How much is caravan insurance?

If you own a caravan or have recently acquired one, you might be weighing up your insurance options. Caravans are usually quite a big investment, and having the right insurance in place will help to protect you if anything goes wrong. But how much is caravan insurance?

While caravan insurance isn’t compulsory, having it in place will offer you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your holidays. Let’s explore the different factors that will affect the cost you’ll pay.

Do caravans need MOT and insurance?

Legally, no, caravans don’t require an MOT or caravan insurance.

Your caravan doesn’t need to undergo any official checks to be on the road — but it does need to be in a roadworthy condition. This involves ensuring that its brakes, lights, indicators, tyres, and its gas, water, and electrical systems are all in good working order. These requirements prompt many caravan owners to take their homes on wheels for an annual safety check and service.

Now: insurance. Even though caravan insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s a good idea to have it in place. Without it, you could be hit with heavy bills if your caravan is damaged in an accident, or if it’s stolen and you have to replace it outright. Even if you have comprehensive car insurance in place, most insurance policies won’t protect your caravan if you’re involved in an accident.

Specialist caravan insurance typically covers you against the following:

• Third-party liability: This will come into effect if your caravan is involved in an accident that injures someone or causes damage to their property.
• External damage: This applies whether it’s being towed or parked.
• Internal damage: If your caravan is involved in an accident, it’s likely that there will be damage to the interior, too.
• Theft: This covers you if your caravan is stolen while it’s detached from your car. It could either be parked in a storage location, or at a caravan park or campsite.
• Burglary: If your caravan is broken into and some of its contents are stolen or damaged.
• Write off: If your caravan is damaged beyond repair in an accident, write-off cover will provide you with a hired caravan or alternative accommodation if you’re far from home.

There are also few exclusions you should be aware of. Insurers are unlikely to cover you if:

• Your caravan is broken into because of negligence (for example, if you leave doors or windows unlocked or open)
• It isn’t stored at its registered storage location
• You experience loss or damage after hiring it out
• It’s being used for anything other than holiday use
• You experience loss or damage caused by wear and tear, depreciation, dampness, dryness, wet or dry rot, mould or frost, damage by vermin or pets, mechanical breakdown or malfunction, general maintenance costs or faulty workmanship

If you’re unsure what your policy covers, read the fine print carefully, or chat to your broker or insurer in person.

How much is caravan insurance?

So, what’s the average price to insure a caravan?

Unfortunately, this is a little bit difficult to answer, since there’s no fixed cost for caravan insurance. Caravans vary in make, model, value, and the level of coverage required, and insurers will adjust their quotes accordingly.

Costs will also differ depending on whether you have a touring or static caravan. A touring caravan is towed by a car or another vehicle. It’s designed to be taken with you when you go on holiday. A static caravan, on the other hand, is a semi-permanent structure that’s also sometimes referred to as a mobile home. Static caravans are made with solid materials and are housed on purpose-designed sites.

On average, annual premiums for touring caravan insurance range from £150 to £250, while static caravan insurance can cost between £150 and £300. But the price you’re likely to be quoted will depend on the following factors:

• Your age, level of experience and insurance history
• The caravan’s make and model
• The caravan’s contents
• Where the caravan will be parked or stored
• The caravan’s security features
• The length of the policy
• The level of the cover chosen
• The policy’s excess amount

You’re likely to pay more if you use your caravan regularly or if it has luxury features, as these increase the risk of it being damaged or stolen. By the same token, you might pay less if your caravan is usually kept in a secure garage or storage facility, or if you have had it fitted with security features like an alarm, immobiliser or tracking solution.

Comprehensive policies that cover a wide range of risks, including third-party liability, accidental damage, and theft, and will cost more than basic policies.

If you’re unsure whether the quotes you’re receiving are too high, speak to an experienced broker. They’ll help you get the very best value for your money.

How do I lower the costs of my caravan insurance?

Looking to pay a little less on your caravan insurance? The following tips will help you:

• Be selective about the type of caravan you buy: A large and expensive caravan will cost more to insure than a smaller, cheaper caravan.
• Store your caravan in a safe location: Insurers will ask you where you store your caravan. The safer and more secure this location, the lower your premiums will be.
• Invest in added security features: Trackers, window locks, or wheel clamps are likely to convince insurers that your policy should be cheaper.
• Join a registered caravan club: Some caravan clubs provide insurance discounts to members.
• Avoid optional extra protection if you don’t need it: This may seem obvious, but it’s worth seeing exactly what you’re covered for, and whether you need the extras your insurer might be suggesting. 
• Shop around: Always compare quotes before settling on an insurer. Again, a broker can help you here. 

Do I need to tell my insurance if I tow a caravan?

Yes, you must inform your car insurance provider if you plan to tow a caravan. Towing a caravan changes the dynamics and risk profile of driving, and this can affect your insurance coverage.

Many standard car insurance policies don’t automatically include coverage for towing, and failing to notify your insurer could result in your claim being denied if you are involved in an accident.

When you inform your insurer, they might recommend that you adjust your policy to include a caravan, so that both your towing vehicle and your caravan are adequately covered.

Read more: Top Ten Caravan Towing Cars

In summary

While caravan insurance isn’t mandatory, it does come highly recommended. Caravans are valuable vehicles, and it’s worth having the proper protection in place so that you’re covered in the event of an accident, damage or theft.

It can be difficult to anticipate what the cost of insurance is going to be though, and your broker or insurer will weigh up your unique circumstances before giving you a quote. Their calculation will take your personal experience and insurance history into account, as well as a number of factors relating to your caravan.

Typically, you’re likely to pay between £150 and £250 annually for touring caravan insurance, and between £150 and £300 annually for static caravan insurance.

Still have questions? Our dedicated team is here to help you get the caravan insurance you need. Contact us today.

Also read:

• New for old static caravan insurance explained
• A guide to caravanning and camping with dogs
• Cost-of-living caravanning – getting the most value from your holiday
• Do you need insurance to tow a caravan?

READ MORE CARAVAN INSURANCE GUIDES