental damage, vandalism, liability claims and floods.
However, what a caravan insurance policy covers and the level of that coverage will differ depending on the insurer you choose and the policy you opt for.
In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of caravan insurance coverage related to storm damage, including exploring common scenarios, potential exclusions and where you can purchase insurance for your caravan in the event of a storm.
We’ll cover:
- Caravan insurance: Explained
- Does caravan insurance cover storm damage?
- What else does caravan insurance cover?
- What are the benefits of caravan insurance?
- Choosing the right caravan insurance
Caravan insurance: Explained
Caravaning is a popular British pastime, ideal for those who want to travel and explore. However, caravans aren’t cheap; new touring caravans can cost almost £50,000 (Winchester Caravans, 2024) and static caravans could set you back upwards of £100,000 (Holiday Park Expert, 2024).
So, it’s no surprise that many owners choose to ensure their investment.
Caravan insurance is a specialised form of insurance that offers owners financial protection should something unexpected happen to their home-away-from-home or the contents within it and can be purchased for static or touring caravans.
Essentially, insurance coverage provides caravan owners with a financial safety net that could help them mitigate any financial losses they might incur along the way.
Also see: Static caravan insurance explained
Does caravan insurance cover storm damage?
When it comes to storm damage, caravan insurance usually offers financial protection. However, the extent of coverage, specific types of damage covered, and the cost of cover can differ.
Storms can cause varying degrees of damage to caravans, from minor dents and water damage to major structural issues (and sometimes both). The types of damage usually covered include repairs or replacements, such as:
- Structural damage caused by strong winds
- Damage caused by hail or falling debris
- Water damage caused by heavy rains
- Damage caused by flooding
- Lightning damage
It should also be noted that some policies might not offer storm damage at all. However, to give you an idea of the type of coverage you can expect from your policy, Save More Money’s caravan insurance protects owners against:
- Flooding
- Water damage
- Lightning
- Structural damage
- Damage to personal property stored in the caravan
What else does caravan insurance cover?
It isn’t just storm damage that your caravan insurance will protect you against. Many policies will also offer financial protection against:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Water leaks
- Freezing
- Fire
- Public liability (protects owners against incidents caused by or through the use of the static caravan)
- Loss of use (coverage for the cost of alternative accommodation)
However, policies can differ from provider to provider, so what’s covered by one policy might not be included in another. Therefore, you should always check the policy documents before purchasing insurance.
What are the benefits of caravan insurance?
Imagine you’re about to set off on a weekend trip, only to discover your caravan has been vandalised or damaged. That’s when caravan insurance could come in handy.
One key advantage of having caravan insurance is the money it could save you.
While some people view insurance as an unnecessary expense, should something go wrong with your caravan, you could find yourself in a better financial position after purchasing a policy.
At Save More Money, static caravan insurance policies start from £65 +IPT (Insurance Premium Tax) and touring caravan policies start at £75 +IPT.
However, without insurance, if you need to have work done, you could find yourself paying up to £70 just for the call-out (Onsite Caravan Services, 2024). And that’s without considering an hourly labour charge or the cost of parts.
Perhaps the most notable benefit of caravan insurance is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that you have the financial capability to fix damage incurred by unexpected weather events or malicious persons, or that you can still afford a trip away should something render your caravan unusable can really reduce stress surrounding your purchase.
Also see: Is caravan insurance worth it?
Choosing the right caravan insurance
When choosing caravan insurance, it’s important to recognise that policies can differ depending on which provider you choose. Therefore, there is no one policy suitable for every individual’s needs.
So, to make sure you choose a policy that will work for you, ensure you consider your specific needs and budget before making a purchase.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Coverage level: Determine the level of coverage you require. For example, those who rent their caravan out to holidaymakers might need Public Liability insurance included in their policy.
- Cost: Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best one as it might not provide the necessary coverage.
- Additional services: Consider any additional services or benefits offered by the policy, such as storm damage, flood damage or loss of use.
- Exclusions and limits: As with any insurance policy, your coverage is bound to come with some exclusions and limits (such as the number of claims you can make per year). You’ll also want to consider any excess fees you may need to pay when making a claim.