Security requirements can vary significantly between caravan insurance providers and individual policies. It is therefore important to check the specific terms and conditions of your own cover.

Why security requirements matter to caravan insurers

While the specific measures may differ, all are designed to help protect the caravan and reduce the risks of theft, loss or damage.

Let’s consider some of the measures you may encounter and offer a few practical caravan security tips. These illustrate how you may be expected to play your part in helping to keep your caravan secure.

Common security measures insurers may require

Caravan security devices are many and varied. Probably the most common are those aimed at reducing the risk of theft and attempted theft, such as the following:

• a caravan wheel lock does just what it says by immobilising the wheels of your trailer. Many insurers may require one to be fitted whenever the caravan is stationary and unattended, whether or not it is hitched to a towing vehicle;
• if you leave the caravan parked while still attached to the towing vehicle, some insurers may also require the use of a caravan hitch lock;
• standard security requirements may focus on the quality and condition of locks fitted to doors and windows;
• additional measures aimed at preventing caravan theft may include alarm systems to detect unauthorised access and caravan trackers that may help with the recovery of stolen trailers.

Caravan insurance security requirements may also extend to periods when the caravan is not in use, such as during winter storage. In these circumstances, some insurers may recognise or take into account storage at approved sites, including those accredited by the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association (CaSSOA).

Do caravan insurers require wheel locks and hitch locks?

Many caravan insurance policies include minimum security requirements that must be met as a condition of cover. Wheel locks and hitch locks are among the most commonly specified security measures, although requirements vary between insurers and policies.

For this reason, it is important to check your policy documentation carefully and ensure you understand any security requirements that apply to your cover. If anything is unclear, speak to your caravan insurance broker or insurer. They will be happy to explain the requirements and help you understand what is expected under your policy.

How security measures may affect a claim if policy conditions are not met

Some of these security measures may be requirements explicitly set out in the terms and conditions of your caravan insurance.

If you fail to meet a security condition that forms part of your policy terms, an insurer may reduce or decline a claim, depending on the circumstances and the terms of the policy.

Practical caravan security tips

To help you play your part in keeping your caravan safe from harm, here are some practical caravan security tips:

• be sure to comply with any security requirements specified by your insurer;
• when leaving your caravan unattended, use a wheel lock and, if it remains attached to the towing vehicle, a hitch lock too;
• lock all doors and windows when leaving the caravan and activate any fitted alarm or security system;
• take valuables with you, store them in an onboard safe if available, or keep them out of sight;
• when the caravan is in storage, disconnect and securely store gas cylinders where appropriate;
• avoid blocking ventilation openings, which help reduce the risk of damp and mould.

Our Guide to Caravan Storage and Security has more information and tips. You may also wish to watch our Caravan Security and Insurance Video.

Important checks before arranging cover

Your policy wording may contain important terms and conditions relating to caravan insurance security requirements. It is therefore essential to read and understand the documentation before arranging cover.

Failing to comply with certain security requirements could affect the outcome of a future claim, while investing in additional security measures may, in some circumstances, result in lower insurance premiums.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a general guide only and does not constitute advice. Caravan insurance policies, cover limits, exclusions and security requirements vary between insurers. Always read your policy documentation carefully and speak to your insurer or insurance broker if you are unsure about any aspect of your cover.

Looking for simple ways to make caravanning easier? Experienced caravanners are known for finding clever solutions to everyday challenges, whether that’s saving space, managing supplies or keeping their pitch organised.

In this second collection of caravan tips, (you can read our first blog Crafty caravan tips here) we answer some common questions and share practical ideas that may help make your next caravan holiday more comfortable and convenient.

What are some clever storage tips for caravans?

Can empty Tic Tac containers be reused in a caravan?

Small Tic Tac containers can make surprisingly useful storage pots for caravanning. Once thoroughly cleaned, they are ideal for carrying small quantities of herbs, spices or seasonings without taking up valuable cupboard space. Their secure lids also help prevent spills while travelling.

How can you stop toilet rolls unravelling in a caravan?

Toilet rolls can quickly unwind when stored in a moving caravan. A simple elastic band wrapped around the roll can help keep the paper in place and reduce waste. It is a quick and inexpensive solution that many caravanners swear by.

How can you dry wet shoes while caravanning?

Wet footwear can be difficult to dry in a caravan, particularly during colder weather or when storage space is limited.

One traditional trick is to stuff damp shoes with crumpled newspaper overnight. The paper helps absorb moisture and may speed up drying. Replacing the newspaper if it becomes very damp can improve the results.

How can you keep food and drinks cool on a caravan trip?

Can you make your own ice packs?

If you need additional cooling packs, a household sponge soaked in water, sealed in a freezer bag and frozen can provide a simple alternative. As the ice melts, the sponge helps contain the water, reducing the risk of leaks inside cool boxes and picnic bags.

What is the easiest way to prepare meals when caravanning?

Cooking in a caravan can be enjoyable, but workspace is often limited.

Many experienced caravanners prepare meals at home before travelling. Batch-cooked meals such as chilli, curry, pasta sauces and casseroles can be frozen and then reheated during your trip, saving both time and effort.

You could also invest in a slow cooker or airfryer.

How can you manage rubbish while staying on a campsite?

Keeping waste organised is important, particularly on longer stays.

Some caravanners use temporary hanging bags attached to hooks outside their caravan to create additional rubbish or recycling storage. If you do this, make sure bags are securely attached and brought indoors overnight to avoid attracting wildlife.

How can you deter ants around your caravan?

A trail of ants around your caravan door or awning can quickly become an annoyance, especially during the warmer months.

Some caravanners swear by simple household remedies to help keep ants at bay. Citrus peel, coffee grounds, peppermint oil and cinnamon are all commonly used around entry points and awning edges. While there is no guarantee these methods will work in every situation, many people find they help encourage ants to look elsewhere.

Can supermarkets deliver directly to caravan parks?

Running out of essentials no longer has to mean a trip to the nearest supermarket. Many of the major grocery chains now offer deliveries to selected holiday parks, campsites and caravan sites.

Before placing an order, it is worth checking with the site operator that deliveries are permitted and finding out the best delivery address to use. Including your pitch number and booking a slot well in advance can help make the process much smoother, particularly during peak holiday periods.

Final thoughts

Part of the fun of caravanning is discovering those little tricks that make life easier. Whether it is finding better ways to store everyday items, preparing meals ahead of time or dealing with common campsite challenges, a few simple ideas can go a long way towards making your holiday more enjoyable.

Whether you are touring in a caravan, enjoying a camping trip or spending time on a seasonal pitch, access to fresh drinking water is essential. While most caravans have onboard water storage, many owners still prefer to collect fresh water directly from the site tap for drinking and cooking.

This is where a good-quality water carrier comes into its own. Modern collapsible water carriers offer several advantages over traditional rigid containers, helping to save space without compromising on convenience.

Water carriers

When you are on a camping trip or outing in your caravan, you will need plentiful supplies of drinking water. According to the NHS, adults are generally advised to drink around six to eight glasses of fluid a day – and maybe even more in hot and sticky weather or if you are exerting yourself.

Your caravan is undoubtedly fitted with its own water tank and, provided you are scrupulously careful in keeping the tank clean and fill it only with fresh water, there should be no problem drinking water from it, suggests the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Many people may prefer to drink water that has been drawn from the tap more recently, however, and that means using a water carrier to get it from the onsite tap to your caravan.

Collapsible water carriers

However big your caravan, carrying extra drinking water takes up valuable storage space. This is where collapsible water carriers come into their own, providing additional capacity when needed while folding away neatly when empty.

There are further benefits as well:

Durability

• one of the reasons why you probably never gave your old water carrier a second thought is because it is so durable – it can seem as though it will last forever;
• a collapsible water carrier remains just as durable and will serve you well for many years;

Portability

• a collapsible water carrier is portable – simply pick it up if it’s empty;
• typical sizes range between five litres and twenty litres and you might want to weigh the advantages of having several smaller water carriers rather than one big one;
• a 20-litre water carrier is very heavy when it’s filled, of course – but carriers of this size may also have inbuilt wheels to make getting back from the tap to your caravan so much easier;

Storable

• when it’s not in use, your collapsible water carrier will take up precious little space – whether that’s in your garage or stowed in your caravan when you’re ready to roll;
• as you fill it, the carrier simply expands to occupy the same space as the volume of water itself;

Eco-friendly

• its durability and long-term reusability mean a collapsible water carrier may help reduce waste compared with repeatedly purchasing disposable water containers;
• those eco-friendly credentials are enhanced still further since a water carrier you can fill straight from the tap may reduce the need to buy and dispose of multiple single-use plastic water bottles.

BPA-free materials

If you are buying a collapsible water carrier, it is worth checking whether it is made from BPA-free materials.

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical that has historically been used in the manufacture of some plastics. Although regulatory authorities continue to assess its safety, many consumers prefer BPA-free products for storing food and drinking water. Choosing a BPA-free water carrier may provide additional peace of mind when carrying water intended for consumption.

One of the first questions many new caravan owners ask is, “How much will caravan insurance cost me?”

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Two people can own very similar caravans and still receive different quotations. That’s because insurers look at a range of factors when deciding how much risk they are taking on.

A small touring caravan that spends most of the year in a secure storage compound may attract a different premium from a brand-new twin-axle model that travels around the country every weekend.

If you’ve been comparing caravan insurance quotes and wondering why the prices vary so much, some of the following factors may help explain why.

The value of your caravan

As a general rule, a caravan that costs more to repair or replace is likely to cost more to insure.

A nearly new touring caravan packed with modern features will usually represent a bigger financial risk to an insurer than an older model with a lower market value.

It is also important to think about any extras you have added. Motor movers, solar panels, upgraded security devices and specialist awnings can all add value to your caravan and typically may need to be declared to your insurer.

Where the caravan is kept

Ask any caravan insurer what information they want first and storage is likely to feature near the top of the list.

A caravan stored behind locked gates in an approved storage facility may present a different level of risk from one left on a driveway or in an unsecured location.

Insurers know from experience that theft and accidental damage are more common in some situations than others. As a result, where your caravan spends most of its time when not in use can have a noticeable impact on the premium you are quoted.

Depending on your circumstances and the policy selected, at Cover4Caravans, we may offer discounts up to 20% off your annual premium for caravans stored at a CaSSOA-approved site.

How often you use it

A caravan that is taken away for a handful of weekends each year is exposed to different risks from one that is constantly on the move.

The more frequently a caravan is used, the greater the chance of accidental damage, theft or incidents occurring while travelling. Insurers may therefore ask questions about how often you tour, where you travel and how long your trips typically last.

For many owners, that flexibility and freedom is exactly why they bought a caravan in the first place. It simply means insurers need a clearer picture of how the caravan is being used.

Your claims history

As with many forms of insurance, your previous claims history may also be taken into account when insurers assess risk.

Making a claim does not automatically mean your future premiums will increase. However, insurers may consider previous losses when calculating the cost of cover.

If you have enjoyed several years without making a claim, some insurers may view this differently from someone who has experienced multiple claims in a relatively short period.

The level of cover selected

The cost of caravan insurance may also be influenced by the level of cover you choose.

For example, insurers may offer different levels of protection for accidental damage, awnings, contents, personal possessions, public liability and other optional benefits. The wider the scope of cover selected, the higher the premium may be.

It is important to make sure that any cover arranged reflects your needs and circumstances rather than focusing solely on price.

Where you use your caravan

Insurers may also ask questions about where the caravan is used and how far it typically travels.

A caravan that remains on a seasonal pitch for much of the year may present different risks from one that regularly tours the UK. Some insurers may also offer cover for European travel, which could affect the premium charged.

Why do caravan insurance quotes vary?

Many caravan owners are surprised to receive different quotations from different insurers.

This is because each insurer has its own underwriting approach and assessment of risk. Factors such as the caravan’s value, where it is stored, the security measures in place, how often it is used and the cover selected may all be weighed differently.

As a result, there is no standard caravan insurance premium that applies to every owner.

The importance of accurate information

When requesting a quotation, it is important to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

Details such as the caravan’s value, storage arrangements, security devices and intended use all help insurers assess risk and determine the terms of cover that may be available.

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information could affect the cover offered or any future claim.

Further reading: How much is caravan insurance?

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a general overview only. Insurance premiums, cover, exclusions and policy conditions vary between insurers and individual circumstances. Always check the policy documentation carefully and consider seeking guidance from an insurance broker or insurer before arranging cover.

Summer 2026 has seen continued interest in caravanning holidays, manufacturer updates, campsite development proposals and reminders about towing regulations. Here are some of the latest caravan news headlines affecting UK caravan owners and holidaymakers …

Summer 2026’s most popular caravans, motorhomes, and campervans

Many holidaymakers continue to choose UK staycations, attracted by the flexibility, convenience and value offered by caravanning holidays.

If you’re wondering what type of caravan, motorhome or campervan is proving most popular this summer, Caravan Times recently highlighted several standout models from Bailey of Bristol.

Among touring caravans, larger twin-axle models appear to be attracting strong interest from buyers looking for greater comfort on longer trips. The Bailey Pegasus Black Bologna was singled out as an example of this trend, combining generous living space with features designed to support extended touring and year-round use.

In the motorhome sector, layouts that maximise living space continue to prove popular. Bailey’s Adamo 75-4DL was highlighted for its separate lounge areas and flexible sleeping arrangements, reflecting the growing demand for motorhomes capable of accommodating longer holidays and family touring.

Compact campervans also remain in demand. Models such as the Bailey Endeavour B62 appeal to buyers looking for a vehicle that can be used both for touring and everyday driving.

According to Caravan Times, this reflects a broader trend towards practical, multi-purpose vehicles that offer flexibility without sacrificing comfort.

German production plans announced for Elddis caravans 

Once based in Consett, County Durham, future manufacturing of the Elddis caravan range will now take place in Germany, announced Practical Caravan magazine on the 3^rd of June.

The Elddis brand is currently owned by the Erwin Hymer Group (EHG), which plans to continue production of the caravan range at its plant in Isny-in Allgäu in southern Germany. It’s the site where EHG also manufactures its range of Dethleffs caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.

Revised caravan pitch plans submitted for Norfolk railway station

The owners of the former railway station and its three-and-a-half-acre site at Whitwell and Reepham in mid-Norfolk have had to scale back their plans to extend pitches for touring caravans there.

A story in the Eastern Daily Press recently revealed that a planning application from Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station initially proposed pitches for up to fifteen touring caravans.

This has been scaled back to five static caravans and two shepherd’s huts.

The poor local road network and limited footpath access to the site of the former railway station were given as reasons for the scaled down expansion plans.

Devon and Cornwall emerge as caravan speeding hotspots

For those towing a touring caravan, Devon and Cornwall remain among the most popular destinations for touring caravan holidays in England. They are also a hotspot for speeding fines that catch out the unwary.

In a story on the 19^th of May, the Sidmouth Herald revealed that motorists towing caravans in Devon and Cornwall were the most likely in the whole of the UK to be caught out by the special provisions of the Highway Code’s SP20 that set lower speed limits for vehicles towing trailers, caravans, and motorhomes than ordinary cars.

Some drivers of those vehicles may, therefore, be unaware that whereas the normal speed restriction on a dual carriageway is 70 mph for ordinary cars, it is only 60 mph if you are towing a trailer such as a caravan. On single carriageways, the speed limit is 60 mph for cars but only 50 mph for caravans. Drivers should always check the current Highway Code and any vehicle-specific restrictions that apply when towing.

Important insurance reminder: Motoring convictions may affect insurance premiums, so it is important to understand the speed limits that apply when towing a caravan.