08 August 2024
Do you need insurance to tow a caravan?
5 minutes
Caravans combine the freedom of going wherever you choose with the comfort of having your own space. But if you’re new to towing a caravan, it’s important to understand all the relevant legal requirements. One common question is: do you need insurance to tow a caravan?
We answer this question below, and provide other useful information for you to enjoy your travels worry-free.
Can you tow a caravan on normal car insurance?
So, how does towing a caravan affect your car insurance? What kind of cover can you expect, and should you take additional insurance out?
Dedicated caravan insurance isn’t compulsory. You can tow a caravan without having caravan towing insurance in place. The same applies to trailers: you don’t have to insure a trailer. But having caravan insurance is recommended, as you’ll be out of pocket if your caravan is involved in an incident or stolen. (Be warned, caravan and campervan theft is on the rise.)
Your normal car insurance will likely only cover your car when you tow a caravan, not the caravan itself. This means that you won’t receive any compensation if your caravan is damaged in an accident. The exact nature of this cover will depend on your insurer and the type of cover you have in place.
It’s also likely that your car insurance will cover you for third-party towing risks, depending on your policy. So if your caravan injures someone or damages their property, your insurer should cover these costs. Damage to your own caravan and contents will only be covered if you have caravan insurance in place.
Again, you can’t be sure what your unique policy will cover unless you read it closely. Take the time to look at the fine print. If you’re unsure, speak to an experienced broker or call your insurer directly. They’ll be able to help you, and to advise you on whether it’s a good idea to take out additional caravan insurance.
What does caravan insurance cover?
If you choose to take out specialist caravan insurance, you’ll typically be covered for the following:
- Theft
- Accidental damage (both internal and external)
- Third-party liability and public liability
- Fires, flooding or weather damage (such as from lightning and storms)
- Burglary or vandalism
Your insurer might also cover you for specific problems, like losing your caravan keys. And you’ll have the option of choosing add-ons, like breakdown cover and European cover. The latter is necessary if you’re planning to take your caravan on an adventure across the continent.
Caravan insurance is available for different types of caravans, including:
Read more: Do you need specialist insurance for a campervan?
Whether you’re covered for items inside your caravan will depend on your insurer and policy. While some insurers include items that you carry away from your home, others specifically exclude caravan equipment from their policies.
Can you tow a caravan with a normal car licence?
Whether you can tow a caravan with a normal car licence depends on when you passed your driving test and what you’re towing. As of December 2021, the rules have also changed slightly, which we’ll discuss below.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to check what you’re legally allowed to tow, get in touch with the DVLA. They’ll be able to give you the info you need.
If you passed your test before 1 January 1997
If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you’re generally allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM).
If you passed your test after 1 January 1997
If you passed your test after this date, you can drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg MAM and a trailer or caravan of up to 750kg. In the past, you used to have to pass a car and trailer driving test (a category BE test) to tow heavier combinations, but this is no longer the case.
On 16 December 2021, the rules regarding towing licences were relaxed. Now, if you passed your car test after 1 January 1997, you’re now allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM. The DVLA will update your driving licence record to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers. You don’t need to contact the DVLA for this to happen.
Even if you’re within the licensing limits, however, you might still want to gain a little bit of experience before you venture out on the open road, especially if you’re a newcomer to driving a trailer or caravan. Speak to a driving instructor who can give you some advice and lessons, and make sure you’re able to adhere to these performance standards and knowledge requirements.
What are the legal requirements for towing a caravan?
Before we wrap up, it’s important that you’re aware of some of the other regulations that apply to towing a caravan:
- Weight limits: The weight of your combined vehicle and caravan mustn’t exceed the MAM specified for your vehicle. Your vehicle’s manual will be able to give you this information.
- Towing capacity: Ensure your vehicle is capable of towing the weight of your caravan. Again, you’ll usually be able to find your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity in its manual.
- Width and length: The maximum width of a caravan is 2.55m and the maximum length is 7m if you’re towing with a vehicle weight up to 3,500kg.
- Tow bar specifications: Your tow bar must be designed for your specific vehicle and has to meet EU regulations. This is called a “type-approved” tow bar and it will include an approval number as well as the details of the vehicle it’s approved for. A type-approved tow bar that has been tested and certified to meet relevant standards is required for vehicles registered after 1 August 1998. Remember that your insurer might consider your tow bar a modification. Make sure to let them know that you’ve made this change to your car.
- Mirrors: It’s important that you can clearly see the road behind you. Extended towing mirrors are necessary if your caravan is wider than the rear of your vehicle. If you don’t have the right mirrors in place, you could be liable with a £1,000 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
- Number plates: Your caravan must display a rear number plate that matches the number plate on your car.
- Lights: Your caravan must be fitted with working lights and indicators that sync with your car. It needs to have two red side lights, two red brake lights, amber indicators, and a pair of red reflectors at the rear. A fog lamp is also necessary if your caravan or trailer is over 1.3m wide.
Failing to adhere to any of these rules may result in a fine or points on your licence. These penalties will likely have a knock-on effect on your insurance costs, too, so it’s important to take them seriously.
Quickfire summary: do you need insurance to tow a caravan?
You should be able to tow your caravan on your normal car insurance, but it’s critical that you confirm this with your insurance provider. Every insurer and policy is unique, and your circumstances might differ from others.
Remember that, even though caravan insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it’s still highly recommended. Without it, you will be liable for any damage to your caravan and its contents in the event of an accident or theft.
Other regulations you should be aware of before you start your travels include ensuring that your driver’s licence covers caravans (it should in most cases, but you can check this with the DVLA), and that your car and caravan meet all other legal requirements. These include various weight and height restrictions, extended mirrors, and the right number plates and working lights.
For any questions about the caravan insurance process, speak to the team at Howden. We’re familiar with the ins and outs of caravan insurance and are here to provide you total protection and peace of mind so that you can focus on the journey ahead.
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