As with many things, especially when it comes to insurance, the devil is in the details. Many drivers are likely to assume that their regular motor insurance covers towing a caravan. And, in many cases this may be correct – but only up to a point.
Many insurers may extend third-party liability cover to the caravan you are towing, although the extent of cover varies between policies. Let’s see why that might give you cause for concern.
What car insurance may typically cover when towing
Motor insurance policies are many and varied. Precisely what is covered, the extent to which it is covered, and what is excluded will vary from one insurer to another.
In the majority of cases, your motor insurance policy may meet the minimum legal requirement for third-party liability when towing a caravan. That legal minimum is designed to ensure that you can meet claims from injured third parties or those whose property has been damaged by your trailer. – up to set policy limits. That third-party liability cover does not usually include protection for damage sustained by your caravan. That is also typically the case, even if the car towing your caravan has comprehensive cover.
What it normally does not cover
Even if you have comprehensive insurance for your car, therefore, this typically does not extend to cover for damage to the caravan itself, but only to damage or injury caused to others by your caravan.
That also means that the third-party element of insurance you have for the caravan does not cover theft of the trailer or its contents while you are on the road. The third-party cover provided by a standard motor policy may not provide protection for loss or damage to the caravan itself.
When separate caravan insurance becomes important
Given the severe limitations of the third-party cover provided by your regular motor insurance, you may want to consider the importance of obtaining separate insurance for your caravan.
After all, your caravan is likely to be a valuable asset that would be expensive to repair or replace following any number of potential mishaps otherwise not covered by the third-party cover in your motor insurance. Mishaps such as:
- serious incidents while towing your caravan along major roads and motorways;
- major incidents while you’re pitched at a campsite – fire, flooding, or storm damage;
- reversing accidents – that may occur with annoying frequency;
- damage suffered by your caravan while you are pitched at a campsite or caravan park; or
- one of the many dents and scrapes any caravan might suffer on an ordinary overnight stop.
What to check in your policy wording
Naturally, insurance for your caravan and the vehicle towing it are closely linked. Before you consider hitching up a caravan to your car, therefore, carefully check the wording of your motor insurance policy.
- Does it specifically allow you to tow a caravan? Some policies may exclude towing, while others may require notification.
- Even if towing is allowed, are there any weight or size restrictions? If you exceed these or the legal weight limits, this could affect the validity of a claim.
- Does your motor insurance require a specific declaration about a tow bar modification?
- Is the insurance cover valid for European travel and, if so, whether there are any limits to the duration of cover, number of visits, or restrictions on the countries to be visited?
- Does the cover include roadside assistance or recovery for both the car and your caravan?
Check with us
Whether your motor insurance provides cover while towing a caravan depends on your individual policy terms and conditions. Third-party liability while towing may not include protection for loss of or damage to the caravan itself, so it’s always sensible to check your policy wording or speak with your car insurance provider before travelling.
If you remain unsure about the level of protection in place, Cover4Caravans can provide further information about specialist touring caravan insurance options and help you explore cover that may be more appropriate for your needs.