What Does Caravan Insurance Cover?

Caravan insurance is a policy that can help to safeguard your caravan and its contents against damage, theft and liability. It typically covers various caravan types, including touring caravans and static caravans.

Touring caravans are mobile and usually towed by a vehicle, while static caravans are fixed in one location, often in holiday parks.

What does caravan insurance cover?

Well, it really depends. The coverage you need will differ depending on your individual requirements and what type of caravan you have. Touring caravans may need protection while in transit, and static caravans may need cover for site-specific risks. Let’s take a closer look.

What does caravan insurance cover?

Accidental damage 

Accidental damage is designed to protect your caravan against unexpected incidents, such as collisions with other vehicles or if you accidentally knock something over inside your caravan. This coverage can protect you against unintentional mishaps which can lead to costly repairs, keeping your caravan in top shape for your next holiday.

Theft and vandalism 

Caravan insurance can help to protect against theft by covering the loss of your caravan or its contents if they’re stolen. It can also cover vandalism, where intentional damage is done to the caravan.

It’s important to check what your policy covers and any conditions relating to theft and vandalism, but here are a few simple deterrents you can try.

For touring caravans, consider using wheel clamps, hitch locks and alarms. Parking in well-lit, secure areas also helps.

For static caravans, ensure any valuable items are kept out of sight. Fitting extra security such as an alarm system can also act as a deterrent. When leaving the caravan, remember to securely close and lock all windows and doors.

Fire damage 

Coverage for fire damage in caravan insurance usually includes protection against However, there may be some exclusions when it comes to fires caused by negligence. For example, if you leave cooking equipment unattended or fail to maintain your caravan’s electrical system properly, your insurer may not cover the damage. It’s important to fully understand your policy’s terms to ensure you’re properly protected in the event of a fire.

Third-party public liability cover

This type of insurance helps with legal costs if your caravan causes injury to someone else or damages their property.

More and more caravan sites require holidaymakers visiting their site to have a minimum level of public liability cover. For peace of mind, Towergate provides our customers with up to £5 million worth of public liability cover on both our touring and static caravan insurance policies. Without this coverage, you could face hefty out-of-pocket costs.

Storm and weather damage 

We can’t control the weather, but we can lessen its impact on our investments. Storm and weather damage is typically included in caravan insurance. It can help to protect against harm caused by natural events like storms, floods and heavy winds.

For instance, if a tree falls on your caravan during a storm, or if severe weather conditions lead to leaks or structural damage, this insurance helps cover the repair or replacement costs.

This cover ensures you're not left financially burdened by the unpredictable forces of nature. You gain peace of mind knowing that your caravan is safeguarded against the elements, so you can enjoy your adventures with fewer worries about adverse weather.

Optional caravan insurance extras for enhanced protection

Contents insurance for caravans

Protection inside and out – contents insurance offers protection for your personal belongings or camping equipment. This can be included in Towergate policies, with the option to increase cover where needed.

Contents insurance may come with limits. There may be a maximum payout for specific items and conditions or exclusions relating to certain items. Check your policy for details.

Knowing these details ensures you’re well prepared and helps avoid surprises if you need to make a claim for lost or damaged belongings.

European travel cover 

If you’re planning a holiday, European travel cover for your touring caravan could be a great option. It extends your caravan insurance to include travel across Europe, offering protection against incidents like damage, theft or accidents while abroad.

It typically requires carrying documentation such as proof of insurance and vehicle registration. Towergate can provide you with 365 days of European cover, with no maximum number of days in one trip, or limits to the number of trips you can take in one year. You need to have the EU add-on included on your touring caravan insurance policy and if you are planning on storing the caravan outside of the UK, then this also needs to be listed as a storage location on your policy.

This kind of coverage is excellent if you love to explore European destinations. You can enjoy your travels knowing that you’re safe in case of any unfortunate mishaps. When you face a minor accident, having this cover ensures that you can focus on your adventure, without worrying about unexpected costs.

Awning and equipment  

An optional extra, but one that could come in handy. Awning and accessories cover protects additional items like awnings, satellite dishes and other caravan accessories.

If these items are damaged or stolen and you have cover for your awning and accessories, you can file a claim for repair or replacement. However, exclusions can apply, such as damage caused by improper installation or lack of maintenance.

For instance, if an awning is damaged because it wasn’t properly secured during a storm, it might not be covered. To maximise protection, ensure accessories are well-maintained and properly installed.

‘New for old’ or ‘market value’ cover

‘New for old’ cover means that if your caravan is damaged beyond repair or stolen, your insurer replaces it with a brand-new model of the same make and specification.

‘Market value’ caravan insurance policies provide coverage based on the current market value of your caravan at the time you make a claim. This means that payouts will reflect the caravan’s depreciated value rather than the price you originally paid.

When choosing your cover, consider your caravan’s age, value and how you’d prefer a claim to be settled.

Need caravan cover?

It’s important to stay on top of the different aspects of caravan insurance, from protecting against accidental damage, theft and weather to ensuring you’re covered abroad.

The right policy can save you from significant financial loss. Regularly reviewing and updating your insurance ensures it still meets your needs, especially after making major purchases or changes in how you use your caravan.

Caravan insurance from Towergate

Get a caravan insurance quote from us today, either online or by phoning us on 0330 808 9130. We can help you enjoy your adventures in the confidence that you’re fully protected.

About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.