Caravan insurance offers valuable protection for any investment you’ve made in a touring caravan or a static caravan kept as your beloved holiday home. The insurance is specifically designed not just to protect the caravan itself but also its contents, your personal belongings within it, and the various liabilities with which you may be faced as its owner.

Here at Cover4Caravans, we’re constantly aware of your need to manage – and, at times, rein in – the costs of your caravanning. For that reason, we’ve already listed 15 ways in which you might save money on those costs.

Now let’s go a step further and examine ways that you might save money on probably the most important of your caravanning overhead costs – the cost of caravan insurance.

Safeguarding your pride and joy

The family caravan – touring or static – is often the pride and joy of its members. It’s a prized possession that gives you many exciting holidays throughout the year and one which deserves the adequate and effective protection of suitable insurance.

Away from the hustle, bustle, and all-around excitement of the long days of summer caravanning, this time of year might be just the time to review how much you are paying for your caravan insurance – and whether there are ways you might be cutting that cost.

At Cover4Caravans, we are – and always have been – firmly committed to providing our customers with suitable and what we consider to be attractive and cost-competitive insurance deals. But there may be still further decisions you can take to keep down the cost of your caravan’s insurance.

Saving money on the cover you need

However highly you rate the importance of your touring insurance or static caravan’s insurance – and quite rightly too – that doesn’t mean you have to overlook opportunities for saving money on its cost.

Whenever you seek any kind of insurance quote or decide to buy a policy, it’s never a question of just going for the cheapest deal on offer. Instead, you look for the cover you actually need – the cover that meets your particular needs and circumstances.

This is just as true when looking for caravan insurance whether your van is continually used for holidays or in storage – bearing in mind that your needs and circumstances may change from one year to the next.

Nine times out of ten, therefore, you’ll be looking for cover that represents good value for money and includes features and benefits you need, rather than just an apparently bargain-basement deal or an offer that looks too good to be true – which it just might be.

Shopping around

Shopping around for that good value for money can prove a daunting task these days. So many insurance providers offer such a wide range of products and different policy terms, conditions, and benefits.

Advice might be given by friends, relatives, or fellow caravanners. What is likely to count more than any other, though, is expert, professional advice about securing insurance cover that represents good value for money.

Using a specialist insurance broker

However familiar you might be with all the ins and outs of the insurance market, it can prove a complicated and quite involved matter to decide the insurance cover you need for your particular make, model, and age of towing or static caravan and the use to which it is put.

To complicate things still further, a host of different insurance providers are all desperately competing for your business and offering a broad range of products to do so.

An experienced insurance broker – such as ourselves here at Cover4Caravans – may be in the best position to make the closest match between your particular, individual needs and the most suitable product.

With expertise and experience gained over a number of years, we not only recognise your particular, individual requirements but also have connections to present to you the particular insurance policies matching your requirements – at a competitive market price.

Additional money-saving tips

We’ll help you with all the money-saving tips we’ve discussed so far – but there are still more ways you can save on the cost of your touring or static caravan insurance premiums:

Security and safe storage for your caravans

• insurance is about the management of risk – in the case of your caravan, the risk of  loss, theft, or damage to the trailer and its contents or the risk of any liabilities you incur as the owner;
• the more you are able to mitigate those risks, the fewer are there for the insurer to cover, and so the insurance premiums may be charged at a lower rate;
• security measures and devices include locks on the doors and windows together with immobilising features such as hitchlocks and wheel clamps (which may be required by your insurer in any case) and motion-detecting intruder alarms to reduce any chances of theft;
• some security measures may be for your own personal safety, too – fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are just two such devices that spring immediately to mind;
• the winter time, or other periods when it is not in regular use, your touring caravan may become especially vulnerable to risks of loss or damage, particularly from theft and vandalism – if your caravan is left for long periods of time in the driveway of your home or even left some way away, in the corner of a farmer’s field, for instance;
• given these vulnerabilities, some insurance providers – including us here at Cover4Caravans – offer attractive discounts on your premiums if you choose to store your trailer at a site registered by the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association (CaSSOA):
• CaSSOA storage sites all meet established standards of security for the safe storage of touring caravans out of season and the sites are graded according to the particular level of security maintained;
• all modern caravans are automatically registered under the Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS) which gives a similar peace of mind to the logbook issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for your car;

Review the cover levels for both your caravan and its contents

• underinsurance of your caravan and its contents are relatively common errors that you might live to regret;
• underinsurance results from underestimating the value of your ‘van and its contents so that, in the event of any loss, the insurance settlement remains insufficient for the repairs or replacements necessary.

By taking on board some of these tips and suggestions you may be able to secure suitable protection for the pride and joy of your family’s holiday life, whilst enjoying the benefits of money saved on the cost of insurance.

A further note on saving money on your static caravan insurance

Your search for a comfortable yet affordable holiday home might have led you to one of the most popular solutions, a static caravan. This is a home that can be moved, of course, but rarely leaves its designated pitch on a purpose-designed holiday park or resort. So, a static caravan is generally a more apt description than, say, a mobile home.

The annual rent you pay to the park owners for keeping your static caravan on its chosen pitch is likely to be a major source of expenditure. But there are other ongoing running costs and chief among these is static caravan insurance for your holiday home.

In addition to the many money-saving measures you might take for caravan insurance in general, there are a few steps that might be especially relevant to your static caravan:

• a case in point is public liability insurance, for instance, designed to indemnify you against claims from members of the public who are injured or have their property damaged in some way connected with your static caravan;
• the owners or management of the park on which your static caravan is berthed are almost certain to offer to arrange insurance for your trailer – in most cases, you are not obliged to take their cover but may find more comprehensive protection at a more competitive price, by shopping around;
• you might still need to satisfy the park owners that you have adequate public liability insurance cover;
• if you intend to earn extra cash by letting out your holiday home from time to time, remember that your insurers will regard this as a “material fact” relating to your insurance contract – therefore, you must declare any such use to your insurers;
• if you want to save money on your caravan insurance premiums, it is worth demonstrating to any insurer that you are taking every reasonable precaution to ensure the security and safety of your holiday home – even when it is unoccupied – and have invested in mitigating against any loss or damage;
• this extends to some of the more obvious measures such as the locks used for securing doors and windows and the installation of smoke detectors and fire alarms;
• but it might also extend to the levels of security maintained at your chosen holiday park during the closed season or when your holiday home is left unoccupied – when 24-hour monitoring and onsite patrols by the site’s management may be taken into account by your insurance provider;
• remember, too, that if you intend to let your holiday home for any period, you also assume the responsibility for tenants’ safety – with respect to gas appliances, the risk of fire, and any danger from carbon monoxide fumes;
• the Camping and Caravanning Club has published advice on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and, however temporary it might be, your role as a landlord also requires you to conduct an annual gas safety inspection carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

In summary, whether you own a static caravan or a touring caravan, securing good value caravan insurance as well as saving money on your insurance premiums, therefore, might be a combination of drawing on the expertise of an established broker regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) such as ourselves here at Cover4Caravans – as well as using the tips suggested above.

Finally, remember that if you have questions or concerns about your caravan insurance; you need a reminder of your policy features, benefits or excess; or you would rather get a quote from a person rather than getting an online caravan insurance quote, then please do ‘phone us on 01702 606301. We’d love to hear from you and would be delighted to help.

Your holiday may be over, but your photographs can bring those cherished moments back to life, reminding you of the places you’ve visited and the adventures you’ve enjoyed. So, what’s the secret to taking great photos during your caravan adventures? Here are some tips to elevate your photography game.

The camera

In today’s world of advanced technology, you don’t need an expensive DSLR camera (this stands for digital single-lens reflex camera and is a type of digital camera that uses a fixed sensor, interchangeable lenses, and a reflex design to capture images). Modern smartphones are equipped with excellent cameras capable of producing professional-looking shots as well as having added features such as filters etc.

• Smartphone photography: Most smartphones come with built-in editing tools and features such as portrait mode, which can create stunning depth-of-field effects. Take advantage of these tools to enhance your images.
• Know your gear: Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR, understanding your device is essential. Spend time experimenting with different settings and features before your trip. For example, learn how to adjust focus, exposure, and lighting for the best results.

Simplicity is key

The saying “less is more” couldn’t be truer when it comes to photography. Clean, uncluttered compositions often make the most visually striking images.

• One subject, one story: Focus on a single subject to create a strong, clear narrative in your shot. Whether it’s a picturesque sunset or your caravan parked in a scenic spot, simplicity adds impact.
• Avoid overcrowding: Minimise background distractions to let your subject take centre stage.

Framing matters

Great photography isn’t just about what’s in your shot but how it’s arranged. Proper framing can turn an average picture into an extraordinary one.

• Mind the edges: Avoid cutting off important parts of your subject, like a person’s head, arm, or legs.
• The rule of thirds: Place your subject slightly off-centre to create a dynamic and visually appealing composition. Many cameras and smartphones have a grid overlay to help with this.
• Include foreground interest: For landscape shots, add an object like a tree, rock, or bench in the foreground to create depth and interest.

Depth and perspective

When capturing landscapes, use depth to draw the viewer into your photo. This helps bring a sense of scale and dimension to the image.

Leading lines: Use natural lines in the scene, such as roads, rivers, or fences, to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame.

Master depth of field: For those using cameras with manual settings, experiment with aperture (f-stop) to control how much of the scene is in focus. A lower f-stop (e.g., f/2.8) creates a blurred background, while a higher one (e.g., f/16) keeps everything sharp.

Lighting – the secret ingredient

Lighting is everything in photography and learning how to work with natural light can transform your photos.

• Golden hours: The best times to shoot are early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and warm. Harsh midday sunlight can create unflattering shadows and washed-out colours.
• Backlighting: Shooting into the light can produce beautiful silhouettes and dramatic effects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with this technique.
• Diffuse light: Overcast days might not seem ideal, but soft, diffused light can be perfect for capturing details and avoiding harsh shadows.

Be ready for the moment

Sometimes the best shots happen in an instant, so it’s crucial to stay prepared.

• Always have your camera handy: Whether it’s your smartphone in your pocket or a DSLR hanging from your shoulder, keep your equipment within reach. You never know when a magical moment will appear.
• Candid shots: Action shots or unplanned moments often capture the spirit of your trip better than posed pictures. Be spontaneous!

Experiment and have fun

Remember, not every shot has to be perfect! Photography is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final result. Don’t hesitate to try new angles, experiment with filters, or take the same shot from different perspectives. Sometimes, your most unexpected photo becomes the favourite.

Preserve and share your memories

When you’ve captured your best images, don’t let them stay hidden on your device. Create a scrapbook, print your favourite shots, or share them on social media. Your photographs are not just memories for you – they’re stories you can share with friends and family.

With these tips, your caravan adventures can live on forever in beautifully captured photographs. Happy snapping!

Amidst the gathering gloom of long winter nights what better way to think sunnier thoughts than about next season’s outings in your caravan or motorhome.

To help you do just that, here’s our latest roundup of some of the latest caravanning and camping UK news headlines.

The UK’s best holiday park revealed – with wow-factor sea views and friendly alpacas

Head south to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast if you want to sample the holiday park that has just been voted the best in Britain.

The Irish Sun newspaper recently reported that Highlands End Holiday Park in the county won this year’s Camping and Glamping Awards.

Close to the World Heritage coastline, you’ll find touring and grass pitches for your caravan and motorhome bays. Not only that, but the site stole the winning accolade not least because of the working farm within its grounds. Here you can also pet some friendly alpacas!

Other facilities on this family and dog friendly site include soft play areas for the children and a leisure centre while the grown-ups can relax in the beer garden or indulge in the restaurant and bar.

The beautiful sea views from the site have the wow-factor too!

The Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show to return in January

A highlight of the year for anyone living in – or within striking distance of – the north of England is the Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show which returns to the Manchester Central exhibition space from the 16^th to the 19^th of January.

The announcement in the Caravan Times on the 12^th of November drew attention to what promises to be one of the biggest displays of caravans, campervans, and motorhomes for the coming 2025 season.

The show is likely to be your one-stop shop for all the accessories and camping gear you might need for weekends and holidays away once the coming season begins.

From the small and nimble, cleverly designed campervans to the luxuries of six-berth caravans, you’ll get up close and personal with some of the UK’s leading suppliers such as ES Hartley, Emm Bee, and Glossop Caravans.

Scots holiday park tipped as best caravan in the UK

A survey of more than 100 caravan sites up and down the whole of the UK has settled on a holiday park in Scotland as the best in the UK, according to a story in the Scottish Sun newspaper recently.

Visitor ratings for the Auchenlarie Holiday Park, in Dumfries and Galloway, gained an almost perfect score in the rankings prepared by the outdoor and camping equipment retailers GO Outdoors.

A panel of experts also awarded the holiday park practically full marks – 9.98 out of 10 – according to criteria including not only the visitor ratings but also average prices, pet friendliness, and amenities such as on-site shops, swimming pools, games room, and access to the beach.

The site on the Dumfries and Galloway coast is already a favourite with tourists who come to admire the views over Wigtown Bay.

Staithes Chalet & Caravan Park up for sale

Can’t find a pitch at your favourite campsite? How about buying a caravan park of your own?

On the 25^th of November, the Darlington and Stockton Times carried a feature detailing the proposed sale of the Staithes Chalet & Caravan Park – near to the popular tourist destinations of Whitby and the North York Moors National Park.

The 6.6-acre caravan park is located in the quaint fishing village of Staithes and currently offers pitches for 36 touring caravans and nine chalets – most of which are presently being refurbished.

The park is listed for sale at £1.3 million!

Your holiday memories might last forever, but having the most appropriate and cost-effective caravan insurance means your adventures stay worry-free too. Let’s be honest—reviewing your caravan insurance probably isn’t the most exciting thing on your to-do list. Some owners just hit “renew” every year without giving it much thought. Sound familiar?

This guide is here to show you why a quick caravan insurance review can be a game-changer and how to make sure you’re getting the most suitable cover for your caravan.

Why bother with a review?

We get it, you’re busy, and thinking about touring caravan insurance isn’t exactly fun. But here’s the thing: the insurance world doesn’t stand still.

New policies, more attractive deals, and updated customer perks pop up all the time. By sticking with the same old policy year after year, you could be missing out.

Taking a little time to review your caravan insurance could:

• help you find a policy that suits you better;
• save you money;
• ensure your cover matches how you actually use your caravan these days.

It’s quick, it’s easy, and it could make a big difference.

The cost of caravan insurance

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cost. It’s tempting to just go for the cheapest caravan insurance option, but cheaper doesn’t always mean better. A bargain policy might leave you exposed when you really need it.

By reviewing your options, you can find that sweet spot between cost and cover. It’s worth it for the peace of mind knowing you’re protected if something goes wrong.

What to look out for in your tourer insurance review

Not all caravan insurance policies are created equal. Here’s what to dig into when comparing options …

·      Who’s towing and how far?

Some policies have rules about who can tow the caravan—like minimum age or experience. Others might limit how far you can tow each year. Make sure the policy fits your plans, especially if you’re heading off on epic road trips or sharing driving duties.

·      Where can you go?

Planning to explore Europe? Check your policy covers it. Some only include the UK or have tight restrictions on where you can park overnight. If your dream is to park up in a sunny French field, make sure your policy’s on board.

·      New-for-old replacement

This one’s a biggie. If your caravan gets damaged beyond repair, will the insurer replace it with a brand-new one? Policies vary—some cover new-for-old for five years if you’ve owned the caravan from new, others for only three years, and some even cover second-hand caravans. Know what you’re getting.

Winter storage

Some insurers require you to store your caravan in a garage or secure site over winter, while others – such as ourselves – offer discounts if you store your ‘van at a CaSSOA-approved security site. Tailor your policy to your storage setup, and you could save some cash.

Don’t skip the small print

Nobody loves reading insurance documents but trust us—it’s worth it. The small print tells you exactly what’s covered (and what’s not), so you won’t get any surprises when it’s time to make a claim. Look out for things like:

• towing distance limits;
• valuables cover;
• rules around storm or flood damage.

Knowing the details helps you avoid problems later. And don’t forget, you can always call us here at Cover4Caravans for clarification on anything relating to your caravan insurance cover.

Specialist policies for unique needs

Got a static caravan or a top-of-the-line tourer? You might need a specialist policy. These can include extra features like extended contents cover, liability insurance, or protection for fixed structures like decking. Don’t be shy—ask us for a tailored policy that fits your setup.

Keep your caravan insurance cover up to date

Life changes, and so does how you use your caravan. Maybe you’re taking more trips, exploring new countries, or have upgraded your tourer. Whatever’s changed, it’s worth revisiting your insurance to make sure it still suits your lifestyle. Set a reminder to check in every six months or after any big changes.

Why it’s worth it

Let’s face it—a caravan insurance review isn’t the most glamorous task. But it’s a practical step to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Whether it’s more attractive cover, a lower premium, or both, the effort pays off. And who doesn’t love saving a bit of cash while staying protected?

Need a hand?

At Cover4Caravans, we get that insurance can be a bit confusing. That’s why we can assist you in navigating the options and finding what we consider is the most cost-effective and appropriate policy for you – we are here to help.

Safe travels!

The nights are drawing in now, so maybe it’s time to settle back and start planning next season’s outings and adventures in your caravan.

To help set the scene, here are a few of the recent UK caravan news headlines to update you on the latest caravan news.

CAMC announces 2024 Certificated Location of the Year winners

The Caravan and Motorhome Club (CAMC) recently announced the winners of its annual Certified Location awards, according to Practical Motorhome’s edition of the 25^th of October. The results were as follows:

Overall winner

• Brambles, Anglesey, North Wales;

North of England winner

• Drake House Farm, Ribble Valley, Lancashire;

South of England winner

• Goodleigh Hill, near Pershore, Worcestershire;

Best in Scotland and Northern Ireland

• Fairbank Park, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire;

Best Newcomer

• The Courts, Little Baddow, Essex;

Sustainability award

• Birch Hill in Shropshire.

Major region implements 18-month parking ban for motorhomes and caravans

Local councils along the coast of North Yorkshire have taken steps to prohibit overnight parking in multiple areas around Scarborough and Cayton Bay, reported GB News on the 24^th of October.

The ban follows complaints from local residents who have complained bout the congestion and disruption caused by parked motorhomes and caravans.

The ban was introduced with effect from the 21^st of October and apply from eleven at night until 7 o’clock in the morning for an initial trial period of 6 months. The intention, however, is to keep any such ban in place for at least the next 18 months.

Owners of illegally parked motorhomes and caravans can expect to face stiff penalties.

Dometic launches new range of sustainable awnings at the NEC Show

Manufacturer Dometic has launched an all-new material for its range of 33 different types of both air and poled awnings for motorhomes and caravans announced Practical Caravan recently.

Called Weathershield Tour, the new fabric is a 300D ripstop polyester material. The rope-dye process used in its manufacture consumes 80% less water than conventional polyesters – so reducing the amount of energy consumed and making its manufacture more sustainable.

Not only is the process more sustainable but the ripstop material is woven into a fabric that makes for a far more durable caravan and motorhome awning.

Swift Group announces up to 175 job losses

The Swift caravan manufacturer based in Cottingham near Kingston upon Hull in East Yorkshire will have to let go up to 175 of its employees, according to a report by the BBC recently.

The job losses follow on the heels of what the company has described as a “difficult and challenging trading period” that has required a restructuring of a down-sized enterprise designed to safeguard the longer-term prospects of the company.

One of the UK’s largest manufacturers of caravans, motorhomes, and leisure homes, the Swift Group was founded more than 60 years ago in 1964. Until recently, it has employed some 1,300 individuals and boasts a current turnover exceeding £300 million. Its main factory is in Cottingham.