Let’s face it – your caravan is more than just a vehicle. It’s your ticket to freedom, weekend escapes, and peaceful holidays. But whether it’s parked on your driveway or pitched up at your favourite site, you’ll want to keep it safe and secure. While having good caravan insurance is essential, the last thing you want is the hassle of making a claim.
So, how can you protect your pride and joy, and avoid making an insurance claim? Here are some simple but effective tips to keep your caravan safe and help you potentially sidestep a claim.
Also, just a sidenote, under the terms of any caravan insurance policy, you will typically be required to keep your caravan well-maintained, use certain types of security and so on. This is just a general overview of what to remember.
Get serious about security
Caravans can sadly be a target for thieves, but a few well-chosen security devices can make a big difference. In fact, having some of the security devices listed below may be a condition of your caravan insurance, so make sure you know what your obligations are under your cover …
- Wheel clamps: A solid wheel clamp is one of the easiest ways to stop anyone from towing your caravan away.
- Hitch locks: These add another layer of protection and are often recommended (or even required) by insurers.
- Alarms and trackers: A caravan alarm will scare off most opportunists, and a GPS tracker can help recover your caravan quickly if the worst happens.
Insurers love to see these in place – and so will you, when it comes to peace of mind.
Pick a smart storage spot
Where you keep your caravan when you’re not adventuring matters more than you might think. If you’ve got space at home, try to park it somewhere out of sight, behind locked gates if possible, and always secure it with your locks and clamps.
If home storage isn’t an option, look for a CaSSOA-accredited storage site. These sites are specifically designed to keep caravans safe, with features like CCTV, perimeter fencing, and secure access. At Cover4Caravans, we offer discounts on your caravan insurance premiums if you store your ‘van at a CaSSOA-approved site.
Keep it in tip-top shape
Regular maintenance is key – not just to avoid breakdowns, but to prevent costly damage that could lead to an insurance claim. Plus, a well-looked-after caravan is safer and more enjoyable to use!
- Tyres: Check for signs of wear, cracks or bulges, and replace them if needed.
- Brakes and chassis: Get them serviced annually – especially before a big trip.
- Seals and windows: Keep an eye out for leaks and damp patches.
- Gas and electrics: Get a qualified engineer to service these regularly to reduce the risk of fire or accidents.
A little TLC goes a long way.
Watch out for the weather
British weather – need we say more? Storms and floods are some of the most common reasons caravan owners make insurance claims.
Here’s how to stay one step ahead:
- Secure or pack away your awning and any loose outdoor kit. (You can read more about awnings and your insurance here).
- If your pitch is in a flood-prone area, try to elevate your caravan if possible.
- Use storm straps or caravan covers to protect against wind and rain damage.
Staying weather-wise could save you a lot of money and hassle.
Don’t forget about liability
It’s not just your caravan you need to protect – it’s the people around it too! Public liability cover usually comes with your caravan insurance, but a few common-sense measures will help you avoid accidents and claims altogether:
- Keep your pitch free of trip hazards (like rogue tent pegs or uneven awning straps).
- Make sure your gas and electrics are safe to use.
- Follow safety guidelines when cooking or heating your caravan.
Give your policy a quick once-over
Even when you’ve done everything right, accidents can still happen. So, make sure your touring caravan insurance is fully up to date and reflects your caravan’s true value. Double-check that you’re covered for everything you need.
If you are unsure of any aspect of your cover with us, please do not hesitate to get in touch – we will be more than happy to clarify.
Final word
With the right mix of security, maintenance and awareness, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your caravan safe – and avoiding those unwanted insurance claims. Plus, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy every trip, knowing you’ve done everything you can to protect your home on wheels.