Avoid These Caravan Insurance Mistakes (and Save Yourself a Costly Claim)
Discover the most common caravan insurance mistakes and how to avoid them. Stay covered, save money, and protect your touring or static caravan with InsureMy.
🚐 If you own a touring or static caravan, the right insurance can be the difference between a quick recovery and an expensive disaster.
Yet, every year, thousands of caravan owners make simple mistakes that leave them underinsured, uncovered, or facing rejected claims.
Here are the top caravan insurance mistakes to avoid — and how to fix them before your next trip.
1. Not Knowing the Difference Between Touring and Static Caravan Insurance
Many owners assume “caravan insurance” is one-size-fits-all.
It’s not. Touring caravan insurance covers you while towing and travelling, while static caravan insurance protects a van that stays in one place (often on a park).
✅ Tip: Always choose a policy that matches how you use your caravan — insurers treat them very differently for risk, storage, and liability.
2. Under-insuring Your Caravan’s True Value
Trying to save money by declaring a lower value might seem clever — but it could trigger the “average clause” during a claim, reducing your payout.
💡 Example: If your caravan’s worth £20,000 but you insure it for £15,000, any claim could be reduced by 25%.
Always insure for the full market or replacement value, including fixed equipment and accessories.
3. Forgetting to List Contents and Add-Ons
Caravan insurance often only covers the shell and fixtures by default.
High-value items like e-bikes, awnings, barbecues, or tech gear need to be declared separately.
✅ Make a simple caravan contents inventory once a year — photos, receipts, and serial numbers make future claims faster and easier.
4. Ignoring Security Requirements
Insurers frequently require minimum security — wheel clamps, hitchlocks, or alarms — especially for touring caravans kept on driveways.
🔒 Mistake: Using a basic padlock when your policy specifies a Thatcham-approved device.
That could void theft cover.
Always check your policy for required devices and CRiS registration.
Bonus: Better security can lower your premium.
5. Not Updating Your Storage or Site Details
Where your caravan is kept is one of the biggest rating factors.
If you move from a locked storage compound to your driveway, you must tell your insurer — otherwise, a theft claim could be refused.
The same applies if you move static sites or change park operators.
🔄 Tip: Update your insurer whenever you change storage, address, or regular location.
6. Forgetting to Tell Your Insurer You’re Renting It Out
If you rent your caravan privately or through a park, you’ll need hire-and-reward or letting cover — not standard personal-use insurance.
🚫 A claim for accidental damage by guests may be rejected without the right policy type.
Always clarify your usage type when you get a quote.
7. Skipping Maintenance and Safety Checks
Many caravan claims are rejected due to poor maintenance — leaky seals, perished gas hoses, or worn tyres.
🧰 Keep receipts for servicing, gas safety checks, and tyre replacements.
This shows “reasonable care” — a condition in most policies.
See also: 15-Step Caravan Safety Guide
8. Assuming You’re Covered When Towing
A common misconception: car insurance automatically covers your caravan while towing.
In most cases, it only covers third-party liability, not damage to the caravan itself.
✅ Pair your car insurance with a touring caravan policy that includes accidental damage, theft, and storm protection on the move.
9. Not Checking Flood or Storm Exclusions
Static caravans near coasts, rivers, or flood zones often have higher risks and specific exclusions.
⚠️ Always check for “flood-excess” clauses or site-based exclusions before buying.
If your caravan is in a flood-prone park, specialist cover may be needed.
10. Letting Your Policy Auto-Renew Without Review
Premiums and cover levels change every year.
Auto-renewing without checking can mean you’re paying more for less.
💬 Take 10 minutes to compare policies — you may find better cover for less using a dedicated provider.
Start here: Compare Caravan Insurance Quotes →
🧭 Quick Checklist: Caravan Insurance Do’s & Don’ts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Caravan Insurance Mistakes
1. Does my car insurance cover my caravan when towing?
Usually not. Car insurance often only provides third-party liability while towing. You’ll need touring caravan insurance for damage, theft, or storm cover to the caravan itself.
2. What happens if I underinsure my caravan?
If you declare a value lower than your caravan’s real worth, insurers may apply the “average clause”, reducing your payout proportionally. Always insure for the full replacement value.
3. Do I need separate insurance for a static caravan?
Yes. Static caravan insurance is different from touring cover — it protects your caravan when permanently sited on a park or private land, including fixtures, fittings, and liability.
4. Will security devices really lower my premium?
Yes, many insurers offer discounts for Thatcham-approved alarms, wheel clamps, hitchlocks, and GPS trackers. These reduce theft risk and help you meet policy conditions.
5. How often should I review my caravan insurance policy?
At least once a year — ideally before renewal. Caravan values, site risks, and policy features change frequently, so it’s smart to compare quotes annually for the best deal and up-to-date cover.
Final Thoughts
Getting caravan insurance right isn’t complicated — but small oversights can lead to big losses.
By reviewing your cover, keeping your caravan secure, and staying honest with your insurer, you’ll ensure you’re fully protected wherever the road takes you.
