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.

As winter eases into spring, many caravan owners begin looking ahead to the first touring break of the year. Lighter evenings, milder temperatures and quieter roads make spring an ideal time to explore, whether you favour countryside walks, coastal air or scenic drives through blossom-filled lanes. For those touring with a caravan, spring can offer the best balance of good conditions without the crowds of peak summer.

Below are some of the UK’s most appealing spring caravan destinations, along with a reminder of why it’s worth checking that your touring caravan insurance cover is suitable for touring across the UK.

National parks: Fresh landscapes and fewer crowds

Spring is a particularly rewarding time to visit the UK’s national parks. After the winter months, landscapes begin to come back to life, footpaths reopen and popular spots are often far quieter than during school holidays.

The Lake District is a favourite for early-season touring. Spring brings daffodils across valleys, lambs in the fields and waterfalls at their most dramatic after winter rain. Many caravan sites reopen fully by March or April, making it a good time to enjoy lakeside walks and quieter villages before summer traffic builds.

Further reading: 5 places to visit in the Lake District in your ‘van.

Going south, the Peak District offers rolling hills, limestone dales and well-marked walking routes that suit shorter daylight hours. Spring is also a popular time for cyclists, with cooler temperatures making longer rides more comfortable.

Read: Visit The Peak District and Derbyshire and Buxton: Things to do and see.

For something gentler, the New Forest is well suited to spring touring. Blossom begins to appear in April, wildlife is more active and the forest’s mix of open heathland and woodland makes for relaxed exploration. Caravan sites here are often close to villages and cycle routes, making them ideal for slower-paced breaks.

More info: Visit The New Forest.

Blossom trails and countryside touring

Spring blossom has become a reason in itself to travel. Touring with a caravan allows flexibility to follow the best conditions, moving on if weather changes or staying longer when a location is at its best.

Areas such as Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Kent are well known for apple and cherry blossom. Rural caravan sites in these regions often open early in the season and can provide a peaceful base for scenic drives and local walks. Narrow lanes and farm tracks are easier to navigate before summer traffic increases, which can make spring a more relaxed time for countryside touring.

More ideas: 6 things to do in Kent.

Scotland also offers striking spring scenery, particularly in Perthshire and the Highlands, where blossom, snow-capped hills and clear air combine to create dramatic contrasts. Touring a little earlier in the year can mean fewer midges and quieter sites.

Further reading: Ten places to visit in Scotland in your ‘van and Explore Scotland.

Coastal destinations: Sea air without the summer crowds

For many caravan owners, the coast is top of the list. Spring is often an ideal time to visit seaside locations before they become busy.

The Pembrokeshire Coast is popular with walkers and nature lovers. Spring brings wildflowers along the coastal path, seabirds nesting on cliffs and clearer views across the sea. Caravan sites here tend to be well spaced and benefit from being less crowded outside peak season.

On the east coast, the Norfolk Coast offers wide beaches, nature reserves and traditional seaside towns. Spring is a good time for birdwatching and long beach walks, with cooler temperatures and more available pitches at coastal caravan parks.

Insurance considerations before you set off

Before heading out on a spring caravan break, it’s sensible to review your touring caravan insurance arrangements. Not all policies automatically include UK-wide touring, and cover can vary depending on how and where your caravan is used.

Caravan insurance policies typically distinguish between storage, towing and use on site. If you plan to tour across different regions of the UK, it’s worth checking that your policy provides cover while the caravan is in transit, on recognised caravan sites and, where applicable, during short stays away from home.

Spring touring can also mean a caravan has been unused over winter. Checking security requirements, such as hitch locks or wheel clamps, and ensuring these meet policy conditions can help avoid issues if you need to make a claim. It’s also sensible to confirm that contents cover is appropriate if you’re carrying additional equipment for longer trips.

For those planning multiple breaks throughout the season, ensuring your insurance reflects how you actually use your caravan can provide peace of mind. Terms, conditions and exclusions vary between insurers, so reviewing your policy wording before your first trip can help prevent surprises later on.

Spring is an excellent time to rediscover touring in the UK. With the right destination and suitable insurance cover in place, it offers the freedom to enjoy the country at its most colourful and calm.

Further reading:

UK Mini Break Ideas

An 11-day touring caravan road trip from Kent to Scotland (and back)

T

Thinking about buying a holiday home, in a part of the country of your choosing, set in its own manicured grounds? Static caravans have been meeting the dreams of thousands of happy owners for many years.

A static caravan typically offers a holiday home from which to enjoy:

• somewhere to take your main holidays lasting several weeks – or more;
• an escape for occasional weekend breaks;
• a wide choice of locations to suit your particular tastes – close to the beach, in the depths of the countryside or near popular tourist attractions;
• a chance to sample life in a part of the country to which you might want eventually to retire;
• a gathering place for entertaining your friends and relations; and
• a handy money-spinner when you let it to paying guests for their holidays and visits.

Before investing in such a home, however, what are some of the things it might be helpful to know in advance?

Location

Practically everything to do with buying a home – for holidays or otherwise – has to do with location.

In the case of your second home, it is likely to be a question of choosing a part of the country to which you want to return again and again. To be able to use it for weekend breaks or for last-minute getaways, it is also important that it is not too far away from where you live, so as to avoid many hours of driving just to get there.

If you are thinking of letting it occasionally or regularly, it needs to be located in areas popular with tourists and other visitors.

Your static home

Choosing the right caravan as your holiday home is clearly critical – and fortunately, there is a huge range of different types and sizes of static home to suit practically any preference or purpose.

One of the first decisions, when you begin your search, is whether to choose a caravan already on-site or directly from a manufacturer or private sale elsewhere.

If you choose to buy a home already on a park you like, bear in mind that the management is almost certain to be charging the current owner a commission on the sale.

If you are buying from elsewhere, however, you need to take into account whether your chosen park has a pitch available, whether it approves your type, size and age of caravan and the cost of transporting the home to the site itself.

When assessing suitability, prospective buyers may also wish to clarify park rules around subletting, age limits on caravans, permitted upgrades, and any restrictions on use. These factors can influence both enjoyment and insurability, and should be reviewed carefully before committing.

Choosing a park – and the lease of your pitch

So that your static caravan enjoys the security, proximity to essential services and on-hand management throughout the year, you are likely to want to choose carefully the caravan park on which it is pitched.

This means choosing not only the facilities on offer but also the terms under which your caravan occupies the pitch you rent or lease – it is commonly called a licence agreement. There is clearly greater security and less uncertainty if the respective rights and obligations of you and the park owners are set out in writing.

The greatest confidence is likely to be given by an agreement that complies with the code of practice formulated by the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BHHPA) and the National Caravan Council.

The park you choose will charge a rent for the lease of the pitch and this varies from one park to another and often between different pitches at the same park. With the lease, you are also agreeing to any terms and conditions relating to the management of the park.

Perhaps one of the most important of these is the length of the lease – anything from 5 to 20 years – and may impose conditions relating to the maximum age of the static caravan you may keep on the pitch.

Other conditions may be designed to ensure that caravan owners treat neighbours with the respect and consideration they are due, for example, in terms of avoiding excessive noise and keeping the pitch and its surroundings neat and tidy.

Other ongoing costs

The services you receive are typically provided by the park owners and since you are buying them indirectly, they might include any commission management decides to impose. To gauge the likely amount of your monthly electricity bills, you might want to request sight of previous bills to former owners.

In the case of bottled gas, you might want to ask whether this is supplied only by the park management or if it may be bought independently off-site.

The National Association of Caravan Owners (NACO) explains that since you do not live permanently in your static caravan, you are not liable to pay Council Tax – although your lease agreement with the site might include a contribution towards the business rates of the company.

In practical terms, budgeting should also allow for caravan insurance, ongoing maintenance, wear and tear, and compliance with site rules. While static caravans can retain value in certain circumstances, this should not be assumed, and owners are generally advised to view them primarily as lifestyle assets rather than financial investments.

Letting your holiday home

Many static caravan owners take the opportunity of earning extra cash from their investment and help to offset running costs by letting their second home to visitors. To help you do so, many parks offer a managed letting service to find suitable tenants as and when you need them.

Naturally, there is a charge for this service and you may also need to pay a setup fee and for cleaning the caravan after each guest leaves – these costs need to be taken into account when calculating any income you might expect from lettings.

Alternatively, of course, you may decide to handle all of the lettings business yourself.

If you do decide to let, you need to make sure that you have adequate static insurance to cover these paying guests. Whether the caravan is used solely by you or let to paying guests, insurance becomes a key consideration once ownership begins.

Static home insurance

The moment you become the proud owner of your holiday caravan, it is important to arrange appropriate static home insurance. You might consider several insurance providers, of course, but specialists such as ourselves here at Cover4Caravans have many years of experience in matching the needs and requirements of your particular caravan with the most suitable products available – at what we believe is a competitive price.

Your park management is almost certain to suggest their own insurance provider and you might feel under some pressure to arrange cover from this source. Typically, however, you are under no such obligation, and you might want to source your own static caravan insurance. While the site owner may ask for sight of your standalone cover, and may charge a small admin fee, overall, you may be able to save money by getting your own static homes insurance.

From an insurance perspective, it is important to disclose accurately how the caravan will be used, including whether it will be owner-occupied only or let to paying guests. Failure to disclose material information could affect the validity of cover or the handling of a claim, depending on policy terms.

Public liability insurance

Although you might have declined the park’s offer to arrange cover, as we touched on above, you may still be required to furnish proof of your insurance protection in one important respect in particular – public liability indemnity.

Both you and the park management share an interest in ensuring that there is cover in place to indemnify you against claims from members of the public, other park residents and their guests who may suffer a personal injury or have their property damaged as a result of some negligence on your part.

By far the most compelling reason – as far as the park owners are concerned – for insisting on caravan insurance is for the protection of other caravan owners on the site, their visitors, and members of the public.

This element of protection is afforded by the public liability cover which is typically an important component of insurance for static caravans.

This gives you indemnity from any claims arising from your neighbours, visitors, or members of the public that, as a result of your negligence or breach of your duty of care have suffered a personal injury or had their property damaged. In that event, your insurance is there to ensure that any such injured party is adequately compensated (up to pre-agreed limits).

If you intend to let your holiday home to other people when you are not using it, public liability insurance is again an essential form of protection from claims made by such temporary tenants or their visitors who allege your negligence in causing personal injury to them or damage to their property.

Public liability claims might involve very substantial demands for compensation, so it is typical for cover to start at £2 million (with the static insurance policies we offer) and it is by no means uncommon for it to be more than that sum.

What else needs to be covered in my static home insurance?

Public liability insurance is not the only element of static caravan cover that is likely to provide invaluable protection. Other elements typically include:

• safeguarding the structure of the caravan itself from such potentially catastrophic events as fire, flooding, impacts, vandalism, and theft;
• cover for the contents of your holiday home;
• an optional extra offered by some policies might extend to emergency accommodation in the event of your static caravan being destroyed or rendered unusable by a major insured incident;
• if you are moving your caravan onto the site or relocating it to an alternative park, you might also want to ensure that you and the transport company have sufficient goods in transit insurance to safeguard your investment whilst it is on the road.

Owners who let their caravan may also wish to consider their ongoing duty of care to guests, including maintaining fixtures, appliances, and access areas in a safe condition. While insurance can provide financial protection, it does not remove the responsibility to take reasonable precautions. Your insurer is entitled to rely upon your taking all reasonable steps to mitigate any loss or damage – especially during those times when your holiday home is vacant or unoccupied.

From an ownership perspective, it may also be sensible to consider how often the caravan will be used, whether it will be left unoccupied for extended periods, and how seasonal patterns of use could affect maintenance responsibilities, security expectations, and insurance requirements. Insurers will typically expect reasonable care to be taken during quieter periods, particularly outside the main holiday season.

Summary

If you are thinking of buying a static home, therefore, some of the principal considerations might be summarised by the location, your choice of caravan park, the particular holiday home you choose and the insurance that is in place to protect your investment.

Static caravans may make ideal second or holiday homes. You might choose to enjoy one all to yourself or to let it to friends or other paying guests from time to time. There may be more involved in buying and owning a static caravan than first appears, but a little background research – and talking to any other owner who has gone before you – is likely to ensure that you go into it with eyes wide open and years of enjoyment ahead.

Further reading: Guide to static homes.

It’s coming along faster than you think – a new caravanning season is on the close horizon. To whet your appetite, here are some of the latest news stories …

Could new “capsule caravans” replace static homes?

The classic seaside caravan holiday has changed very little over the years. The basic design and layout of the standard static home is pretty much the same for today’s generation of holidaymakers as it was for their parents.

This could be about to change, according to a story by the BBC recently.

A designer from the island of Anglesey set out to revolutionise the concept of the classic caravan holiday by designing a holiday home purposely framed as a “luxury hotel room”.

The design incorporates open-plan living – as you’d find in many a hotel room – using a basic shipping container structure to build a capsule of galvanised steel frames clad with external aluminium panels. The resulting capsule has an estimated lifespan of some 50 years, according to its designer, compared with the mere 15 years or so of a conventional caravan.

Eriba unveils special edition silver tourer

At the other end of the design spectrum, some manufacturers proudly guard a reputation for all that is retro when it comes to caravans.

A German manufacturer with just such a retro identity is Eriba. It continues to build on that basic approach – with sleek, “Crystal Silver” aluminium bodywork – in a way that introduces subtle nods towards modernity.

Out and About Live has captured Eriba’s approach to the launch of a new Touring Silver Edition that blends innovation with classic looks. The caravan has a very broad specification that is reflected across five different layouts. These are identified by the model references 430, 530, 542, 630 and 642 – emphasising the fact that customers have a wide choice of configurations across the whole Touring Silver Edition range. 

Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for a touring holiday over flights in 2026

Holidaymakers tired of all the hassle of airports and crowded flights are looking for greater value for money by touring in the British Isles or abroad.

That was the preference of more than half (53%) of people recently surveyed at the Scottish Motorhome, Caravan, and Holiday Home Show in Edinburgh and cited by What’s On Glasgow. Explaining their reasons for touring rather than flying, respondents cited the freedom to move around, opportunities for spontaneity, freedom from the bugbears of baggage restrictions, lost luggage, airport parking charges, and interminable queues.

Not only may a touring holiday offer greater flexibility and control, but it may also represent better value for money, said those who were surveyed. Touring also offered some of the familiar benefits that are impossible to enjoy when catching a flight to your destination – having your pet with you, for example, or enjoying other familiar home comforts.

New Pembrokeshire regulations for camping sites

In a bid to manage unregulated camping within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (which affects the National Park landscape, wildlife and nearby communities), the relevant authority has withdrawn the temporary permission granted to specific areas for use by caravans, motorhomes, and campers.

Following the withdrawal of temporary authorisation for such camping, and with effect from the 1^st of January this year, landowners must in future apply for planning permission for land to be used for overnight camping. Exceptions apply, such as for weddings, festivals, filming or agricultural shows.

Have you noticed the days gradually getting longer? The weather’s probably not yet giving much of a clue, but a new caravanning season is just around the corner.

And with it, you may want to make the most of this change in the seasons for thorough service and maintenance of your caravan, so that you’re ready to roll just as soon as conditions permit.

Below, we briefly recap what this typically may involve – although it’s worth noting that this is not a substitute for a professional annual service, which we discuss further on in this article. However, the following may be a good place to start …

Bodywork and exterior

• after several months laid up for the winter, an overall inspection of the outside of your caravan can reveal any splits, cracks, or impact damage;

• inspecting the roof requires special care, of course, when you check for damage around the seams, joints, and any aerials;

• check seals and mastic around doors, windows, rooflights and lockers for damage or gaps;

Wheels and tyres

• they’ve been idle and taking the weight of the whole caravan during the winter months, so carefully check the condition of the wheels and tyres;

• ensure that the wheels are secure by checking the torque of the wheel bolts or nuts;

• as we’ve explained in an earlier article, the state of the tyres is especially important – with industry recommendations that you replace them after 5 to 7 years however much tread remains;

Electrics, gas, and fire safety

• reconnect and test the battery;

• inspect and test all the road lights and indicators – with the caravan hitched;

• test the internal lights and power sockets;

• reconnect the gas supply, checking the regulator and hoses – replacing the latter if they’re older than 5 years;

• test all the appliances – including the fridge – on gas and electricity;

• run the heating and hot water systems before your first outing;

• test the smoke, carbon monoxide, and any LPG alarms – replacing the batteries if necessary;

• check the condition of the fire blanket and make sure the extinguisher is in date and accessible;

• review our article about fire safety tips for your caravan;

Water system

• reconnect the water supply and the pump;

• disinfect and flush out the freshwater system – checking for leaks around joints, taps, and the waste-holding tank of the toilet;

• make sure wastewater outlets are unblocked and run clear;

Ventilation

• your caravan is bound to smell a bit musty after being closed all winter – so, open all the windows and the door to give the interior a thorough airing;

• check for any signs of damp or mould, especially in corners and inside lockers;

• if they’ve been left in the caravan over winter, check the soft furnishings and mattresses for damp, tears, and other wear;

• ensure all the vents are clear and not blocked by covers or storage items;

Insurance – and other paperwork

• check your touring caravan insurance is fully up to date – and that it covers touring during the early part of the year and extends to European travel;

• if you have it for your car, confirm that your breakdown and roadside assistance cover includes your caravan;

• update the caravan’s service record.

Why a professional annual service still matters

While the checks outlined above can help highlight obvious issues after winter storage, they are not intended to replace a professional annual caravan service. A service carried out by a suitably qualified technician – often at an Approved Workshop – will usually cover a wider range of safety‑critical and technical checks that are not easily carried out at home.

In some cases, maintaining a regular professional service schedule may also be a condition of your caravan insurance policy, subject to policy terms and underwriting requirements.

Running gear and towing safety 

A professional service will typically include checks of the braking system, suspension, chassis components and hitch assembly. These parts play an important role in towing safety and can be affected by periods of inactivity, particularly over the winter months.

Gas and electrical safety 

Gas and electrical systems are also usually inspected in greater depth as part of a professional service. This may include checks of LPG connections, regulators and appliances, alongside electrical safety tests such as RCD operation. These inspections are designed to help identify potential safety concerns that may not be apparent during routine visual checks.

Damp testing and water ingress 

An annual damp test may commonly be included within a professional service. Specialist equipment is used to assess moisture levels in areas that are not visible, such as behind panels or beneath flooring. Early identification of water ingress can help limit further deterioration and reduce the likelihood of more extensive remedial work being required.

Warranties, resale and cost considerations 

Many caravan manufacturers require evidence of regular servicing by a qualified technician in order to maintain warranty protection. Missing or delayed services may affect warranty validity, depending on the manufacturer’s terms and conditions. A documented service history can also be helpful if you decide to sell your caravan in the future, as it may provide reassurance to prospective buyers. 

Professional servicing also focuses on identifying potential issues at an early stage. Minor problems can sometimes be addressed before they develop into more significant faults, helping to reduce the likelihood of unexpected repair costs later.

Important note 

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute advice. Insurance cover, policy conditions and servicing requirements vary between insurers and manufacturers. Always refer to your policy documentation and manufacturer guidance, or speak to your insurer or service provider, to confirm what applies to your individual circumstances.