Updated March 2026

Introduction: why buy a touring caravan?

There are many reasons for buying a touring caravan – here are just a few of them:

• perhaps the first reason many people give is the simple freedom of being able to travel to holiday in any place you choose at any time staycations are certainly more popular than ever;
• a tourer gives you the chance to explore and discover different parts of the UK or abroad; it gives you the flexibility of enjoying your holidays in a different place each time – unlike a static caravan or second home;
• you are able to pack up and go at a moment’s notice, with a spontaneous decision – even if it is a day or two just locally;
• because many touring caravan sites are in picturesque locations, you might get to enjoy stunning scenery right on your doorstep;
• there is the chance to meet new people from neighbouring caravans or those on the same campsite;
• it may be a sociable way to take a holiday with a group of friends or family, knowing that you are all able to sit around with a glass or two of wine with your meals, without anyone having to drive home afterwards;
• the Camping and Caravanning Club – and several other associations for touring caravan owners – frequently hold rallies and other events in different parts of country, where you may compare notes, swap stories, and make friends with like-minded souls;
• towing your home away from home with you is typically much cheaper than paying for a hotel or bed and breakfast – allowing you to pursue your interests, hobbies or sports around the country;
• the initial cost of a new or second-hand touring caravan is generally considered to be an affordable investment;
• there is a wide range of different makes, sizes and models to choose from;
• the return on your investment of course depends on how often you use it, but a touring caravan is more or less permanently ready to hitch up to your car to go;
• rates for storing your touring caravan when it is not in use may be considered to be reasonable and affordable – and may give you the peace of mind of it being kept safe and secure; or you may even be able to keep the caravan parked on your own driveway – provided it is not being used for living in and provided your property has no restrictive covenants preventing such a use of your driveway or garden.

The list of reasons is by no means exhaustive and you may have some others of your own. Whether buying for the first time, or even as a seasoned caravanner buying second hand, however, the actual purchase of the trailer that is likely to suit your and your family’s needs may present a bewildering array of possibilities.

For many owners, a touring caravan may also represent a practical way of making more frequent short breaks possible throughout the year, rather than relying on a single longer annual holiday. The flexibility of travelling with your accommodation already prepared may help reduce planning pressures and allow you to explore destinations that might otherwise be less accessible.

Touring caravans may also appeal to those who enjoy outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling or coastal activities, since equipment can often be transported more easily than when travelling by air or staying in fixed accommodation.

So what make and model is likely to fit the bill? Even when you have homed in on a particular possibility, to what aspects might you pay special attention and consideration? How about the car that you intend to use for towing your tourer – will it be up to the job? And what are some of the most appropriate ways of protecting and looking after your investment?

This Guide will give you some pointers on all of the above, helping you narrow down your choice.

Which tourer?

The good news is that there is a huge range of different tourers from which to choose – the less good news, perhaps, is that it may prove quite bewildering choosing the particular make and model that best suits you and your family’s needs, requirements and interests.

It may also be helpful to think about how you expect your touring habits to develop over time. For example, first-time buyers sometimes choose smaller, lighter caravans that are easier to tow and store, before later moving to larger models as their confidence increases. Considering factors such as storage arrangements, typical journey distances and the number of people likely to travel with you on most trips may help narrow the range of suitable options.

It may seem obvious, but this may be the most important rule to keep in mind – you are looking for the tourer that suits your own purposes. However new, imaginative and tastefully designed is the model you are being shown, there is little point in buying it if it fails to meet you and your family’s hopes and expectations.

So, what are likely to be some of the key considerations in making your choice?

Size

The size of tourer you are likely to need is typically determined by the maximum number of people you expect it to sleep – in other words, the number of berths.

This, in turn, is likely to determine the length of the caravan needed to accommodate that number of people. The length might also determine the level of amenities that may be incorporated, such as toilet facilities.

Layout

As important as the overall length is the way in which the designers have made optimum use of the space. The layout – and sometimes this is more imaginative and ingenious than others – may make all the difference and may even mean that you may be able to shave off a few feet from the overall length.

Weight

The weight of your tourer is likely to be determined by its length and the manufacturer’s choice of construction materials.

Although the weight is going to determine the size and power of the vehicle needed to tow your caravan, bear in mind that this weight might be multiplied several times over if you have packed a lot of kit into it. This is termed the payload allowance and in caravans manufactured since 1999, your caravan’s documentation needs to state the European Standard maximum permissible laden mass (MTPLM).

You may have noticed that some tourers have twin axles rather than the standard single axle. These are likely to be reserved for only the largest caravans which need to support an especially heavy-laden weight. In almost every other instance, however, a single axle is perfectly acceptable and makes handling considerably easier.

When considering payload allowance, it may be sensible to think not only about the equipment you intend to carry at the outset, but also about items you may gradually add over time. Awnings, outdoor furniture, bicycles, leisure batteries and additional gas cylinders, for example, may all increase overall weight.

Ensuring that the fully laden caravan remains within the manufacturer’s limits may help support safer towing and may also be relevant to touring insurance considerations.

Amenities

Principal considerations as far as internal amenities are concerned are likely to focus mainly on the kitchen, shower and loo. The extent to which they are equipped is, of course, largely a matter of taste – and the depth of your pocket – but remember, too, that they all add weight to the trailer you are going to be towing.

Make

The above considerations may already have pointed you in the direction of certain makes and models of tourer. You may already have formed a preference for one manufacturer over another simply through word of mouth or examples you may have seen elsewhere.

When choosing a make, it might be worth reminding yourself once again that the best one is going to be the one that is most appropriate to the individual needs and expectations of you and your family.

Testing

Given the relatively long list of considerations that may go into choosing your touring caravan, it may be a good idea to try to test drive a few models and persuade the vendors to let you take a weekend break or two in any of those you are thinking of buying.

Things to check when looking at a caravan

Things you might want to check when looking at any caravan you are thinking of buying are likely to depend on whether it is new or second hand – if it is new, the list may be somewhat shorter or the inspection rather less rigorous than if you are buying second hand.

Caravan Talk has published a helpful checklist for those about to buy a caravan and the points raised may be useful whether you are buying new or second hand:

Siting

• ask to look at it in static mode, set up on site just as you might find it pitched during your holiday;

Documentation

• check the documentation that comes with it – including proof of ownership or the vendor’s authority to sell;
• where possible, you may also wish to confirm whether any outstanding finance is secured against the caravan before completing a purchase. A reputable dealer is typically able to assist with these checks, but private buyers may wish to obtain confirmation independently. Taking time to verify ownership details and service history may help reduce the risk of unexpected issues after purchase;
• check the age of the caravan against that declared in any documentation provided by the Central Registration and Identification Scheme (CRiS), the national register for caravan owners, together with any plates or other coding that might indicate the year of manufacture;
• the more documentation you can be shown about the caravan’s history the better. The original handbook and service log, for example, may give a fair clue to it having been looked after by any previous owners;

External

• when making your external inspection, you are likely to be looking for scratches, bents and other broken surfaces;
• it is also worth taking a close look at all the sealants, taking into account that oil-based sealants may be expected to last 5 years, acrylic 10 years and silicone-based sealants 20 years;
• outside fittings, such as windows, handles, wheels, lights, towing hitch and electrical connections, also need to be inspected carefully;
• the tyres – what are their condition and how old are they?

Chassis and towing gear

• these may prove expensive features to repair, so it repays to check the chassis especially carefully for any signs of corrosion or buckling – bearing in mind that over-enthusiastic use of under-seal might be hiding problems;
• make sure that the hitch moves freely and that the jockey wheel moves freely up and down;
• test the handbrake to make sure that it works effectively;

Internal

• on the inside, the principal enemy is likely to be damp in the walls and floor;
• this is the first stage of a rot that may eventually lead to the structure simply falling apart;
• a tell-tale sign is a pervading smell that may mask a host of potential health hazards;

Doors and windows

• just as you did on the outside, check doors and windows are watertight, their hinges are secure and that they open, close and lock properly;
• check any roof vents from the inside and pay attention to any problems causing condensation to form on the inner surfaces of double-glazed windows;

Gas and electrics

• appliances and supply lines need to be thoroughly checked in order to prevent potentially fatal fires or gassing of occupants in future; and

Equipment

• finally, check all of the fitted equipment, including any fires, water heaters, fridges, cookers and microwaves.

Matching your caravan to your car

Now that you might have your heart firmly set on a particular caravan, you need to match the caravan to your car (or the one you intend to buy) to ensure it is up to the job of towing it. You also need to take into account the rather complicated rules about the weight of the trailer you may tow on your current driving licence.

Your driving licence

The rules are set out on the official government website here.

The caravan and car combination

The RAC has a useful guide to working out towing capacity.

Having settled on the appropriate balance between caravan and towing vehicle, you might also want to ensure that you have fitted to your car the appropriate mirrors to enable you to negotiate all of the hazards you are likely to encounter.

In addition to checking towing capacity, some owners also find it helpful to review the vehicle’s nose-weight limit and the recommended loading distribution within the caravan. Ensuring that heavier items are positioned appropriately may improve towing stability and comfort on longer journeys. If you are unsure about suitability, specialist advice from a dealer or qualified towing professional may be worthwhile.

You can read our helpful guide on towing mirrors for more information.

Protecting your caravan

Having found the caravan to satisfy your dreams, matched the car to tow it, spent a fair amount of time and effort to buy it – not to mention the cost of your investment – you probably want to make sure that you are able to protect it the best that you are able.

On this score, one of the most effective means of protection is likely to be tourer insurance.

It might be tempting to think, for example, that the motor insurance you have already arranged for your car is going to cover the risk of loss or damage to any caravan the car is towing.

In reality, your motor insurance is likely to extend only to third party damage caused by your caravan and not to the caravan itself. For the latter, you are likely to need purpose-designed touring caravan insurance. It tends to be a specialist form of insurance about which you might want to consult specialist providers – such as ourselves at Cover4Caravans.

Depending on the level of cover selected, touring caravan insurance policies may also include protection against risks such as storm damage, accidental damage, fire, or loss of contents, although the precise scope of protection varies between providers and policies. It may therefore be helpful to review policy documentation carefully to ensure that the level of cover reflects how and where your caravan is used throughout the year.

Touring caravans are a special form of insurance risk not only because of the potential for damage to the trailer itself, but also because of the risk of theft of such a mobile piece of property and because of the risk of theft of its contents. Both risks may be covered by the appropriate form of insurance.

Although insurance may be in place, there are still measures you may take to mitigate the risks of loss or damage.

Many insurers, for example, may insist that whenever the caravan is left unattended that a hitchlock is used (if it is still hitched to the towing vehicle) or wheel clamps fitted (if it is not).

Other sensible precautions include paying careful attention to such obvious weak points as windows and doors, by ensuring that they are properly secured when you are away from your caravan for even a short period of time.

For further information, read our Guide to Caravan Storage and Security.

An increasingly widely used security measure is the installation within your caravan of a tracking device. It is purposely unobtrusive and typically hidden within the structure of your caravan, but constantly reports its whereabouts to a central control room – an invaluable service if ever the caravan might be stolen.

Simple routine precautions may also support the security of your caravan when it is not in use. For example, removing portable valuables, checking that alarms are functioning correctly and keeping a record of identifying features or photographs may assist recovery if theft occurs. Some insurers may recognise additional security features when assessing risk, although any requirements are likely to vary between individual policies.

When storing your caravan, note that we will provide up to 20% off the cost of your cover if your tourer is stored at a CaSSOA-approved site.

Summary

While this is only a brief guide to the considerations you need to make when buying a tourer, we hope it has helped given you some food for thought. Don’t forget to check the rest of our website for further hints and tips.

Caravanning times are with us once again and, to kick off the new season, here are some of the latest caravan news stories …

Danny and Dani Dyer speak about reviving caravan park for new TV show

Actor and TV personality Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani make no bones about their nostalgia and love for the traditional British summer caravan holiday.

A feature in an edition of the Independent newspaper on the 17^th of February described the pair’s new TV show airing on Sky One. Called The Dyers’ Caravan Park, the show recreates some of the lost pleasures of those earlier times when kids ran freely, safe, and wild while the extended family of Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins socialised.

The Dyers’ Caravan Park is, in fact, Priory Hill Holiday Park in Leysdown, Kent. So, there are real caravans for Danny and Dani to clean and real children to entertain while they are there on holiday with their parents. It’s a real-time attempt to recreate Dad Danny’s nostalgia for the holidays he spent as a child with his extended family on Canvey Island, Essex – in what he calls “a very working-class holiday”.

The launch of the six-part mini-series follows on from our earlier news story on the same subject.

Caravan sales forecast record year as Salop Leisure reports strong start to 2026

Caravan retailer, Salop Leisure, has reported bumper sales thanks to a 12% increase in leads generated at the recent Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Show in Manchester, according to the a recent article. This translated into an 11% increase in sales of motorhomes and caravans in January compared to the same month in 2025.

The show itself also saw a growing demand for caravans, motorhomes, and the outdoor life, following a 15% increase in entrance ticket sales compared to last year, and 9% of visitors saying they intended to make a purchase.

The same caravan and motorhome retailer also attended the recent Holiday and Residential Parks Association conference for 2026. This, too, proved a forum for good news, with members said to be confident in an industry where investments in accommodation and facilities continue apace.

Investment underway at Cheshire campsite after ownership change

A new look is coming with a change of ownership and the renaming of what was formerly Fishpool Farm Caravan Park and is now Fishpool Holiday Park, according to Practical Caravan on the 13^th of February.

Located near the Cheshire village of Tarporley, the five acres of Fishpool Holiday Park are the ideal base from which to explore the nearby Delamere Forest, where you can walk or cycle to your heart’s content, or venture into the city of Chester just 10 miles away.

Until the park’s grand re-opening at the end of April, infrastructure works are in progress as changes are made through enhanced groundworks, landscaping, and drainage. Charging points will also be installed for the fast and convenient recharging of EV tow cars.

Bookings are already being taken for the newly installed luxury lodges and static caravans, together with pitches for touring caravans and motorhomes.

Tourism levy raises concerns over impact on domestic tourism

The industry mouthpiece Caravan Industry and Park Operator on the 16^th of February raised concerns at recent government discussions about introducing a tourism tax.

The posting echoed a warning from the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA) that any such levy would affect British families already struggling to make ends meet.

The clamour in opposition to the plans comes at the end of the official consultation process. If the government presses ahead, local authorities would be given the power to enforce the proposed tourism taxes.

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.

Can you feel the excitement beginning to build? As the temperatures rise, and the days grow longer, Easter is traditionally the time of year for one of the first outings in the new caravan season.

This year, there are again four days of public holiday – 3rd to 6th April 2026 (in England and Wales) . Tag on a few extra days from your annual leave allowance from work, of course, you might easily make your first outing of the year last up to ten days or so.

So, let’s suggest some of the top 5 destinations you might want to head off towards this Easter – just remember to make sure that your touring caravan insurance is up to date:

1. South east England

Spring in the south east often brings milder temperatures than many other parts of the UK, making it well suited to an early-season tour. Blossom begins to appear across parks and gardens, and coastal walks are typically quieter than in peak summer months.

Where better to get that first taste of spring but the Garden of England – or, for that matter, anywhere in the south east.

This is an area that seems to have it all for a family holiday in your touring caravan – some spectacular coastal scenery, the South Downs, beaches, promenades and buckets and spades.

You may wish to stay at the Camping and Caravanning Club’s site at Normans Bay – which history buffs will also know marks the spot where the Normans landed in 1066.

1. South West England

Early spring in Cornwall can showcase impressive gardens and dramatic coastal scenery before the height of the tourist season. Many visitors choose Easter as an opportunity to explore walking routes, harbour towns and family attractions at a slightly gentler pace.

The south west of England is one of the first parts of the country to feel the warmth and sunshine of spring – so you might want to head off to Cornwall to enjoy your share of that fine weather this Easter (fingers crossed!).

The county has a number of campsites that are open all the year round, so they are probably in full swing by the time you get there for Easter.

Carnon Downs Caravan Park is an excellent base from which to explore the whole of Cornwall, as it is right in the heart of the county, near Truro, and therefore midway between both north and south coasts.

1. Midlands

For many caravanners, the Midlands offers a practical first outing thanks to shorter travel distances from multiple parts of the UK. This can be particularly helpful at the start of the season while reacquainting yourself with towing and site set-up.

The Camping and Caravanning Club’s site at Wolverley is only 4.4 miles from Arley Arboretum.

1. North west England

Easter can be a rewarding time to visit the Lake District, as spring flowers begin to emerge and visitor numbers are often lower than during the summer holidays. Clear spring days can provide excellent walking conditions across the fells and lakesides.

Spring could be just the time of year for enjoying your own “wandering lonely as a cloud, to come across a host of golden daffodils” – to paraphrase the poet William Wordsworth, as he walked the fells of the Lake District.

Herdwick Croft Caravan Park, on the shores of beautiful Bassenthwaite, might be the ideal spot to pitch your touring caravan and to take advantage of the handbook and guide the site has published to Easter activities in the Lakes.

1. Scotland

Springtime in Scotland can bring longer daylight hours and fresh Highland air, making it well suited to outdoor exploration. Lambing season and early wildlife activity may also add interest for countryside visitors.

If you are north of the border, you already know that the Easter holidays in Scotland omit the Monday as a bank holiday.

Undaunted, though, why not hitch up your ‘van, take a few extra days of annual leave and enjoy all that the Scottish countryside has to offer come Springtime.

Faskally Woods caravan parks is near Pitlochry in the very heart of Scotland’s Highland Perthshire, so perfectly situated for exploring the immediate surroundings and further afield.

Preparing for your first Easter trip

Easter is often the first significant outing after a period of winter storage, so it makes sense to carry out a few practical checks before setting off. Inspect tyres for correct pressure and condition, test all road lights and indicators, and ensure that your braking system and hitch are functioning properly.

Gas appliances, heating systems and water pumps should also be tested ahead of departure. Early spring weather can remain changeable, so packing for both warmer days and cooler evenings can make your trip more comfortable.

Further reading: Is your caravan ready for spring touring? A pre-season maintenance checklist.

Tourer caravan insurance considerations

It is also worth reviewing your touring caravan insurance before travelling. Confirm that your level of cover reflects how and where the caravan is stored, check any security requirements within your policy conditions, and ensure personal belongings are insured appropriately.

With a little preparation, Easter can be an ideal way to begin the new touring season, offering longer days and the opportunity to enjoy the countryside as it comes back to life.

Further reading:

Spring caravan breaks in the UK: Where to go first
Six places to visit this Spring
7 destination ideas for this Spring

So, you have decided to buy a touring caravan. That is a great start, but things are about to get a lot more exciting!

The decision to buy is just the first step. You’ll soon want to move on to specifics about the many shapes and sizes of different tourers, the maximum number of people you may be hoping to accommodate, the permutations and combinations of layout, whether your car is going to be powerful enough to tow it, whether you want an awning or canopy to erect alongside it – a hundred and one choices to make.

Plus, the question of insurance touring caravan alone is likely to warrant detailed consideration.

So, it might be helpful to break down the likely process into manageable steps. 

Your caravan

As you begin casting around for ideas about the type of caravan that might suit you and your family’s needs, you may do worse for inspiration than simply taking a look at what your friends and neighbours are using.

Since they are likely to be nearby and more or less available, this gives you the opportunity of a close-up inspection, getting a feel for the caravan and, of course, for asking them about their own experiences with this particular make and model.

If they are especially good friends or neighbours, you might be able to go one better and ask them to let you give it a go – a short weekend for you to try it out for yourself.

On the other hand, there might be a shortage of caravan-owning friends and neighbours so, the alternative is to rent a touring caravan for a while.

There are caravan rental companies throughout the UK with caravans of many different sizes and layouts – from 15ft to 18ft in length (so 4.5m to 5.5m), for example, sleeping from 2 to 6 people, and delivery to anywhere in the country (or you may collect it yourself from the company).

The research may also give you a guide to how much you need to spend – not only on the purchase, but also running costs such as general maintenance, storage, and caravan insurance.

Inspired by the experience, you are probably ready to move on to thinking about a touring caravan of your own. 

Size isn’t everything when buying a touring caravan

You want to be comfortable in your caravan, of course, with room to swing a cat. But it is not only its overall size that is likely to be important but its layout too.

Caravan designers seem to have become ever more ingenious when it comes to maximising every last centimetre of space, so it pays to shop around for the layout that fits your particular bill.

Don’t forget that you can also temporarily extend the size of your tourer by using an awning. Please click here for our Guide to awnings.

Towing power

A critical aspect of choosing your touring caravan is the car that you have to tow it.

An initial browse through internet sites might give appear complex at first glance – what with Mass in Running Order (MIRO), Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), and Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), to name just a few of the acronyms for measures of weight. To the untrained eye, it is likely to appear extremely technical.

A guide published by the Camping and Caravan Club explains the meaning of every one of the relevant terms.

On the other hand, you might want someone else to make the calculation for you and turn to What Tow Car’s automatic “outfit matcher” into which you simply enter the make and model of your caravan and the car you want to be capable of towing it.

Shopping

Thanks to your research, viewings, and trial runs, you might now be ready to buy the make and model of your ideal touring caravan – or its approximate equivalent. But just where do you shop for caravans?

• word of mouth – those very friends and neighbours who first showed off to you their pride and joy of caravanning might also be a useful source of fellow caravanners interested in selling their pre-loved ‘vans;
• classified ads – the classified ads in your local newspaper might also be a place to look, although this is likely to depend on the part of the country in which you live and, more particularly, the size of the area covered by the paper’s circulation;
• online listings – as with practically anything else you are interested in buying, the internet offers a fertile source for listings by online magazines and website (the ever-popular Autotrader, for instance, has a specialist site listing caravans for sale); or
• dealers – if you prefer to buy a brand new caravan or a second-hand tourer, you may, of course, visit a local supplier.

Whichever route you choose, a little time and patience are likely to come up with the caravan for you and your family.

Touring caravans insurance

Now that you’ve spent a great deal of time and effort finding just the caravan that suits you – not to mention the potential hefty financial investment you have made – don’t forget to arrange the protection offered by suitable touring caravans insurance.

Although any insurance needs to be tailored to your individual circumstances and requirements, an overview of the principles of this type of cover is given in our series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the subject.

What does tourer insurance cover?

• at the heart of any touring caravan cover, of course, is the protection of the ‘van itself against such potentially serious risks as fire, flooding, impacts, storm damage, vandalism and theft;
• the sum insured needs to reflect the current replacement value of your caravan (which is likely to be different to the price you paid for it or its current market price) – although some insurers may offer a new for old replacement if your caravan is less than a certain age and is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair;

The contents

• cover may also extend to the contents of your touring caravan and protection against similar risks and perils;

Safety and security

• most touring caravans insurance policies include provisions for mitigating the risk of loss or damage by insisting that you apply a hitchlock and use wheel clamps if the ‘van is left unattended but still hitched to the towing vehicle and wheel clamps alone if it is unhitched;
• cover against loss or damage to your caravan and its contents typically extends to periods when you are using it on holiday, while it is temporarily on your driveway at home, and when it is in longer-term storage (when laid up for the winter, for example);
• it is when your caravan is not in use for a significant length of time that it might be at its most vulnerable – we, therefore, offer a discount on insurance premiums you pay if you take the precaution of using the especially secure storage sites registered by the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA);

European travel

• you may have even greater freedom of the open road – not to mention the sense of adventure involved – if you are towing your caravan for a holiday in Europe;
• in that case, suggests an article in Caravan Talk, you need to take special care that your caravan insurance (as well as your motor insurance) covers travel in Europe;
• although your motor insurance normally meets the minimum requirements of local laws, this might only offer third party cover for your caravan (if the ‘van causes injury or damage to a third party in a road traffic accident), making separate, specialist insurance for the ‘van a more than prudent option;

Use by friends and family

• some tourer insurance policies extend cover during the ‘van’s use in the UK by your family or friends;
• if you propose such generosity, therefore, it is important to check that your caravan insurance permits such use;

Public liability

• even when your touring caravan is pitched or being stored on your driveway, you may face claims of negligence if a campsite neighbour, passer-by, or member of the public suffers an injury or has their property damaged;
• with such claims potentially reaching a substantial figure, many policies offer at least £1million cover or more.

In short, therefore, touring caravan insurance may cover a wide range of risks and perils, depending on your proposed use of it. When arranging cover, it is important that the insurance you buy is tailored to your specific needs and requirements.

Ongoing costs and responsibilities

When budgeting for ownership, it is also worth taking a measured view of ongoing responsibilities. Routine servicing, damp checks and tyre inspections form part of responsible caravan ownership and may also be conditions of certain warranties or insurance arrangements.

Keeping accurate records of maintenance, servicing receipts and any upgrades can help demonstrate that reasonable care has been taken. From an underwriting perspective, evidence of maintenance may assist in the event of a claim where condition becomes relevant.

Storage arrangements deserve careful consideration. While some owners keep their caravan at home, others prefer dedicated storage compounds. Security features such as perimeter fencing, CCTV, controlled access and on-site supervision can influence both risk exposure and premium levels.

Where a policy specifies minimum security requirements, such as approved wheel clamps or hitchlocks, these should be complied with consistently. Failure to meet stated security conditions could affect how a claim is assessed.

It is equally sensible to review documentation before travelling. This includes confirming that your policy schedule accurately reflects the make, model and declared value of the caravan, together with any specified accessories such as motor movers, solar panels or awnings. Accessories (such as awnings) and modifications typically may need to be declared separately. An up-to-date valuation can help ensure that the sum insured remains appropriate in light of market changes or improvements you have made.

If you intend to lend your caravan to a family member or friend, clarity in advance is advisable. Policies vary in how they approach permitted drivers or users, and some may require prior notification. Checking these points before handing over the keys can avoid misunderstandings later.

Finally, remember that insurance is only one part of risk management. Sensible site selection, careful towing practices, adherence to weight limits and routine safety checks all contribute to reducing the likelihood of loss or damage. Approaching ownership in this structured way can help you enjoy the flexibility and independence that touring caravanning offers, while remaining mindful of the practical and financial considerations involved.

We hope this quick overview as to what you need to consider when choosing, buying and insuring touring caravans will help you make an informed decision as to the next steps. For further reading, please visit our Guide to buying a tourer.