As a new caravanning season gets underway, many owners are preparing to make the most of time away. Alongside planning trips and checking your caravan is road-ready, it’s sensible to review your security arrangements so your home from home stays protected.
Make life difficult for would-be thieves
You and your caravan insurer can work together to make life difficult for any potential thieves – that means paying attention to good quality locks and anti-theft devices you can afford. Your insurer may offer a reduced premium (subject to underwriting criteria and policy terms). Also, you should note that:
- one of the most common insurance conditions, for example, is to insist on both wheel clamps and a hitchlock whenever you are stopped with the caravan still hooked up to the towing vehicle – this video includes a discussion on the merits of immobilising your caravan;
- these are among the key security and immobilisation devices we mention in our Guide to Caravan Storage and Security;
- if your caravan is stored for any length of time at home, you might want to invest in a security post or ground anchors that keep your trailer firmly fixed in place;
- the door and windows come with individual locks already installed, of course, but you might want to upgrade these with reinforced locks and deadbolts – so, making it much more difficult for potential intruders.
Whatever security devices and equipment you choose to install, it is worth regularly checking that they remain in good working order – especially after any prolonged storage.
Smart systems
Modern technology plays its part in helping to keep your caravan secure. Smart technology is constantly being developed, resulting in ever more sophisticated alarms and sensors that raise the alarm when thieves and intruders are about.
These include:
- motion detectors that sense intruders;
- door and window triggers;
- tilt detectors that also help to alert you to intruders.
Tracking
If yours is a relatively new caravan, it may already come with a Thatcham-approved tracking system – and if it is not included automatically, you might want to fit a tracker yourself.
Thatcham systems – typically graded Category S7 or S5 – are designed to provide 24-hour monitoring, theft alerts, and real-time location via GPS, GSM, or motion-detection systems. (Monitoring is subject to subscription and signal availability.)
Even a basic – now probably old-fashioned – security camera may provide valuable information and a record of suspicious activity.
Further reading: Security devices for your caravan.
Storage
Come the autumn – or if you’re not planning to use your caravan this season – it will go into storage. And that is when any touring caravan may be at its most vulnerable.
If it’s out of sight, thieves and other intruders may have increased opportunity to do their worst. And those security concerns are only marginally less acute if the caravan is sitting on the driveway outside your house.
That’s why some insurers may recommend that you store your caravan at a CaSSOA-approved site that has extra protection and security controls. The Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA) offers four levels of security (ungraded, silver, gold, and platinum) – and here at Cover4Caravans we offer discounts according to the level of security you choose, subject to underwriting criteria and policy terms.
Insurance
If you’re reviewing your cover for the season ahead, you might want to draw on our experience here at Cover4Caravans and request a touring insurance quote online or speak to one of our UK-based team on 01702 606301.