It’s sometimes frustrating that we seem to spend a large part of our lives waiting to reach a certain minimum age where we no longer have to pay extra for our insurance and then shortly after, we start finding that we must pay more because we have passed a certain age! It is a fact of life that age is sometimes an issue in some forms of insurance.
Of course, there are understandable reasons behind insurance providers needing to take into account, in some circumstances, the age of a policyholder.
For example, few people would really dispute that a typical 60-year-old is unlikely to have the same reaction times when driving a car or caravan as those of a 25 year old.
Even though this might be counterbalanced, to some extent, by the greater experience of the older driver, the reality of life is that insurance providers may feel that older drivers constitute a slightly higher risk than those of the younger age groups.
Unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to follow the logic when it is ruthlessly applied to caravan insurance. Some insurance providers may, for example, decline to offer an insurance policy to over 60 towing drivers at all.
This appears to be a gross overreaction and disproportionate.
Older drivers
Some insurance policy providers will not take drivers over 60 under cover for the towing of touring caravans.
The logic behind this isn’t always entirely clear but presumably reflects some views that older drivers may be less able to manage a caravan behind the car than younger drivers.
Fortunately, this view is not universal and there are other insurance providers who are more than willing to offer over 60’s touring caravan insurance. At Cover4Caravans we are proud to be able to offer help in such areas and to confirm that we can offer over 60 driver insurance cover.
It is perhaps worth mentioning that towing a caravan is only one aspect of an insurance policy risk profile. In other respects, such as experience in terms of hitching and siting a touring caravan, age may be a positive advantage.
So, in terms of discounts, you may find that cover and discounts are available and over 60’s caravan insurance is perhaps far more cost-attractive than you might anticipate.
Older drivers with convictions
Of course, as you might imagine, driving convictions are an issue for insurance providers irrespective of the age of the driver concerned.
If you have penalty points on your licence, these may adversely affect your insurance premium or any discounts that might be available to other drivers without such convictions.
Other factors that may influence the cost of your caravan insurance
Apart from your age, the cost of caravan insurance can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these influences can help you make informed decisions and potentially save money. Let’s explore the key factors that may influence the cost of your caravan insurance.
Type and value of caravan
The type and value of your caravan play a pivotal role in determining insurance premiums. Caravans come in various shapes and sizes, from compact models to luxurious, high-value ones. Insurance providers consider the replacement cost when calculating premiums. It’s essential to accurately assess the value of your caravan to ensure adequate cover without overpaying.
Security measures
Caravan security features significantly influence insurance costs. Installing security systems such as alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices can not only enhance the safety of your caravan but may, in some cases, lead to lower insurance premiums. Investing in these measures is a proactive approach to both safety and cost savings.
Usage patterns
How often you use your caravan can impact insurance premiums. Frequent use may lead to higher premiums due to increased exposure to potential risks. Reviewing and optimising your usage patterns can help strike a balance between enjoying your caravan and managing insurance costs effectively.
Storage location
The location where you store your caravan when not in use is another crucial factor. Caravans stored in secure locations, such as a CaSSOA-approved site – may attract a discount. We offer up to a 20% discount on the cost of cover if your caravan is stored at one of these sites. Choosing a safe storage option is a practical step towards reducing insurance costs.
Claims history
Insurance providers assess the claims history of a caravan when determining premiums. A caravan with a history of frequent claims may be perceived as higher risk, leading to increased insurance costs. Maintaining a favourable claims record by prioritising safety measures is key to keeping premiums in check.
Policy cover
Understanding the different cover options available is essential. While comprehensive coverage offers extensive protection, it comes at a higher cost. Tailoring your coverage to align with your specific needs ensures you pay for what matters most to you, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Driver’s profile
Your personal driving profile also influences caravan insurance costs. Factors such as age, driving experience, and claims history contribute to the assessment. While some factors may be beyond your control, adopting safe driving practices can help mitigate their impact on premiums.
The excess
The excess is a crucial aspect of insurance policies. While opting for paying a higher can lower premiums, it’s essential to find the right balance. Consider your financial capability to cover the excess in the event of a claim, ensuring affordability without compromising cover.
Summary
There is absolutely no need to think that your caravanning expeditions may need to come to an end simply because you are approaching 60 or 65 years of age and you cannot get insurance!
We are pleased to say that here at Cover4Caravans we don’t believe in pulling down the shutters in terms of being over 60 and wanting touring caravan insurance. We are happy to take older drivers and indeed younger drivers under cover on this type of policy. We can even help you if you are looking for over 70’s tourer insurance!
We believe that there may be significant advantages to being a more mature owner and driver, running from a reduced risk of over-reaction to road situations, to increased levels of patience, right up to a greater familiarity with the vehicle and things such as reversing in tight spots etc.
So, if your 60th – or even your 70th – birthday is approaching there is no need to start thinking about giving up on caravanning or that you are going to need to start writing some substantially bigger cheques for it.
We’re here to help!