Caravanning isn’t just a holiday – it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a seasoned road-tripper or just starting out, the key to a stress-free adventure is preparation, security, and having the most appropriate touring caravan insurance. This blog covers some need-to-knows to keep your travels smooth and worry-free, from must-have safety tips to saving money on the road.

1. Prepping for the perfect trip

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to hassle-free caravanning. Before you hit the road, make sure to:

• check your caravan’s tyres, brakes, and lights – regular maintenance avoids unpleasant surprises;
• secure loose things inside – you don’t want pots and pans flying about while driving;
• plan your route – stick to caravan-friendly routes and take note of fuel stops;
• make a checklist of essentials such as petrol bottles, extra fuses and first aid supplies to save the day.

A simple pre-trip routine helps you avoid delays and ensures you’re set for adventure.

2. Caravan security: Protecting your home on wheels

Your caravan is an investment, so keeping it safe is a top priority. Here’s how to boost your security:

• use high-quality wheel and hitch locks – these make it harder for thieves to tow your caravan away and may typically be required as part of your caravan insurance cover;
• install an alarm or tracking device – GPS trackers help you recover your caravan if it’s stolen;
• park in well-lit, secure locations – whether at home or on-site, visibility deters criminals;
• use motion-sensitive lighting or cameras – great for extra peace of mind when you’re parked up for longer stays.

Improving security doesn’t just protect your caravan – it may help lower your caravan insurance premium (such as when storing your ‘van at a CaSSOA-approved site when not in use).

Further reading: Security devices for your static home

3. Caravan insurance: What you need to know

While touring caravan insurance isn’t legally required in the UK, it’s a smart move to protect yourself against theft, damage, and unexpected costs.

Here’s what to look for in a policy:

• touring vs. static cover – touring caravan insurance covers you on the road, while static policies are for permanently parked holiday caravans;
• comprehensive protection – look for cover that includes accidental damage, theft, fire, and storm damage;
• new for old vs. market value – a new-for-old policy replaces your caravan with a new model, while market value pays out based on depreciation (subject to policy limits);
• public liability insurance – if your caravan causes damage or injury, this cover protects you financially.

A suitable caravan insurance policy means you can relax and enjoy your travels, knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens.

4. Smart budgeting: Saving money on your travels

Caravanning is a cost-effective way to holiday, but there are even more ways to save:

• join membership clubs – many offer discounts on campsites, fuel, and ferry crossings;
• travel off-peak – campsites and toll roads are often cheaper outside of peak season;
• cook in your caravan – save money by whipping up meals instead of dining out;
• invest in solar panels – a great way to cut down on electric hook-up fees.

By budgeting wisely, you can enjoy more trips without breaking the bank.

Further reading: 15+ ways to save money on your caravanning.

5. Must-have gadgets for modern caravanners

The right gear can make your caravan trips even easier. Here are some must-haves:

• solar-powered chargers – keep your devices running, even when off-grid;
• reversing cameras – make parking a breeze;
• wi-fi boosters – stay connected, even in remote locations;
• portable BBQs – enjoy delicious meals wherever you stop.

A few smart investments can make life on the road more comfortable and convenient.

Further reading: Guide to Caravan Gadgets and Which caravan gadgets?

Final thoughts

With a bit of planning, smart security, and the appropriate caravan insurance, you can hit the road with confidence. Whether it’s a weekend escape or a months-long adventure, taking these simple steps will keep your travels smooth and stress-free.

It’s nestled in the heart of East Anglia. It’s just an hour’s train ride from London. Yet the two cities could be whole worlds apart. Truly, you can call it charming Cambridge. Let’s consider what makes it such a special place to visit.

The University

It’s impossible to think of Cambridge without bringing to mind the city’s ancient and world-renowned university. This global icon of academic excellence started life in 1209 and has grown to comprise a total of 31 separate colleges scattered across the city.

Every college tells a story, and each one represents a unique architectural wonder. King’s College Chapel, of course, is probably the most immediately recognisable – you’ll see its choir on the television practically every Christmas. The Great Court at Trinity College is not only steeped in history but the largest of this kind of architectural feature.

Soak up the complete Cambridge experience by taking a punt along the River Cam, where the “Backs” offer the lush green fields that provide a fitting backdrop to the university’s ancient splendour.

Cultures galore

It’s not only in academia that Cambridge hits its zenith – cultures galore spring up in practically every direction you might turn.

There’s the Fitzwilliam Museum, for instance, which houses centuries of treasures stretching from Egyptian mummies to paintings by the leading Impressionists. Visit further back in time at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for a global take on all of human history.

Enjoy your cultural pursuits outdoors as you stroll through the 40 acres or so of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s 8,000 and more plants. While still on two feet, you can also recreate the walks inspired by the poets Wordsworth or Sylvia Plath as they grew to love the city.

If it’s festivals you’re after, music lovers will flock to the Cambridge Folk Festival while those of a more serious bent will hang out at the all-embracing Cambridge Festival.

Contrasts: ancient and modern

Sure, Cambridge has probably more than its fair share of time-worn medieval courtyards and cobbled lanes. But it’s also a city of the future – as the shiny new labs of “Silicon Fen” give witness to the city’s pride and joy and Europe’s largest tech cluster.

Stroll through Market Square, where established traders and aspiring newcomers sell their local produce, street food, and local crafts. Along the way, browse through the quirky delights of the independent shops that line Mill Road.

For that welcome break, let ancient meet modern in the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional English pub – the Eagle and the Anchor are two that spring readily to mind.

Easy to explore green spaces

Cambridge is a small city. That makes it especially easy to get about – either on foot or by bicycle. For a city of its size, Cambridge also has abundant green and open spaces.

The largest of the parks is Parker’s Piece – a huge common ideal for summer picnics while watching the cricket perhaps. If you’d prefer the quiet tranquillity of a riverside snooze, then Jesus Green would likely hit the spot.

If you want to explore the surrounding countryside, there are still further treasures in store. Not least of them, perhaps, is the village of Grantchester on the fringes of the city. Ely Cathedral is just 15 miles to the north. And in between lies sumptuous East Anglian countryside.

When it comes to safeguarding your caravan or static home, comparing insurance policies isn’t just about finding the lowest price – it’s about securing the most appropriate level of cover to give you peace of mind.

At Cover4Caravans, we empower you to compare caravan insurance online, ensuring you get what we consider is the most cost-effective and appropriate insurance quote tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re shopping around for tourer caravan insurance or static caravan insurance, here’s everything you need to know.

Price isn’t everything

While the advertised price of a caravan insurance policy might catch your eye, it doesn’t always reflect the full value of the protection offered. A cheaper caravan insurance policy might offer limited cover, leaving you vulnerable in key areas. That’s why it’s crucial to look beyond the sticker price and evaluate:

• what the insurance cover entails including what elements of protection come as standard and what don’t – this may vary among caravan insurance providers;
• what optional extras are available;
• the exclusions – certain items or circumstances that are excluded from the cover. Part of this will also be the qualifying conditions. These usually relate to restrictions on where your caravan can or cannot be parked when it’s not in use or when you store it. And, for static homes, what you need to do when it is unoccupied for an extended period (e.g. over the winter);
• the insurance policy excess;
• whether any discounts are available.

What does caravan insurance cover?

There are usually standard features provided in any caravan insurance policy. As these can vary widely from one insurance provider to another, it’s essential to compare insurance. Our policies at Cover4Caravans, for example, typically include:

• protection against storm damage;
• theft of the caravan;
• third party liability;
• contents insurance cover if required;
• free Continental cover up to 240 days per annum for tourers;
• plus, much more!

New for old replacement

When you compare insurance or get a quote for your caravan, check what the new for old replacement terms are. There is often a maximum age of the caravan qualifying for such replacement, and these vary among providers. In the event of loss, we will replace your tourer up to five years old and your static home up to 10 years old, regardless of the number of previous owners. (Not all policies provide this).

Optional extras

While standard policy features provide the backbone of your insurance, you may have the option to tailor the coverage further to meet your needs and requirements.

These extras might include:

• insurance cover for your awning (please read our blog: Awning insurance: need to know);
• the provision of alternative accommodation if your caravan is stolen, lost or damaged while you’re touring in it;
• the ability to protect your no claims discount; etc.

Terms, conditions and exclusions

You may expect to find these in any policy. It’s advisable to read them carefully as part of your caravan insurance comparison.

Some of these exclusions and conditions may be more demanding than others and have a significant effect on whether you’re able to make a successful claim.

Please feel free to ‘phone us on 01702 606301 if you are unsure of any aspect of your insurance for caravan cover.

Discounts

Here at Cover4Caravans, we offer attractive discounts (up to 20%) on your caravan insurance premiums if you arrange secure storage at a site registered with the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA).

There are around 450 locations nationwide and each is rated according to a scale of different levels of security.

Accurate valuation: ensuring you get the most appropriate sum insured

A precise valuation of your caravan is crucial for determining the appropriate level of cover. An accurate assessment ensures that, in the event of a loss or damage, you receive adequate compensation. Consider these factors when valuing your caravan:

• get an up-to-date appraisal of your caravan’s worth;
• if you’ve made significant improvements, such as installing a new kitchen in your static caravan, update your sum insured accordingly;
• ensure the policy covers the cost of a brand-new replacement if eligible.

Final thoughts

Comparing caravan insurance is a crucial step in protecting your valuable asset. By understanding what each policy offers – and beyond just the price – you can make an informed decision that suits both your budget and your cover needs.

At Cover4Caravans, our aim is to simplify this process, offering free, no-obligation quotes and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of caravan insurance.

Ready to start comparing? Visit our website to get your free caravan insurance quotes online or call us on 01702 606301 to discuss your options with one of our team. Protect your caravan, secure your journey, and travel with confidence knowing you’re covered by suitable caravan insurance.

This is an important reminder to our customers that if you change storage location for your touring caravan, you MUST inform us immediately.

Failure to do so may invalidate your insurance policy.

Why is it so that important I advise you if I change where I store my caravan?

If you’re storing your touring caravan in a different location than originally declared on your touring insurance policy, you must inform your us for several reasons:

• Risk assessment – The location where your caravan is stored affects the level of risk. Some areas may have higher theft rates, flood risks, or other hazards that insurers need to consider.
• Policy validity – Failing to update your storage details could mean your policy is invalid in the event of a claim. If the caravan is stolen or damaged while stored in an undeclared location, your insurer may refuse to pay out.
• Security requirements – Some policies include specific security conditions depending on where the caravan is stored. This may include CASSOA-approved storage sites, locked gates, wheel clamps, or alarms. If you move your caravan, the new storage location may not meet these requirements.
• Premium adjustments – The cost of your insurance may change based on the new storage location. Some storage sites are considered lower risk, potentially reducing your premium, while others may lead to an increase.

To avoid issues, always inform your insurer before relocating your caravan to a new storage site. This ensures that your tourer insurance remains valid and provides the cover you need.

Where can I store my van?

It is imperative that we have the correct information relating to where your touring caravan is stored to ensure that it is kept at a secure, insurer-approved location. We approve various locations including but not limited to: CaSSOA Storage Sites, home driveways, dedicated caravan storage sites etc.

Leaving your touring caravan in unsecure places such as communal parking areas, pub car parks, a friend’s field etc. leaves it vulnerable to theft and damage. In fact, because of the high risk of loss or damage, typically no caravan insurance provider will agree to insure a touring caravan that is stored at an unsecure and unofficial location such as these.

Don’t delay, contact us!

If you have recently moved your touring caravan to a new storage location and have not informed us, please call us today on 01702 606301.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions relating to any aspect of your cover, a simple ‘phone call is all it takes.

Further reading: Guide to Caravan Storage and Security.

Videos: Caravan Security and Insurance Video and Caravan Storage and Insurance.

France is a fantastic destination for a touring caravan holiday. Open roads, the relative absence of heavy traffic, wide-open spaces, history, and cuisine, it’s all there!  In this blog, we look at the need-to-know information when driving in France – and we’ll also suggest some travel ideas about where to visit on your next trip to the country.

Just how foreign is it?

Listen to the language, taste the food, and experience some of the local customs and it is likely to hit you pretty early on that France is, indeed, a foreign country – that is all part of the adventure and excitement, after all.

Inevitably, there have been some changes following Britain’s decision formally to leave the EU. But it might come as something of a relief to discover that the rules of the road and the law relating to driving whilst towing a caravan remain broadly the same as at home in the UK – though, of course, you are driving on the other side of the road!

It is imperative that you stick to any local laws and regulations when you travel – falling foul of the law could also invalidate both your motor insurance and the tourer insurance that safeguards your caravan.

What kit will you need?

When driving in France, there are certain things you need to carry on board to be legally compliant. These include:

Warning triangles

• these must be erected in the road behind your vehicle if it has broken down and is on the hard shoulder;
• note that even if it is off the road and on the hard shoulder, you must still erect your warning triangle behind it to indicate to other approaching drivers that a potential hazard is ahead;
• if visibility approaching your stopped vehicle is good, the triangle must be approximately 30 metres behind it and visible to approaching vehicles though not blocking the carriageway, but if visibility is obstructed by a bend, you must place your warning triangle on the other side of the bend so that drivers know there may be an obstacle as they round the corner;

Fluorescent jackets

• ideally there must be a high visibility (fluorescent) vest or jacket for each member of the vehicle;
• if your vehicle breaks down and is partly or fully off the road, passengers must exit the vehicle and stand a safe distance away from it whilst keeping well back from the road;
• all occupants of the vehicle must don their fluorescent vests;

Evidence of insurance

• you will need to carry with you evidence of at least third party insurance for the vehicle you are driving;
• driving licences issued in the UK, the EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are required in some countries, but, currently, not in France;

Spare bulbs

• you are not legally obliged to carry a spare set of bulbs for your vehicle, points out Auto Bulbs Direct (ABD), but you can be fined if you are driving with a bulb that has failed or is otherwise defective;
• the safest course of action, therefore, is to ensure you have a spare set;

Breathalyser kits

• after years of toing and froing about whether to enforce legislation about drivers carrying a breathalyser kit in their vehicles, the French authorities have finally decided that none is now necessary – though you may wish to carry one just in case;
• beware, however, that the alcohol limit for drivers in France is lower than that in the UK.

Your driving documents

By law in France, all drivers must carry their driving licence and what is effectively their registration document, with them at all times;

Random stops and checks of vehicles and paperwork are perhaps rather more commonplace in France than in the United Kingdom – so be sure you will be able to produce when requested:

• your vehicle’s registration document;
• its MOT certificate;
• the certificate of insurance;
• your driving licence – and, if you have only an old-style paper licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP), too;
• if the vehicle or caravan is not yours, a letter from the owner authorising you to take it abroad within specified dates;
• plus, you’ll need your passport (which should have at least six months left on it);

National identifier plate

• beware that “GB” plates are no longer valid – the correct national identifier is now “UK” for any vehicle registered in the United Kingdom;
• the new national identifier can be incorporated into the vehicle’s registration plate – together with the Union Flag, if you like – but the former designation of “GB” with the gold stars of the Council of Europe is no longer valid. Any of these older designations need to be removed or covered and replaced by the letters “UK”.

Also useful to perhaps have are:

• Camping Card International – If you’re planning to go camping, carrying a Camping Card International is a smart move. It not only serves as extra proof of your identity but also provides third-party liability insurance and offers discounts at a wide range of campsites.
• Clean Air Stickers – When travelling to certain cities, you’re required to display a Crit’Air sticker on your car. It costs from £3.60 (at the time of writing), and drivers without the sticker may face penalties.

Bonus travel tips for your tour de France!

Never knowingly short-changing you with helpful tips and advice, here are some of our bonus travel tips for making the most of any “tour de France”:

Toilet paper

• on French motorways, stopping-off picnic and rest stops (called Aires) are far more commonplace and typically more picturesque than their UK equivalents;
• those that are formal service stations with food and other facilities will have excellent and well-maintained toilet facilities;
• those that are simply picnic spots will have reasonable toilets and water facilities but might be unlikely to have toilet paper;

A Europe-valid bank or credit card

• the tolls at some exits from motorways in France may be entirely unmanned and automatic;
• before being able to leave the motorway, you will need to pay your fees and if you don’t have a card in automatic situations, then this going to cause difficulties, delays, and embarrassment;
• check with your card provider, prior to departure, that you have adequate credit and that your card is valid for use in Europe;

Check for access with overnight stops

• it’s not unusual to see some caravan owners trying to get their vehicle and caravan into totally inadequate hotel car parks when treating themselves to an overnight stay en-route in France;
• remember, if you are using a hotel and not your tourer for en-route accommodation, check with your hotel in advance to make sure that it has caravan access – even some hotels specifically designed for motorway travellers may well be unsuitable;
• also, let your tourer caravan insurer know that you won’t be staying in your caravan overnight, to ensure that full cover remains in place.

Tour de France – destination ideas

The French Riviera, the Loire Valley, Mont Blanc, Paris … there are so many places to choose from when you take a trip to France – so where will you go? Here are just a few ideas to whet your appetite for any tour de France!

Unknown France

France is a vast and beautiful country but some parts of it are rather better known than others.

If you are going on holiday to France at peak times, you may be interested in a caravan tourer route where you may be less likely to find other British caravanners:

Avranches to Ducey

• if you disembark at one of the north-western French ports, why not take a drive towards the town of Avranches;
• this is very close to Mont St Michel and occupies a hilltop – it has a great ruined castle to explore, some nice old buildings, a pleasant public garden and something called The Scriptorial, which is an incredible museum housing ancient Normandy documents going back over 1000 years;
• head from there to the small village of Ducey – a nice place for lunch and you can also explore the small but charming local chateau;

Ducey to Mayenne

• a relatively short drive will take you to the very pretty town of Mayenne;
• this has a lovely chateau and museum on cliffs overlooking the river and you can hire a boat to explore stretches of the river through the town and into the countryside;

Mayenne to Laval

• Laval is the departmental capital of La Mayenne in France;
• it is a very pleasant town which offers an old quarter to explore with winding streets and ancient buildings;
• it, too, has a chateau overlooking the river, some nice eating places and if you need some retail therapy, some reasonably good and chic shopping;

Laval to Angers

• Angers is a very impressive town on the side of another major river and has some truly lovely streets, buildings, and a very impressive castle;
• in the medieval period, this town was once arguably as important if not more so than Paris and this shows today in some of its layout;

Angers to Chinon

• this route makes for a very pleasant drive through parts of the Loire Valley and the town of Chinon and surrounding villages.

Northern France

If you are touring north-western France in your caravan, there are still other less well-known places, including the following:

1. Bagnoles sur l’Orne. This is a small spa and lakeside town amongst some very pretty cliffs and hills in the Orne department of Normandy. It has a very genteel feeling to it, some great walking and climbing opportunities, the casino where you can try your luck, and you can even hire a pedalo on the local lake;
2. Chateau-Gontier. Sitting in another southern part of the La Mayenne department, this is a very pretty town with some impressive buildings overlooking the river. The surrounding countryside is also very attractive in a gentle way and while you are in the area you can visit the very large animal sanctuary and the local abandoned Roman town of Jublains;
3. Redon. This is a very appealing town in eastern Brittany with some lovely old ecclesiastical architecture in the centre. Even more attractive is the fact that it is at the junction point of a large canal and river system meaning that it is a popular stopping off point for river cruisers and longboats;
4. Jallouville and south to Avranches. Some of the beaches on the western Cotentin peninsular of Normandy are stunningly beautiful and often completely isolated. If you like quiet beaches and small towns, this area may be for you – though it is worth noting that the tide can go out a very long way here and the sea, at such times, may be almost invisible! Some care must be taken before walking across the sands when the tide is out due to quicksand and should be avoided by pedestrians and vehicles alike – unless accompanied by a local professional expert;
5. Nantes. This is one of the largest cities in France and may not perhaps immediately have occurred to you as being a natural holiday touring spot. But it is a fascinating city with a wealth of attractions and an incredibly important chateau at the centre. Of course, roads in the centre may not be ideal for the caravan but if you are parked up somewhere in the area, the city centre is well worth a visit;
6. Villedieu-Les-Poêles. This is a small town nestling in the Normandy countryside of France, but it is also famous as a centre of copper kitchen utensil production. It is a very pretty town in its own right but the multitude of shops selling copper items makes it even more so. While you are there, remember to visit the bell foundry in the centre of town, where they continue to make bells for churches around the world and all the bells for the ships of the French Navy.

We hope you find this blog both full of useful information and good for travel ideas in France. Bon voyage!

Further reading: Guide to caravanning in France.

Please note that this information is based on our current understanding of the laws in the UK and the country you are travelling to. Laws can change, so please always check well before travelling with the relevant authorities to make sure you are legal. We cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions in this article.