Caravan insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, but going without it can be risky. Theft, damage, or accidents could leave you facing significant costs, and caravan sites and finance agreements can require cover as standard.
In this guide, we’ll explain the legal position on caravan insurance, when third parties may insist on it, and the benefits of having suitable protection.
Is caravan insurance legally required in the UK?
Unlike car insurance, insuring a caravan in the UK isn’t a legal requirement. It’s a sensible consideration though, especially when you consider more than 4,000 caravans are stolen every year in the UK.
Theft isn’t the only risk. As a caravan owner, there’s always a chance of another type of issue cropping up, such as vandalism, gas leaks, public disputes, or accidental damage. If they do, caravan insurance offers peace of mind with protection that can cover the issues you may face as a caravan owner.
Do you need trailer insurance in the UK?
Many comprehensive car insurance policies will often cover your car while you’re towing a trailer or touring caravan. However, this is typically only during instances of third-party liability.
This means you may be protected if your caravan injures someone else during an accident or damages another vehicle, however, the policy won’t necessarily protect your own caravan. This could leave you paying for potentially costly damages yourself.
What type of cover should I get for my caravan?
A standard touring caravan insurance policy from Lifesure provides cover for certain risks you may face as a caravan owner. We also offer a range of optional extras for additional protection. You can see what’s included and what can be added below.
Standard insurance cover includes:
- New-for-old or market value cover: If your caravan is damaged or lost, you can either receive a brand-new replacement or its current market value, based on its age and value. Find out more about new-for-old cover.
- Caravan contents: Cover for your belongings inside the caravan, with cover up to £5,000 for theft, damage, or loss.
- Theft and attempted theft: Cover for damage or loss if your caravan is stolen or someone tries to steal it.
- Cover for furniture in the awning while the caravan is in use: Your furniture, even if kept in the awning while you're using the caravan..
- Storm and flood cover: If a storm or flood damages your caravan.
- Protection against fire, explosion, lightning, or earthquake: if your caravan is damaged by fire, explosions, lightning, or earthquakes.
- Accident cover: If you have an accident, the policy helps with removing and safeguarding the caravan afterward.
Up to 180 days of cover for European travel: You can travel across Europe with your caravan, and this policy provides cover for up to 180 days.
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Optional extras include:
- Key cover: Can provide cover for the cost to repair or replace keys if they’re damaged, stolen, or lost.
- Legal expenses: Can provide cover for uninsured loss recovery and legal defence.
- Caravan breakdown cover (UK): Roadside recovery and at-home assistance for touring caravans provided by the RAC in the UK.
Terms and conditions, limitations, exclusions and acceptance criteria applies. Policy enhancements are subject to an additional premium.
Our panel of products provides different levels of cover depending on the value of the caravan and towing experience. When you receive your quote, the most suitable product will be offered to you, depending on the information you provide.
When is caravan insurance required by third parties?
While caravan insurance isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, there are instances where third parties may insist on you having it. For example, some holiday parks may require proof of insurance for public liability cover. This is to help protect both the site and other visitors if damage or accidents happen.
Storage facilities may also require proof of insurance for public liability purposes, valid for the duration of storage.
Another example is finance agreements. If your caravan is purchased on finance, the lender may require caravan insurance to help safeguard their investment.
The risks of not insuring your caravan
Not having suitable caravan insurance can leave you exposed to a wide range of financial and legal risks. For example, if you’re held liable for an accident that causes injury or damage to others, you could be left to cover potentially costly legal fees.
That’s not the only risk. Touring caravans are also vulnerable to theft, storm damage, and accidental damage. Structural repairs or replacing stolen or damaged items can quickly become very expensive, and without suitable cover, these costs would fall entirely on you.
Have one thing less to worry about with year-round caravan protection from Lifesure
If things go wrong, caravan insurance can help provide peace of mind, knowing you have protection in place against a range of risks you may face as a caravan owner.
At Lifesure, our touring caravan insurance is designed to help protect your caravan and belongings, whether it's in storage, at a site, or on the road. You can also add RAC touring caravan breakdown insurance for more protection during your travels.
Fill in our online form to get an instant quote or call us on 01480 402 460, and one of our team will be happy to help.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Lifesure accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.
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