Insuring a static caravan is important, although the level of cover will obviously be rather different if it is just for a holiday let rather than for year-round occupation. If the latter, then a comprehensive policy is essential. Such a policy should include adequate cover for loss or accidental damage, fire, theft, storm and flood. The amount of insurance cover will depend on the value of your caravan or the cost of replacement, especially if you are going to incorporate a "new for old" requirement. Unfortunately, caravans, like cars, tend to depreciate in value with age, and cannot therefore be considered as an investment in the same way as a bricks and mortar house. It is essential to have cover that would allow you to replace your caravan in the event of a total loss, due say, to fire or flood, or in the event that your van is damaged beyond economical repair. To ensure new for old cover applies, you must insure your holiday home and equipment at the value it would cost to replace with new (of equivalent specification).
Some companies may not include this option if a van is more than 5 years old whilst others will insure on these terms up to 15 years. Included in this amount should be a sum for clearing away a severely damaged van or debris, plus the cost of resiting and reconnection to utilities.
When you Compare Static Caravan insurance you should look at several companies with a view to getting the best cover for your specific needs at reasonable cost, and this is most easily done online. You might think there is little to choose between insurance companies but experience tends to suggest otherwise, and it is certainly worth spending the time comparing various policies before committing to one.
You would be well advised to insure the contents of your static caravan as well. This can be extended in some cases to include loss of personal effects, which are items normally worn by you or carried with you. Many good contents policies also include an allowance for this though, so there be no need for specific mention. ou might also want to check whether certain items considered "high risk", i.e. easily stolen valuable items like cameras, laptops, or mobile phones are included or specifically excluded.
You will also need to know exactly what excess you may be liable for in the event of a claim, as this can vary widely between companies. During the winter months in the UK, between the 1st November and 15th March, when unoccupied, certain precautions need to be taken to comply with most policy requirements. These include turning off the water at the mains supply or setting central heating to manufacturers' reccommendations to prevent frost damage. You may find there is a separate, higher, excess chargeable against a claim resulting from burst pipes, escape of water, or flood during this period.
Some of the other points you may wish to consider are the following: Public liability cover, which is required by many static caravan site owners now, and perhaps also legal cover in the event of a third party claim against you although this is usually an extra and probably not necessary if you have public liability protection.
If the caravan is a holiday one your insurance policy should allow you to continue your holiday in the event of a problem, by offereing alternative accomodation.
If your caravan is residential it is more important to be covered against certain problems that might occur and you might wish to consider the following list:emergency alternative accomodation, replacement of locks and keys in the event of damage accident or injury benefit - you might fall off the roof whilst repainting your van for example! a 24 hours claims helpline, an emergency lump sum payout, cover for ancillary items such as decking, fencing, or awnings, and the ability to pay for your insurance in a convenient way, including by instalments
Adequate insurance gives you the peace of mind you need to be able to enjoy your static caravan to the full.
